First week after a death

Important tasks to handle during the first week. Some of these can wait a few days, so focus on what is most urgent first.

Take it one step at a time

You do not need to do everything at once. Prioritize the most urgent items and ask family or friends for help when needed.

Key tasks this week

1. Confirm death registration

  • If not completed within the first 24 hours, register the death at the Conservatória do Registo Civil as soon as possible (within 48 hours).
  • Use the Espaço Óbito if available at the hospital, or visit the nearest Conservatória.
  • Obtain multiple certified copies of the Certidão de Óbito (death certificate). You will need them for banks, insurance, Finanças, and other entities.

2. Notify banks and financial institutions

  • Notify every bank where the deceased held accounts. Bring the death certificate and your ID.
  • Bank accounts will be frozen until the inheritance process (habilitação de herdeiros) is completed.
  • Joint accounts: the surviving holder may retain access to their share, but the bank may place temporary restrictions.
  • Ask about any life insurance policies or credit protection insurance linked to accounts or loans.

3. Notify insurance companies

  • Check for life insurance policies, funeral insurance, or accident insurance.
  • Contact each insurer with the death certificate and policy details.
  • Many policies have time limits for claiming, so act promptly.
  • Check if there is credit protection insurance (seguro de vida do crédito) on any loans or mortgages.

4. Notify Segurança Social

  • Report the death to Segurança Social (Social Security) to stop any ongoing payments (pensions, benefits).
  • Request the Subsídio por Morte (death subsidy) of 1,611.39 EUR.
  • If applicable, begin the process for Pensão de Sobrevivência (survivor's pension).
  • Contact center: 300 502 502 | Website: seg-social.pt

5. Notify the tax authority (Finanças)

  • The death must be reported to the Autoridade Tributária (Portal das Finanças).
  • This is necessary for the Imposto do Selo (stamp duty on inheritance), which must be declared within the same year.
  • If the Espaço Óbito system was used, Finanças may have been automatically notified.
  • Portal: portaldasfinancas.gov.pt

6. Cancel or transfer utility services

  • Electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone contracts in the deceased's name.
  • Decide whether to cancel or transfer each service to a surviving family member.
  • You will typically need a death certificate and proof of your identity.

7. Handle mail and correspondence

  • Request mail redirection at CTT (Portuguese postal service) to catch any important correspondence.
  • Keep all letters, bills and documents received in the deceased's name.

Bereavement leave in Portugal

Under Portuguese Labour Law, workers are entitled to bereavement leave (faltas justificadas por falecimento): 20 consecutive days for spouse or domestic partner, parent, or child; 5 consecutive days for siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, step-parents, or step-children. Inform your employer as soon as possible.

Keep a file

Start organizing all documents, certificates, receipts and correspondence related to the death into a single folder. This will save time in the coming weeks and months as you work through the various bureaucratic processes.