If you are British and a resident in Portugal you must exchange your current residency cards / certificates (even those just recently applied for and received) for a new one which will be issued in the first half of 2021.
- Log in to SEF if you have an account or create a new one on https://brexit.sef.pt/en/
- You will need your residency card / certificate number.
- You must create a password containing an upper-case letter and lower-case letters, numbers and a symbol character (eg *) and must be at least 8 characters long.
- Once your account is created, you will receive an email asking you to click on a link to complete the account process.
- You must then log in and check your residency details, adding a new address or passport details if applicable.
- If you have changed your name or marital status this cannot be altered here but will be amended when you go to your appointment to collect your new card.
- Once you have confirmed your details, you must save them and then click on the QR image or tick for issuing the certificate.
- This certificate has a validation code at the bottom and a link. Either read the QR code with your telephone or enter the link on your pc browser and then insert the validation code and confirm that you are not a robot. This will validate the certificate to complete the process.
- You must print off the certificate and carry it with your old residency card/certificate. Your current residency card / certificate will remain valid providing you have registered as above and keep the proof of registration with you.
From the 1st January you will receive an email from SEF to arrange an appointment at the local town hall where you will be issued with your residency card.
This certificate should be used, when you are travelling, as your proof that you are a resident in Portugal.
The new cards to be issued will be biometric and follow an EU-wide design that will be recognized by any European border service.
Any queries should be directed to the SEF dedicated telephone line +351 21 711 50 45, which is answered in English, or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Lines are open working days from 8am to 8pm.
Please note, if you will not complete the above process by the 31st of December you are still able to conclude in 2021, however it will be slower.
