Portugal Visa Types: The Definitive Guide
You have a few possible options that may be helpful in providing you with a way to live in Portugal.
Here are six ways that you could get a visa or a residency permit in Portugal:
Portugal Self-Employment Visa
You need to prove that you’re working with or planning to work with Portuguese companies in order to apply for the Self-Employment Visa in Portugal.
If you have a contract or a written proposal with a Portuguese company, it may be sufficient. This is an ideal opportunity to obtain a freelancer visa in Europe.
You need to get a NIF (a tax number) in Portugal. Once you become a full-time resident in Portugal, you would pay taxes on your worldwide income there.
This visa would give you the right to live and work in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen countries.
The initial visa lasts for two years. Once you renew at the end of the two years, the subsequent visas are valid for three years each. At the end of five years, you may apply for permanent residence in Portugal.
D2 Visa: Portugal Startup Visa For Entrepreneurs
The Portuguese government incentivizes entrepreneurs to pursue their startup journeys in Portugal. In order to get a startup visa in Portugal, you need to submit a business plan and establish an enterprise within the country.
Make sure you come up with an innovative and original idea. The main purpose is to attract disruptors and innovators, so if you are planning to open up a traditional business, this visa may not be suitable for you.
D3 Visa: Portugal Qualified Worker Visa
D3 Visa is the residence permit for highly qualified individuals in particular activities. If you have specialized technical skills or an exceptional qualification, you may be eligible for this type of visa in Portugal
In order to qualify, you need to fit one of the below three criteria:
- Have an employment contract or employment offer for at least a one-year duration, with an annual compensation of at least 1,5 times the national average gross annual salary,
- Hold high professional qualifications in regulated professions, duly proven,
- Hold high professional qualifications appropriate to the activity or sector, in non-regulated professions.
D7 Visa: Retiree Visa Or Passive Income Holder Visa
The D7 Visa allows is popular among retirees and other passive income holders. If you are either one of these two groups and you have proof of passive income that will allow you to live in Portugal, you may apply for a D7 residence visa.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Introduced on 30 October 2022, the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa program beckons remote workers from around the world with its appealing and flexible options.
Who is Eligible?
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is tailored specifically for remote workers and entrepreneurs looking to base themselves in Portugal. If you earn at least four times the national minimum wage, roughly $3,350 (€3,040) per month, you qualify to apply.
Two Attractive Paths
Short Stay Visa: Ideal for those looking to stay in Portugal on a short-term basis, this temporary visa grants you the right to live and work in the country for up to one year. It’s perfect for expats seeking a temporary residence without compromising their connection to their home country.
Residence Permit: A longer-term solution for those planning to immerse themselves in Portuguese life. The residence permit can be renewed for up to five years, opening the door to permanent residency and even Portuguese citizenship. This option provides an exciting opportunity to become a part of the European Union, allowing you to live, work, and study across all EU member countries.
How to Apply?
The application process for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is refreshingly straightforward. Whether you’re applying through the Portuguese Consulate in your home country or at SEF (Portuguese immigration and border services) in Portugal, you’ll need to present proof of income, tax residency documents, and employment or self-employment evidence.
Why Choose the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
- Flexibility: Work for companies based anywhere globally while enjoying the comfort of Portugal.
- Schengen Area Access: Travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area.
- A Focused Approach: Unlike the D7 Visa, which is aimed at passive income earners, the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa targets remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Portugal Tech Visa
Portugal Tech Visa is a certification that targets companies with headquarters or permanent offices in Portugal. Through this visa, the country can easily grant a visa or a residence permit to qualified workers from countries outside of the EU.
Portugal enabled this program in order to make the country more attractive to innovative startups and tech companies, which in turn results in a stronger economy for the country overall.
Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal allows investors to make a qualifying investment in the country and obtain a residence permit in exchange. The Portuguese Golden Visa enables the investors to live and work in Portugal and travel freely across the Schengen countries.
The applicants can also spread the benefits to their family members. In five years, the Golden Visa holders are eligible to apply for citizenship in Portugal.
Check out the articles below and see how the program changed in 2023 and what investment still qualify.
You might also explore another visa option of Portugal, the Portugal HQA Visa, especially intended for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
E-Residency Of Portugal
The Portuguese Government is working on an e-Resident program similar to that of e-Residency in Estonia.
The program will target digital nomads, freelancers, and international entrepreneurs. It will make it easier to set up a virtual company and use government services in Portugal.
Family Member of a Portuguese Resident
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen with a family member that has a residence permit in Portugal, you may be eligible to get a residence permit yourself.
Family members who can apply for a resident certificate are:
- Spouse,
- Children up to 21 years old or,
- Dependent Children over 21,
- Dependent Parents who are still dependent,
of the resident in Portugal.
The Wrap-Up
From the investment migration program, Golden Visa, to the possibilities of the Student Visa, there are many ways to get a visa or a residence permit in Portugal, besides a typical Schengen tourist visa.
Portugal’s wide range of visas stands as a testament to the nation’s openness to diverse ambitions. We hope this guide serves as your roadmap to navigate your path to Portugal, whether you’re seeking education, entrepreneurship, or new horizons.
If you’re interested in moving to Portugal, make sure to check out our article on Living in Portugal.
