Residency and Citizenship

“I want to live in Portugal, and I know that there are several types of visas. Which one is the right visa for me?”

Third-country nationals must hold a long-stay visa to enter and stay in Portugal for over 90 days. The following citizens are exempt from that obligation:

European Union Member State citizen;
State party to the European Economic Area Agreement, or a third-countries with whom the EU has signed freedom of movement agreements;
Family members of Portuguese citizens or foreign nationals included above.

Long-stay visas, regulated by the national legislation in force, can be for a temporary stay or for obtaining a residence permit, depending on the duration of the visit and enable the holder to stay in Portugal according to the desired reason: study, internship, work, medical treatment, among others.

The temporary stay visa allows entry for stays in Portugal for less than one year. This visa is valid for the duration of the stay and multiple entries into the national territory.

The visa to obtain a residence permit is valid for two entries and four months, during which the holder must apply for a residence permit from the Foreigners and Borders Service.

D7 Visa, for Pensioners

The D7 Visa is intended for all foreign citizens, who are not nationals of EU Member States, of the European Economic Area and Switzerland, who wish to perform religious functions, live in a congregation, reside in Portugal as a pensioner or live on their income.

How to apply

The D7 Visa application starts in the country of origin, must be applied for at a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate. After that, by consultation at SEF (Immigration and Borders, in Portugal).

Requirements

Proof of income is one of the essential items to obtain a D7 visa.

For those who are retired, it is necessary to add the Income Tax Declaration.

It is necessary for those who live on income to present the financial proof of this income, whatever they may be: financial investments, rental properties and other types of revenues.

Minimum accepted income:

First adult (who asks for a visa) – 100% of the current minimum wage – (760 € in 2023);
Second adult – 50% of the current minimum wage – (380 € in 2023);
Each child or youth under the age of 18 – 30% of the current minimum wage (228€ in 2023).

Minimum stay and renewals

This type of visa requires the obligation to spend more than 182 days of the year in Portugal.

The D7 Visa is renewed after one year for two successive 2-year periods and can be converted into a permanent residence permit after five years.

D3 Visa, for Highly Qualified professionals

It is a residence visa for employees in highly qualified activities, students admitted as Master’s students, or researchers, in collaboration with a research centre recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, and for professional teachers who teach at the university level or teach subjects considered to be of high value.

It applies to high-value professionals in the IT and Digital sectors, with employment contracts in Portugal.

How to apply

The D3 Visa application starts in the country of origin, must be applied for at Portuguese consular posts, or Embassy or Consulate that has the jurisdiction of that country if there is no Portuguese consular post.

Requirements

For teaching activity, highly qualified or cultural:

An employment contract or promise of employment contract or service provision contract; or,
An invitation letter issued by an educational or vocational training institution; or,
Responsibility Term issued by the certified company under defined terms by an ordinance of the members of the Government responsible for the areas of internal administration and the economy; or,
An invitation letter from a company entity that carries out a cultural activity in Portugal recognized by the member of the Government responsible for the area of culture as of interest to the country, or as defined by law; or,
An invitation letter issued by a research centre.

For highly qualified activity performed by a subordinate worker:

Employment contract or employment contract promise valid for at least one year, corresponding to an annual remuneration of at least 1.5 times the average national yearly gross salary or three times the indexing value of support social (IAS);

In the case of a regulated profession, hold high professional qualifications, duly proven in compliance with the provisions of Law No. 9/2009, of 4 March, or in a specific law regarding the recognition of professional qualifications, necessary for access and exercise the profession indicated in the employment contract or the promise of an employment contract;

In the case of a non-regulated profession, you must have high professional qualifications appropriate to the activity or sector specified in the employment contract or promise of an employment contract.

Minimum stay and renewals

The D3 Visa is valid for two years and is renewable for successive periods of three years.

D6 Visa, for Family Reunion

The D6 Visa allows to join a family member or partner who resides in Portugal.

The resident citizen’s family members who can apply for this visa are Spouse, Partners, as long as the law recognizes the relationship, dependent minor children, including adopted children and the spouse/partner. Dependent parents and spouse. Children in the care and care of their spouse and who study in Portugal, younger brothers or sisters in custody.

A family reunification can be carried out with the family member inside or outside Portuguese territory.

