Visas for Portugal: Deciding the Right Fit for You

Disclaimer: While the Rauva team strives to keep this information up-to-date, we always recommend seeking the advice of a legal professional to assist with your visa application.

It seems like most of the world wants to move to Portugal right now, and who can blame them? Portugal's great weather, high quality of life, relatively low income and corporate tax levels, and amazing opportunities for entrepreneurs make it a no-brainer for any would-be expat seeking a new life.

However, as with anything worth doing, there are some hoops to jump through, and we have some good news... and some not-so-good news for you!

Portugal Visas: The Good... And the Not-So-Good

Let's start with the not-so-good news first: navigating the visa process can be a confusing minefield. You may have heard of terms such as D2 visa, residency permit, Schengen visa, residency visa, temporary stay visa, Portuguese national visa, job seeker visa, and so forth... But do you know what all of these words mean?

The good news? Well, all of this doesn't need to be complicated! Whether you are looking for a temporary stay visa or a permanent residence status, there are many straightforward visa options available in Portugal, so we're sure that you'll find the one that suits you the most.

As for the "navigating the complicated visa process" part, don't worry; our quick guide has got you covered!

What Are Portuguese Visas?

Portuguese visas are documents issued by the Portuguese government that allow individuals to enter and stay in Portugal for specific purposes, such as tourism, work, study, or family reunification. These visas grant temporary or permanent residence based on the intended duration and purpose of the stay.

Because EU nationals are already free to enter Portugal, the Portugal visas covered in this article are mainly destined for non-EU citizens who want to move into the country to work, start a company as a foreigner, or apply for citizenship.

Portugal Visa Types

Before diving deeper into the specific characteristics of the most popular Portuguese Visas around, it's important to understand the general differences that exist between each type of visa.

In Portugal, pretty much all type of visa falls under just two broad categories: temporary stay visas and residency visas, also known as national visas.

Temporary Stay Visas

A temporary stay visa is a type of visa that allows foreign citizens to reside and work in Portugal for a period usually no longer than one year. They're different from residency visas because they cannot be used to get a long-term Portuguese residence permit and are not indicated for people looking to obtain Portuguese citizenship.

There are many types of temporary stay visas in Portugal, including:

• **Schengen Visa:** A broader term referring to the most general type of temporary stay visa, which allows people from outside of the European Union to stay in Portugal for 90 days.

• **Study Visa:** A visa that allows applicants to study in Portugal for up to one year. The initial visa is issued by the Portuguese Embassy and lasts three months, but it can be extended.

• **Youth Mobility Visa:** A result of the visa facilitation agreements between Portugal and the European Union, this visa is valid for up to one year and is designed to promote youth mobility.

• **Volunteering Visa:** For voluntary work in Portugal for up to 90 days (with the possibility of an extension).

• **Seasonal Work Visa:** A temporary work visa for people who want to work in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, and land transport.

• **Religious Purposes Visa:** A temporary stay visa for religious purposes (such as undertaking religious studies) with a maximum validity of three months, but potentially extended in "exceptional and duly justified cases."

• **Job Seeker Visa:** A temporary stay visa that allows people to move to Portugal to search for a job. Applications for this visa must include tickets back home (for cases in which the applicants cannot find a job).

• **Self-Support Visa:** Also known as the self-employed visa, this type of visa is destined for self-employed non-EU citizens wishing to reside in Portugal for up to one year.

• **Medical Treatment Visa:** A super-short temporary stay visa for people who want or need to undergo medical treatment in Portugal.

It's worth noting that, in most cases, temporary stay visas can be extended or even converted into full-blown residence visas.

Residency Visas

Residency visas are permits granted by the Portuguese Embassy or Government that allow individuals to live in the country for an extended period. A residency visa is typically associated with a specific purpose, such as work, study, family reunification, retirement, or investment, and it is usually much harder to obtain than a temporary stay visa.

The most popular examples of a residency visa in Portugal are:

• **The entrepreneur visa (D2):** For people who want to start and grow a business in Portugal.

• **The passive income visa (D7):** For people who wish to retire or work remotely in Portugal.

• **The digital nomad visa (D8):** For remote workers who want to live in Portugal.

Since these are the three most common Portuguese visas, we have compared them to help you decide which one is best for you.

Portuguese Visas: Deciding the Right Fit for You

You're looking for a Portuguese residency visa, and you're even considering applying to become a Portuguese citizen one day. A temporary stay visa won't do, but you will be just fine with either the D2, D7, or D8 visa. The question is: which one should you choose?

Before taking a closer look at what distinguishes these three visa types, we have summed up their main purpose and requirements in this table:

The D2 Entrepreneur Visa

The D2 Entrepreneur Visa is a Portuguese residency visa designed for foreign entrepreneurs from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who want to start or expand an existing business in Portugal.

