Functions of the order
The primary roles are:
a) Regulate the access and practice of the profession;
b) Defend general interests of patients from services provided by members, enforcing citizens right's to health;
c) Represent and defend general interests of the profession, in national territory, ensuring its social function, dignity and prestige;
d) Exclusively assign physiotherapist professional title and professional certificate to its members;
e) Protect the professional title, including handling complaints about illegal practice of the profession, and becoming a part in criminal proceedings;
f) Certify the specialization qualification of a physiotherapist who meets the requirements set by the specialists’ member’s board;
g) Create and keep the professional registration of members updated;
h) Ensure compliance with ethics and professional deontology rules;
i) Use disciplinary power over its members;
j) Awards or honorary titles;
k) Offer services related to professional practice to members, accurate information, professional training and technical and legal support;
l) Collaborate with Public entities in pursuit of public interests related to the profession of physiotherapy;
m) Participate in legislation proposals regarding the profession;
n) Participation in official accreditation processes and evaluation of academic education that give access to the profession;
o) Recognize professional qualifications obtained outside Portugal, according to the Portuguese and European Union laws or international conventions;
p) Provide advice regarding scientific and technical matters, requested by any entity, national or foreign, public or private, when there is public interest for the profession;
q) Support the development of physiotherapy science and education;
r) Any other role committed by law.
According to Law 122/2019, of 30 September, which can be consulted here, the Order of Physiotherapists regulates the profession, defends physiotherapy and protects the citizen against unqualified practice.
The Order has a Jurisdictional Council that examines complaints against physiotherapists and has the power to act against bad practices and unqualified practice, intervening directly and/or indirectly in such proven situations.
No, the Portuguese Parliament or the Government, is the Portuguese legislative organization, it´s responsible for creating laws. The Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas can regulate all relevant aspects of the profession.
One of the attributions of the Order, set out in Article 4 of its StatutesThe aim of the title of specialist is to "confer the title of specialist on physiotherapists who meet the requirements laid down by the competent bodies".
According to paragraph j) of article 26 of the Statute of the Order of Physiotherapists, it is the responsibility of the Board of the Order to propose to the General Council, the creation of the list of professional specialties in Physiotherapy. The preparation of a proposal, to be submitted to the General Council and for subsequent public consultation, is included in the 2023 Activities Plan.
Member services / support
In accordance with the provisions of article 4 of the Statutes of the Order of Physiotherapists, in point 1, paragraphs d) and f), the Order attributes the professional title of Physiotherapist and respective professional cédula.
Once the specialties have been defined, it will also attribute the title of specialist to those Physiotherapists who meet the requirements set by the competent bodies.
Without prejudice to the promotion of the socio-economic conditions of its members, according to Law 122/2019, of 30 September, article 4, no. 2, "The Order is prevented from exercising or participating in activities of a trade union nature or that relate to the regulation of the economic or professional relations of its members.", so it does not intervene in issues of a labour and/or trade union nature.
No. All issues related to career progression, salary aspects, or others, are not duties of Portuguese Professional Orders, without prejudice to studying the underlying issues, that may be advocated by the Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas.
Physiotherapy, as a healthcare service is exempt from VAT. This will not happen if a physiotherapist has any other activity where the VAT is applied.
There may also be cases where some devices connected to physiotherapy may be subject to VAT, regardless of their rate.
Yes. The cost of issuing a duplicate of the cédula can be found in the Regulation of Dues and Fees.
In 2025, the Order of Physiotherapists launched the Job Vacancy Exchange Portal. This is available to all members in the Reserved Area.
Registration
1 - Who can register in the Order of Physiotherapists?
In accordance with the provisions of article 3 of the Regulation of Registration of the Order of Physiotherapists:
1- The following are eligible to apply:
- a) Have a graduate academic degree in physiotherapy, completed after a program of study of no less than four curricular years, by a Portuguese higher education institution;
- (b) National professionals from Member States of the European Union or the European Economic Area whose qualifications were obtained outside Portugal, in accordance with Article 67 of the Statutes of the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association.
