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International individuals who wish to work and stay for longer than 90 days in Portugal may apply for a Portugal residence permit. The residence permit is usually long-term, from one year up to three years. You may be eligible for different types of permits depending on the reason why you are moving to Portugal and how long you plan to stay.
The type of initial visa held upon arrival often dictates the subsequent residence permit options available. For instance, someone entering on a work visa will likely pursue a work-related residence permit, while a student visa holder will apply for a student residence permit. Therefore, the very first step for any prospective immigrant is to carefully select the appropriate initial visa based on their primary intentions for coming to Portugal, whether it be for employment, education, or other legitimate purposes. The connection between the initial visa and the future residence permit is paramount, as transitioning from certain short-term visas, like a tourist visa, to a long-term work-based residence permit within Portugal can be challenging or even impossible .
Types of Portugal permit
Residence permit for subordinate work
For individuals who have secured employment with a company based in Portugal, a residence permit for subordinate work is the relevant pathway . To be eligible for this type of permit, applicants generally need to have a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer. In some cases, the employer may even be required to initiate the work permit application process with the Portuguese Labor Authorities before the employee can apply for the corresponding visa at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their country of residence. This permit is facilitated by a D1 visa.
Residence permit for independent professional activity or entrepreneurial endeavors
Portugal also offers a residence permit for independent professional activity or entrepreneurial endeavors, often facilitated by the D2 visa . This permit is designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals who have a concrete plan to either start a new business or operate independently within Portugal .
Requirements:
- At least a bachelor's degree is required for all startup founders.
- A critical component of the D2 visa application is the submission of a detailed and viable business plan .
- While there isn't a strict minimum investment amount mandated for the D2 visa, applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess sufficient financial resources to not only establish and run their proposed business but also to support their own living expenses during their initial stay in Portugal .
- This emphasis on financial capacity ensures that applicants can sustain themselves even if their business is not immediately profitable.
Interestingly, in certain circumstances, it is possible to apply for the D2 visa directly within Portugal, without the need for a prior special-purpose residence visa from a Portuguese consulate in the applicant's country of residence .
Residence permit for highly qualified activity
For highly skilled workers, including professionals in fields such as technology, science, and academia, Portugal provides a residence permit for highly qualified activity, often associated with the D3 visa .
Eligibility includes:
- Applicant to hold a higher education degree or possess equivalent professional experience in a specialized field.
- A job contract or a binding job offer from a Portuguese employer in a role that qualifies as highly skilled activity, along with a salary that meets a certain threshold (usually at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Portugal)
- In 2025, threshold is €2100 per month
The "Tech Visa" program is a related initiative that specifically targets highly qualified professionals in the technology sector.
Digital Nomad residence permit
In recognition of the increasing prevalence of remote work, Portugal has also introduced a Digital Nomad residence permit, often linked to the D8 visa . This permit caters to individuals who work remotely for companies or clients located outside of Portugal and who earn a consistent income from these sources .
Requirements:
- A key eligibility requirement for the Digital Nomad visa is demonstrating a minimum consistent monthly income, which is currently around €3,480 .
- Applicants also need to provide proof of their remote work arrangement, such as employment contracts or freelance agreements .
Portugal offers two main types of Digital Nomad visas:
Temporary stay visa:
- valid for up to one year and allows multiple entries,
- you cannot apply for a residence permit.
- This option is suitable if you don't plan to stay in Portugal for a longer period
Long-term residency visa
- initially valid for two years
- and is renewable for next three years .
The introduction of the Digital Nomad visa underscores Portugal's adaptability to global work trends and its appeal to a growing community of remote professionals seeking a high quality of life in Europe.
Residence permit for study and research
For individuals seeking to pursue academic endeavors in Portugal, a residence permit for study and research is available, often categorized under the D4 and D5 visas . For those pursuing higher education, such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, eligibility requires acceptance into a recognized Portuguese educational institution . Applicants typically need to provide an official acceptance letter from the university, proof of payment of tuition fees, and evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses throughout their studies . The D4 visa is often associated with shorter study programs, while the D5 visa may be for longer-term academic pursuits . Portugal's growing reputation as a quality education destination makes the student permit a significant pathway for international individuals. In the realm of research activities, a residence permit is also available for researchers and academics who have been invited or have an agreement with a Portuguese research institution to conduct their work in the country . Furthermore, students participating in recognized student exchange programs can also obtain specific residence permits to facilitate their educational experience in Portugal .
Residence permit for family reunification
Portugal's immigration policies also prioritize family unity through the residence permit for family reunification, often facilitated by the D6 visa . This permit allows close family members of Portuguese citizens or foreign nationals who already hold a valid residence permit in Portugal to join them in the country . Eligible family members typically include a spouse or registered partner, minor children (both biological and adopted), dependent adult children, and dependent parents . To qualify for family reunification, the applicant needs to provide documentation proving the familial relationship, and the sponsoring family member in Portugal must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources and adequate accommodation to support the arriving family members . The emphasis on family reunification underscores Portugal's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for its residents.
Residence permit for investment
For individuals who are prepared to make a significant economic contribution to Portugal, the residence permit for investment, commonly known as the Golden Visa or the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) program, offers a pathway to residency . This program provides various investment options, each with a specific minimum investment threshold. These options include investing in investment funds or venture capital funds, creating a minimum number of jobs through the incorporation of a commercial company, making a capital transfer towards research activities, or investing in the arts or the reconstruction of national cultural heritage . It is important to note that there have been changes to the investment options over time, with real estate investments no longer qualifying for the Golden Visa as of October 2023 . One of the notable advantages of the Golden Visa program is its relatively low minimum stay requirement in Portugal, typically just seven days in the first year and fourteen days in subsequent two-year periods . The Golden Visa program has played a significant role in attracting foreign capital to Portugal, although its focus has shifted towards investments that directly contribute to the economy and innovation.
Residence permit for retirement and individuals with passive income
Portugal also offers a residence permit for retirement and individuals with passive income, often obtained through the D7 visa . This visa is specifically designed for non-EU citizens who have a stable and regular passive income from sources outside of Portugal, such as pensions, investments, rental income from properties, or royalties . To be eligible for the D7 visa, applicants need to demonstrate a minimum annual passive income, which is currently around €8,460 for the main applicant, with an additional 50% of this amount required for a spouse and 30% for each dependent child . Similar to the Golden Visa, the D7 visa also has minimum stay requirements, typically requiring the holder to spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first two-year period of residency . The D7 visa has made Portugal a particularly attractive destination for retirees and individuals who have the financial means to support themselves without needing to work in the country.
In addition to these main categories, Portugal provides residence permits for other specific circumstances, such as for individuals requiring prolonged medical treatment , those coming for religious purposes , individuals involved in cultural activities , those undertaking professional training, internships, or volunteer work . There are also specific provisions for minors born in Portugal to foreign parents who already hold a residence permit and for individuals who have completed military service in the Portuguese Armed Forces . These diverse categories highlight the breadth of Portugal's immigration framework, catering to a wide range of personal and professional circumstances.
Following table summarizes the key eligibility requirements for some of the main types discussed:
Key types and Eligibility criteria
How to Apply for a Portugal Residence Permit?
There are two steps for applications:
- Apply for the visa residency.
- Apply for the residence permit.
Apply for the visa residency
Before applying for a permit, users first need a residency visa which allows them to enter Portugal for the purpose of gaining a residency permit. The residency visa is valid for four months and it allows for double entry. The 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.
Make sure you assemble all the required documents, and the visa application form before you hand in your application. Also, you may be asked to sit for an interview at the embassy.
In cases where you want to apply for a residence permit on the basis of work or family reunification, your employer and your family member must submit an initial application at SEF or at the Portuguese Labor Authorities for you. In this case, the application requirements will vary depending on whether you want a Portugal work visa or a family visa.
Apply for the residence permit
Once you have a residency visa you can freely enter Portugal and then apply for your residency permit. You have to apply at SEF for your residence permit and also register for your social security number at a registration office.Once in Portugal with the necessary initial residency visa, the application for the actual residence permit is submitted to AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) . In many cases, it is necessary to schedule an appointment with AIMA, often through their online portal . AIMA serves as the central authority responsible for reviewing applications, conducting interviews if necessary, and ultimately deciding on the issuance of residence permits.
There are only four months before your residency visa expires; you must visit SEF and the registration office before that time.
Cost associated with Portugal residence permit
- Student Residence Permit
- Visa Application Fee: €90, paid at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- Residence Permit Application Fee: €83, payable upon arrival in Portugal when submitting your residence permit application to the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
- Residence Permit Issuance Fee: €72, due upon issuance of the residence permit by SEF.
- Residence permit for subordinate work
- Visa Application Fee: €90, payable when submitting your application at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- Residence Permit Application Fee: Approximately €122, due upon applying for the residence permit with the Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA) in Portugal.
- Residence Permit Issuance Fee: Around €104.82, payable upon approval and issuance of the residence permit.
- Residence permit for independent professional activity or entrepreneurial endeavors
- Visa Application Fee: €90, payable when submitting your application at the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
- Residence Permit Issuance Fee: €155.50, due upon approval and issuance of the residence permit by the Portuguese authorities.
- Business Investment: While there’s no officially mandated minimum investment amount, it’s recommended to have at least €5,000 allocated for your business venture to demonstrate financial viability.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves in Portugal. The minimum required amount is the annual Portuguese minimum wage, which is €9,870 as of 2024. For a spouse, an additional 50% (€4,935) is required, and for each dependent child, an additional 30% (€2,962) is necessary.
- Accommodation Costs: Applicants need to demonstrate proof of accommodation in Portugal, either through rental agreements or property ownership. Costs vary depending on location and type of housing.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance is required for the visa application. The cost varies depending on the provider and coverage.
- Residence permit for highly qualified activity in Portugal
- Visa Application Fee: €90, payable when submitting your application at the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
- Residence Permit Issuance Fee: €200, due upon approval and issuance of the residence permit by the Portuguese authorities.
- Additionally, applicants are required to have valid health insurance, which typically costs around €400.
- Digital nomad residence permit
- Temporary Stay Visa: €75
- Residency Permit Visa: €90
- Residence Permit Fees (for Residency Permit Visa holders):
- Application Fee: €101.50
- Residence Permit Issuance Fee: €28.50
- Financial Requirements:
- Monthly Income: At least €3,280
- Savings: A bank balance of at least €9,840 (equivalent to 12 times the monthly income requirement)
6.Residence permit for family reunification
- Residence Visa Application Fee: €90.00. This fee is paid when applying for the visa at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country.
- Residence Permit Issuance Fee: €157.00. Once in Portugal, this fee is paid when applying for the residence permit at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF).
- Additionally, there is an initial application processing fee of €84.00.
7. Residence permit for investment
- Investment Options:
- Supporting Arts and Cultural Heritage: Minimum investment of €250,000.
- Scientific Research, Investment Funds, or Business Creation: Minimum investment of €500,000.
- Government Fees:
- Application Processing Fee: €605.10 per person.
- Initial Residence Permit Issuance Fee: €6,045.20 per person.
- Renewal Fee: €3,022.60 per person (residence permits require renewal every two years).
- Additional Expenses:
- Legal and Consultancy Fees: Typically range from €5,000 to €8,000 for a single applicant.
- Document Translation and Notarization: Costs start at approximately €1,000.
- Health Insurance: Approximately €400 per person, depending on coverage.
8. Residence permit for retirement and individuals with passive income
- Financial Requirements:
- Passive Income: Applicants must demonstrate a regular passive income of at least €870 per month (€10,440 annually) from sources such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or royalties.
- Additional Family Members: If including family members in the application, additional income is required:
- Spouse or Parent: An extra €5,220 annually (50% of the main applicant’s required income).
- Per Child: An additional €3,132 annually (30% of the main applicant’s required income).
- Savings: It’s advisable to maintain savings equivalent to 12 months’ income, i.e., €10,440 for the main applicant, with proportional increases for additional family members.
- Accommodation:
- Housing Requirement: Applicants must have accommodation in Portugal, either through rental or property purchase. There are no specific cost thresholds for rental or property value; however, proof of sufficient space to accommodate the family is necessary.
- Property Purchase Costs (if applicable):
- Stamp Duty: 0.8% of the property’s value.
- Transfer Tax: Up to 8% of the property’s value.
- Annual Municipal Property Tax: Ranges from 0.3% to 0.8% of the property’s value.
- Application Fees:
- •D7 Visa Application Fee: €90 per person, payable when submitting the visa application at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy.
- •Residence Permit Fees (upon approval in Portugal):
- •Processing Fee: €83 per person.
- •Residence Card Issuance Fee: €72 per person.
- Health Insurance:
- •Travel Insurance: At least €14 per month per family member during the initial visa period.
- •Private Health Insurance: Ranging from €400 to €1,000 annually per person, depending on coverage, age, and health condition.
- Additional Expenses:
- Document Translation and Notarization: Costs may vary depending on the number and type of documents.
- Legal and Consultancy Fees: Optional, but advisable for navigating the application process. Fees vary based on service providers.
Conclusion
Portugal offers a diverse range of residence permits tailored to various personal and professional circumstances, making it an attractive destination for international individuals. Whether seeking employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, academic pursuits, family reunification, remote work, or retirement, Portugal’s immigration framework provides structured pathways for legal residency.
Each permit type has specific eligibility requirements, including visa prerequisites, financial thresholds, and documentation. While some permits, such as the Golden Visa, emphasize investment in the economy, others, like the D7 visa, cater to individuals with stable passive income. The recent introduction of the Digital Nomad visa highlights Portugal’s adaptability to modern work trends.
Regardless of the chosen pathway, obtaining a residence permit requires careful planning, including selecting the right initial visa, gathering necessary documents, and adhering to application procedures through AIMA (formerly SEF). The overall process underscores Portugal’s commitment to facilitating legal immigration while ensuring economic contributions and social integration from new residents.
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