This D2 visa enables you to live, start a business, and even bring your family members to Portugal. Not only that, but it's also a pathway to permanent residency and potential citizenship.

There’s no restriction to what your business could be, and although there's not a minimum investment set (it varies on the type of company created), it is advisable to have a minimum of €5,000 as a social capital investment.

Who Qualifies for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa?

The D2 visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and high-value artisans. However, qualifying for this visa requires you to meet a few additional criteria.

There are two categories of business people that you can apply: as an entrepreneur or as an independent service provider.

Applying as an Entrepreneur

The D2 visa states that all candidates applying as entrepreneurs must open a Portuguese company once their residency visa is approved.

Applying as an Independent Service Provider

Independent service providers, i.e., someone who provides services to Portuguese or international clients, can also apply for the D2.

If you apply to the D2 as an independent service provider, you're not required to start a company once the visa is approved.

Expected Timeframes and Costs

The D2 visa application process should take anywhere between 2-4 months from the date of submission, considering the time for collecting documents, processing, and the interview.

The application visa fee is approximately €90, while the residency permit fee is around €77. If the permit is approved, there is an issuance fee of around €74.

Please keep in mind these fees may be subject to change.

Language requirements

You don’t need to speak Portuguese to be accepted for the D2 visa, although it's always best to understand Portuguese culture and language before starting a company or providing professional services in the country.

The D7 Passive Income Visa

With the D7, you don’t need to invest large amounts of money, buy a property, or start a business—you just need to prove that you can support yourself in Portugal with a regular overseas income.

How Does the D7 Visa Work?

The D7 is a type of Portuguese residency visa specifically designed for foreigners who wish to live in Portugal based on their regular passive income. The income can be derived from pensions, rental income, dividends, or other passive sources, and must be equivalent or superior to Portugal's minimum wage. In addition, it cannot come from a salary.

Because the D7 focuses on income like a pension or income from a rental property, it’s often best suited to retirees (some people even call it a retirement visa). But make no mistake: even 18-year-olds can get their hands on this Portuguese visa, assuming they meet the qualifying criteria.

Who Qualifies for the D7 Passive Income Visa?

The D7 visa is ideally suited for retirees, individuals with rental properties or other adequate passive income, or remote workers. The critical eligibility criteria? You must have a stable and sufficient income derived from "passive means."

Although there's no defined minimum income, the general guideline is that it should exceed the Portuguese minimum wage, which currently stands at €820. Naturally, the higher your passive income, the greater the chances of a successful application.

It's also necessary that the income should be sufficient to support yourself and any family members. For secondary applicants such as a spouse, partner, or dependent children, a further 30% (for each child) or 50% (for other family members) is required.

Expected Timeframes and Costs

The processing time for the D7 visa usually ranges from 2 to 4 months.

The visa fees sit at around €100, and the residency permit fee is about €77. There's also an issuance fee for the approved residence permit of approximately €74.

The D8 Digital Nomad Visa

The D8 can be both a temporary stay visa and a long-term residence permit visa.

The temporary stay visa allows you to live in Portugal for up to one year, while the long-term residence permit visa allows you to stay for up to 5 years in the country, with the possibility of renewal. After 5 years, you will also be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Who qualifies for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa?

The D8 visa is ideal for remote workers, freelancers, or digital entrepreneurs. The eligibility criteria for this visa are:

• **The applicant must be employed with a foreign company, freelance, or own a location-independent business.** The key point here is that the applicant's income source should not come from Portuguese companies or clients.

• **The applicant must be able to show that they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Portugal.** Technically, there isn't a fixed minimum, but a safe guideline is to have an income that is four times the Portuguese minimum wage.

The D8 registration certificate must be submitted to the Portuguese immigration authorities (SEF) in articulation with the Portuguese Embassy and Consulate.

Expected Timeframes and Costs

The application process for the D8 visa should take between 2 to 4 months.

The application visa fee is approximately €170, while the residence visa permit fee is around €320. After your residence visa permit is approved, you’ll also need to pay an issuance fee of about €74.

The Portugal Golden Visa

The Golden Visa scheme is mainly destined for wealthy investors from outside of European countries and is the Portugal visa that requires the most funds.

Who Qualifies for the Portugal Golden Visa?

Even though it initially supported real estate investment, the Portugal Golden Visa is now only available if you:

1. Subscribe to a Portuguese investment fund with a minimum investment of €500.000.

2. Start a company in Portugal that creates at least 10 new full-time jobs.

3. Make a donation contributing to Portugal's national heritage (at least €250.000) or a Portuguese scientific/development institution (at least €500.000).