- (c) Holders of a higher education qualification in physiotherapy obtained in countries outside the European Union, whose qualifications have been granted equivalence and specific recognition in physiotherapy at the level referred to in the preceding subparagraph;
2- The following may also register with the Bar:
- (a) Physiotherapy professionals who, in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, practise as physiotherapists;
- b) Holders of the professional license of physiotherapist, issued under the terms of Decree-Law no. 320/99, of 11 August.
3 – The recognition provided for in paragraph 3(b) must be applied for by the interested parties.
4- Registration with the Professional Association to practise as a physiotherapist may be refused:
- (a) Due to a lack of higher education qualifications as set out in subparagraphs (a) to (c) of paragraph 3, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 2(3);
- (b) Where the person concerned has been subject to the disciplinary sanction of expulsion and five years have not yet elapsed since the decision became final.
5- Registration with the Association may be made in any of the specialisms recognised in accordance with the provisions set out in the Regulations on Specialisms, once such specialisms have been established.
6- Membership of the Association shall automatically cease in the event of a penalty being imposed which results in a permanent ban on practising the profession, without prejudice to the right to rehabilitation, in accordance with the relevant statutes.
7- The admission of candidates is subject to proof of the language proficiency required to carry out the activity in Portugal, in accordance with Law No. 9/2009 of 4 March.
2 - Where can I register?
Registration of physiotherapists with the Professional Association must be carried out via the website of the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association; as a general rule, there is no need to visit the headquarters for this purpose.
3 - Do I need to register with the Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists, even though I am registered with the ACSS?
Yes, even if you are registered with the ACSS or have a valid registration with APFisio, you will have to register with the Order of Physiotherapists.
Registration with the Professional Association is compulsory and is a prerequisite for using the professional title of Physiotherapist and for practising the profession in any sector.
4 - As I am unemployed, will it be possible not to pay the registration fee?
Registration with the Association is a mandatory requirement for practising the profession and is subject to the payment of a registration fee. The fees for this process are set out in the regulations, and no exemptions are provided for. Registration with the Association will also serve as proof of your professional qualifications when seeking employment.
If you are unemployed and not practising your profession, you may choose to defer your registration until you are actually practising the profession, in whatever capacity, including as a self-employed professional. You must, however, provide evidence of this situation by sending the Association a statement accompanied by the relevant supporting documentation.
Once you have registered, you may request a temporary suspension of your registration, in accordance with the regulations, in particular if you are not currently practising the profession (see FAQ 35), and you may lift this suspension as soon as your professional circumstances change.
5 - If I don't work in Physiotherapy, should I register in the Order?
The decision to register in the Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas and to maintain or suspend this registration is an individual decision, and a right of the person who has the qualifications/ requirements to do so.
However, only those registered can use the professional title of Physiotherapist and legally practice the profession.
6 - Since registration with the Order of Physiotherapists is mandatory, what is the deadline for registration of physiotherapists holding a Professional Card from ACSS?
The Statute of the Order of Physiotherapists, approved by Law 122/2019, of 30 September, as well as the articles thereof, enable registration as a member of the Order to occur at any time.
This is the principle applicable to those who wish to start their activity, such as young graduates or professionals from other countries moving to Portugal.
However, with the creation of the Physiotherapists Association, the previous registration in the ACSS is no longer sufficient condition for the legal exercise of the profession of Physiotherapist, being now necessary the registration in the Association. Since 13 May 2021 the conditions for the effective registration in the Order are met, and this is a legal condition for the exercise of the profession.
7 - What happens if a Physiotherapist does not register with the Order?
Registration with the Order is obligatory and a legal condition for exercising the profession. Employers are obliged to require their employees to register with the Order, so you should co-operate with your employer to ensure that you and your employees are not in breach of your obligations. In the case of a self-employed professional, exercising the profession without being registered with the Order also constitutes a situation of non-compliance.
8 - Which document do I need to insert to prove my professional domicile?
