Portugal Visas – the first thought that should be in your mind when thinking of moving to the country. Luckily, Portugal has a pretty advanced Visa program that allows qualified workers, entrepreneurs, retirees and investors from all around the world to live and work here.
According to the 2021 Immigration Report (RIFA), Portugal had nearly 700k immigrants out of its population of 10.3 million. A number that has been progressively growing since 2011, amounting to a 40% increase in that year.
While most of the immigrants in the 90s came from Ukraine, Brazil and PALOP countries, right now there are people from all over the world, including neighbouring EU countries, Australia and the US. If you are interested in joining them, you can find more information about the Visa programs in Portugal on our guide below. Contact us if you have further questions!
It’s important to understand the basic differences in the Portuguese immigration system before we get into the details of each visa. It’s like knowing the difference between a local bus and an international flight. Both will get you where you need to go, but the rules, length of time, and requirements are very different. The main difference between Schengen and National Visas. This is the first and most important difference you need to know.
A Schengen Visa (Type C) is for short stays, usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. If you live in a country that needs a Schengen visa (like India, China, or South Africa), you’ll need to apply for this if you only want to visit for a short time. You don’t need a Schengen visa for these short stays if you’re from a country that doesn’t require one (like the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia). You can just go in and enjoy your 90 days. The most important thing to remember is that a Schengen visa does not let you live, work, or study in Portugal for a long time. It’s only for short visits.
A National Visa (Type D), on the other hand, lets you stay in Portugal for a long time. These are the visas we’ll be focusing on the most because they’re what you need if you want to live, work, study, or retire in Portugal for more than 90 days. A National Visa lets you enter the country only once and is good for four months. This may seem short, but it is meant to let you into Portugal. While you are there, you will go to the AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum, formerly SEF) to apply for your real residence permit. The residence permit is the paper that gives you the legal right to live in Portugal for one to two years, and it can be renewed after that. The National Visa is like a ticket to the country, and the residence permit is like a long-term membership card.
There are some basic requirements that you will find on almost all National Visa applications, even though each visa has its own set of requirements. Getting these things together ahead of time will save you a lot of time and stress.
Proof of having enough money: This is not up for discussion. Portugal wants to make sure you won’t be a drain on their social system. The exact amount depends on the visa, but it is usually based on the Portuguese minimum wage, which is about €820 per month in 2024. You will need to show that you have a steady income or a lot of savings for at least 12 months, and sometimes longer. Common forms of proof are bank statements, pension statements, and investment portfolios.
No matter which visa path you choose, knowing these common threads will give you a head start.
Whatever has drawn you in, the dream of living in Portugal is closer than you think. But before you can swap your daily commute for a stroll along a calçada portuguesa, there’s a crucial step: understanding and securing the right visa. This isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about finding the legal key that unlocks your new life. Let’s navigate this journey together, ensuring you pick the perfect entry point to your Portuguese adventure.
Picture yourself sitting in a sunny plaza, sipping espresso, and knowing that your income is coming in without you having to work a regular job. The D7 Visa, also known as the “Retirement Visa” or “Passive Income Visa,” makes that dream come true. It’s meant for people who can show that they have a steady, reliable source of passive income. What is it for? People who are retired or living off of investments (stocks, bonds, dividends), rental income from properties, royalties, or pensions. This income must be passive, which means you don’t have to work to get it.
Why go with D7? For people with steady passive income, the path is pretty clear. It doesn’t require a lot of money like the Golden Visa, and it doesn’t tie you to a certain job like a work visa does. It lets you live anywhere in Portugal and lets families get back together. Don’t just meet the minimum income, even though it looks good. Try to go above and beyond it comfortably, and make sure your income sources are well-documented and easy to check. The Portuguese government wants to see the economy stay stable.
Portugal got on board with the remote work revolution by creating its own Digital Nomad Visa (officially known as the “Visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory” or D8) in late 2022. This changes everything for people whose office is wherever their laptop is. For whom is it? People who work from home for a company outside of Portugal or who are self-employed and offer services to clients outside of Portugal. The most important thing is that your income comes from outside the country.
