CRUE route
CRUE is normally requested at the Câmara Municipal of the area of residence and applies to eligible EU, EEA, Swiss and Andorran citizens for residence up to five years.
Non-EU residence permit route
Third-country nationals usually deal with AIMA residence permits or residence cards, not CRUE.
Non-EU family members of EU citizens
A non-EU spouse or family member of an EU citizen may need a residence card for family members of EU citizens, which is an AIMA route.
Why confusion happens
People often use the words residence certificate, residence card and residence permit loosely. The correct route depends on nationality and family situation.
Ask which route applies
Send your citizenship and family situation.
Related CRUE basics
If you are comparing processes or preparing your first registration step, these guides explain the core CRUE questions.
What is CRUE?
Understand what CRUE is, who issues it and how it differs from a visa or residence permit.
Who needs CRUE?
Start with the general eligibility overview.
How to apply for CRUE
Follow the basic preparation path before contacting the municipality.
CRUE Assistance
See what our private CRUE preparation service can help with.
Free CRUE Check
Send a short question if you are not sure where to start.
Legal Framework
- AIMA, Certificado de Registo para Nacionais UE.
- AIMA, Cartão de Residência para Familiares de Nacionais UE.
- AIMA, Nacionais UE, CRUE for stays up to 5 years and permanent residence for stays after 5 years.