Chapter 15 of 21

Safety & Emergency Services

112, GNR, fire department & wildfires

Safety & Emergency Services

112, GNR, Fire Brigade & Forest Fires

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: gnr.pt | psp.pt | inem.pt | prociv.pt

Emergency Numbers

NumberService
112EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER — Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance
117Forest Fire Reporting (ICNF)
808 24 24 24SNS 24 — Health Line (non-emergency)

800 20 20 61 Domestic Violence Helpline

Police Services

  • GNR — Countryside (FundĂŁo). Military police
  • PSP — Cities. Civil police
  • PJ — Criminal Investigation. Serious crime
  • Report online via queixaselectronicas.mai.gov.pt

Forest Fire Season

June-September: critical. Never light fires/barbecues outdoors in rural areas (prohibited by law). Report smoke via 117/112. Follow IPMA warnings. Have an evacuation plan.

Emergency Kit for Home

Prepare an emergency kit, especially if you live in a rural area: • Water (3 liters per person per day, for 3 days) • Flashlight + extra batteries • Copies of all important documents in a waterproof bag • First aid kit • Mobile phone charger (power bank) • Battery-powered radio • Medications (1 week supply) • Cash (€200-€500) — ATMs do not work during power outages • Safety vests for all family members • Face masks (dust protection during forest fires)

Earthquake Preparedness

Portugal is located in a seismically active zone. The Fundão area has a low risk, but be prepared: • Secure heavy furniture to the wall • Know the basic rule: Drop, Cover, Hold On • After an earthquake: check for gas leaks, avoid elevators • More info: prociv.pt (Proteção Civil)

Useful Apps

  • IPMA — Weather warnings
  • fogos.pt — Real-time forest fire map
  • MySNS — Service pharmacies, waiting times
  • Queixas EletrĂłnicas — Online reporting

Dutch Embassy

Embaixada dos PaĂ­ses Baixos, Lisbon: +351 21 396 12 63. Register for

emergency notifications.

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Glossary
  • NISS (Social Security Number)

    The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.

  • SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)

    The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.

  • IRS (Personal Income Tax)

    Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.

  • ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)

    Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.

  • CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)

    The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.

  • CertidĂŁo de Teor (Property Registry Extract)

    An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the ConservatĂłria. The CertidĂŁo de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.

  • Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)

    The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de ResidĂŞncia (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.

  • ConservatĂłria (Registry Office)

    The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the ConservatĂłria, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the ConservatĂłria do Registo Predial is mandatory.

  • TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia (Residence Permit)

    The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.

  • Multibanco

    The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.