Care homes in Portugal: ERPI (lares), fees and how to apply

Care by country · 2 min read · Last updated 30 October 2026

In Portugal, residential care for older people is mainly provided in lares, officially called estruturas residenciais para pessoas idosas (ERPI). They are run by non-profit social solidarity institutions and by private operators, and families can approach homes directly or through Segurança Social.

What is an ERPI?

According to the Portuguese government's guide, an ERPI (lar) is for people aged 65 and over, and younger applicants are considered case by case. Stays can be temporary or permanent, and nursing care is provided.

The same guide describes a second option, acolhimento familiar, for people aged 60 and over: living in a family home that can provide a stable and safe environment, on a temporary or permanent basis.

Fees

Residents pay a monthly family contribution (comparticipação familiar) calculated from household income. The government guide does not give a percentage or formula, so ask the home or Segurança Social how it will be worked out for your relative. Private institutions are free to set their own prices.

See our guide to care home costs for questions to ask about what a fee includes.

How to apply

  1. Search for homes by parish and type of support on the Carta Social website (cartasocial.pt), run by the Portuguese authorities.
  2. Contact the home directly, or the Segurança Social customer service office for the area where your relative lives.
  3. Register with the home. You may be put on a waiting list and contacted when a place becomes available.

If your relative lives abroad

Official guidance directs applicants to Segurança Social offices in their area of residence. It does not state a residence requirement for foreigners or for non-residents, so ask the home and Segurança Social directly about your relative's situation.

On the legal side, Portugal has been a Contracting State of the 2000 Hague Adults Convention since 2018, which can help with the recognition of protective measures such as powers of attorney made in other member states. Practical acceptance still varies, so take local legal advice. Our guide to moving a parent abroad has the full checklist.

What to ask a Portuguese home

  • Ask to see the home's licence, and check its entry on Carta Social.
  • Ask how nursing and medical cover work, and which hospital the home uses.
  • Ask which languages staff speak.
  • Ask for the contract in advance, with a translation, and check the notice period and how prices can change.

Ready to look? Browse care homes in Portugal, and use our visit checklist.

Frequently asked questions

How old do you need to be to go into a lar?

The government guide says an ERPI is for people aged 65 and over, and that younger applicants are considered case by case.

Are there waiting lists?

Official guidance says that after you register with a home you may have to join a waiting list and wait until the home contacts you when a place becomes available.

How are fees decided?

Residents pay a monthly contribution calculated from household income, according to the government guide. Private institutions set their own prices.

Sources and further reading

This guide is general information only, compiled from the public sources listed above as of the date shown. It is not legal, medical, tax, financial or care advice, and we cannot guarantee that it is complete, accurate or up to date. Rules, thresholds and prices change and differ by country and region, and some sources describe other countries' rules as examples. Check details with the authorities and care homes named, and take professional advice for your own situation before you act. If you spot an error, please email [email protected] and we will correct it.