how to get a visa to live in portugal

How can I get residency in Portugal?

You can get residency in Portugal in six basic ways: Marriage, family reunification, study, work, investment, or retirement. For each of these, if you live outside the EU, you'll need to apply for the relevant visa. Once that visa is accepted, you'll apply for residency with the Portuguese government.

How can I live permanently in Portugal?

To obtain a permanent residence card in Portugal, you need to obtain a temporary residence permit and spend five years with the status of a residence permit. Get a residence permit in Portugal the fastest under the state program for investors – within 4 to 6 months.

How much money do you need to immigrate to Portugal?

How much money do you need to immigrate to Portugal? The government usually makes it easy for Americans to obtain residency. Usually, you'll start by getting a visa for residence purposes which is valid for 120 days. For that visa, you need paperwork proving that you have at least $1,070 per month.

What visa do I need to live in Portugal?

All foreign citizens intending to remain in Portugal for a period of up to one year, or to establish their residence for more than one year, must request the respective long-stay visa – Temporary Stay or Residence - from the Portuguese embassy in their country of residence or from the Portuguese embassy with ...

Can I move to Portugal without a job?

Getting a residence permit by investment in Portugal is the easiest way to become a resident. In this case, foreign citizens do not need to look for employment or enrol at university. A residence permit by investment is issued within six months.

Can I just move to Portugal?

Moving to Portugal is definitely possible for Americans. You will need to secure a visa to enter the country and gain a residence permit. Popular visa options include the Portugal Golden Visa and the D7 Visa. Then you will be able to live in Portugal.

What is the cheapest place to live in Portugal?

Get to know some of the cheapest cities to live in PortugalCastelo Branco. The city of Castelo Branco is located in central Portugal, near the Spanish border. ... Santarém. ... Viseu. ... Viana do Castelo. ... Figueira da Foz. ... Ponta Delgada. ... Alcobaça. ... Évora.More items...

Is healthcare free in Portugal?

Universal Health Coverage: Portugal provides healthcare free of charge to children under age 18 and adults over 65. If citizens do not meet these requirements, and unless they need urgent care or have a unique situation, the NHS offers healthcare to them at a low cost.

Is it cheaper to live in Spain or Portugal?

On average, the cost of living in Spain is 4.3% more expensive than in Portugal, with Spain being cheaper on average for public transport and grocery costs.

Can I get residency in Portugal if I buy a house?

Is it possible to obtain permanent residence or Portugal citizenship by purchasing real estate? In Portugal, no program allows you to obtain citizenship by investing in the country's economy. But after 5 years of maintaining a residence permit status, an investor can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

How long can you stay in Portugal if you own a property?

You will still be permitted to spend up to six months of the year in your home on the continent, as long as you abide by the 90/180 rule. If you are looking to stay for a period longer than 90 days without becoming tax resident, you can then apply for an extended authorisation in your chosen country.

How can I stay in Portugal for more than 3 months?

Non-EU/EFTA nationals who wish to stay longer than three months, however, will need to apply for a long-term national visa before entering Portugal and a Portuguese residence permit after arrival.

How hard is it to get citizenship in Portugal?

Once you make your qualifying investment and receive your Golden Visa from Portugal, it takes five years to be eligible to apply for citizenship. The Portuguese language test can be taken at any time before the application. Once you apply for citizenship, it takes roughly six months to get naturalized in Portugal.

How much do you need to live in Portugal?

The average monthly salary, after taxes, is about USD$881-1,077. If you're committed to living frugally, you can live for less in Portugal. Many locals get by on less than USD$870-$1,060 a month. A couple can live in one of Portugal's smaller cities for about USD$990-$1,200 a month.

How long does it take to get residence permit in Portugal?

60 daysThe processing time for a residency visa is 60 days. You must lodge your application at a Portugal embassy/consulate in your country. Before you do so you have to make an appointment with the embassy, you can either write an email or visit the embassy personally to schedule the appointment.

What is the difference between permanent resident and citizen in Portugal?

