With Portugal's popularity surging worldwide, expats are investors need to be aware of the most suitable pathway to residency and citizenship for them.
Let's explore the various options available for visas in Portugal.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a residence permit program for non-European Union citizens who make a significant investment in Portugal. The program was launched in 2012 and has since become one of the most popular Golden Visa programs in the world.
Who is eligible for the Golden Visa?
To be eligible for the Golden Visa, you must be a non-EU citizen and meet some investment requirements. Here are a few popular investment options:
- An Investment amount of €500,000, in an existing Portuguese business or company.
- The investment must create jobs for at least 3 years and increase the business share capital.
- A donation of at least €250,000 in art or reconstruction of national heritage
- A donation of €500,000 to scientific institutes of research
In addition to the investment requirement, visa applicants must also have a clean criminal record and meet the basic health requirements.
Changes to the Portugal Golden Visa in 2023
In 2023, the Portuguese government made some changes to the Golden Visa program, mainly focusing on the real estate option. The main changes are as follows:
- As of October 9, 2023, the Portuguese government announced that the Golden Visa program will no longer accept the real estate investment option to acquire a residency permit.
- Furthermore, the option of transferring €1.5m into a Portuguese bank account to acquire residency is also no longer accepted.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa offers a number of benefits, including:
- The ability to live and work in Portugal
- The ability to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area
- Access to Portuguese healthcare and education systems
- The possibility to apply for Portuguese permanent residence after five years
- The possibility of applying for Portuguese citizenship after six years
How to apply for Portugal's Golden Visa
To apply for the Golden Visa, you must submit the following documents to the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF):
- A completed application form
- Two identical passport photographs
- A valid passport
- A criminal records certificate from your home country
- A medical certificate
- Proof of your investment in Portugal
The Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) will process your application and make a decision within 60 days. If your application is approved, you will be granted a two-year residence permit. You can renew your residence permit for up to five years, as long as you maintain your investment in Portugal.
Why choose the Golden Visa program?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a great option for non-EU citizens who are looking to live and work in Portugal. The program offers a number of benefits, including the ability to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area and the possibility of applying for Portuguese permanent residence and citizenship.
If you're interested, it's crucial to consult with one of our visa experts to understand your options before any other Portuguese Government amendments come into effect.
What is the D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)?
The Portugal D8 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, is a new type of visa that Portugal introduced in 2023 to attract remote workers from around the world. The visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Portugal for up to one year, and it is renewable.
Who is eligible for the Portugal D8 Visa?
To be eligible for the Portugal D8 Visa, you must meet the following visa requirements:
- You must be a non-EU citizen.
- You must be employed by a company outside of Portugal or self-employed.
- You must have a monthly income of at least €3,040.
- You must have health insurance.
- You must have a criminal records certificate from your home country.
How to apply for the Portugal D8 Visa
To apply for the Portugal D8 Visa, you must submit the following documents to the Portuguese consulate or visa centre in your home country:
- A completed visa application form
- Two identical passport photographs
- A valid passport
- Proof of employment or self-employment
- Proof of a monthly income of at least €3,040
- Proof of health insurance
- A criminal records certificate from your home country
The Portuguese consulate or visa centre will process your application and make a decision within 60 days. If your application is approved, you will be granted a one-year residence permit.
You can renew your residence permit for up to five years, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Benefits of the Portugal D8 Visa
The Portugal D8 Visa offers a number of benefits, including:
- The ability to live and work in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years.
- The ability to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area.
- Access to Portuguese healthcare and education systems.
- The possibility of applying for Portuguese permanent residence after five years.
- The possibility of applying for Portuguese citizenship after six years.
- Low cost of living in Portugal
Why choose the D8 (Digital Nomad) Visa
The Portugal D8 Visa is a great work visa option if you are a remote worker or freelancer and are looking to live and work in Portugal. The visa process is relatively straightforward and the benefits are numerous.
What is the D7 Visa (Passive Income/ Retirement Visa)?
The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is a long-term visa for non-EU citizens who have a regular passive income and wish to reside in Portugal. The visa is valid for one year and is renewable for up to five years.
After five years of residency, you may apply for Portuguese permanent residence.
Who is eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa?
To be eligible for the Portugal D7 residence visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a non-EU citizen.
- You must have a regular passive income of at least €7,600 per year for one person, or €11,400 per year for a couple.
- You must have health insurance.
- You must have a criminal records certificate from your home country.
