Portugal Immigration Guide: Visa Options To Freely Circulate In Portugal

You’ve set your sights on Portugal. But how can you move freely (and legally) within the country?

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Discover how the Portugal immigration system works and what type of Portugal visas you can apply for. Whether you’re interested in Portugal immigration with zero investment or applying for the Digital Nomad program, several attractive options are available.

In this article, we’ll cover the following:

• Portuguese visa types
• Your Portugal visa options
• Portugal visa requirements
• Getting residency in Portugal: Non-EU citizens
• Portuguese citizenship
• Other essential Portuguese immigration information
• How to get in touch with our Portugal immigration team
• FAQs

Who needs a visa for Portugal?

More expats than ever before are heading to Portugal. According to the 2022 population census, immigration statistics show the number of foreign residents in Portugal increased by almost 43 percent between 2011 and 2021, amounting to 757,252 people. For people making this move, there are many visa options available.

Since Portugal is part of the European Union (EU), the policies for Portugal depend on your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and the length of time in Portugal.

European Union nationals

Naturally, visa holders of European passports or EEA/Swiss nationals can arrive in Portugal by showing their identity cards. European citizens can freely move to Portugal if they intend to stay longer than three months but must request a registration certificate.

After five years of living in Portugal, European citizens can also obtain a permanent residence certificate.

Non-European citizens

All other foreign nationals classified as ‘non-EU’ will need some form of visa and residency permit (unless their country has a special agreement with Portugal). The Portuguese Embassy, the Portuguese Consulate, and VFS Global process Portuguese visas in your country of residence; residency visas are issued by the immigration and border services—Portuguese Immigration Office, AIMA.

To be eligible for a residency visa in Portugal, you need to fulfill the following criteria: possess a passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay’s duration and hold an appropriate visa for the purpose of your visit; however, certain countries are exempt from short-stay visa requirements.

The necessary documents for obtaining a Portuguese residency visa are as follows:

1. A passport that’s valid for a duration of at least three months beyond your intended stay.
2. Two passport-sized photos.
3. Completed visa application form.
4. Valid travel insurance coverage.
5. Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay.
   • Alternatively, a Portuguese citizen or resident can sign a term of responsibility on your behalf.

The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have international agreements with Portugal, meaning nationals can enter and stay in Portugal for 90 days within a six-month period without needing a visa.

Non-EU/non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals who want to stay longer than three months must apply for a long-term or Portuguese residency visa before arriving. This gives them an extra opportunity to apply for a Portuguese residence permit after arrival.

People who fit into this category include:

• Self-employed individuals or workers
• Students
• Passive income earners
• Retirees
• Family members

Types of Portugal Visas

Portugal visa requirements depend on your personal situation. It’s up to the immigration and border services (AIMA) to issue your temporary stay visa or long-term residency visa. Below, we list the available visas on offer, including who they pertain to.

Schengen Visa

The Schengen short-stay or temporary stay visa is perfect for those who have the travel bug and want to visit Portugal but also move freely within Europe’s Schengen Area. The visa is valid for 90 days out of a six-month period. To be eligible, you’ll need to submit various documents and demonstrate that you have sufficient means of subsistence to support yourself during your trip.

There are several types of Schengen Visas that you should know about:

• Airport transit visa (Visa A) – permits transit within the international area of an airport from one flight to another. Unless exempted, this visa is required for all passengers who change flights at Schengen country airports.
• Transit and short-term stay visa (Visa C) – issued for transit and short-term stays in the Schengen Area. These visas are valid for 90 days within a six-month period. The most typical types of short-stay visas are the Portuguese tourist visa and the business visa.
• Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas – a special short-stay visa allowing travel to only one Schengen state or certain other Schengen states if specified beforehand.

Temporary stay visa

The Portugal temporary stay visa gives individuals a four-month stay with multiple entries.

The temporary stay visa is granted for the following situations:

• Receiving medical treatment
• Need a visa accompanying family member undergoing medical treatment
• Transfer of workers between countries within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide services or professional training
• Temporary employment or self-employment
• To conduct scientific research or teaching in a higher education institution
• Pursue sports activity

Portuguese residency visa

The Portuguese residency visa is granted to individuals aiming to stay in Portugal longer.

Portuguese visas are granted after arriving in Portugal for any of the following reasons:

• Employed work
• Self-employment or entrepreneurial activities
• Scientific research or teaching
• Study, student exchange, internship, or voluntary service
• Higher education programs (for students already residing in Portugal who want to further their studies)
• Family reunification
• Pensioners and people with income

The Portuguese residency visa allows multiple entries for travel to other Schengen countries. Note that whatever Portuguese residency visa you receive, you must apply for a residence permit upon entering Portugal.

Portugal online worker visa

Whether you need a Portugal online worker visa depends on your nationality and how long you’ll be employed. For non-EU nationals, several national visa options are available.

• Short-term work visa applies to short-term work contracts lasting less than six months. It’s available to employees and self-employed workers. The temporary short-term work visa can be extended for a year.