The first is that citizenship, and having that “EU passport,” allows you to easily live, work, and retire in another EU country. Permanent residency does not come with those benefits as it does not make you eligible for a Portuguese passport. The second is that you cannot lose your citizenship once it has been granted.

How can I get residency in Portugal?

You can get residency in Portugal in six basic ways: Marriage, family reunification, study, work, investment, or retirement. For each of these, if...

Is it easy to get residency in Portugal?

It is fairly easy to get residency in Portugal. The key is to be organized and persistent. You’ll navigate a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy to ge...

How long does it take to get residency in Portugal?

In simplest terms, you can receive permanent Portugal residency once you’ve lived in country for five years with a temporary residence permit. To b...

How can I settle in Portugal?

To settle in Portugal, you need a visa to establish residency. Once you have your visa, you can set up home in Portugal and apply for your residenc...

What is essential travel in Portugal?

Portuguese authorities define “essential travel” as trips allowing the transit, entry into and departure from Portugal for the following persons: citizens of a European Union member state, Schengen Associated countries and their family members. citizens repatriated through consular assistance.

What is the proof of civil status in Portugal?

Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable) Means of subsistence – Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Portugal.

When did Portugal become a member of the Schengen Area?

You can apply for the Portuguese Schengen Visa since 1995 when Portugal as an EU Country State also became a member state of the Schengen Area.

How many photos are required for a Portuguese passport?

2 photos must be attached; the photo should be of passport format – a recent whole-face capture with a light background. Learn more about photo requirements and specifications for a Portuguese Visa.

What is proof of parent's regular income?

Proof of parent’s regular income (work contract with specified monthly income or a bank statement or business license)

What is a medical attestation in Portugal?

A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Portugal, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation

Is there air travel to Portugal?

Air travel to and from Portugal has been suspended for all flights to and from all non-EU/Schengen countries, except for essential travel from: Portuguese-speaking countries. the United States (because of its large Portuguese communities) Brazil, but only for flights to and from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Who needs a Portuguese visa?

Like many other EU countries, Portugal has a two-tier immigration and visa system. Rules depend on whether you are an EU/EFTA citizen or a third-country national.

How long does it take to get a permanent residence in Portugal?

Both EU/EFTA and non-EU residents are eligible to apply for permanent residence in Portugal after five years. The process is more straightforward for EU/EFTA citizens; check Portuguese immigration policy for EU nationals.

How long can you stay in Portugal on a Schengen visa?

The Short Stay visa, or Schengen Visa, is for stays of up to a maximum of 90 days in any 180 day period. It can be granted for purposes of tourism, family visits, business, temporary work, airport transit, or other stays in Portugal of a temporary or seasonal nature. The Schengen Visa allows you to travel around the Schengen Area countries for the duration of the visa.

How long does a Portuguese work visa last?

For any employment in Portugal lasting between 90 days and one year. The Portuguese work visa can be for purposes such as long-term seasonal work, self-employed or freelance work, scientific or academic work, amateur sports activity, or any other skilled work.

What is the Golden Visa?

The Portuguese golden visa scheme speeds up the process for foreign investors from non-EU countries if they buy Portuguese real estate or invest up to a certain value. Provided they meet the conditions, under this scheme non-EU citizens will receive a Portuguese residence permit and can later apply for full Portuguese citizenship.

How long does a long stay visa last in Portugal?

Long-stay visa for any form of professional training, unpaid internship or volunteering for a charity or NGO based in Portugal that lasts for longer than 12 months. In addition to general requirements, you will need to provide full details of your placement including a letter of acceptance and the duration of the program.

How long can an EU citizen stay in Portugal?

EU nationals can enter the country for three months with the aim of finding a job or setting up a business. Once hired, EU nationals have the same rights as Portuguese workers. Portugal is also part of the Schengen Area, which is made up of 26 European countries with no border controls between them.

What is a residence visa in Portugal?

