Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for people seeking residency in Europe, and with good reason. However, it may not easy to determine the best way to obtain residency in Portugal. But don’t worry, in this article we will explore the different options. And help you find the best way for you to move to Portugal with ease. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
Portugal D7 Visa for Passive Income Holders
The D7 Visa Portugal, also popular as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa, was introduce in 2007 by the Portuguese government, allowing non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to apply for temporary residency in Portugal.
Retirees and individuals with a minimum regular minimum passive income of €820 per month can apply for the Portugal D7 Visa. This income can include pensions, real estate, royalties, dividends, financial investment, or intellectual property.
Additionally to be eligible for D7 Visa in Portugal you must have sufficient means to reside in Portugal for one year, which is equivalent to €9,840, plus you need to add 50% of this amount for your partner and 30% for each dependent child.
This Visa is valid for a period of two years and can renew for additional three-year period. After 5 years you have the option to apply for a permanent residence permit or Citizenship.
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, was introduces in October 2022 by the Portuguese government. Also allowing non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to apply for temporary residency in Portugal while working remotely from Portugal
As a financial requirement for the Portugal Remote Worker Visa, you must demonstrate an average monthly income of € 3,280 from your professional activity in the previous three months, which is comparable to four minimum monthly salary in Portugal.
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa has two different routes:
Temporary Stay Visa
The Temporary Stay Visa is perfect if you don’t want to apply for permanent residency, but you would like to stay in Portugal for an extend period. The Temporary Stay Visa is valid for one year and can extend for another two years.
This temporary stay visa will grant you multiple entries into the country allowing you to travel outside Portugal and experience other European countries.
Residence Permit
The Residency Visa is a good solution if you want to stay in Portugal for more than one year. Please note that your Temporary Resident Visa it is only valid for four months. And within this period you need apply for a Permanent Residency Permit.
The permanent residence permit is valid for a period of two years and can renew for additional three-year period. After 5 years you have the option to apply for a permanent residence permit or Citizenship.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Golden Visa program in Portugal, also knows as the Residence Permit Program, is an investment immigration program. And that grants residency and citizenship rights to foreign investors who make a significant economic contribution to the country. After the last changes from October, 7th, 2023, here you can find the Portugal Golden visa investment options:
1. Investment funds
Contribution of €500,000 or higher, for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital fund of funds under the Portuguese legislation, whose maturity. Also at the moment of the investment, is, at least, of five years and, at least, 60% of the investments is realizes in commercial companies with head office in national territory.
2. Business Investment
Minimum investment of €500,000 for constitution of a company in Portugal, combine with the creation of five permanent working jobs, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a company already existing in Portugal. Also with the creation of at least at least five permanent jobs or maintenance of at least ten job positions, with a minimum of five permanent employees, and for a minimum period of three years.
3. Scientific research
Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €500,000 for investing in research activities conduct. And also by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technologic system. If the investment is locate in a designate ‘low-density’ area, then a 20 percent discount applies.
4. Cultural heritage contribution
Donation of a minimum of €250,000 for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage, through the local. And central authorities, public institutions or, private foundations of public interest. If the investment takes place in a ‘low-density’ area, then a 20 percent discount applies.
5. Job Creation
Incorporating a company and creation of at least, ten jobs positions. If the investment is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20 percent discount applies.
Portugal D2 Visa for Entrepreneurs
The Portugal D2 Visa is a type of long-stay visa for Portugal that is specifically designs for entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in Portugal. The visa allows non-European Union citizens to stay in Portugal for up to 4 months and after applying for the resident permit. The D2 visa is also known as the “Entrepreneur Visa”.
The D2 visa is issued to individuals who wish to invest in a Portuguese company or start their own business in Portugal. The Portuguese government launches this visa in 2018 as part of its efforts to attract foreign investment and promote entrepreneurship in the country.
The main requirements for the business visa are quite soft because you can open your company in any sector and you don’t need to get any approval form a Portuguese incubator.
D3 Visa Portugal for Highly-Qualified Individuals
D3 Visa Portugal Portugal is also known as the “Highly-Qualified Worker” visa. This visa is designed for non-European Union citizens who have high qualifications and extensive experience in a particular field. With this visa, the visa holder and their family can enter Portugal for work purposes and establish residence.
According to Portuguese Law on Foreigners, highly qualified work implies “the exercise of an activity that requires specialize technical skills of an exceptional nature or an adequate qualification for the respective exercise of the function”.
