The arrival of a child is a moment of immense joy but also presents certain challenges, particularly of a bureaucratic nature. The initial days can be filled with confusion, making it vital for families to be informed about the necessary procedures following the birth of the baby, as specific deadlines must be met, compounded by the potential complications of the holiday period.
To ensure that families are well-prepared for what must be addressed immediately after the baby’s birth, along with corresponding deadlines, Marta Esteves, a lawyer and parental rights consultant, has compiled a list to aid families in their planning:
Baby Registration (at the hospital or online)
Following the birth, it is essential to register the baby, with multiple options available: at ‘nascer cidadão’ counters present in most public hospitals and some private ones. If hospital or maternity registration is not feasible, it can be completed online or at any civil registry office within 20 days of birth.
Citizen Card
Simultaneously with the registration, parents can also request the baby’s first Citizen Card at no cost.
Register at the Health Center (schedule heel prick test and first consultation)
Register the baby at the health center and arrange for the heel prick test and the first child health consultation. The newborn’s initial medical visit should occur within the first 15 days of life.
Health Insurance
In the health domain, if the family opts for health insurance for the baby or wishes to include them in an existing policy, the inclusion must occur within 30 days post-birth. This ensures coverage applies retroactively from the birth date without exclusions or preconditions. Families should verify their policy terms during pregnancy.
Inform the Employer
In laboral matters, families must inform their employer of the baby’s birth and their choice of initial parental leave within 7 days of the birth.
Parental Subsidy
For parental subsidy requests, families have a 6-month window post-birth to apply through Social Security.
By being aware of these steps and deadlines ahead of time, families can act with greater peace of mind and focus on what truly matters, welcoming their newborn.
