How to move from Canada to Portugal?

Are you considering a permanent move from Canada to Portugal? Here are the things you ought to consider beforehand.

Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipprTree.

April 2023

Read the full article here

Portugal has become one of the most sought-after destinations not only for Canadians but also for many people around the globe. This means that you might have thought about moving from Canada to Portugal sometime.

There are plenty of reasons why Canadians love Portugal. However, the main reasons include excellent weather, real estate prospects, and overall better standards of living.

If you’re considering this necessary move from Canada to Portugal, then you are in the right place. This article will bring you up to speed with everything you need to know before moving to Portugal. Stick around to find out more!

Moving from Canada to Europe

Immigrating from your home country to a completely different country is a major decision. However, if the idea cannot get out of your mind, it is a risk that is worth taking.

Moving from Canada to Portugal might be the best decision you have ever made in your life! Having over 790 miles of beautiful beaches, great weather all year round, and bustling life in all the major cities, indeed, Portugal has plenty to offer for anyone coming in.

Obtaining a residence permit to live in Portugal from Canada

Moving permanently from Canada to Portugal will mean that you get to know all the immigration bureaucracies.

Is my visa enough to move to Portugal? Well, if you are a non-EU citizen and intend to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, then you will need a residence permit.

While Visas grant you entry into Portugal, as a Canadian, you will need a residence permit to stay longer.

So how do you qualify for a residence permit here in Portugal? You must meet the following requirements:

Have a job in Portugal. You might be employed or self-employed and apply for the New Digital Nomad Visa.

You could open a start-up or a company in Portugal and have a Business Visa.

Secure enrollment in a higher education institution, volunteer, or research and possess a Student Visa.

Make a big investment in Portugal according to the Golden Visa rules (get in touch with a lawyer before planning this Visa since the rules are expected to change).

What are the types of Portugal resident visas Canadians can apply for?

Depending on the nature of your visit, there are several types of visas you could apply for. However, the most common ones are:

D1 Visa: Better referred to as a work visa for those with work contracts;

D2 Visa: For anyone looking to start a business in Portugal;

D3 Visa: Exclusive for highly qualified professionals;

D4 Visa: Also known as Study Visa for university;

D7 Visa: For passive income earners and pensioners.

While there are different rules for these visas, each one will allow you to move with your family through the family reunification process

What do Canadians need to do to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is subject to much criticism and may even undergo changed rules and regulations. Before 2022, it was one of the easiest ways to move to Portugal. Despite its complications, let’s tell you a bit about the process, and we would also advise you to consult a lawyer before planning ahead.

If you’re an investor and you are looking to move to Portugal permanently, then the simplest way for you to achieve that is through the Golden Visa.

The Golden Visa is one of the ways that grants foreign investors resident permits in Portugal. This type of visa is eligible for investors outside the EU, which means that Canadian investors can also apply.

Similar to the other types of Visas that also grant immigrants resident permits, the Golden Visa also extends the resident permit status to the family through the family reunification process.

Also, with the Golden Visa, Canadian investors have the option of applying for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years in the country. Isn’t it amazing?

However, before being eligible for the Golden Visa you need to show proof of the following types of investments that have gone through some changes in 2022.

You must create employment through your company in Portugal;

Rehabilitate or buy property in some areas;

Investment in the field of research or artistic fields;

Capital transfer to investment funds.

There’s a lot of information that we can’t cover in this article. Check out our Complete Guide to Golden Visa in Portugal to know all that you need to.

How can I apply for a Portugal residence Visa from Canada?

Regardless of the nature of your visit or the type of visa you are applying for, you will need to present the necessary documentation for the application to the Consulate General of Portugal in Canada, whether in Vancouver or Toronto.

From the consulate offices, you will receive the full details of the visa application requirements. Now you will prepare the necessary documentation for your visa application to move from Canada to Portugal.

You should also expect a small fee for the visa application process. The general requirements that are necessary when applying for a residency visa in Portugal include:

Duly filled official visa application form;

A passport and two passport-size photos;

Criminal records certificate;

Valid travel insurance;

Proof of means of subsistence.

If you’re moving to Portugal for employment purposes, you should also attach the work contract and professional certificate.

What is the cost of living in Portugal?

One thing that is particularly impressive about living in Portugal is the fact that the cost of living is significantly lower compared to Canada.

However, this doesn’t mean that you get low standards of living; remember, affordable doesn’t mean low quality.

On the contrary, public services in Portugal are up to par with most European nations. In comparison, Portugal is 30% cheaper than Canada, which means you will get more out of your dollar.

While most things are cheaper in Portugal, the only difference is when it comes to transportation. In Canada, the cost of 1 litre of Gasoline is €1.22 (C$1.80), while it is €1.91 (C$2.81) in Portugal.

Generally, the cost of living in Portugal is lower than in Canada; however, living in major cities will be more expensive than living in rural towns.

Where are the best places to live in Portugal?

Portugal is a beautiful country, and there are so many beautiful cities that you could easily be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the places that you should know about before you move from Canada to Portugal, even though Canadian expats love them!

Where do Canadians usually live in Portugal?

Lisbon

This is the capital of Portugal and is perfect for ex-pats moving in for various reasons, for instance, education and employment. Lisbon is close to beautiful beaches and is buzzing with city life. English is widely spoken, so it is easier to get by.

Porto

This second city is located in northern Portugal. Porto is situated right on the banks of the magnificent river Douro. It is a rather safe place to settle, and the cost of living is relatively low than in Lisbon.

Braga

If you are looking for a cheaper up-and-coming city to settle in, Braga is a good choice. This old city of Portugal is known for its rich history and lively nightlife. Braga is situated in an ideal location, 40 minutes away from Spain, 30 minutes to the beaches, or 15 minutes to the beautiful mountains.

Madeira

This beautiful Madeira Island is a good location for anyone doing remote jobs. It is not overrun by tourists and has beautiful weather all year round. English is also widely spoken, making it a good place for expats.

How is the Portuguese economy?

It goes without saying that tourism is among the biggest contributors to the Portuguese economy accounting for 17% of the GDP.

Portugal is steadily recovering from the global financial crisis, which had the government reduce public spending by a significant margin.

Unemployment rates are at their lowest, having witnessed a record 16.1% in 2013 and now standing at 7.1 in 2023%.

Over the years, Portugal has been on a course of shifting the public consumption nature of the economy to a more export and high-tech focus.

Consequently, businesses in the country are more lucrative than a couple of years ago. This has led many people to question whether Portugal has become a new European Startup hub. And Lisbon has even earned the title, rightfully so. Opportunities to work in the startup hub result in many people wishing to move from Canada to Portugal for the sake of their careers.

To further read how best to move to Portugal from Canada review the full article here