The European Commission considers that the highly qualified activity is that exercised by professionals falling into either of two groups:
- Management positions:as executives, officers and legislators; senior public administration officers, company directors; administrative and commercial managers; service and similar managers;
- Experts in intellectual and scientific activities: such as engineers and scientists, teachers, health professionals, business professionals, information and communication technology specialists, cultural professionals and legal experts.
Portugal Student Visa
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who plan to study in Portugal for a period of more than 90 days are required to obtain a Portuguese Student Visa. This visa allows the holder to enter and remain in Portugal for the purpose of studying.
To apply for a Portuguese student visa, applicants must have already been accept into a recognizes educational institution in Portugal and must provide proof of enrollment or acceptance.
They must also provide evidence of sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses in Portugal and have adequate health insurance coverage. Additionally, once in Portugal, students may be required to apply for a residence permit within 90 days of arrival.
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are not required to obtain a Portuguese student visa but must register with the relevant authorities upon arrival in Portugal if their course of study is longer than 90 days.
Family Reunion Visa Portugal
Non-EU/EEA individuals who has a residence permit in Portugal are entitled to bring their family members who are already in Portugal or who will be joining in Portugal.
Family reunification visa can be requested in AIMA (former SEF) at the same time as the main visa application, or after received the visa. The following is the list of family members that may qualify for family reunification visa:
- Spouse or partner.
- Children under 18 years of age or incapacitated children of the couple or of one of their spouses/partners.
- Children over 18 years of age who are dependent on you or your spouse which means that they are single and studying.
- Parents or your spouse/partner’s parents if they are dependent on you.
- Minor siblings.
Portugal Work Visa
Non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizens intending to work in Portugal must apply for a Portugal Work Visa. To be eligible, you must first secure a job in Portugal.
If your job lasts longer than three months, your employer must apply for a Portuguese work permit (Autorização de Trabalho) with the Portuguese Labor Authorities.
Once the work permit or job contract is approved, non-EU nationals must apply for a Portuguese work visa if their employment lasts less than six months. If they plan to work in Portugal for the long-term, they must apply for a residence permit, which will depend based on their employment.
After residing in Portugal for five years, individuals can apply for Portuguese permanent residence.
Start-Up Visa Portugal
The Startup Visa is a residence visa for entrepreneurs that is offered through IAPMEI and it is designed to attract investment, talent, and innovative capacity to Portugal.
Entrepreneurs who are eager to establish an innovative company will have swift access to a residence visa that permits them to launch or relocate their startup in Portugal, regardless of their geographical location.
In order to apply for the Startup Visa and secure a residence and work visa in Portugal, global entrepreneurs must meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrate a clear intention to develop innovative goods and services;
- Establish or transfer companies primarily focused on technology and knowledge;
- Display the potential to generate skilled employment opportunities;
- Demonstrate the ability to achieve a yearly turnover of over €325,000 and/or have assets worth over €325,000 five years after the incubation period.
Portugal Job Seeker Visa
The Portugal Job Seeker visa for Portugal was introduced in June 2022 to address the country’s shortage of skilled workers. This visa permits individuals to enter and remain in Portugal while searching for employment in their area of expertise.
Holders of this visa can obtain a work visa and residence permit, potentially leading to permanent residency in Portugal
If the visa holder performs well in their job, they may apply for a residence permit to continue working. The job seeker visa is valid for 120 days and can be renewed for an additional 60 days.
It is a single-entry visa, and both skilled and unskilled workers are eligible to apply.
Which are the Benefits of the Residency Permit in Portugal
Mobility
The Portuguese residency permit allows you visa-free entry and circulation through the Schengen Area.
Live, Work, Study
Once you become a resident in Portugal you are entitled to conduct any professional activity as an independent professional and you gain access to the National Education Service, schools, and vocational training.
You might like to read the comprehensive guide about the Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal.
Healthcare in Portugal
Being a resident in Portugal you gain access to National Healthcare, also called SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) and covers primary and secondary healthcare needs.
Path to Citizenship
After five years of legal residency, you may apply for permanent residency or to citizenship. However, in this case you’ll have to pass a Portuguese language test.
Family Reunion
You are entitled to bring your family members who are already in Portugal or who will be joining you in Portugal. You may request family reunification in AIMA at the same time as your visa application, or after you have received your visa. The following is the list of family members that may qualify for family reunification:
- Your spouse or partner.