Any of the following up to date documents may be accepted for inclusion:
- Salary receipt with professional address (you can hide the amounts);
- Declaration of the employer's professional address;
- Certificate of tax residence issued by the Tax and Customs Authority;
- Declaration of commencement of business with the Tax and Customs Authority;
- Green Receipt with address
- Declaration of the IEFP in the applicable cases.
9 - Should a company that employs Physiotherapists check that its employees meet the necessary requirements?
Yes. A company that employs physiotherapists must guarantee that all its professionals are legally qualified for the purpose, requiring that all physiotherapists have a valid professional license issued by the Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas. The company has the additional responsibility to ensure the registration of the physiotherapists it employs.
If you have not yet received your professional cédula, it may be sufficient to present a provisional declaration issued by the Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas.
10 - How is my personal data used and stored?
The data provided by Physiotherapists will be under the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD), which you can consult here.
In accordance with the General Regulation of Data Protection (RGPD), all data provided are treated in strict confidentiality and will not be provided to any external entity. They will be stored in the institutional system under the responsibility of the Data Protection Officer of the Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas.
11 - Do higher education lecturers or researchers with a background in physiotherapy have to register with the Professional Association?
Yes. All physiotherapists who perform acts which are part of the professional exercise of physiotherapy must register in the Order of Physiotherapists.
12 - Upon submitting my application form and paying the registration fee to the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association, I was given my application reference number. Will this be my registration number?
No. Your registration number is assigned automatically when you submit your application. Your membership card number, however, will be assigned once your application has been reviewed by the Secretariat, the Technical Admissions Committee and the Order’s Management, and once the final payment for the registration process has been made.
13 - How is the ballot number allocated?
The licence number is assigned automatically once the administrative admission procedure has been completed, in the context of the issue of the professional licence or, on a temporary basis, the corresponding provisional certificate.
The number of the ballot paper will not coincide with the number of the submission, as the processes may have different rhythms of analysis and deliberation, and some may even have a negative decision, and the corresponding ballot paper will not be issued.
14 - What is the administrative sequence of the admission process to the Bar?
The admission process begins with the submission of the application on the platform, and has the following steps:
- Confirmation of the submission, and assignment of a sequential identification number for the process;
- Confirmation of payment of the registration fee - the process analysis time begins;
- Start of the analysis of the conformity of the process by the Secretariat of the Technical Commission for Admission (CTA). It may be necessary to modify or complete the dossier. In this case the applicant is notified and the examination time is suspended until the situation is resolved by the applicant.
- Confirmation by the TAC Secretariat that the case is ready to be examined by the TAC. The case is allocated to a member of the TAC to start drafting the opinion.
- The CTA carries out a detailed analysis of the application and submits to the Board a reasoned proposal on whether or not to accept the applicant’s application.
- The Board examines the CTA’s proposal and decides whether or not to act in accordance with it.
- The applicant is informed of their admission to the Bar and is asked to make the final registration payment.
Once final payment of the registration fee has been confirmed, the professional registration certificate is issued in both paper and digital formats. On a temporary basis, a provisional certificate confirming admission to the Bar may also be provided. During this process, the sequential number of the relevant certificate is assigned.
15 - What is the expected deadline for a reply to my application for registration with the Bar?
The Order seeks to ensure that the period between confirmation of payment of the registration fee and the decision on whether or not to accept the application does not exceed 30 consecutive days.
This time limit does not include, of course, the periods of time stopped for updating or complementary submission of data by the applicant, when requested by the Secretariat of the Order.
16 - How can I know the status of the analysis of my case?
You can track the progress of your application by logging into your Members’ Area on the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association’s registration platform.
When you access the case, you will be able to see what stage it is at.
17 - Why is the Curriculum Vitae (CV) requested, when this is not included in the Regulation published in the Diário da República?
The Curriculum Vitae must include the information requested in the application process and must be submitted via the relevant field on the platform.
This section enables us to gather further information about the applicant’s career path and professional experience, which helps in the assessment of the application.