Your residence visa allows you to enter Portugal for the purpose of applying for a residence permit. Basically, that visa is the first step to getting permanent residency. The name of the department responsible for processing and issuing residence visas is the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF).

How to become a resident of Portugal?

By marrying a citizen of Portugal, you can apply for residency and, eventually, citizenship. The first stage in this process is getting a temporary residence permit for five years and then you can opt for a permanent residency.

How do I get residency in Portugal?

How can I get residency in Portugal? You can get residency in Portugal in six basic ways: Marriage, family reunification, study, work, investment, or retirement. For each of these, if you live outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for the relevant visa. Once that visa is accepted, you’ll apply for residency with the Portuguese government.

How to settle in Portugal?

To settle in Portugal, you need a visa to establish residency. Once you have your visa, you can set up home in Portugal and apply for your residence permit. Part of your residence permit requires that you have a Portuguese address, and that you spend a minimum amount of time in Portugal each year.

What is the Golden Visa Program?

Commonly known as the Golden Visa Program, the program gives residency permits to individuals who invest in Portugal.

How long do you have to live in Portugal to become a permanent resident?

In simplest terms, you can receive permanent Portugal residency once you’ve lived in country for five years with a temporary residence permit. To become a permanent resident of Portugal, you need to have a long-stay visa and fulfil minimum stay requirements.

Why is Portugal considered a good place to live?

This is largely because of great weather and relatively good values in the Portuguese real estate market.

How long does a visa last in Portugal?

and Canadian citizens. However, note that your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry into Portugal.

How long is a temporary visa in Portugal?

Temporary residence visas are initially granted for one year , followed by two consecutive two-year terms. After five years’ residence in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residence visa.

How long do you have to stay in Europe to get Portuguese citizenship?

Issued initially for a period of one year, this visa can be renewed every two years afterward. You may apply for Portuguese citizenship after six years.

How much money do you need to get a golden visa in Portugal?

Portugal also offers a so-called Golden Visa for high net-worth individuals. To qualify for a Golden Visa, you must either bring €1 million (just over $1.36 million) into Portugal, create 10 jobs in the country, or buy a property worth at least €500,000 (about $618,000).

How long do you have to stay in Portugal to leave?

Pay attention to the calendar so you are not caught a day or two late on departure. Second, after you’ve lived part-time in Portugal for up to 90 days and are required to leave the country for 90 days before you return for a second 90-day period, you may not spend that interim in any other Schengen country.

How long do you have to live in Portugal to get a permanent residence?

An important condition for applying for permanent residency in Portugal is that the applicant has lived for five continuous years in the country . During this stay, he or she must have held a Registration Certificate, mandatory for all individuals who wish to stay in the country for more than three months, either if this stay is related to education, work, or business purposes. Third state residents, as well as those individuals from all other states who are not part of the EU (and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), must first hold a residency visa before they can apply for permanent residency in Portugal.

Which countries require a residency visa for Portugal?

The Portugal residency visa is required for third state citizens and the ones from non-EU countries. Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland make the exception in this case.

What is a residence permit in Portugal?

A residence permit is granted when the applicant is not subject to a prohibition to enter the country following an expulsion measure. The applicant cannot be convicted for a crime that is punishable in Portugal by a custodial sentence of more than one year.

What are the requirements to get a permanent residence in Portugal?

The proof of income, proof of accommodation, and uninterrupted residency are solicited for the Portugal permanent residence permit. You can discuss our immigration lawyers in Portugal for more details.

How long does a temporary residence permit last in Portugal?

Here are other details you should consider about the temporary residence permit in Portugal: It is available for one year, with the renewal possibility. After 5 years of having a temporary permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. A temporary r esidence permit can be renewed for two years.

How long can a foreigner drive in Portugal?

The license was issued by a country with which Portugal has a bilateral agreement: the holder can drive in Portugal for 185 days after his entry in the situation in which he does not intend to settle in the country; upon obtaining residence, he can drive for a period of 90 days after the issuance of the residence document; when the foreign national makes a submission with the IMT two years after taking up residence he/she will need to pass a practical driving test in order to regain the driver's license.

