How to get residency in Portugal
Article by Residency Solutions - Official Residency partner to KipperTree.
01 02 2024
The idyllic beauty and vibrant culture of Portugal attracts many individuals from around the world. If you’re non-EU and considering making Portugal your home, it’s essential to comprehend the residency types and how to get residency in Portugal for non-EU residents.
Overview of Residency Types
To live in Portugal long-term or permanently, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, which comes in different types, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. The most common types include:
Temporary Residence Permit: Ideal if you’re planning to stay in Portugal for a year or more but not indefinitely. This permit can be renewed every two years.
Permanent Residence Permit: If you’ve lived in Portugal legally for five continuous years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Golden Visa: This is a fast-track way to obtain residency if you’re willing to make a substantial investment in Portugal.
Before proceeding, be sure to read up on what residency in Portugal means to have a clear understanding of the implications and benefits.
Residency for Non-EU Citizens
For non-EU citizens who want to live or work in Portugal for more than 90 days, a Portugal Residence Permit is required. The process and requirements for obtaining a Portugal Residence Permit are detailed on our website.
As a US resident looking to relocate to Portugal, you can seek guidance on the residency process by contacting immigration professionals at +1 844 290 6312 or through the chat function on the website. The immigration professionals are available to provide assistance online, over the phone, or in person. You also have the option to request a call back from the immigration experts for further information or assistance.
Getting residency in Portugal as a non-EU citizen might seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, the process can be managed efficiently. Remember, the first step towards making your dream of living in Portugal a reality is understanding how to get residency in Portugal for non-EU residents.
Portugal Golden Visa Program
If you’re a non-EU citizen wondering how to get residency in Portugal, one of the most popular and accessible routes is through the Portugal Golden Visa program. This program allows investors and their immediate family members to obtain residency permits in Portugal, which can lead to permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship.
Investment Requirements
Please note that recent changes to the program mean that investments in real estate (including funds investing in real estate) as well as capital transfers will no longer qualify for the Golden Visa. The last day to submit Golden Visa applications under the old rules will be October 6, 2023. From October 7, the new law will apply.
Although the specific requirements for the Golden Visa program can vary depending on the form of investment, they generally include a minimum investment amount, the creation of jobs, or the acquisition of real estate. Given the recent changes, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional or an immigration expert to understand the current requirements.
Benefits and Considerations
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers a range of benefits, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to top-quality healthcare and education, and the opportunity for tax optimization. Additionally, the program can open the door to permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship, offering you the chance to fully integrate into the Portuguese way of life.
However, as with any immigration program, there are also considerations to bear in mind. These may include the financial commitment, the legal requirements, and the process of integrating into a new culture and society. It’s also worth remembering that Portugal, like any country, can change its immigration laws at any time, as seen with the recent changes to the Golden Visa program.
That said, for many people, the benefits of the Golden Visa program far outweigh the potential challenges. The chance to live, work, and study in one of Europe’s most vibrant and welcoming countries can be an exciting opportunity for both you and your family.
Navigating the path to residency in Portugal for non-EU residents involves understanding the different visa options available. One such option is the Portugal D7 Visa Program. This program is designed specifically for non-EU residents who have the financial means to live in Portugal without working.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the Portugal D7 visa, there are several eligibility requirements you must meet. One of the main criteria involves demonstrating a regular passive income. This income could come from pensions, rental income, or other stable sources that can support you and your dependents. The minimum income requirement is €7,620 per year for a single person, with an additional €3,807 per year for each dependent.
It’s important to note that, unlike the Golden Visa program, the D7 visa does not require you to invest a specific amount of money in Portugal. That said, you may choose to invest in real estate or other assets to strengthen your application and meet the financial requirements.
The D7 visa also allows you to bring immediate family members with you, including spouses, children, and dependent parents, under the same visa. However, each family member must individually meet the financial requirements.
Eligibility Criteria Requirement
Regular Passive Income €7,620 per year for a single person, plus an additional €3,807 per year for each dependent
Investment in Portugal Optional
Family Members Allowed, with individual financial requirements
Advantages of the D7 Visa Program
One of the key advantages of the D7 visa program is its flexibility. Unlike other residency programs, D7 visa holders are not required to reside in Portugal for a specific number of days per year. This provides you with the freedom to travel or maintain residences in other countries.
However, it’s crucial to establish a genuine link to Portugal. You can demonstrate this link through property ownership, regular visits, or involvement in cultural, scientific, or business activities.
In conclusion, the D7 Visa Program offers an accessible and flexible path to residency in Portugal for non-EU residents. For more detailed information on residency in Portugal, please read our articles on how hard it is to get residency in Portugal and how long it takes to get residency in Portugal.
Applying for Residency in Portugal
When you’re looking into how to get residency in Portugal for non-EU residents, understanding the application process and recognizing common challenges can help facilitate a smoother journey.
Documentation and Process
The process of obtaining residency in Portugal can take several months. It involves submitting various documents, such as a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and evidence of financial means to support oneself in the country. Non-EU residents can apply for residency in Portugal through various categories, including:
Subordinate work activity
Independent work activity
Teaching purposes
Highly qualified or cultural activity
Research
Study
Higher education students exchange
Internships
Volunteer work
Family reunification
Fixed residency for retirement purposes
Religious purposes
People living off individual revenues
For each category, the specific documentation required may vary, but proof of means of subsistence is generally required. This can be demonstrated through a contract or promise of an employment contract, or through a term of responsibility with a recognized signature issued by the entity hosting workers.