• Long-term Portugal online worker visa: This visa is necessary for non-EU nationals with a work contract who want to work in Portugal long-term. It’s classified as a type D Schengen Visa, enabling you to travel visa-free across the Schengen zone.

Portugal tech visa

The Portuguese government introduced the Portugal tech visa to attract highly qualified tech talent to Portugal. Nationals not included in the Schengen Area are welcome to apply, provided they’re tech specialists in the field required. The following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must be a third-country national who doesn’t reside in the territory of the European Union.
• All tax obligations must be fulfilled.
• The applicant must have a clean criminal record and be at least 18 years old at the time of the Portugal visa application.
• The applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s or equivalent level 6, according to ISCED 2011, or level 5 (tertiary-level education) with five years of experience in specialized technical functions.
• Hold proficiency in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish appropriate to the functions/duties to be performed

Requirements for Portuguese Visas

Regardless of what type of visa you’re applying for, you must submit a visa application form to the Portuguese Embassy or your local Portuguese Consulate in your home country. You must download a Portuguese visa application form for the Schengen Area.

Portuguese visa processing time varies. It can take anywhere from two weeks to two to three months, so ensure to start the application process with this in mind.

The following documentation for Portugal visa requirements is needed:

• Two passport photos
• Your passport and copies of your previous visas
• A copy of your return ticket reservation (depending on your nationality)
• Travel insurance to cover you for the Schengen Area
• Cover letter stating the purpose of your visit and itinerary
• Flight dates and times
• Accommodation plans for the duration of your stay
• Sufficient funds to last the duration of your stay
• Proof of civil status
• Proof of economic status

You may also be asked to show extra documentation regarding the nature of your visit. For example, if you’re a student, you must show proof of enrolment at a Portuguese institution.

Getting Residency in Portugal: Non-EU Citizens

If you’re a non-EU citizen looking to acquire long-term residency in Portugal, several Portugal visa programs are available, which we detail below.

Portugal Golden Visa

Also known as the Residence Permit Program, the Portugal Golden Visa is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU nationals. The immigration by investment program has become one of the most popular investment programs of its kind since its inception in 2012.

The Golden Visa grants qualifying investors and their family members a residence card, which allows them to live, work, and study in Portugal and permits free movement in Europe’s Schengen Area.

Opportunities to become a permanent resident or citizen are possible, provided that the qualifying investment is kept for at least five years and that all requirements set forth by the Portuguese immigration and nationality laws are obeyed.

This visa is especially popular among Americans moving to Portugal thanks to its attractive benefits. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, UK citizens can also apply for the Investment Visa.

D2 Startup Visa

The Startup Visa is open to non-EU residents or people not residing in the Schengen area. This visa is for entrepreneurs who want to attract investments to Portugal. Applicants can either have an existing business they wish to expand to Portugal or a new project they intend to create within the country.

To qualify for the Portugal D2 Visa, entrepreneurs need to have their business approved by the IAPMEI body before applying for a startup visa.

D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is an attractive visa that allows non-EU citizens to get Portuguese residency provided they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Portugal. This is perhaps the best way to Portugal immigration with a zero-investment pathway for expats.

This visa is geared toward retirees, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Portugal and enjoy the country’s high quality of life without committing to a major economic investment. You’re required to have a passive income that meets regulations.

The D7 Visa can then be renewed after two years for three years and turned into a permanent residence permit after five years. After five years of holding the D7 Visa, you can also request Portuguese nationality, provided you fulfill the other requirements stipulated by Portuguese nationality law.

D8 Visa – Digital Nomad Visa program

The Digital Nomad Visa was launched in October 2022 and allows remote workers to live and work in Portugal for a set period of time. Since then, this visa has become very popular, with hundreds of digital nomads moving to Portugal each month.

With a Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers can apply for a residency permit that can be extended for up to five years. If they intend to stay for less than a year, the temporary stay visa in this category may be most suitable, as it has a maximum validity of one year.

To qualify, you will need to make four times Portugal’s minimum wage or more, which totals €3,280.00 per month.

Living in Portugal

Cost of living in Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal is fairly low, especially in comparison to countries like the UK, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and even neighboring Spain. As a result, Portugal has earned its reputation as one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, drawing in expats and digital nomads seeking a cost-effective lifestyle.

The allure of Portugal’s affordable cost of living is undoubtedly one of its most appealing aspects. To put things into perspective, living in the US costs approximately 42 percent more than the expenses you would encounter in Portugal.

Especially if you’re moving to Portugal from major US cities such as New York or San Francisco, you’ll notice a considerably lower cost of living.

Moreover, you’ll be pleased to discover that Portugal offers top-quality real estate properties, dining experiences, groceries, and everyday commodities at prices that won’t break the bank. Embracing a high-quality life without straining your finances is a reality in this beautiful country, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both affordability and an exceptional standard of living.

The job market and business opportunities in Portugal

Portugal’s job market offers promising prospects for those moving to Portugal. The key sectors driving growth are:

• Tech: Portugal’s tech industry is booming, creating a demand for skilled workers in information and communication technologies.
• Services: The dominant sector, employing more than 72 percent of the workforce, features growth in areas like vehicle trade and repair, construction, and administrative support. Tourism and hospitality remain crucial, though job vacancies tend to be seasonal.
• Other sectors: Healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy are also experiencing job growth, with reported skill shortages.

