junta de freguesia
Published 8 November 2026, 22:44
junta de freguesia — the office of the freguesia, the lowest tier of local government
The office of the freguesia, the smallest administrative unit. This is where you go for an atestado de residência, or certificate of residence, or a certificate of household composition, and to register a de facto union. It is almost always done in person, and each junta has its own rules and opening hours: in some a rental contract will do, while others ask for an electricity bill or two witnesses from the same freguesia.
Where you come across it. A certificate of residence for the bank, school, AIMA or the consulate; matters concerning your neighbourhood.
The junta issues the certificate on its own responsibility, using it to confirm where you actually live. Using a fake rental contract to obtain one is a criminal offence: in a scheme in Penha de França, Lisbon, 26 people were convicted in July 2026, including some who had simply rented out their address for money.