Researchers admitted to a research centre or higher education institution officially recognized are exempt from presenting health insurance, employment contracts, travel insurance, and means of subsistence.
Higher education students admitted to a recognized institution are exempt from presenting health insurance, admission conditions, travel insurance, and means of subsistence. Students with scholarships are also exempt from presenting proof of admission and means of subsistence.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Applying for residency in Portugal can come with challenges, especially for non-EU residents. It’s not uncommon to face hurdles such as understanding the specific requirements for each residency category or navigating through the Portuguese bureaucracy.
Here are a few solutions to common challenges:
Understanding Residency Requirements: Make sure you clearly understand the specific requirements for your residency category. The residency solutions website provides detailed information on different residency categories, including the specific documentation required.
Navigating Bureaucracy: Hiring a local lawyer or immigration expert can make the process smoother. They can help you prepare the necessary documents, guide you through the application process, and assist with any hurdles you may encounter.
Language Barrier: If you’re not fluent in Portuguese, consider hiring a translator to assist with the application process. They can help you understand the forms and documents, ensuring that nothing gets lost in translation.
By knowing the steps of the application process and understanding how to overcome common challenges, you’ll be better prepared to successfully apply for residency in Portugal. For more in-depth information, you can look at our detailed guides on how long it takes to get residency in Portugal and how hard it is to get residency in Portugal.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After establishing your new life in Portugal, you may start to consider more permanent options. This section will guide you through the pathway to permanent residency and how to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Non-EU residents who have lived in Portugal for at least five years can apply for permanent residency. This status grants you the right to live and work in Portugal indefinitely. The process can take several months and it involves submitting various documents, such as a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and evidence of financial means to support oneself in the country.
You can apply for residency in Portugal through various categories, including subordinate work activity, independent work activity, teaching purposes, highly qualified or cultural activity, research, study, higher education students exchange, internships, volunteer work, family reunification, fixed residency for retirement purposes, religious purposes, or people living off individual revenues.
Family members of individuals applying for residency in Portugal can also apply for a residence visa. The visa application for family reunification must be submitted within 90 days to avoid the forfeiture of the right to family reunification. For more information on the various pathways to residency, check out our guide on how to get residency Portugal for non-eu residents.
Applying for Portuguese Citizenship
Once you have held residency in Portugal for six years, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship. Portuguese citizenship provides you with the full rights and benefits of a Portuguese citizen, including the right to vote in Portuguese elections and the ability to travel freely within the EU.
Before applying for citizenship, you should ensure that you meet certain requirements. These can include having a basic knowledge of Portuguese and a clean criminal record.
The process of applying for Portuguese citizenship can be complex, and it’s recommended that you seek advice from a legal professional or a company that specializes in immigration law. This can be a significant step in your journey to establishing your life in Portugal, and you must understand all of the requirements and implications before proceeding.
Understanding the processes of obtaining permanent residency and citizenship can help you navigate your way to a long-term future in Portugal. For more detailed information and advice on Portugal’s residency laws and processes, you can visit our articles on how long it takes to get residency in Portugal and what residency in Portugal means.
Living in Portugal as a Resident
After obtaining your residency, life in Portugal comes with both rights and responsibilities. Understanding these, along with the cost of living and lifestyle, will help you in the transition to your new home.
Rights and Responsibilities
As a resident of Portugal, you enjoy certain rights, but like all citizens, you have certain responsibilities as well. All citizens over 16 years of age are required by law to carry a valid document identifying them to the authorities. This document could be an identity card, passport, residence certificate, or residence card.
For EU citizens, the process is more straightforward. EU citizens can live in Portugal for up to 3 months without any conditions other than holding a valid identity card or passport. If you’re an EU citizen and plan to live in Portugal for more than 3 months, you must apply for a registration certificate at the local Council within 30 days following the first three months in the country. The cost for this is EUR 15 or EUR 7.5 for children below six years of age. The registration certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue, or up to the date planned for your stay in Portugal, if less than five years.
If you’re a non-EU citizen, you must report your presence in Portugal to the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) within three working days, unless you already have a residence permit or authorization to stay for over 6 months. If you’re staying in a hotel or similar establishment, the obligation to notify the SEF is the responsibility of the establishment.
For more information on how to get residency in Portugal for non-EU residents, please check out our detailed guides on how to get residency Portugal for non-eu residents.
Considering Lifestyle and Cost of Living
Living in Portugal offers a rich cultural lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and a warm climate. However, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and the region you choose to live in. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto are generally more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas.
When considering your budget, take into account housing, food, transportation, health care, and other personal expenses. It’s also essential to consider the cost of any special needs or preferences you might have, such as international schools for children or specific healthcare services.
Portugal offers a high quality of life and is often considered one of the best countries for expats to live in. With careful planning and consideration, you can make a smooth transition to life in Portugal. For more insights on living in Portugal as a resident, please refer to our detailed article on what residency in Portugal means.
Which can be found on our website.