How to apply for the Portugal D7 Visa
To apply for the Portugal D7 Visa, you must submit the following documents to the Portuguese consulate or visa center in your home country:
- A completed visa application form
- Two identical passport photographs
- A valid passport
- Proof of a regular passive income
- Proof of health insurance
- A criminal records certificate from your home country
The Portuguese consulate or visa centre will process your application and make a decision within 60 days. If your application is approved, you will be granted a one-year residence permit. You can renew your residence permit for up to five years, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Benefits of the Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa offers a number of benefits, including:
- The ability to live in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years.
- The ability to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area.
- Access to Portuguese healthcare and education systems.
- The possibility of applying for Portuguese permanent residence after five years.
- The possibility of applying for Portuguese citizenship after six years.
- The possibility to bring your family members to Portugal under the 'Family Reunification' programme
- Access to the public health care system
Tips for applying for the Portugal D7 Visa
- Make sure you have all of the required documents before you apply.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your passive income.
- If you are applying for a visa as a retiree, be sure to include a copy of your pension statement in your application.
- If you are applying for a visa as an investor, be sure to include a copy of your investment portfolio in your application.
Conclusion
The Portugal D7 Visa is a great option for non-EU citizens and wealthy expats who have a regular passive income and wish to reside in Portugal as well as apply for the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime. The visa process is relatively straightforward and the benefits are numerous.
Additional tips
- When applying for the Portugal D7 Visa, it is important to demonstrate that you have a stable and regular passive income. This could be in the form of a pension, rental income, investment income, or other sources of non-salaried income.
- You must also have health insurance that covers you for your stay in Portugal. This insurance can be purchased from a Portuguese insurance company or from an international insurance company.
- Finally, you must have a criminal records certificate from your home country. This certificate can be obtained from the police or from another government agency.
What is the D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)?
The Portugal D2 Visa is a long-term visa scheme for entrepreneurs who wish to start or relocate their business to Portugal. The visa entitles the holder to a one-year residence permit, which can be renewed for up to five years. After five years of temporary residency, you can apply for a Portuguese permanent residence permit.
Who is eligible for the Portugal D2 Visa?
To be eligible for the Portugal D2 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a business plan that is considered to be viable and beneficial to the Portuguese economy.
- You must have a minimum investment of €5,000 in your business.
- You must have a minimum monthly income of €8,460.
- You must have a valid passport and travel insurance.
- You must have a criminal records certificate from your home country.
How to apply for the Portugal D2 Visa
To apply for the Portugal D2 Visa, you must submit the following documents to the Portuguese consulate or visa centre in your home country:
- A completed visa application form
- Two identical passport photographs
- A valid passport (with at least three months of validity remaining)
- Proof of travel and accommodation for the applicant and their family, including a rental contract or a letter of invitation from a person legally residing in Portugal
- Valid travel insurance
- A criminal records certificate issued by the applicant's country of origin
- A completed form allowing the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF) to access your criminal record
- A detailed business plan
- Proof of a minimum investment of €5,000 in your business
- Proof of a minimum monthly income of €8,460
Processing time and fees
The processing time for the Portugal D2 Visa is typically 60 days. The visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children under 12.
Arrival in Portugal
Once your D2 Visa has been approved, you must travel to Portugal within 90 days. Once you arrive in Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit within four months. To apply for a residence permit, you must submit the following documents to the SEF:
- Your D2 Visa
- Your passport
- A criminal records certificate issued by the Portuguese authorities
- A medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of a means of subsistence
- Proof of your business plan and investment
Renewing your residence permit
Your D2 Visa residence permit is valid for one year. You can renew your residence permit for up to five years. To renew your residence permit, you must submit the following documents to the SEF:
- Your passport
- Your residence permit
- Proof of your business plan and investment
- Proof of a means of subsistence
- Proof of accommodation
Benefits of the Portugal D2 Visa
The Portugal D2 Visa offers a number of benefits, including:
- The ability to live and work in Portugal for up to five years
- The ability to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area
- Access to Portuguese healthcare and education systems
- The possibility to apply for Portuguese permanent residence after five years
- The possibility of applying for Portuguese citizenship after six years
What is the D3 Visa?
The Portugal D3 Visa is a long-term visa for highly qualified professionals who have received a job offer or have already concluded a work contract with a Portuguese employer.
The visa entitles the holder to a two-year residence permit, which can be renewed for up to five years. After five years of temporary residency, you can apply for a Portuguese permanent residence permit.
Who is eligible for the Portugal D3 Visa?
To be eligible for the Portugal D3 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a higher professional education diploma, or at least five years of relevant work experience.
- You must have a job offer or work contract from a Portuguese employer.