18 - Why is the date of completion of the course required rather than the date the degree was awarded? What is the difference?
The date of completion of the course, in particular the course that gave you access to professional practice, which appears on your diploma or qualification certificate, is relevant for the overall calculation of your length of professional practice (seniority).
It should not be confused with the date of issue of the diploma or certificate itself, which is normally issued at a later date.
In the case of a duplicate Diploma, the difference will naturally be even greater.
19 - My course predates the integration of higher education, but it has been recognised as equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree. What date should I enter as the date of my Bachelor’s degree?
The date you should put on the form is the date of completion of the initial course.
The date of completion of the course, in particular the course that gave you access to professional practice, which appears on your diploma or qualification certificate, is relevant for the overall calculation of your length of professional practice (seniority). If your original course did not lead to a degree but you have subsequently obtained an equivalent qualification, the date you must put on the form is the date on which your original course ended.
Example: For a course from 1985, which was the subject of a formal equivalence in 1999, the date on the form should be 1985.
You must, however, submit both documents: the one of the initial training and the one of the formal recognition of the academic degree. As there is only one field in the form for submitting these two documents, you should make a joint copy, in a single PDF.
20 - I was enrolled in a bi-technical degree but I only completed my bachelor's degree. Can I enrol in the Order?
Yes, the first cycle of the Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy was, at the time, sufficient qualification to exercise the profession of Physiotherapist, and registration to obtain the respective professional card. It will be sufficient to present the certificate proving this qualification.
21 - I am a physiotherapist with a bi-technical degree. I have my degree certificate, but not my bachelor's degree. Do I have to ask the school for it or can I enrol now and then send the diploma?
Taking into account that the first cycle of the Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy was, at the time, the sufficient qualification for the exercise of the profession of Physiotherapist, and registration for obtaining the respective professional card, this will be the reference qualification for statistical purposes.
On that basis, the date of completion of the Bachelor's degree will be the one we will use to count your professional seniority.
If you have not requested this certificate of completion of the Baccalaureate, you must submit a declaration of honour, with the respective date of completion.
To make things easier, here is an example of the text your declaration should contain: “I, (name), declare on my honour that I have completed a Bachelor’s degree at XXXXXX Institution, with a completion date of XXXXX”. The declaration must be dated and signed, in accordance with your identity document.
22 - Why is a criminal record necessary?
In order to protect consumers and users of physiotherapy services, the Association, as a public body, must ensure that its members meet the necessary legal requirements to practise their profession without restriction, both in terms of professional qualifications and any related disciplinary or criminal matters.
23 - I have a citizen’s card and would like to register with the Bar. Can I do so?
You can access the registration platform using a Digital Mobile Key or by registering with your email address and password.
24 - I don't have a citizen card to access the enrolment platform because I have a life identity card, how should I proceed?
In this case, you should access the registration platform, select the relevant option and register using your email address and password, then follow the instructions provided to submit the necessary documentation.
25 - I do not have a citizen card because I am a foreign citizen, how should I proceed to access the enrolment platform?
In this case, you should access the registration platform and register using your email address and password, then follow the instructions provided to submit the necessary documentation.
26 - As a foreign national, how will my application be processed?
The procedure for submitting your application and the documents you need to provide depend on the country where you obtained your qualifications.
Broadly speaking, the process distinguishes between three profiles:
- candidates who have completed their studies in Portugal;
- candidates who have completed their education in the European Union / EFTA;
- applicants with qualifications obtained in third countries, including the United Kingdom after 2021.
In the case of foreign nationals who have graduated from a Portuguese higher education institution, it may be necessary to provide a certificate of proficiency in Portuguese, as set out in Article 3(7).
In the case of qualifications obtained in the European Union / EFTA, it may be necessary, in particular, to submit a qualification certificate, a certificate of good standing, proof of address (where applicable), a certificate of proficiency in Portuguese, and confirmation of whether or not you hold a European Professional Card.
In the case of qualifications obtained in third countries, including the United Kingdom after 2021, it may be necessary, in particular, to provide a qualification certificate, a certificate of good standing, a certificate of proficiency in Portuguese and proof of professional address or residential address.