Expected Timeframes and Costs

The Golden Visa application process generally takes 4-6 months.

The application costs are quite high in comparison to other types of Portuguese visa. Application visa fees are €5,325 per person, not including a processing fee of €550 that costs an additional €80 per renewal.

General Recommended Practices for Applying for National Visas

Even though each national visa has its own requirements, there are some general practices all non-EU citizens should follow when applying for residence visas in Portugal.

• **Get a Portuguese tax number:** Having an NIF number is essential to do everything from finding a place to stay in Portugal to signing a mobile phone contract.

• **Get a Portuguese bank account:** Whether you're applying for a temporary visa or a long-term national visa, bank accounts are crucial for most visa application processes.

• **Learn about different visa types:** There's more than one Portugal visa to choose from, so make sure you apply for the one that suits you the most.

• **Consult with a lawyer:** People with professional training are best equipped to navigate the intricacies of entering Portugal with a visa, so don't be afraid to ask for legal counseling—even if it costs you extra.

• **Visit Portugal:** Last but not least, make sure to stay in Portugal for at least a few days or weeks before committing to a Portuguese visa. In the odd chance you don't enjoy sunny Portugal, there are other countries in the Schengen area offering visas to non-EU nationals.

Should You Hire a Lawyer to Apply for a Residency Visa?

If you’re using a lawyer to help with your application, you’ll likely pay between €1,000 and €3,000 in legal fees, depending on the lawyer and whether you already have your Portuguese NIF number and bank account.

The downside of using a lawyer to apply for a residency visa in Portugal is the cost. The advantages, however, are surely worth considering:

• **Expertise:** Lawyers specializing in immigration law have a deep understanding of visa regulations, requirements, and procedures.

• **Tailored advice:** A lawyer can assess your situation and recommend the most suitable visa type based on your purpose of travel, qualifications, and circumstances.

• **Documentation Preparation:** Lawyers can assist in gathering and organizing the required documents. They know what is needed and how to present your case effectively, reducing the chances of errors or omissions that could delay or jeopardize your application.

• **Legal Representation:** In case of complications or if your application faces challenges, having legal representation can be invaluable. Lawyers can advocate on your behalf, handle appeals, or address any legal hurdles that might arise during the process.

• **Increased success rate:** With their experience and understanding of the process, lawyers can enhance the chances of a successful visa application.

Most importantly, though, hiring a lawyer to apply for a residency visa will provide you some much-needed peace of mind, helping you overcome any arising challenge and avoid silly, time-wasting mistakes.

Conclusion

While there are many options and pathways available to move to Portugal, D2, D7, and D8 visas usually provide the best opportunities for—respectively—entrepreneurs, foreign citizens earning passive income, and digital nomads from outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland.

If you want to work and stay in Portugal, many routes can grant you a residence permit and, ultimately, provide you with access to all of the benefits Portuguese residents enjoy—including citizenship. It's just a matter of deciding on the type of visa that suits you the most.

From short-stay visas to the millionaires-only Golden Visa, the Portugal Visa world is filled with great opportunities for international entrepreneurs and business owners to enjoy. By tapping into this fascinating universe, you can finally realize your dream of entering Portugal and experiencing one of the best business environments Europe has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I move to Portugal with a temporary stay visa?

A temporary stay visa allows you to reside in Portugal anywhere between 90 days and one year, but it can be extended in most situations. There are temporary stay visas for all kinds of purposes in Portugal and other Schengen countries, from getting medical treatment to searching for work for a temporary period.

What is the D2 Entrepreneur Visa?

Is there a language requirement for the D2 Visa?

While you don’t need to speak Portuguese to be accepted for the visa, it's recommended to learn the language, especially if you plan to integrate with the Portuguese business community.

Who is the D7 Visa for?

The D7 Visa is intended for individuals who wish to live in Portugal based on their regular income from overseas passive sources such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or other passive income sources.

What is the D8 Visa?

The D8 Visa, often referred to as the Digital Nomad Visa, is designed for individuals who work remotely for a foreign-based company or as a freelancer for clients outside Portugal.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a loosely defined term that often refers to a temporary stay visa or tourist visa valid for up to 90 days in the Schengen area. However, all visas offering a residence permit in Schengen countries can technically be classified as Schengen visas.

How long do I have to stay in Portugal to obtain citizenship?

Generally, you need to reside in Portugal for at least five years before applying for citizenship. To qualify, you must spend at least 183 days per year in the country.

What's the best type of visa to create a company?

While both the D2 Visa and the Golden Visa are designed to attract foreign investment in the country, the first is best suited for most business-minded people looking to enter the Portuguese market because it requires minimum investment. To apply via the Golden Visa scheme, you will need to save at least €250.000.