Step-by-Step guide
Losing your wallet or important documents can be stressful, especially if you’re living in Portugal as a foreign individual. It’s crucial to act promptly to protect your identity, legal status and finances.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Retrace your steps if the loss was due to theft or misplacement.
List all lost items including Passport or citizen card, residence permit, driver’s license, bank cards, NIF, NISS, health card, other personal documents.
Replacing Official Documents
- Report loss immediately to AIMA: you’ll need the police report and copy of the passport.
- Passport: if lost report to the police first. Then apply to the nearest embassy or consulate.
- NISS/NIF: contact Finanças for NIF and Segurança Social for NISS.
- Driver’s license: Apply for replacement at IMT, they might need the police report.
- SNS health Card: at your local health centre.
Protect Your Identity and Legal Status
- Monitor: Bank accounts and credit activity for unusual activity;
- Consider: Setting up fraud alerts with financial institutions;
- Keep: Copies of all reports for legal and administrative purposes;
- Report: Any signs of identity theft immediately.
| Service | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 112 | Immediate danger |
| Police (PSP/GNR) | www.psp.pt | File report for theft/loss |
| AIMA | www.aima.gov.pt | Report loss of residence permit |
| Citizen Card | www.cartaocidadao.pt | Replacement procedure |
| Banks | Call your bank | Block or cancel cards |
| IMT | www.imt-ip.pt | Driver’s license replacement |
| SNS Health Card | Local health center | Replacement |
For immigrants, losing important documents can affect your legal status, so it’s vital to act quickly and systematically. Always report to the police and AIMA, secure financial items, and replace documents through official channels. You do not have to face this alone — support services are available to protect you.