Hi everyone,
Do you know if I need a CRUE for signing apartment rental contracts? Or is it common to get a rental contract first, and then apply for the CRUE?
And slightly related to that; how can I proof my address for the CRUE without having a rental contract?
Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you 
Hi there, Tobias!
You don’t need a CRUE for a rental; usually the NIF will suffice. It is common to find your place first and then apply for CRUE. However, keep in mind that you must apply for CRUE between your third and fourth month after arriving in Portugal, specifically between day 90 and day 120. If time is of the essence, we recommend prioritizing CRUE before securing your rental.
If there is no rental, the best way is to get an “Atestado de Residência” (address certificate) at your “Junta da Freguesia” (local parish). You’ll head there and request the document. They’ll give you a paper that you must fill out with 2 residents of the region (these people must be registered to vote in the area)—last time we heard, they had to be Portuguese citizens. You’ll fill the paper with the requested information (usually their ID number, name, and address), and they must sign it. You may also need to get a copy of their BI or Cartão de Cidadão (National ID card). We highly recommend you try that with your neighbors.
After that, you’ll return to the local parish with the completed form and copies of their IDs; you’ll pay a small fee (the amount depends on the urgency of the document), and after a few days, the address certificate will be ready for you to present as proof of address at any official government body.
We’re here if you have any other doubt and wish all the best in your settling in Portugal!