How to Apply

The D6 Visa application starts in the country of origin, must be applied for at Portuguese consular posts, or Embassy or Consulate that has the jurisdiction of that country if there is no Portuguese consular post.

Requirements

Before applying for a residence visa for family reunification at a Consular Post, the applicant who is entitled to the right must go to the SEF to request the approval of the family reunification in favour of the family members.

As soon as the notification of the favourable decision is received, family members will be able to apply for the residence visa.

Minimum stay and renewals

D6 visa has the same duration as the resident who requests the regrouping. On the other hand, once the D6 Visa is issued, the holder of the permanent residence permit is issued to renew the residence permit for another three years.

Digital Nomad

The digital nomad visa is granted for a period that must be less than one year and is valid for multiple entries into national territory. Please note that it is only compulsory to obtain a digital nomad visa if the period of stay is longer than the tourist visa, i.e. 90 days. In most cases the Digital Nomad Visa allows the person to stay in the country for up to 180 days. It is also possible that the family members of the remote worker may also request a temporary stay or residence visa, which will allow the family to gather in the national territory. This residence visa allows for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside of the national territory.

How to Apply

The Digital Nomada Visa application starts in the country of origin and must be applied for at Portuguese consular posts, or the Embassy or Consulate that has the jurisdiction of that country if there is no Portuguese consular post.

Requirements

Proof of qualifications and professional experience;
Evidence of subsistence means.
In situations of subordinate employment, one of the following documents: An employment contract or statement from the employer attesting to the employment relationship;
In situations of independent professional activity, one of the following documents: Partnership contract; Service provision contract; or Document proving the services provided to one or more entities;
Proof of the average monthly income obtained in the exercise of the subordinate or independent professional activity during the last three months, in a minimum amount equivalent to four minimum monthly remunerations (in 2023, 760 Euros);
Documentary proof of fiscal residence.

Minimum stay and renewals

The Digital Nomad Visa allows a foreigner to enter Portugal for a period of 4 months and then apply to extend it for a further 2 months.

Allows the possibility to subsequently apply for a residence permit valid for a minimum of 2 years, renewable for subsequent periods of 3 years.

Student visa

The Student visa is intended for non-EU citizens with a letter of acceptance issued by a Portuguese educational institution.

Those who wish to study in Portugal for less than one year must apply for a temporary visa. Those who intend to study in Portugal for more than one year must apply for a residence permit.

How to Apply

The student visa must be obtained in the country of origin before travelling to Portugal at Portuguese consular posts, or Embassy or Consulate that has the jurisdiction of that country if there is no Portuguese consular post.

Requirements

Proof of enrollment in an education institution;

Proof of payment of tuition fees required by the higher education institution, if applicable, to be attested by a statement from the Educational Institution;
Health insurance or proof that of covered by the National Health Service;
Proof of subsistence and evidence of payment of tuition fees;
Proof of entry and legal status in the national territory of the applicant’s nationality or criminal record of the country in which the person has resided for more than one year.

D2 Visa, for Entrepeneurs and Investors

The D2 Visa is intended for foreign citizens who are not nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland, and wish to exercise an independent activity or invest in Portugal.

This Visa also applies to direct family members of the principal applicant, including spouse, children and dependent parents.

How to Apply

The D2 Visa application starts in the country of origin, must be applied for at Portuguese consular posts, or Embassy or Consulate that has the jurisdiction of that country if there is no Portuguese consular post.

Requirements

It is necessary to comply with some requirements established by the government, such as:

Business viability.
Structured business plan.
Equity.
Reasons that led to the creation of the business.
Proof of financial resources.
Networking and experience of managers.

Minimum stay and renewals

The D2 Visa is granted for one year and can be renewed for periods of 2 years if you prove that you continue developing professional activities.

To enter any Portuguese Territory, all foreign citizens need to have a travel document valid for a minimum period of 6 months.

Have a valid and adequate visa issued by the Portuguese authorities in the country of origin.

Be financially self-sufficient during their stay.

Have complied with Portuguese immigration and Schengen services.

