Portugal Immigration - Your Visa Options
Since Portugal is a member of the European Union, Portugal immigration is contingent upon your citizenship, nature of your stay and the length of your stay in Portugal.
Naturally, the holder of an European passport or Swiss citizens of the EEA/Swiss can get into Portugal by presenting their identity cards. In addition, European citizens are free to move to Portugal when they plan to stay for more than 3 months, they need to apply for a registration certificate. European citizens also have the option of obtaining an official permanent residence certificate within five years residence in Portugal.
Foreign nationals that are who are classified as non-EU require visa (unless their country has an arrangement in place with Portugal). Portuguese visas are handled by the Portuguese consulate or embassy in the country where you reside and the Portuguese Immigration Office is known as the SEF is the one responsible for issuance of Portuguese residence permits.
Non-European citizens
There are four countries that have agreements with Portugal. United States, Canada, Australia Australia, Canada and New Zealand all have international agreements with Portugal which means that their citizens are allowed to visit and stay in Portugal for up to 90 days in the period of six months, without requiring the visa.
For those who are not citizens of the EU/EFTA and wish to stay for more that three months need to be eligible for a longer-lasting visa , or Portuguese residency permit prior to arriving. This gives them the chance to apply for an Portuguese residency permit following their the arrival.
The people who fall in this category are:
Workers or self-employed people
Students
Passive income earners
Retirees
Family members
Portugal immigration - visa types
Portugal visa requirements vary based on your particular situation. Below, we'll list the visas available as well as the people they relate to.
Schengen short-stay visa
It is the Schengen Visa for short stays is great for people who have caught the traveling to Portugal bug, but also wish to travel without restriction within the Schengen zone. This visa lasts for 90 days of a 6-month period.
There are various types of Schengen visas that you should be aware of:
Transit visa for Airports (Visa A)- allows transit in the international zone of an airport and from one flight to the next. This visa is required by all passengers who change flights at an Schengen country airport, unless it is otherwise exempted.
Short-term and transit Visa (visa C) - issued for temporary and transit-related stays within the Schengen region. The visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days in an extended period of six months. The most popular types of visas that are short-stay include visas for business and tourism, such as the Portuguese tourist visa and business visa.
Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visasare a unique visa for short-term stays that permits access to just an individual Schengen State, as well as some other Schengen states when specified in advance.
Visa for temporary stays
A temporary visa grants people a period of four months for staying with multiple entry points.
Temporary stay permits are granted in the following scenarios:
Treatment for medical reasons or accompanying the family member who is who is undergoing treatment
Transfer of workers from countries in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for training or to provide services
Employment on a temporary basis or self-employment
Conducting scientific research or teach at a higher education institution
Find a sport you enjoy
Portuguese residency visa
This Portuguese resident visa issued to people who want to aim to have a longer-term stay in Portugal.
Visas for residence are granted upon arrival in Portugal for one or all of these reasons.
Employment-based work
Self-employment or entrepreneurial activities
Teaching or research in science
Study, exchange of students, internships, or a voluntary service
Programmes of higher learning (for students who are already in Portugal who wish to pursue their studies)
Family reunion
People with income and pensioners.
It is possible to obtain the Portuguese residency visa may be granted as a multiple-entry Visa that allows the travel of different Schengen countries. Be aware that whichever Portuguese residence visa that you get you will need to obtain a permit to reside when the entry into Portugal.
Portugal Online worker Visa
If you require an Portugal on-line worker's visa will depend on your nationality and the long you'll be employed for. There are many national visa that are available for non-EU citizens.
Short-term work permitThis is applicable to short-term work contracts that last not more than six months.It's accessible to employees as well as self-employed employees. The short-term temporary work visa can be extended to a year.
Lang-term Portugal Online worker's visaThis visa is required for non-EU citizens who wish be employed in Portugal for long-term. It's classified as a Type D Schengen visa that allows the traveler to be visa-free throughout in the Schengen zone.
Portugal tech visa
It is a Portugal technology visa was created through the Portuguese government to bring highly-qualified tech-savvy people to Portugal. The nationals who are not part of the Schengen zone are eligible to apply, provided they're considered experts in technology. The following criteria have to be met
A candidate must be third-country citizen who isn't a resident within the borders of the European Union
All tax obligations have to be met
The applicant must have a clean criminal history and at minimum 18 years old at the date when they submit their Portugal visa application
The candidate must have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree - at least the level 6, as defined by ISCED 2011 or the level 5 (tertiary in education) with five years work experience in technical areas that are specialized
Have proficiency with proficiency in Portuguese, English, French or Spanish that is appropriate for the tasks or duties to be performed
Portugal Visa Requirements
Whatever type of visa you're seeking regardless of the type, you need to fill out the visa application form to the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country of residence. You need to download the Portuguese request for visa form to apply for in the Schengen Area.