Why pick D8? It’s made just for people who work from home these days. It’s a clear path to legal residency for people who don’t fit the molds of passive income or traditional jobs. It has the same benefits as other D-visas, such as access to healthcare and a way to become a citizen. The D8 visa comes in two types: a temporary stay visa, which is good for up to one year and cannot be renewed, and a long-stay residency visa, which leads to a residence permit that can be renewed for two years. Most digital nomads choose the long-stay option, which lets them live in a place for an unlimited amount of time.
The Golden Visa, or ARI (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento), is one of the most popular programs in Portugal that lets people live there by investing. It lets non-EU citizens who invest a lot of money in the country become residents and eventually citizens. Who is it for? People or families with a lot of money who want to live in Portugal (and thus have access to the Schengen Area) in exchange for a large investment.
Starting in January 2024, the Golden Visa will no longer let you buy real estate directly or move money into accounts. The main investment choices right now are:
Why get a Golden Visa? It gives you more freedom than anything else, since you only need to be in Portugal for an average of 7 days a year to keep your residency. This is perfect for people who don’t want to move right away but want to make sure they and their families have a future option. It lets you travel freely within the Schengen Area and gives you a clear path to permanent residency and citizenship after five years. The Golden Visa program has changed a lot, especially since real estate investment is no longer an option. It is still a possible path, but you need to think carefully about the new investment options and do your homework. It’s a good idea to get professional advice in this case.
Are you an entrepreneur with a new business idea, or a very skilled freelancer who wants to start a business in Portugal? Your ticket is the D2 Visa, which is also known as the “Entrepreneur Visa.” Who is it for? People who want to start a new business in Portugal, move an existing business there, or work for themselves and offer services in Portugal.
What makes D2 the best choice? It’s a straight path for people who want to start their own business. Portugal wants to bring in foreign investment and talent, so this visa category is very popular. It gives you the same chance to get a green card and then become a citizen as other D-visas. Things to think about: The D2 takes a lot more work to get ready for than a D7 or D8. This is because you need to have a full business plan and, in many cases, actually start a business before you can apply. It is highly recommended that you talk to a local business consultant or lawyer who has worked with D2 applications before.
The D7, D8, Golden Visa, and D2 cover a lot of people, but Portugal also has other visas for specific situations.
The D4 visa is the right one for people who want to further their education or help with academic research in Portugal.
Who is it for? Students who are accepted into a Portuguese school (university or vocational school) for a program that lasts more than 90 days, or researchers who are accepted by a research center.
Why pick D4? It gives students a clear path to academic success by letting them experience Portuguese culture while earning useful degrees. If you find a job after graduation, it can also lead to a work visa.
You can bring your immediate family members to live with you in Portugal if you are already a legal resident there or are applying for residency through one of the D-visas. Who is it for? Spouses, minor children who are dependent on the applicant or spouse, adult children who are financially dependent and studying, dependent parents of the applicant or spouse, and minor siblings who are under the applicant’s guardianship.
Why pick D6 visa? It lets families stay together, which is a basic right protected by Portuguese law. It makes sure that everyone in the family can get the benefits of living in Portugal.
The D3 Visa is for people who have already gotten a job with a Portuguese company and will be working in Portugal. This is different from the D8 Visa, which is for people who work from home.
Who is this for? People who have a valid job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese company. This is also the visa for professionals with a lot of experience.
Why pick D3? It’s a direct route for people who want to get into the job market in Portugal. The employer often helps with parts of the application process, which makes it easier.