Some beautiful locations in Portugal

The tram is a popular transportation even today

Lisbon

Algarve

Porto

Alentejo

Alentejo Coast

Douro region

Algarve

Lisbon

Serra da Estrela

Enter your new life

Portugal, your new home

Portugal is one of the most amazing places in Western Europe. Located in the South-west of the continent; it is warm and sunny. The air temperature rarely drops below 0 degrees, even on the colder winter nights. The number of sunny days per year is near 300. Portugal is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean on west and south coasts. Thanks to the ocean, the country has several climate zones. And everyone can choose the most comfortable place to live in.

Take a look at what Portugal offers to every new resident.

Portugal Offers

Security

In terms of security, Portugal ranks third in the world. This is confirmed by the Global Peace Index ranking of the Institute of Economics and Peace. Locals are friendly and law-abiding citizens. The people of Portugal treat guests and immigrants very well and are always ready to help.

Healthcare

Portugal has universal health coverage through its publically financed National Health Service (called the Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS). Basic national health coverage is administered through local and regional health centers and through hospitals and includes all care other than dentistry. This service is available to all residents of Portugal. Healthcare under Portugal’s national health system is free for children under 18 and for people over 65.

Otherwise, unless it is urgent care or falls under specific circumstances, healthcare is available under the NHS at a low rate. Medication administered during a hospital procedure by the hospital is free.

Political stability

With almost nine centuries of well defined geographical borders, a democratic parliamentary regime with political stability prevails in Portugal. Portugal is a member of the European Union and forms part of the European Monetary System, using the European single currency. It is also the 46th most competitive economy, out of a total of 138 countries according to the 2016-2017 Global Competitiveness Index, produced by the World Economic Forum.

Standard of living

Portugal is one of the most popular countries for people who want to move to warm areas. The reason for this is the relatively low cost of living and the tax benefits they receive here. The country has a high level of medicine and education.

Ecology

Ecology is the pride of Portugal. Portugal is ranked 26th out of more than 260 countries in the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy. It is located between Canada and the USA. The country is famous for its vast number of eco-friendly beaches — they are marked with the blue flag. In 2019 there were 352 of them: 317 on the ocean coast and 35 on the banks of rivers.

Climate

The climate of Portugal is temperate and influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. In the north, the climate is cool and rainy, while moving south it becomes gradually warmer and sunnier; in the far south, the region of Algarve has a dry and sunny microclimate. In the interior, on the border with Spain, the climate is a bit more continental. In the north-central there are also mountain ranges. In the highest, Serra da Estrela, you can ski in winter.

In summer, Portugal is protected by the Azores High, so it’s usually sunny everywhere, however, a few weather fronts can still affect the northern part of the country. In the rest of the year, and especially from November to March, rainfall can occur, especially in the north where it is more frequent and abundant. Therefore, the landscape in the north is definitely green, while it gradually becomes more arid towards the south, down to Algarve, which has a fairly dry climate.

Quality of life

Portugal enjoys one of the highest quality of life rates, ranking 18th, ahead of countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, France and Singapore.

Perfect location

Portugal has an excellent geographical location. At the meeting point between three continents – Europe, Africa and America -, it has always been central to the most important international routes. Here you can find international airports all over the country – Lisbon, Faro and Porto have regular connections to major cities in the world; Lisbon is just two hours away from Paris and London by plane.

Ease of communication

The number of Portuguese fluent on foreign languages (especially English) is amazing. Studies have highlighted that when English speaking levels is assessed at a global scale, Portugal ranks 15th out of 70 countries. English is mostly spoken by the younger generations, and it’s not hard to many Portuguese people who speak a bit of French. Statistics show that 42% of Portuguese master a foreign language.

Modern technology and infrastructures

Some examples:

One of the most advanced and integrated banking systems in the world. The large majority of ATMs belong to a unique system, that enables you to consult your various accounts electronically, to make payments online, to pay your taxes from your phone, to make money transfers or even to purchase train tickets from a single device.
Originally launched in 1991 by Brisa, “Via Verde”, (green lane in English), is an electronic drive-by toll system that covers all highways. Today you can use Via Verde to park your car in almost every car parking, pay for the parking in major Portuguese cities, and more.
In Portugal, it is really easy to get access to internet, you can find Wifi anywhere (or almost). Optic fibre is well serviced across the country; high speed internet is generalised.

Why Us?

We know how to deal with what you will be facing moving to Portugal. We are here, we know the context, we will make it work.

– With you or for you!

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