- Your children under 18 years of age or incapacitated children of the couple or of one of their spouses/partners.
- Children over 18 years of age who are dependent on you or your spouse which means that they are single and studying.
- Your parents or your spouse/partner’s parents if they are dependent on you.
- You minor siblings.
take a free eligibility test
Application Process for the Portuguese visa
Step 1 – NIF and Bank Account
To apply for the D7 Visa, you need to obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) and open a bank account in Portugal. To obtain a NIF, you can apply online or in person at a tax office in Portugal. Opening a bank account can be done remotely.
Step 2 – Secure your Accommodation
Another one of Portugal D7 Visa requirements is you need to demonstrate that you have secured accommodation in Portugal. This can be in the form of a rental agreement signed at least for one year or proof of property ownership.
Step 3 – Submit your Visa Application
To apply for the D7 Portugal Residency Visa, you need to submit your application at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy, VFS Global or similar in your home country but never in Portugal. You will need to provide several documents, including your passport, proof of income, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Step 4 – Apply for a resident permit in Portugal
Once you arrive in Portugal, you will need to apply for a resident permit at the The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). This will allow you to stay in Portugal for the duration of your visa.
Processing time of Portugal Visa
Documents requirements for Portuguese visa
The Portuguese residence visa requires the following documents, but depending of the Portuguese consulate or embassy or VFS it might be required some additional documentation.
- Application Form
- Your Valid Passport
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Criminal Record certificate
- Transport documentation (return ticket)
- Valid travel insurance, including medical coverage and repatriation
- Documentary evidence of having accommodation in Portugal
- Proof of sufficient means as stipulated by law
- Declaration with the reasons for requesting Portuguese Residency
Cost of the visa to Portugal
The cost of the visa is relatively low and varies depending on the consulate where you apply, but for a single applicant you may expect to pay:
- €80 for your entry visa application at the Consulate in your home country
- €170 to submit and receive your resident permit from the AIMA in Portugal
You should have to consider some additional costs regarding flight tickets, travel insurance, relocation services, accommodation, paperwork including translations or documents apostille.
Still wondering? Take a look at our video!
Why work with us for obtaining Portuguese residency?
Local Expertise
We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.
Holistic Approach
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.
Transparent Service
We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.
Simple Process
Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Ways to Obtain Residency in Portugal
Can I obtain residency in Portugal through employment?
Yes, you can apply for a residence permit for employment purposes if you have a job offer or if you are transferred by a company to Portugal. The employer usually plays a crucial role in the application process.
What are the requirements for obtaining residency in Portugal?
The requirements vary depending on the type of residency you are applying for. However, common requirements include a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Can non-EU citizens apply for residency in Portugal?
Yes, non-EU citizens can apply for residency in Portugal through various routes, such as the Golden Visa program, employment, study, or family reunification. Each route has its own specific requirements.
What are the benefits of obtaining residency in Portugal?
Benefits of obtaining residency in Portugal include visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to healthcare and education, the ability to work and do business, and eligibility for citizenship after a certain period.
Can I bring my family members with me when obtaining residency in Portugal?
Yes, depending on the type of residency you obtain, you can often bring your immediate family members, including spouses, children, and dependent parents, to Portugal.
Is it possible to work in Portugal with a residency permit?
Yes, if you have a valid residence permit for employment purposes, you are allowed to work in Portugal. However, specific work permit requirements may apply depending on your occupation and employment situation.
Can I obtain Portuguese citizenship through residency?
Yes, it is possible to obtain Portuguese citizenship through residency. Generally, you must hold a valid residency permit for five years, demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language, and pass a language test.
Are there any language requirements for obtaining residency in Portugal?
No, there is no specific language requirements. Only to apply for the citizenship you will need to pass a language test.
Can I buy property in Portugal to qualify for residency?
No, the real estate option of the Golden Visa Program eliminated by the Portuguese authorities.
Can I obtain residency in Portugal by starting a business?
Yes, you can obtain residency in Portugal by starting a business or investing in an existing one. The requirements and investment thresholds vary depending on the type of business and the number of jobs created.
How can I renew my residency permit in Portugal?
Residency permits in Portugal must be renewed periodically. The renewal process typically involves submitting updated documentation, such as proof of continued residence, employment, or financial means.
