How to Prove Your Address to AIMA Without a Rental Contract
- INLIS Consulting
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
How to prove your address to AIMA in Portugal without a rental contract. INLIS Consulting guides foreign residents on required documents, declarations, and tax alignment.
Proof of address is one of the most important requirements when applying for or renewing a residence permit in Portugal with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). A common concern among foreign residents is:
“What can I do if I don’t have a rental contract in my name?”
This question is especially relevant for people living with friends, family, or in informal housing arrangements. In this guide, we explain what AIMA currently accepts as proof of address, what documentation you need, and how to prepare a strong case — even if you don’t hold a contract in your name.
Why Proof of Address Matters for AIMA
When AIMA evaluates your residence permit application, whether it’s a first-time request, renewal, or change of address, they check:
That the address you declare is legitimate and verifiable
That the legal basis for your stay at that address is clear
That your address matches the one registered with Finanças (tax authority)
This ensures that you genuinely live where you say you do, which is a legal requirement for immigration procedures.
Important Update: Junta de Freguesia Certificates Are No Longer Accepted
In the past, a certificate of residence issued by the local Junta de Freguesia (parish council) was commonly used to prove address. However, AIMA no longer accepts this document as valid proof.
This means migrants must provide stronger, legally supported documentation, even if they do not have a traditional rental contract in their name.
Primary Documents AIMA Accepts as Proof of Address
AIMA evaluates your address based on two main criteria:
The legal basis to occupy the property
Consistency between the declared address and your tax domicile (registered in Finanças)
These are the strongest proofs of address:
1. Property Ownership Proof
If the property is owned by you or someone who allows you to live there, you can present:
The permanent property certificate (certidão predial permanente)
Or the online access code to retrieve it
This shows a clear legal basis for residence.
2. Rental Contract in Your Name
If you have a rental contract registered in your name and a recent rent receipt, AIMA will accept these as proof of address.
What to Do if You Don’t Have a Rental Contract in Your Name
If you live in a home without a contract in your name, for example, with a friend, family member, or someone else, AIMA now requires a combination of supporting documents rather than a single document.
1. Your Own Written Declaration
You must prepare a statement under oath (commitment of honour) confirming:
The full address where you live
That you reside there permanently and in fact
The legal basis for occupying the property (e.g., staying with a friend)
The full name and tax number (NIF/NIPC) of the property owner
Reference to the property’s land registry details
This document should be signed and notarised by a notary public, lawyer, or solicitor. Unsigned statements are often rejected.
2. Fiscal Domicile Certificate from Finanças
You must present an official certidão de domicílio fiscal (tax domicile certificate) showing:
Your current address is clearly listed
A recent issue date (ideally no older than 30 days)
This proves that your declared address matches your financial records.
3. Evidence of the Property Status
Depending on how the property is held:
If the occupant is the owner, show the property certificate or access code
If the occupant is a tenant, show their rental contract and latest rent receipt
This confirms the legal situation of the property you occupy.
4. Declaration from the Property Holder
A formal statement from the owner or legal occupant should:
Confirm that they allow you to live at the address
Include their identification details and tax number
Be notarised or signed in front of a legal professional
This strengthens your application and reduces the risk of rejection.
Tips to Strengthen Your Proof of Address
To ensure a smoother process with AIMA:
Get signatures recognised by a notary, lawyer, or solicitor
Ensure all documents are recent and officially dated
Include copies of your passport or residence permit
Keep your tax domicile updated with Finanças to match your address
AIMA now focuses on verifiable, coherent documentation, not informal letters.
Changing Your Address with AIMA
If you change your residence:
Submit your updated documentation to AIMA
Include proof of address as outlined above
Attach your identification and residence permit
This ensures your address on record matches your actual living situation.
Why a Strong Proof of Address Matters
Without acceptable proof, AIMA may:
Request additional documents
Delay your process
Reject your renewal or change request
Organising documentation in advance reduces processing time and avoids complications.
How INLIS Consulting Can Help You
At INLIS Consulting, we help foreign residents prepare and strengthen their proof of address, especially when:
You do not hold a rental contract in your name
You live with family, friends, or third parties
You need to update your address with AIMA and Finanças
You want to avoid rejection or delays
We provide:
Personalised document review
Assistance with declarations and notarization
Coordination with landlords or property owners
Alignment with Finanças and AIMA requirements
Step-by-step guidance through the entire process
Conclusion
Proof of address is now more stringent in Portugal, especially if you do not have a rental contract in your name. With the right documentation and preparation, you can successfully demonstrate your residence to AIMA.
For professional support with address proof, AIMA documentation, or residence permit applications, INLIS Consulting is here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQ
Q1: Can I prove my address to AIMA without a rental contract?
A: Yes. If you don’t have a rental contract, you can provide a combination of notarized declarations, proof of fiscal domicile from Finanças, and confirmation from the property owner.
Q2: What documents does AIMA accept as proof of address?
A: Acceptable documents include: property ownership certificates, notarized declarations of residence, the fiscal domicile certificate from Finanças, rental contracts in your name, or proof from the legal occupant.
Q3: Can I use a Junta de Freguesia certificate as proof?
A: No. AIMA no longer accepts certificates issued by the local parish council as valid proof of address.
Q4: How do I get a fiscal domicile certificate from Finanças?
A: You can request it online or at your local Finanças office. It should show your current address and be issued recently, ideally within the last 30 days.
Q5: Does the property owner need to provide a statement?
A: While not always required, a notarised declaration from the property owner confirming you live there significantly strengthens your application and reduces the risk of rejection.
Q6: Can INLIS Consulting help me prepare these documents?
A: Absolutely. We provide full guidance for notarization, document preparation, coordination with landlords, and ensuring your address aligns with Finanças and AIMA requirements.
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