Ways to move to Portugal

With a low crime rate, stable political system and peaceful relations with neighboring countries, Portugal is safe to live and raise children. The country ranks sixth in the Global Peace Index 2022. Even with the well publicized changing of the golden visa and NHR (non-habitual residency programme) there are still a number of ways you can make the move to Portugal.
Therefore, if you are looking to invest in Portugal or moving to the country, there are many viable options available. We invite you to explore some of these alternatives together. Non-EU nationals interested in relocating to Portugal can apply for a “D” visa, which is specifically designed for residency purposes. This type of visa can be obtained for a variety of reasons, including:

Portugal Visa Options


D2 Visa

This visa is intended for Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland freelancers, entrepreneurs and independent service providers.

D2 – Commonly known as the Start up Visa

Investment needed: 850€ per month (minimum applicant income)

Time Required: 4-6 months

Benefits:

  • Entrepreneurial Opportunities
  • Travel within the Schengen Area
  • Residency rights and access to services
  • Pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship

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D7 Visa

Introduced in 2007 this visa is intended for Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland to reside in Portugal legally, provided that they meet the minimum passive income requirements from sources such as pensions, investments, rental income or other passive sources.

D7 – Commonly known as the retiree or passive income visa

Investment needed: 760€ per month (minimum applicant income) Time Required: 4-6 months Benefits:
  • No Active Business Involvement
  • Travel within the Schengen Area
  • Residency rights and access to services
  • Pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship
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D8 Visa

This temporary visa is intended for Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland digital nomads. It allows you to stay in Portugal for up to one year and freely leave and re-enter the country during this time. If you end up deciding to stay long-term, the visa can be renewed. The application process is very similar to that of the D7 Visa

D8 – Commonly known as the Digital Nomad Visa

Investment needed: 3040€ per month (minimum applicant income)

Time Required: 4+ months

Benefits:

  • Moving to Portugal
  • Travel within the Schengen Area
  • Residency rights and access to services
  • Pathway to permanent residency and

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Golden Visa

Even though there have been huge changes to this visa it is still possible to get this visa. You can invest through an investment fund. This is the best way if an investor doesn’t plan to move permanently or become a tax resident. An investment fund is a financial institution that aims to attract and increase capital. The fund raises money and invests in selected assets. The minimum fund investment is €500,000. The holding period is at least 5 years. However, the money is usually returned in 6-10 years. The fund distributes the earned profit among its investors after with-drawing a commission.

Golden Visa

Investment needed: 500.000€

Time Required: 2 Years

Portuguese citizenship:

  • Visa Free entry into the Schengen Area
  • Travel within the Schengen Area
  • Pathway to citizenship an and Portuguese Passport
  • Minimum stay requirements
  • Can keep Citizenship of your country of Origin

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D2 Visa

This visa is intended for Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland freelancers, entrepreneurs and independent service providers.

Benefits of the D2 Visa

  • The right to establish a business or work as an independent professional and live in Portugal
  • Free entry and circulation within the Schengen Area
  • Qualification for permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal
  • Portuguese residence rights, including education and health care
  • Family reunification

Type And Validity Of The Visa

Qualifying for the Portugal D2 Visa In order for the D2 visa to be successfully granted, you must prove your organizations valid and present the following elements:
  • Declaration of Investment
  • Company set up
  • Business plan
  • Financial capacity
  • Personal financial means
  • Share Capital
  • Heath Insurance
  • Service Contract
  • Tax representative

Minimum stay requirements

The minimum requirement to continue residing in Portugal is that you spend at least 4 months in the country during the first year and at least 6 months per year during each 3 year subsequent period

Visa fees
Approximately 90€ in government fees and 160€ for your residency permit

How to Apply for a D2 Visa

Required Documents

When applying for a D2 Visa, you will typically need the following documents:

1. A valid passport, with an expiration date at least 6 months beyond the Visa’s expiry date (which is typically set at 4 months).
2. Two recent passport-sized color photos.
3. A declaration explaining the reasons for seeking residency in Portugal.
4. Health Insurance Plan valid in Portugal or a sworn statement that you will obtain one within 90 days of arrival.
5. A criminal record certificate or Police clearance letter (or an FBI report for U.S. residents), issued no more than 90 days before submitting your application to the Consulate.
6. Documentary evidence of your accommodation in Portugal, which can include a property title deed or a tenancy agreement.
7. Documentary evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself in Portugal, such as a local bank statement.
8. If you are a freelance professional, include a copy of your contract and, if applicable, proof of your professional qualifications. For entrepreneurs, provide a business plan and evidence of either your
investment or access to the necessary funding in Portugal

To initiate the D2 Visa application process, you should follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Portugal taxpayer identification number (NIF).
2. Open a bank account in Portugal and transfer the recommended amount of €12,000.00, along with €6,000.00 for your spouse and €3,600.00 for each child.
3. Secure long-term accommodation in the country, either through purchasing or renting a property for at least one year (even if there’s an early break clause).
4. Apply online via the E-Visa Portal, available through the Portuguese Consulate in your home country or VFS Centre or in Portugal.

The processing time can take up to 60 days. Once approved, you will receive a 4-month Portugal D2 Visa, allowing you to travel to Portugal for the purpose of applying for a temporary residence permit that is initially valid for 2 years.

This temporary residence permit can be extended for an additional 3 years. After legally residing in Portugal for a total of 5 years, you become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship.

Gaining Portuguese citizenship typically entails passing a basic test in Portuguese language and culture.

For more information contact us today

D7 Visa

Introduced in 2007 this visa is intended for Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland to reside in Portugal legally, provided that they meet the minimum passive income requirements from sources such as pensions, investments, rental income or other passive sources.

Benefits of the D7 Visa

  • No Active business involvement
  • Free entry and circulation within the Schengen Area
  • Qualification for permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal
  • Portuguese residence rights, including education and health care
  • Family reunification

Type And Validity Of The Visa

Qualifying for the Portugal D7 Visa In order for the D7 visa to be successfully granted, you must prove your organizations valid and present the following elements:
  • Buy or rent a property in Portugal
  • Prove passive income of at least 760€ per month
  • Heath Insurance
  • Tax representative

Minimum stay requirements

The minimum requirement to continue residing in Portugal for at least 16 moths per 2-year period, provided no absence exceeds 6 consecutive months.

Visa fees
Approximately 90€ in government fees and 160€ for your residency permit

How to Apply for a D7 Visa

Required Documents

When applying for a D7 Visa, you will typically need the following documents:

To initiate the D7 Visa application process, you should follow these steps:

1. Gather the necessary documents (including criminal record certificate, health insurance and bank statements, 2 passport photos).
2.Obtain a Portugal taxpayer identification number (NIF).
3. Proof of income or financial resources.
4. Secure long-term accommodation in the country, either through purchasing or renting a property for at least one year (even if there’s an early break clause).
5. Apply online via the E-Visa Portal, available through the Portuguese Consulate in your home country or VFS Centre or in Portugal.

The processing time can take up to 60 days. Once approved, you will receive a 4-month Portugal D7 Visa, allowing you to travel to Portugal for the purpose of applying for a temporary residence permit that is initially valid for 2 years.

This temporary residence permit can be extended for an additional 3 years. After legally residing in Portugal for a total of 5 years, you become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship.

Gaining Portuguese citizenship typically entails passing a basic test in Portuguese language and culture.