How much capital transfer is required for a company in Portugal?

capital transfer of at least 350,000 Euros for the incorporation of a company with its head office in Portugal, combined with creating at least 5 permanent jobs; creating at least 10 new jobs; capital transfer of at least 1 million Euros.

How long does it take to get a residence card in Portugal?

Once the SEF has collected your documents and biometric data, it will take them about three weeks to send your residence card to your Portuguese address.

How to get a D7 visa in Portugal?

In order to acquire the Portugal D7 visa, you need to be a non-EU national, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal, and hold a clean criminal record.

What is the D7 Visa?

The Portuguese government introduced a special visa type in 2007, known as the D7 Visa, the Retirement Visa , or Passive Income Visa. This residency visa permits any non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen to apply for residency in Portugal, provided that they have a reasonable passive income.

How long is a D7 visa valid in Portugal?

This temporary visa is valid for a period of four months from its issuance date.

How long does it take to get a D7 visa?

Obtaining the D7 Residency Visa will depend on where you are applying from in Portugal. Getting an appointment with SEF can take up to 120 days if you reside in Lisbon or Porto.

How long does a D7 visa last?

Apply in your home country for a temporary D7 Visa (which lasts for four months)

Where to apply for a D7 visa?

In order to apply for the Visa D7 you will need to launch a D7 visa application in your home country’s Portuguese embassy. Once you receive a temporary D7 visa, you will have to travel to Portugal and get an appointment with SEF who will grant you a D7 Residency Visa.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal?

It’s worth mentioning that while €665 per month is the average cost of living in Portugal, it would be difficult to live in many parts of Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto, on that. Just finding an apartment in Lisbon for €665 would be a challenge. Most people living on minimum wage do not live particularly well and will most likely either be living with family or getting a lot of help from them.

How long is a Portuguese passport valid?

Normally it is valid for 1 year at a time, but it’s sometimes given in 2-year blocks. Normally, the first permit is for 1 year and the following 2 renewals are for 2 year periods. After 5 years of living in Portugal, you would be eligible to apply for permanent residency and also, should you wish, Portuguese citizenship.

What is the advantage of a golden visa?

The main advantage of the Golden Visa over the D7 is flexibility . Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme only requires you to spend an average of 7 days in Portugal per year. It also grants you a 5-year residency permit rather than having to first apply for a visa, then a residence permit, then to renew the residence permit.

What is the difference between a D7 and a Golden Visa?

The main advantage of the D7 over the Golden Visa is cost. Although there are costs involved with the D7, it typically works out cheaper than the Golden Visa as, besides the investment cost, the Golden Visa comes with government fees of around €5,000.

How long does it take to get a D7 visa?

6 months of bank statements. Savings. Background checks in some countries, including the US, can take several months, however, it is possible to pay an additional fee to expedite it. Yes, you apply for your D7 Visa in your home country but the application requires you to have rented or bought a place in Portugal.

What is considered passive income for D7?

Accepted forms of income. Those with a passive income (e.g. income from rental properties, a pension, or income from investments, dividends, or royalties) seem to have a slightly easier time getting approved for the D7, but many freelancers and employees with a remote job have been successful too.

Who is James from Portugalist?

Hi, I'm James. I'm the main writer at Portugalist and the author of the book Moving to Portugal Made Simple. I started Portugalist because I felt there was a real lack of good quality information about Portugal and I wanted to change that.

Immigration in Portugal

Who Needs A Portuguese Visa?

Types of Portuguese Visa

Short Stay Portuguese Visas

Temporary Stay Portuguese Visas

Long Stay Portuguese Visas

• Also known as the Residency Visa, this is a Portuguese national visa for stays longer than one year. With this visa, you will need to apply for a Portuguese residency permit from the Portugal Immigration Service (SEF). Information on who needs this visa and where to apply is the same as for the Temporary Stay visa. The application formis also the s...

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