December 30, 2020 - In: Rooms


If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Students place adverts seeking out the perfect room at the perfect price. Finding that perfect room that has everything plus even those little surprises is what we all hope for. Nothing wrong in that, but you do find it, buyer beware.


Make no doubt that as human beings we are always on the quest for something better, something cheaper, someone better, and so on. If we didn't, we wouldn't have evolved to where we are today. Who doesn't like a bargain or great deal?!


Portugal, land of the cheap?



Unfortunately when it comes down to getting a room, especially if you intend to do so from abroad, can get tricky. Make no doubt, you will probably spend hours and hours hunting for that ultimate space, flat, room that has everything, even more so then you have at home, and at the monthly price of a good evening out. Wow, after all, Porto, or Portugal is the poorest (or it was for a while) country of Western Europe, so yea, prices should be like hundred euros a month... An expresso still goes for 60 cents in some places, so a room, not more than a 150, right?


Not anymore. Prices for room and board have risen to new modest levels ever since the boom from foreign students hit Portugal. The demand is much higher than the offer, hence prices have risen. Nonetheless, prices in Porto are still way below Lisbon and most neighboring Euro countries. Porto is a great city, facing the Atlantic, which is home to great surf, beaches galore, a great nightlife, and most of all, highly rated university exchange programs. So all this has a cost. More demand, higher prices. Foreign visitors are still lucky when they can easily go out for lunch and spend 10-15e on a decent meal with wine.


As a landlord, I have heard sad stories about how people were scammed or fooled. The title of this article means to send a message to those seeking out the cheapest rooms. They are out there, maybe old, smelly, uncomfortable, noisy, car noise and pollution penetrating the walls. Landlords that may keep your deposit if you leave early or if he feels like it because you left earlier then expected or because you stayed 10 days into the month, so he'll keep the whole month's rent. Of if something breaks that is old, junky or just cheap quality he may keep it for replacement of a new one and the current price that is 10 years old anyway.


O barato sai caro


In Portuguese the term "O barato sai caro" is gold. Literally. So often in life, we regret for the choosing the cheapest thing that later on comes back to haunt us.


Não há Milagres


At Porto Erasmus Rooms, we won't promise to be the cheapest, nor a 5 star hotel. Maybe we are a good 3.5 stars rating with price being 4 stars. That is how we can classify ourselves. You can keep looking for that 5 star room at a 5 star price, but good luck. Another Portuguese term goes "Não há milagres", meaning there are no miracles out there, but keep looking, you might just get lucky.  We only charge in 30 day cycles. We don't need a deposit because what are you going to break, cheap IKEA junk? These furniture pieces have a short life. The only thing we will ask is a minimum 15-day notice when you plan to leave. Fair enough?


How to Get Residency in Portugal With the Help of Your Landlord and a Declaração de Alojamento


Establishing legal residency in Portugal is a milestone for anyone planning to build a life in the country—whether for work, study, retirement, or simply the desire to enjoy Portugal’s famously high quality of life. One of the most important requirements in the residency process is proving your address. For many newcomers, especially those renting a room or staying in informal housing arrangements, this is where the landlord’s cooperation becomes essential.

A Declaração de Alojamento—a simple but powerful document—can make the difference between a smooth residency application and a bureaucratic dead end.

🏠 What Is a Declaração de Alojamento?

A Declaração de Alojamento is an official statement signed by your landlord (or the person legally responsible for the property) confirming that you live at their address. It is commonly used when:

  • You do not yet have a formal rental contract
  • You are staying in a room or shared accommodation
  • You are living with friends or family
  • Your rental contract is not registered with the tax authority

This declaration is accepted by Portuguese authorities such as SEF/AIMA, the local Junta de Freguesia, and the tax office as proof of residence.

Why You Need It for Residency

To apply for residency in Portugal—whether through AIMA, the Junta de Freguesia, or the tax office—you must show proof of address. Authorities want to confirm that you have a stable place to live in the country.

A valid address is required for:

  • Getting your NIF (tax number)
  • Registering with the Junta de Freguesia
  • Applying for AIMA residency permits
  • Enrolling in public healthcare (SNS)
  • Opening a bank account
  • Signing up for utilities

If you don’t have a formal lease, the Declaração de Alojamento becomes your lifeline.

What the Landlord Must Provide

A proper Declaração de Alojamento typically includes:

  • Full name of the landlord
  • Their Portuguese ID or passport number
  • Full address of the property
  • Your full name and passport number
  • A statement confirming you live at the address
  • The date you moved in
  • The landlord’s signature

Some municipalities also require:

  • A copy of the landlord’s ID
  • A copy of the property’s caderneta predial (property registration)
  • Proof that the landlord owns or legally rents the property

The landlord may sign the declaration at home, but some Juntas de Freguesia require them to sign it in person.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Declaration to Get Residency

1. Request the Declaration From Your Landlord

Most landlords are familiar with the process. Explain that you need it for residency and that it does not create legal obligations for them beyond confirming your stay.

2. Register the Declaration at the Junta de Freguesia

Take the signed document to your local Junta. They may:

  • Stamp it
  • Issue an official Atestado de Residência (residence certificate)

This certificate is often required by AIMA.

3. Use the Certificate for Your Residency Application

Once you have the Atestado de Residência, you can submit it as proof of address when applying for:

  • Residency permits
  • Family reunification
  • Student visas
  • Work visas
  • EU citizen registration

4. Keep Copies for Future Bureaucracy

You’ll need proof of address repeatedly in Portugal, so having extra copies saves time.

Why the Landlord’s Cooperation Matters

Portugal’s residency system is strict about documentation. Without a rental contract or a landlord’s declaration, many foreigners find themselves stuck—unable to move forward with their residency, tax registration, or even basic services.

A supportive landlord can make the entire process smoother by:

  • Signing the declaration
  • Providing property documents
  • Accompanying you to the Junta if required

This cooperation is often the key to unlocking the rest of your legal integration in Portugal.

Final Thoughts

Getting residency in Portugal doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right documents—and a landlord willing to help—you can navigate the system confidently. The Declaração de Alojamento is a simple but essential tool that bridges the gap between informal housing arrangements and formal residency requirements.

If you’re planning to settle in Portugal, building a good relationship with your landlord and understanding this declaration can save you time, stress, and unnecessary complications.