Although varying from visa to visa, some points are common and crucial in all of the Portuguese Visa processes.
| Digital Nomad Visa | D7 Visa | D3 Visa | D2 Visa | Golden Visa | Application | Remote Workers | Retirees / Pension Income | IT, Scientists, Management Positions, Experts in Intellectual and Scientific Activities | Entrpreneurs | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Required (Only Golden Visa) | - | €920 * 12 Months | €920 * 14 Months | €5.000+ | €500.000 (€250.000 in some cases) |
| Passive Income Required | - | € 11.040 for 1st Applicant | - | - | - |
| Means of Subsistence | €39.360 / Year | - | €18.336 / Year | € 11.040 / Year | € 11.040 / Year |
| Approved Business Plan Required | - | - | - | Yes | - |
| Application Process Timeline | 2-3 Months | 4-6 Months | 2-3 Months | 4-6 Months | 10-12 Months |
| Family Reunification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum In-Country Stay Required Per Year | Fully Flexible | 6 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months | 7 Days |
| Portuguese Language Proficiency Required | - | - | - | - | - |
| Live, Study & Work in Portugal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medical Insurance Required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Local Personal Income Tax Payable | Yes | - | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Social Security Contribuition Required | Yes | - | Yes | Yes | - |
| Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) Required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Even if you pick the right visa, the application process can still be hard. Knowing about common mistakes can help you avoid a lot of pain and delays.
Mistakes in the paperwork: This is probably the most common mistake. Your application could be denied or take a long time to process if you don’t have the right document, such as an apostilled certificate, a translated statement, or an expired passport.
How to stay away from: Make a very detailed checklist based on the official requirements for your visa. Get your papers together early. Check the expiration dates again. Make sure that a certified translator does all of the necessary translations. If you need an apostille, get one. Think of your application as a complicated puzzle; every piece has to be there and fit perfectly.
Not giving enough time for processing: The Portuguese visa and residence permit system is getting better, but it’s not known for being very fast. Many people who apply get angry about how long they have to wait.
How to stay away from: Be patient. Find out how long it usually takes for your consulate or embassy to process applications and add some extra time. Don’t buy flights that can’t be changed until you get your visa. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready for your trip. It can take anywhere from three to six months to get all the documents you need and get your visa, and then another two to four months to make an appointment for your residence permit once you’re in Portugal. Keep in mind that the temporary D-visa is only good for four months after you arrive in Portugal, so you need to make sure you get your AIMA (formerly SEF) appointment during that time.
Mistakes in Money: If you don’t give strong enough proof of funds or don’t accurately describe your financial situation, your application could be denied right away.
How to stay away from: Don’t just try to do the least you can. Portugal wants to know that you have enough money and won’t be a burden. If the minimum income is €920 per month, you should show €1,200 or more, or a lot of savings to cover at least 12 to 24 months of expenses. Make sure your bank statements clearly show that your income is steady and your balances are high enough. If you need money from investments, give official statements from well-known institutions. Be open and honest about all of your financial information.
In the event of visa rejection, don’t despair. Portuguese domestic law provides several avenues for appeal. You have the right to issue a formal complaint, appeal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, or even bring legal action in the Administrative Court in Lisbon. The timelines for these appeal procedures vary based on the type of visa but are typically within around three months for National Visas.
It’s important to note that these options are not mutually exclusive. Therefore, you may pursue an appeal and legal action simultaneously if you wish, potentially speeding up the process.
Family reunification is a crucial aspect of immigration in Portugal. The process enables foreign nationals holding a valid residency permit to bring their family members residing outside of Portugal into the country. This process starts with a concession request to the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). Once the SEF grants approval, the family members can lodge their residency visa application.
Typically, the processing of national visa applications incur a cost of €90 for a residency visa. However, Portugal offers fee exemptions for several categories of applicants:
These exemptions aim to ensure that financial constraints do not impede access to Portuguese residency for certain groups of individuals.
Navigating the process of relocating to a new country can be daunting, but Portugal’s robust and diverse visa options make it a feasible and attractive destination for many. Whether you’re a retiree, a highly-qualified professional, an entrepreneur, a digital nomad, or an investor, Portugal has a visa option tailored to your circumstances.
With the goal of making the process of applying for a visa to Portugal as easy, successful, and hassle-free as possible, Pearls of Portugal has created a special visa program in cooperation with legal partners that have been in the market for many years.
Most Portuguese visas require proof of long-term accommodation — and that’s exactly where relocation plans often stall. Our bundled packages combine expert visa guidance with the right home to match, so your paperwork and your move happen in sync, not months apart. Choose the Visa Bundle, the Visa & Rental Bundle, or a full Buyer’s package — one team, start to finish.