Portuguese visa processing time varies. It could take from two weeks to two to three months so begin your Portuguese procedure for obtaining a visa keeping these dates in your mind.
The following documents is required for Portugal visa requirements is required:
Two passport photos
Your passport as well as copies of any previous visas
A duplicate of your return ticket booking (depending on your country of residence)
Insurance to cover travel for the Schengen zone
Letter of cover stating the reason of your trip and the itinerary
Time and dates for flights
The accommodation plans will be for all durations of stay
You will need enough money to last for the duration of your stay
Documentation of the civil status
A proof of financial standing
It is also possible to be required to provide additional documentation about the reason for your trip. For instance, if, for example, you're a student you'll be required to prove your enrollment in the Portuguese institution.
The process of obtaining residency in Portugal Non-EU citizens
If you're looking to obtain a long-term residence for a long period of time in Portugal as a non-EU-based citizen You'll be happy to know that there are many Portugal visa programs available that we will discuss below.
D7 visa
This D7 visa is a desirable visa that allows non-EU citizens to obtain Portuguese residence if they have enough money to sustain themselves while they are in Portugal.
This visa is designed for self-employed people, retirees, as well as digital entrepreneurs that would like to reside in Portugal without the need to make a significant economic investment.
The D7 visa is renewed every year for two consecutive times of two years. The D7 visa could be converted into permanent residency permits in five years. If you've been being a holder of this D7 visa, the applicant will be able to apply for Portuguese nationality, provided that you meet the other conditions that are stipulated in Portuguese laws on nationality.
For more details read our guide on this visa. Portugal Visa D7..
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 golden visa allows qualified investors and their families the right to reside as well as work and study in Portugal and permits freedom of mobility within the European Union's Schengen Area.
The possibility of becoming an permanent resident or a citizen can be achieved, provided the investment that qualifies as qualifying is held for a minimum of five years and all the conditions set by the Portuguese laws on nationality and immigration are observed.
Portugal permanent residence conditions
Residents from non-EU/EFTA nations can request Portuguese permanent residence once they have resided for five years in Portugal during five consecutive years. They need to prove that they've lived legally resident in the country during the five-year period.
The Portugal permanent residency conditions are as follows:
Visa valid for residence
Passport/travel ID
Two passport photographs
You must have enough money to cover your expenses
Accommodation proof
Health insurance and medical treatment coverage
Criminal record certificate
A proof of enrollment in social security, and proof of tax status
Evidence of continuous and legal residency in Portugal during the preceding five years
If you've been absent of Portugal for a long duration (more than 3 months) within this five-year period, for example. due to work reasons and you need to provide evidence of the reason
A proof of competence in Portuguese language, by an official certificate or a test at an assessment center for language.
Portuguese citizenship
If you're trying to figure out how to successfully obtain Portuguese citizenship and how to become an EU citizen It's an easy process. If you're applying through one of the Portugal Golden Visa scheme, you are eligible for citizenship in the next six months, assuming that you continue to invest in your residence during the period.
Contact us today to talk with the Portugal immigration team
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship-by-investment solutions for international families. With offices across the globe and a highly skilled and knowledgeable team who assist clients across the globe obtain Portugal Golden Visas, or homes, and then successfully move to Portugal as well as provide consulting services for visa applications. Get in touch with ustoday to discuss your goals and assist you to advance.
Commonly asked questions regarding Portugal immigration
What is the procedure for Portugal immigration work for citizens of countries outside the EU?
Non-EU citizens are required to apply for an initial 6-month Schengen visa to be able to reside for a period of six months in Portugal legally. However, residents of those countries such as the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand are eligible to be admitted to Portugal and freely circulate for the first three months with no need for needing a visa. But, once they've completed their stay they'll need to apply for the visa.
How do I be able to become permanent residents of Portugal?
You have to reside within Portugal for an indefinite period of five years before you can be considered for Portuguese permanent residency. As you must prepare all the required documentation and take an exam to prove your Portuguese proficiency.
What Portugal visa allows me to be a resident permanent?
You currently have two options to become permanent residents. You can make an application to one of the D7 Visa scheme and renew your visa every two years until you reach the five-year requirement to become a permanent resident and then you can apply to Portugal's Golden Visa scheme. It allows you to reside in Portugal when you have an investment of a certain amount in the country.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment scheme that allows foreign investors to live legally in Portugal legally, provided an investment of a certain amount is first made.
How can you get residence for a period of time in Portugal work?
In order to obtain residency to Portugal the first step is to arrive in Portugal using a valid passport to stay for the period of time you wish. After that, you need to file your application for a residence visa at the local authorities for immigration known as SEF.
How do I apply for a Portugal residency visa prerequisites?
The Portugal residency visa requirements are as they are:
Visa valid for residence.
Passport
Two passport photographs.
Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself.
Accommodation evidence.
Medical insurance
Criminal record clean
A proof of enrolment in social security as well as proof for tax identification.