Following an initial review of the application, the applicant will be provided with guidance specific to their particular case.
27 - Why am I required to indicate a professional address in Portugal to register with the Bar Association?
Registration with the Order is required to practise as a physiotherapist in Portugal and may also be required for the purposes of professional accreditation or recognition abroad. To this end, you must provide a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) and a professional address within Portugal.
A professional address is essential for allocation to a regional branch and for the dispatch of official correspondence from the Association. This address may be the place where the member practises or, where applicable, the registered address duly verified during the registration process.
28 - I am a Portuguese citizen, and I have qualifications obtained in Portugal, but I am currently working abroad. I have a cédula from ACSS. Can I enrol in the OF?
Yes, as long as it respects certain conditions.
Registration and subsequent payment of fees are only compulsory if you wish to practice your profession in Portugal, even if you maintain your residence abroad.
However, in order to register and practise the profession in Portugal, you must have a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) and a registered business address in the country. This address is essential for allocation to a regional branch and for the delivery of official correspondence from the Order. You must provide one of the usual forms of proof of this address.
If you do not have a usual address in this country, you may provide a duly verified contact address during the registration process.
29 - I have Portuguese nationality or dual nationality, with academic qualifications obtained in Portugal and I am living abroad, but I do not have any document that can prove my residence (electricity, water receipt, etc.). How can I fill in the field concerning my professional domicile in Portugal?
Although you are currently living abroad, for the purposes of registering as and practising as a physiotherapist in Portugal, you must have a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) and a registered professional address within Portugal.
To this end, you must provide the address associated with your registration and submit the relevant supporting documentation.
30 - I do not yet have a fixed place of business in Portugal. How should I fill in the field relating to my business address in Portugal?
In order to practise physiotherapy in Portugal, one must have a registered professional address within the country.
For registration purposes, you must provide a business address or, if you do not yet have a fixed place of business, a reference address that is duly substantiated in the application.
The issue of the professional licence will be subject to proof of possession of this registered business address, as well as the other applicable requirements, including the existence of a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF).
31 - I am a foreign national and have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy at a Portuguese higher education institution. I have been informed that, in previous years, in order to work abroad and have my qualifications recognised in another country, it was necessary, in addition to the certificate, registration with the ACSS, a certificate attesting to my academic qualifications (under Directive 2005/36/EC) and a certificate of ‘Good Standing’. Are these two certificates still issued by the ACSS, even though the licence is requested directly from the Professional Association?
No. As the qualification is obtained in Portugal, the ACSS no longer has jurisdiction in the recognition of these qualifications for the professional exercise, which is now the Order of Physiotherapists.
As of 15 December 2021, the Order is also the Competent Authority for the purposes of the Directive 2005/36/ECso all necessary declarations will be issued by the Order.
32 - I have qualifications obtained in the UK before Brexit. Can I register with the Order of Physiotherapists?
According to information provided by DGERT - Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations, on the recognition of professional qualifications acquired in the United Kingdom, it is clarified that:
1 - Qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom before the end of the transition period established in the Withdrawal Agreement (before 1 January 2021) by EU nationals are EU qualifications.
2 - The rules and recognition schemes of Directive 2005/36/EC shall apply to the recognition of those qualifications, in particular to all types of qualifications covered by Directive 2005/36/EC, without limitation in time.
Thus, professionals must submit the application Physiotherapist trained in a country outside the EU/EFTA
For these applicants, the procedures and criteria in use under the current European Directives on the recognition of diplomas will be applied, with the necessary adaptations.
33 - In what cases can the registration of a member of the Order of Physiotherapists be cancelled?
In accordance with the provisions of Article 10 of the Registration Regulations:
"Membership in the Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas is cancelled for members who:
- a) Are subject to the disciplinary measure of expulsion;
- b) They voluntarily cease to exercise their professional activity and who so inform the Board."
34 - In what cases can my enrolment expire?