For more information contact us today

D8 Visa

This temporary visa is intended for Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland digital nomads. It allows you to stay in Portugal for up to one year and freely leave and re-enter the country during this time. If you end up deciding to stay long-term, the visa can be renewed. The application process is very similar to that of the D7 Visa Benefits of the D8 Visa
  • The right to live and work in the country for up to one year
  • Free entry and circulation within the Schengen Area
  • Qualification for permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal
  • Portuguese residence rights, including education and health care
  • Family reunification

Type And Validity Of The Visa

Qualifying for the Portugal D8 Visa In order for the D8 visa to be successfully granted, you must present the following elements:
  • A proof means of subsistence through a statement of responsibility
  • A salary of 3040€ (four times the Portuguese minimum wage)
  • Be employed by a company outside Portugal or self employed, therefore a work contract or agreement for your work activity
  • Heath Insurance

Visa fees
Approximately 90€ in government fees and 160€ for your residency permit

How to Apply for a D8 Visa

Required Documents

When applying for a D8 Visa, you will typically need the following documents:

1. A valid passport, with an expiration date at least 6 months beyond the Visa’s expiry date (which is typically set at 4 months).
2. Two recent passport-sized color photos.
3. A declaration explaining the reasons for seeking residency in Portugal.
4. A work contract and other agreements proving the applicant is working remotely.
5. A bank statement proving a monthly income of €3040.
6. Tax return statements or tax receipts.
7. Proof of sufficient funds to reside in Portugal – a bank statement showing at least the last 12 salaries of the digital nomad. In 2023, the account balance should be no less than €34480.
8. Health Insurance Plan valid in Portugal or a sworn statement that you will obtain one within 90 days of arrival.
9. A criminal record certificate or Police clearance letter (or an FBI report for U.S. residents), issued no more than 90 days before submitting your application to the Consulate.
10. Documentary evidence of your accommodation in Portugal, which can include a property title deed or a tenancy agreement.
11. Tickets to Portugal on the approximate date of arrival with the visa.
12. A NIF registration certificate.

The processing time can take up to 60 days. Once approved, you will receive a 4-month Portugal D8 Visa, allowing you to travel to Portugal for the purpose of applying for a temporary residence permit that is initially valid for 2 years.

This temporary residence permit can be extended for an additional 3 years. After legally residing in Portugal for a total of 5 years, you become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship.

Gaining Portuguese citizenship typically entails passing a basic test in Portuguese language and culture.

For more information contact us today

Golden Visa

Even though there have been huge changes to this visa it is still possible to get this visa. You can invest through an investment fund. This is the best way if an investor doesn’t plan to move permanently or become a tax resident. An investment fund is a financial institution that aims to attract and increase capital. The fund raises money and invests in selected assets. The minimum fund investment is €500,000. The holding period is at least 5 years. However, the money is usually returned in 6-10 years. The fund distributes the earned profit among its investors after with-drawing a commission. Benefits of the Golden Visa
  • The right to live and work in the country
  • Low physical presence requirement
  • Free entry and circulation within the Schengen Area
  • Qualification for permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal
  • Portuguese residence rights, including education and health care
  • Family reunification

Type And Validity Of The Visa

Qualifying for the Portugal Golden Visa
Investing 500,000€ in private equity funds or a venture capital fund is a good option for acquiring residency in Portugal. The funds are managed by fund managers who are accredited by Portugal’s regulatory body CMVM.

Visa fees
Approximately 7000€ for the main applicant

How to Apply for a Golden Visa

Required Documents

When applying for a Golden Visa, you will typically need the following documents:

1. A valid passport and travel documents
2. A declaration from your bank in Portugal confirming the transfer of funds from abroad.
3. A declaration of honor compromising to maintenance the investment for 5 years.
4. Documents showing a good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs authority.
5. Documents showing non-enrollment or good standing with the Social Security.
6. A receipt showing that you already paid the application processing fee.
7. Health Insurance Plan
8. A criminal record certificate or Police clearance letter (or an FBI report for U.S. residents), issued no more than 90 days before submitting your application to the Consulate.
9. A NIF registration certificate.

The processing time can take up to 2 years.

For more information contact us today