- Your salary must be at least 1,800 € per month.
- You must have a valid passport and travel insurance.
- You must have a criminal records certificate from your home country.
How to apply for the Portugal D3 Visa
To apply for the Portugal D3 Visa, you must submit the following documents to the Portuguese consulate or visa center in your home country:
- A completed visa application form
- Two identical passport photographs
- A valid passport (with at least three months of validity remaining)
- Proof of travel and accommodation for the applicant and their family, including a rental contract or a letter of invitation from a person legally residing in Portugal
- Valid travel insurance
- A criminal records certificate issued by the applicant's country of origin
- A completed form allowing the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF) to access your criminal record
- Proof of a higher professional education diploma or five years of relevant work experience
- A job offer or work contract from a Portuguese employer
- Proof of a salary of at least 1,800 € per month
Processing time and fees
The processing time for the Portugal D3 Visa is typically 60 days. The visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children under 12.
Arrival in Portugal
Once your D3 Visa has been approved, you must travel to Portugal within 90 days. Once you arrive in Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days. To apply for a residence permit, you must submit the following documents to the SEF:
- Your D3 Visa
- Your passport
- A criminal records certificate issued by the Portuguese authorities
- A medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of a means of subsistence
- Proof of your employment contract
Renewing your residence permit
Your D3 Visa residence permit is valid for two years. You can renew your residence permit for up to five years. To renew your residence permit, you must submit the following documents to the SEF:
- Your passport
- Your residence permit
- Proof of employment
- Proof of a means of subsistence
- Proof of accommodation
Benefits of the Portugal D3 Visa
The Portugal D3 Visa offers a number of benefits, including:
- The ability to live and work in Portugal for up to five years
- The ability to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area
- Access to Portuguese healthcare and education systems
- The possibility to apply for Portuguese permanent residence after five years
- The possibility of applying for Portuguese citizenship after six years
The importance of having a NIF number
A NIF number (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a Portuguese tax identification number. It is required for a number of activities in Portugal, including opening a bank account, registering for utilities, and buying property. In order to apply for a Portugal Golden Visa, you must have a NIF number.
A bank account in Portugal is also required for the Golden Visa program. You must use your Portuguese bank account to make the required investment.
Here is how a NIF number and bank account fit into the different visa options:
Golden Visa
- You must have a NIF number to apply for the Golden Visa.
- You must use your Portuguese bank account to make the required investment.
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
- You do not need a NIF number to apply for the D7 Visa.
- However, you will need to open a Portuguese bank account once you arrive in Portugal.
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
- You do not need a NIF number to apply for the D8 Visa.
- However, you will need to open a Portuguese bank account once you arrive in Portugal.
D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)
- You must have a NIF number to apply for the D2 Visa.
- You will need to open a Portuguese bank account to receive your salary and to pay for business expenses.
D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Professional Visa)
- You must have a NIF number to apply for the D3 Visa.
- You will need to open a Portuguese bank account to receive your salary.
The importance of SEF in obtaining your visa
The SEF is the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service. It is responsible for issuing and managing visas and residence permits for foreigners in Portugal.
The SEF is involved in all of the visa residency options listed above. Here is a brief overview of how the SEF fits into each visa option:
Golden Visa
- The SEF immigration authorities is responsible for processing Golden Visa applications and issuing Golden Visa residence permits.
- Once you have been granted a Golden Visa, you must register with the SEF within 30 days of arriving in Portugal.
- You must renew your Golden Visa residence permit every two years with the SEF.
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
- The SEF is responsible for processing D7 Visa applications and issuing D7 Visa residence permits.
- Once you have been granted a D7 Visa, you must register with the SEF within 30 days of arriving in Portugal.
- You must renew your D7 Visa residence permit every year with the SEF.
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
- The SEF is responsible for processing D8 Visa applications and issuing D8 Visa residence permits.
- Once you have been granted a D8 Visa, you must register with the SEF within 30 days of arriving in Portugal.
- You must renew your D8 Visa residence permit every year with the SEF.
D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)
- The SEF is responsible for processing D2 Visa applications and issuing D2 Visa residence permits.
- Once you have been granted a D2 Visa, you must register with the SEF within 30 days of arriving in Portugal.
- You must renew your D2 Visa residence permit every year with the SEF.
D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Professional Visa)
- The SEF is responsible for processing D3 Visa applications and issuing D3 Visa residence permits.
- Once you have been granted a D3 Visa, you must register with the SEF within 30 days of arriving in Portugal.
- You must renew your D3 Visa residence permit every two years with the SEF.
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways website and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice.