Your registration may lapse if it is not finalised within 180 days, in accordance with Article 4(7) of the Registration Regulations. In this case, if you wish to register again, you will need to submit a new application and make a fresh payment.
35 - In what cases can the registration of a member of the Order of Physiotherapists be suspended?
In accordance with the provisions of Article 9 of the Registration Regulations:
"Members are suspended from the OF who:
- a) Are subject to the disciplinary suspension measure;
- (b) Those who apply to do so when they wish to temporarily suspend their practice of physiotherapy, provided they have no outstanding membership fees;
- c) Are in a situation of incompatibility with the professional practice of physiotherapy, "
Membership fees
With the award of the provisional professional card. If the final payment of the registration fee of €100 is made in the first fortnight of the month, the obligation to pay membership fees begins in the same month. If it is made in the second fortnight, the obligation to pay membership fees begins the following month.
The value of the membership fees is defined in the Dues and Fees Regulations of the Order in forceThe monthly fee is €12.00 (twelve euros). It can be changed annually, with the preparation of the budget for the following year.3. How often do I have to pay the membership fees?
Three intervals are available for the payment of membership fees: monthly, half-yearly and yearly.
Yes. If you choose to pay half-yearly, you will receive a discount of 5% for the January-June and July-December blocks. If you choose annual payment, the discount will be 10%. These discounts do not apply to outstanding amounts.
No. As membership fees are paid according to the calendar year, the monthly option is always available, the half-yearly option is available from 1 to 31 January and 1 to 31 July and the annual option is available from 1 to 31 January.
Yes, you can. Just choose the new frequency you want the next time you pay your membership fees.
The available means are: Multibanco Reference, MB Way, Credit Card and Direct Debit. It should be noted that in the monthly quota payment option, only Direct Debit and MB Way are available.
Yes, you can. Simply choose the new payment method you want the next time you pay your membership fees.
Access your "Reserved Area":
- Choose the option "Dues". You will be shown the last dues paid and the amount to be paid;
- Click on "Pay Dues";
- Choose the Payment Frequency. Please note that depending on the month you are in, not all may be available;
- Choose the Payment Method: Direct Debit, ATM Reference, MB Way or Credit Card;
- Enter the details for issuing the invoice;
- Confirm and proceed
Yes. The information system has a set of alerts that notify via e-mail.
Late payment of membership fees may result in interest being charged on the amount owed, calculated at the supplementary legal rate. The interest rate for late payment is defined by the Treasury and Public Debt Management Agency - IGCP, E. P. E. and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Portugal. E. and published in the Official Gazette.
From the 1st day of the second outstanding month. If, for example, the last quota paid corresponds to May, interest on arrears will be charged from 1 July.
No, because the amount of the membership fee is defined through the budget approved for the following year. Therefore, the payment of membership fees is made according to the calendar year.
Yes. As part of the 2023 Activity Plan, the Order of Physiotherapists applies a 50% reduction in the amount of membership fees for the first 6 months for new graduates who register within four months of completing their degree.
The obligation to pay membership fees ceases only in situations of suspension or cancellation of membership, whether voluntary or coercive.
Yes, you can. When you pay your membership fees in your reserved area, under "Billing details", choose one of the following options: Own; Own sole proprietorship; Employer where you practice as a physiotherapist.
You can, as long as you do it within the same month in which the invoice to be changed was generated. To do so, you must make the request in your reserved area, under "Support" and "Support Request".
Your invoice will be sent to your email inbox and will be available in your reserved area.
Yes, you can. Physiotherapists who carry out the activity on behalf of others must declare the amount of the quotas paid, in Table 4C of Annex A, of the IRS Model 3 Declaration, with the expense code 422 (Quotations Professional Orders).
Physiotherapists who are self-employed and are covered by the simplified regime do not need to declare; if they have organised accounts, they should inform their Certified Accountant.
The Physiotherapist who still practice or intends to keep his professional card, must pay fees. If you do not intend to maintain the qualification to practice, you can suspend your registration with the Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas.