Portugal Immigration Guide: Visa Options To Freely Circulate In Portugal

You’ve set your sights on Portugal. But how can you move freely (and legally) within the country? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover how Portugal immigration works and what type of Portugal visas you can apply for.

In this article, we’ll cover the following:

• Portugal immigration: Your visa options
• Portugal immigration: Portuguese visa types
• Portugal visa requirements
• Getting residency in Portugal: Non-EU citizens
• Portuguese citizenship
• Get in touch with our Portugal immigration team
• FAQs

Portugal Immigration: Your Visa Options

When it comes to immigration statistics, more expats than ever before are heading to Portugal. According to the 2022 population census, the number of foreign residents in Portugal increased by almost 43 percent between 2011 and 2021, amounting to 757,252 people.

Since Portugal is part of the European Union (EU), Portugal immigration depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and the length of time in Portugal.

Naturally, the visa holder of a European passport or EEA/Swiss nationals can easily arrive in Portugal by showing their identity cards. While European citizens can freely move to Portugal if they intend to stay longer than three months, they must request a registration certificate. After five years of living in Portugal, European citizens can also obtain a permanent residence certificate.

All other foreign nationals classified as ‘non-EU’ will need some form of a visa and residency permit (unless their country has a special agreement with Portugal). Portuguese visas are processed by the Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Embassy in your country of residence, while the Portuguese Immigration Office, called SEF, is responsible for issuing you with a Portuguese residency visa.

Non-European citizens

The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom all have international agreements with Portugal, meaning nationals can enter and stay in Portugal for 90 days within a six-month period without needing a visa.

For non-EU/non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals who want to stay longer than three months, they must apply for a long-term visa or Portuguese residency visa before arriving. This gives them an extra opportunity to apply for a Portuguese residence permit after arrival.

People who fit into this category include:

• Self-employed individuals or workers
• Students
• Passive income earners
• Retirees
• Family members

Schengen Visa

The Schengen short-stay visa is perfect for those who have got the travel bug to visit Portugal, but that also want to move around freely within Europe’s Schengen Area. The Schengen Visa is valid for 90 days out of a six-month period.

There are several types of Schengen Visas that you should know about:

• Airport transit visa (Visa A) – permits transit within the international area of an airport, from one flight to another. This visa is required for all passengers that change flights in a Schengen country airport unless exempted.
• Transit and short-term stay visa (Visa C) – issued for transit and short-term stays in the Schengen Area. These visas are valid for a total of 90 days within a six-month period. The most typical types of short-stay visas are the Portuguese tourist visa and the business visa.
• Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas – a special short-stay visa allowing travel to only one Schengen state or certain other Schengen states if specified beforehand.

Temporary stay visa

The Portugal temporary stay visa gives individuals a four-month stay period with multiple entries.

The temporary stay visa is granted for the following situations:

• Medical treatment or to accompany a family member undergoing treatment
• Transfer of workers between countries within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide services or professional training
• Temporary employment or self-employment
• To conduct scientific research or teaching in a higher education institution
• Pursue sports activity

Portuguese residency visa

The Portuguese residency visa is granted to individuals aiming to stay in Portugal for a longer period.

Portuguese visas are granted after arriving in Portugal for any of the following reasons:

• Employed work
• Self-employment or entrepreneurial activities
• Scientific research or teaching
• Study, student exchange, internship, or voluntary service
• Higher education programs (for students already residing in Portugal who want to further their studies)
• Family reunion
• Pensioners and people with income

The Portuguese residency visa can be issued as a multi-entry visa, allowing travel to other Schengen countries. Note that whatever Portuguese residency visa you receive, you must also apply for a residence permit upon entering Portugal.

Portugal online worker visa

Whether you need a Portugal online worker visa depends on your nationality and how long you’re going to be employed. There are several national visa options on the table for non-EU nationals.

• Short-term work visa: This applies to short-term work contracts lasting less than six months. It’s available to employees and self-employed workers. The temporary short-term work visa can be extended for a year.

• Long-term Portugal online worker visa: This visa is necessary for non-EU nationals who want to work in Portugal long-term. It’s classified as a type D Schengen Visa, enabling you to travel visa-free across the Schengen zone.

Portugal tech visa

The Portugal tech visa was introduced by the Portuguese government to attract high-qualified tech talent to Portugal. Nationals not included in the Schengen Area are welcome to apply, provided that they’re considered tech specialists. The following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must be a third-country national that doesn’t reside in the territory of the European Union.
• All tax obligations must be fulfilled
• The applicant must have a clean criminal record and be at least 18 years old at the time of the Portugal visa application.
• The applicant must have successfully completed a Bachelor’s or an equivalent level – level 6, according to ISCED 2011, or level 5 (tertiary level education) with five years of experience in specialized technical functions.
• Hold proficiency in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish appropriate to the functions/duties to be performed.

 

Portugal Visa Requirements

Regardless of what type of visa you’re applying for, you must submit a visa application form to the Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate in your home country. You must download a Portuguese visa application form for the Schengen Area.

Portuguese visa processing time varies. It can take anywhere from two weeks to two to three months, so start the Portuguese visa application process with this in mind.

The following documentation for Portugal visa requirements is needed:

• Two passport photos
• Your passport and copies of your previous visas
• A copy of your return ticket reservation (depending on your nationality)
• Travel insurance to cover you for the Schengen Area
• Cover letter stating the purpose of your visit and itinerary
• Flight dates and times
• Accommodation plans for the duration of your stay
• Sufficient funds to last the duration of your stay
• Proof of civil status
• Proof of economic status

You may also be asked to show extra documentation regarding the nature of your visit. For example, if you’re a student, you’ll need to show proof of enrollment at a Portuguese institution.

 

Getting Residency in Portugal: Non-EU Citizens

If your aim is to acquire long-term residency in Portugal as a non-EU citizen, you’ll be pleased to know there are several Portugal visa programs on offer, which we detail below.

D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is an attractive visa allowing non-EU citizens to get Portuguese residency provided they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Portugal. This is perhaps the best way to Portugal immigration with zero investment pathway for expats, as opposed to the Portugal Golden Visa (mentioned below).

This visa is geared toward retirees, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Portugal without having to commit to a major economic investment.

The D7 Visa can then be renewed after two years, for a further three years, and can then be turned into a permanent residence permit after five years. After five years of holding the D7 Visa, you’ll also be able to request Portuguese nationality, provided you fulfill the other requirements as stipulated by Portuguese nationality law.

For more information, check out our guide to the Portugal D7 Visa.

Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa was launched in October 2022 and allows remote workers to live and work in Portugal for a set period of time.

With a  Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers can apply for either a residency permit that can be extended for up to five years or a temporary stay visa that has a maximum validity of one year.

To qualify, you will need to make four times Portugal’s minimum wage or more, which is around $3,350  (€3,040).

You can find out more about this visa type in our article: Portugal for Digital Nomads: All You Need to Know.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa Program, also known as the Residence Permit Program, is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU nationals. The Portugal Golden Visa immigration by investment program has become one of the most popular investment programs of its kind since its inception in 2012.

Note that the Portugal Golden Visa is coming to an end. If you are interested in the program, you should begin your application now.

The Golden Visa grants qualifying investors and their family members a residence card, whereby they will have the right to live, work and study in Portugal and permits free movement in Europe’s Schengen Area.

Opportunities to become a permanent resident or citizen are possible, provided that the qualifying investment is kept for at least five years and that all requirements set forth by the Portuguese immigration and nationality laws are obeyed.

The investment options are as follows:

• Residential Real Estate: Buy residential real estate in designated interior areas of Portugal worth at least €500,000 or €350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project. If the residential property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20 percent discount applies.
• Commercial Real Estate: Buy commercial real estate anywhere in the country worth at least €500,000 or €350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project. If the commercial property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20 percent discount applies.
• Buy Real Estate on Madeira or Azores: Buy residential and commercial real estate anywhere on Portugal’s autonomous islands of Madeira and Azores, worth at least €500,000 or €350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project.
• Fund Subscription: Make a contribution to a qualified investment fund worth at least €500,000.
• Capital Transfer: Make a capital transfer of at least €1.5 million
• Scientific Research: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000
• Job Creation: Company incorporation and creation of ten jobs amounting to a minimum value of €500,000
• Investment into the arts or reconstruction of national heritage with a donation of at least €250,000 (reduced to €200,000 if located in a low-density area)

For more information, consult our ultimate guide to the Golden Visa Portugal.

UK citizens can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. You can read our article on the Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens for further information.

Portugal’s permanent residency requirements

Residents who are from non-EU/EFTA countries can apply for Portuguese permanent residence after having lived in Portugal for five years. They must prove they’ve been legally residing in Portugal for the duration of the five-year period.

The Portugal permanent residency requirements are as follows:

• Valid residence visa
• Passport/travel ID
• Two passport photographs
• Proof of enough finances to support yourself
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance with medical treatment coverage
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of enrolment in social security and evidence of tax status
• Proof of legal and uninterrupted residence in Portugal for the preceding five years
• Proof of basic proficiency in the Portuguese language through a certificate of qualification or test at a language assessment center.

Note that almost all Portugal visa applicants will be required to attend a visa interview or appointment during their application.

 

Portuguese Citizenship

If you’re wondering how to effectively secure Portuguese citizenship and how to become an EU citizen, know that it’s a relatively straightforward process. If you apply through the Portugal Golden Visa scheme, you qualify for citizenship after five years, provided that you maintain your investment and respective residency during this period.

Elsewhere, if you are legally residing in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport after five years. You can read our article on how to get a Portuguese passport in our article: Portuguese Passport: How to Get It Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal Immigration

How does Portugal immigration work for non-EU nationals?

Non-EU nationals must usually apply for a Schengen Visa to stay in Portugal legally. However, nationals from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom can enter Portugal and circulate freely for the first three months without a visa. However, afterward, they’ll need to apply for a visa.

How to become a permanent resident in Portugal?

You must live in Portugal for an uninterrupted time of five years to qualify for Portuguese permanent residency, as well as prepare all the necessary documentation and submit a test proving your language proficiency.

What Portugal visa lets me become a permanent resident?

You can either apply for the D7 Visa scheme or alternatively, apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme. This lets you live in Portugal, provided you make a qualifying investment in the nation.

There are also other visa options to consider, such as the D2 Visa for entrepreneurs, the Digital Nomad Visa, perfect for remote workers, the Portugal qualified worker visa, and the Portugal self-employment visa.

If you are looking for information about getting a Portuguese work permit, then you can consult this article: Portugal Work Visa: All You Need to Know.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment scheme that welcomes foreign investors to reside in Portugal legally, provided that a qualifying investment is made first. Note that the program is ending soon, so we recommend starting the application process now.

How does getting residency in Portugal work?

To get residency in Portugal, you must first enter Portugal with a valid visa for the duration of your stay. Afterward, you must lodge your residence visa for Portugal application with the immigration agency in Portugal, SEF (Immigration and Border Services).

What are the Portugal residence visa requirements?

• The Portugal residence visas requirements are as follows:
• Valid residence visa.
• Passport
• Two passport photographs.
• Proof of enough finances to sustain yourself.
• Accommodation proof.
• Medical insurance
• Clean criminal record
• Proof of enrolment in social security and evidence of tax status

Do I need a visa to enter Portugal?

You need a visa to enter Portugal if you’re a third-country national (non-EU/non-Swiss/non-EEA). The type of visa you will need will depend on your personal circumstances and home country. Passport holders of the EU can freely arrive in Portugal without the need for a visa.

How many types of visas are there in Portugal?

There are usually three categories of Portugal Visa types:

1. A short stay visa, known as a Schengen Visa. These are valid for up to 90 days.
2. Temporary stay visas, which are valid for up to a year in most cases. 
3. Long stay visas, also known as residency visas. These are for stays of one year or more.

What are the three types of visas?

The three common visa types are short-stay visas, temporary-stay visas, and long-stay visas. The right visa for you will depend on the length of time you are looking to live in Portugal and your country of origin.

Which is the best visa for Portugal?

There is no best visa. You have different visa types, and the best option for you will depend on what you are looking to move to Portugal for.

To provide you with an example, the D7 Visa is perfect if you are looking to retire to Portugal, the Digital Nomad Visa is a great option for remote workers, and various work visas are the way forward if you are seeking to move to Portugal to work. The Golden Visa should be on your radar if you want to secure residency in the country by making an investment in Portugal. Entrepreneurs should also check out the D2 Visa.

What is a Type C Visa in Portugal?

A Type C Visa or short-stay visa allows individuals to transit through or stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you have this visa type, you will be able to transit through international transit areas in airports that are located in the Schengen Area.

What is the latest Portugal immigration news?

You can keep up with the latest Portugal immigration news on the SEF website. SEF is the Immigration and Border Service in Portugal, and for any immigration services that you require, they will be your go-to entity responsible for your move to the country. Portugal’s immigration policy generally welcomes foreigners moving to the country. For example, the Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2022 allows remote workers to live in Portugal, provided they meet the requirements. 

For updates related to the Portugal Golden Visa, you can consult our article on Golden Visa Changes, Updates, and New Rules for 2023. Note that the Golden Visa is coming to an end. If you are interested in applying to the program, you should lodge your application now.

What are the Portugal immigration 2023 policies?

There are several ways to secure residency in Portugal in 2023, including the D7 Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, or securing a work visa to move to Portugal. The Portugal Golden Visa, a residency by investment visa, is also a straightforward route to residency, although this requires a substantial investment into the country. Do note that the Portugal Golden Visa is coming to an end, and individuals interested in the program should lodge their application now.

Is Portugal easy to immigrate to?

Portugal provides many immigration options. For EU citizens, it is very easy to move to Portugal, given the fact that EU citizens can live, work, and study in any one of the 27 EU nations. For non-EU citizens, there are a variety of options open, depending on your requirements, and Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe for non-EU citizens to move to. 

For example, if you are looking to retire to Portugal, the D7 Visa (also referred to as the Passive Income Visa or the Retirement Visa) is an excellent option. You will simply need to show that you receive sufficient passive income to sustain yourself in the country. 

If you are looking to invest in Portugal, the Portugal Golden Visa program allows foreign citizens to make an investment in the country and secure residency. Investment options include real estate, investment funds, and capital transfer. 

The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, allows remote workers to live in Portugal, provided they make four times to minimum wage in Portugal and work for a foreign employer. Another option to work in Portugal is to obtain a Portuguese work visa, whereby you can then live and work in the country. Entrepreneurs should also consider the D2 Visa. 

It can be worth seeking the assistance of a Portugal immigration lawyer, who will be able to assist you with your move to the country. They will be able to discuss which option could be best suited to your needs, and provide you with more information about the immigration process, the requirements, and the documents you will need to show.  

How much money do you need to immigrate to Portugal?

How much money you need to immigrate to Portugal and secure a residence permit will depend on the immigration option you choose. For foreign citizens, there are many different ways to migrate to Portugal.  

For the D7 Visa, the minimum income requirement is to earn a passive income of at least €760 per month (your income can come from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial equity).

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, introduced by the Portuguese government in 2022, you will need to make four times Portugal’s minimum wage, or more.

Through the Portuguese Golden Visa residency by investment program, you can secure residency in the country by making an investment. There are a range of investment options, with the minimum investment beginning at €200,000 (cultural Golden Visa if the project is located in a low-density area). If you are interested in purchasing property, qualifying investments begin at €280,000 (rehabilitation project located in a designated interior area and low-density area or commercial property in a low-density area). You can read more about qualifying real estate in our article: Low-Density Areas in Portugal / Golden Visa Eligible Interior Areas 2023.

Regardless of the visa you opt for, there will be an application form to complete and a procedure that you will need to follow. 

Non-EU citizens can apply for a Schengen Visa if they are simply looking to visit Portugal for a short time period. As a third-country national, it is important to have the appropriate visa when entering Portugal. 

Does Portugal accept immigrants?

Yes, Portugal generally has a very favorable immigration policy. There are many different options to relocate to the country, including the Portugal Golden Visa, the D7 Visa, the Digital Nomad  Visa, and the Entrepreneurship Visa. 

Note that the Golden Visa program is coming to an end. If you are looking to apply for the program, we highly recommend that you begin the process now while you still are able to do so.