As part of the globalization process, more and more people are choosing to live and work abroad. In recent years, Portugal has become a popular destination among those interested in a temporary or permanent relocation. The range of visas offered in Portugal is wide, in this article we will dive into some of them.
Why Portugal?
Portugal is an alluring destination for those seeking an exceptional quality of life and an inviting place to call home. Portugal boasts a good climate, offering abundant sunshine and a pleasant atmosphere year-round. Alongside the welcoming weather, Portugal’s low cost of living allows residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Additionally, the nation ranks third in the Global Peace Index (2022), reflecting its commitment to safety and stability. A low crime rate further contributes to the country’s sense of security and well-being. Portugal’s dedication to high-quality healthcare ensures that residents can access top-notch medical services when needed. Moreover, the World Bank has highly rated the government for its “ease of doing business,” making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors. With its unique combination of favorable factors, Portugal stands out as a highly desirable place to live, offering a harmonious blend of comfort, safety, and opportunity.
Given Portugal’s enticing attributes that make it a desirable place to live, many individuals worldwide are considering relocating there. To facilitate this move and further boost investment in the country, Portugal provides diverse visa options tailored to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals from various backgrounds. These visa options open up exciting opportunities for individuals looking to contribute to Portugal’s vibrant economy while enjoying its exceptional lifestyle and favorable living conditions.
Types of Visas
Passive Income Visa
The Passive Income Visa, also known as the “D7 Visa,” is available to non-residents; two steps must be completed for the visa to be granted. One is obtaining a residence visa in the applicant’s home or residency country, a temporary visa valid for four months. The second step is attending an appointment with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service, where a residence permit will then be granted for two years and, after two years, will need to be renewed, making the visa valid for three years. After this period of five total years, you can exchange the temporary residence for a permanent residence permit.
Startup Visa
The Startup Visa in Portugal is a sought-after residence visa explicitly designed for entrepreneurs, to attract investment, talent, and innovation to the country. To qualify for the Startup Visa and obtain a residence and work permit, international entrepreneurs must meet several key criteria:
- They must demonstrate their intention to engage in business activities that produce innovative goods and services.
- They should either open new companies or relocate existing ones, focusing on technology and knowledge to develop groundbreaking products.
- Applicants should have the potential to create qualified employment opportunities.
- After the incubation period, successful applicants should be capable of achieving a turnover of over €325,000 per year or possess assets worth over €325,000 per year.
By offering such a conducive environment for startup ventures, Portugal encourages visionary entrepreneurs to contribute to its thriving innovation ecosystem while benefiting from an exciting and supportive business landscape.
To read more about the startup visa click here.
Digital Nomad
The Digital Nomad visa in Portugal is tailor-made for those seeking to engage in professional activities independently or as remote employees working outside the country. This visa allows a temporary stay in Portugal while continuing remote work for a foreign employer. Digital Nomads are a growing community of remote workers who have the freedom to travel and work in various countries. Whether freelancers, remote workers, or business owners, digital nomads leverage their devices, such as laptops and smartphones, to stay connected and productive while exploring new destinations. With its Digital Nomad visa, Portugal embraces this modern workforce trend. It offers an ideal environment for these tech-savvy professionals to thrive, strike a perfect work-life balance, and immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.
Portugal Golden Visa
The program offers an enticing pathway to residency for non-EU citizens. Initiated in October 2012, the program provides a remarkable opportunity to become a permanent resident or citizen of Portugal within just five years. Eligibility is open to any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, and the investment funds must originate from outside Portugal. To qualify, applicants must make a qualifying investment in categories such as real estate, venture capital funds, capital transfers, company formation, or donation. To retain the Golden visa the investments must be kept for a minimum of five years, and the main applicant must be in Portugal for seven days in the first year and fourteen days in each of the years following. The Golden Visa also extends to eligible family members, fostering togetherness in Portugal.
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers diverse investment options to suit individual preferences and interests. Acquiring real estate valued above €500,000 in Portugal, or €350,000 for older properties in urban rehabilitation areas, qualifies for the Golden Visa. Transactions can involve multiple properties if the minimum investment amount is met. Additionally, applicants can pool their investments, enabling siblings or partners purchasing a property together to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa based on their individual contributions. However, residential properties in Lisbon, Porto, and coastal mainland towns do not qualify, though commercial properties in these locations remain eligible. Other investment options include:
- Subscribing to qualifying Portuguese funds with a minimum of €500,000.
- Creating new full-time jobs.
- Investing in existing Portuguese businesses that create new jobs.
- Contributing to preserving national heritage and research and development activities.
Non-Portuguese financial institutions can provide loans for investment, making the Golden Visa program even more accessible and appealing to prospective investors.
Fees of the Golden Visa: *
- Main Applicant:
- Pre-analysis fee: €66
- Approval fee: €5,391.56
- Family Member:
- Pre-analysis fee: €539.66
- Approval fee: €5,391.56
- Renewal:
- Pre-analysis fee: €539.66
- Approval fee: €29
* As of 01/2023.
Non-Habitual Residence (NHR)
Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) in Portugal is a beneficial program that allows individuals to establish tax residency and enjoy reduced tax rates on income and capital gains for ten years. The advantages of NHR include exemption from wealth taxes, the freedom to remit funds to Portugal without restrictions, and a complete exemption on all foreign income. Moreover, individuals can benefit from a flat tax rate of 20% on certain Portuguese income and enjoy tax exemption on gifts for family members. The program also offers the flexibility of no minimum stay requirement, allowing individuals to structure their residency at their convenience. Foreign-sourced pension income can be taxed at a favorable flat rate of 10% for those who qualify.
To be eligible for NHR, individuals must meet two conditions:
- They must have the right to reside in Portugal, either through being an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or by utilizing opportunities such as the Golden Visa program.
- They must not have been a Portuguese tax resident in the five years before establishing residency in Portugal.
To maintain NHR status, individuals must have a place of occupancy in Portugal on 31 December of each year, with a minimum occupancy of 183 days per year, ensuring it serves as their habitual residence. This residence can be a rental property with a 12-month rental contract as long as it is available and intended for continuous use as a habitual home. The NHR program offers an attractive and flexible tax residency solution for those seeking to benefit from Portugal’s favorable tax regime.
Visa for Family Members
Before the recent changes to visas for family members, families had to wait for the main applicant to be issued a visa to apply for family member visas. The issue has been amended to allow family members to apply for visas simultaneously with the main applicant. The requirements for family members of the main applicant have remained the same. Family member visas are available mainly to spouses, minor or incapable children. The list of approved visas also includes ascendents in the first degree of the main applicant or spouse and younger siblings, among others.
Job-Seeker Visa
The new job-seeker visa regime in Portugal allows third-country nationals to enter and stay in the country for 120 days to seek employment. The visa can be extended for 60 days to formalize the desired work contract. If the job-seeker fails to secure employment within the maximum validity period of 180 days, the visa expires, and reapplication is only possible after one year. However, the visa holder can apply for a residence permit if a labor contract is successfully established within the legal period. It’s important to note that the job-seeker visa and other temporary stay and residence visas are only valid in Portugal and must be obtained from Portuguese consular offices.
To read more about the job seeker visa click here.
CPLP Nationals Visa
The CPLP National Visa in Portugal is a particular visa category designed for citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). The CPLP is an intergovernmental organization that includes countries where Portuguese is an official or widely spoken language. The CPLP National Visa allows citizens from CPLP member states to enter and stay in Portugal for various purposes, such as work, study, family reunification, or other legal activities, without needing a separate residence permit. These countries include Portugal, Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea – Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Sao Tome, Principe, and East Timor.
To read more about the application process for the different visas mentioned above click here.
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