Business opportunities are flourishing in several areas:

• Established industries: Franchises in food and beverage, retail, hospitality, and business services see success due to rising consumer spending.
• Real estate: Retail, office spaces, and hospitality properties are in demand due to economic growth and tourism.
• Emerging sectors: Businesses focused on renewable energy, and digital marketing can capitalize on Portugal’s growing focus on sustainability and tech

Healthcare in Portugal

According to Global Health Expenditure 2022, Portugal spends about 9.53 percent of its GDP annually on healthcare. Consequently, the Portuguese healthcare system is highly rated; in most worldwide rankings, it’s in or around the top 20.

Public hospitals in Portugal provide free healthcare for citizens and residents, and the quality of public health facilities and care is generally considered to be good. Some medications may require a prescription from a local doctor. Meanwhile, private clinics offer medical care with fees, where you will get an appointment faster than the public ones, and very high-quality services.

Private healthcare options in Portugal are excellent. You’ll find a variety of private health insurance policies in Portugal that can tailor packages to your circumstances, offering a variety of coverage and prices. Health insurance coverage in Portugal tends to be much cheaper than in other countries in Western Europe. Note that almost all healthcare professionals in the private system in Portugal speak English.

To read more about health insurance in Portugal, check out our detailed guide to Portugal’s healthcare system.

Education in Portugal

Portugal offers families the benefit of an excellent education system, and there are various choices for schools and universities. The education system in Portugal is well-known for its high quality, and Portuguese universities are internationally recognized, with many international students choosing to study in Portugal. As Portugal is a member of the European Union (EU), it is easy for graduates to work in any EU country.

Portuguese universities are known for having excellent track records and reputations. For example, the prestigious Universidade NOVA de Lisboa is in the QS ranking of the world’s top 50 universities under 50 years old. Six more universities are in the QS rankings 2023 of Top Global Universities.

Portugal offers free education for its citizens, and legal residents, including Golden Visa residents, can enroll their children in Portuguese schools.

Setting up a Portuguese bank account

Once you’ve moved to Portugal, it makes sense to open a Portuguese bank account.

To open a bank account in Portugal, you’ll need to visit a local branch of your chosen bank and bring the following documents:

• Proof of ID (e.g., passport)
• Proof of address (e.g., recent utility bill or letter received in the previous three months, with your name and address both visible)
• NIF number
• Proof of income or employment (e.g., recent payslip or employment letter). If you are not employed, you can still open a local bank account. You will need to show proof of registration with the Portuguese employment center (Centro de Emprego) or that you have an assured work contract.
• A Portuguese phone number for SMS activation: This may not be required and is dependent on the bank. Some banks also accept international phone numbers.
• A minimum deposit of €250-300 in cash is common, although this will depend on the bank.

Taxes in Portugal for Expats

If you are in Portugal for 183 or more days in a single calendar year, you will be considered a Portuguese tax resident and will have to pay taxes in the country.

Probably the most important type of tax to be aware of if you move to Portugal is personal income tax, which applies to the incomes of both Portuguese residents and non-residents who earn income in Portugal.

Tax is usually automatically deducted from pay slips, but you are still obligated to complete an annual tax return. Tax is determined by examining the taxable income earned and the corresponding tax rate and removing any legal deductions (e.g., education or health-related expenses).

IRS is calculated individually, but couples and civil partnerships can opt to file jointly. In this case, tax is charged on the total taxable income of the household members.

The Portugal tax rates for individuals for 2024 are as follows, ranging from 14.5 percent to 48 percent:

Income tax in Portugal applies to earnings in the following six categories:

• Employment income
• Self-employment income
• Investment income
• Rental income from properties let in Portugal
• Capital gains from selling properties, assets, or shares
• Pensions in Portugal, including private pension plans

Since 2009, many expats in Portugal have been able to benefit from the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program, but the program is now being phased out.

Is NHR ending?

The State Budget Law for 2024 determined the end of the NHR regime from 1st January 2024. However, certain individuals can still apply up until 31st March 2025, and the scheme will be replaced by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation, which is expected to be implemented later in 2024. To learn more, please refer to Is The Portugal NHR Ending? 

 

Portugal's Permanent Residence Requirements

Residents who are from non-EU/EFTA countries can apply for Portuguese permanent residence after having lived in Portugal for five years. They must prove they’ve been legally residing in Portugal for the duration of the five-year period.

The Portugal permanent residency requirements are as follows:

• Valid residence visa
• Passport/travel ID
• Two passport photographs
• Proof of enough finances to support yourself
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel insurance with medical treatment coverage
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of enrolment in social security, which  entails getting a social security number, known as a NISS
• Evidence of tax status, which will require you to get a NIF tax number
• Proof of legal and uninterrupted residence in Portugal for the preceding five years
• Proof of basic proficiency in the Portuguese language through a certificate of qualification or test at a language assessment center

Note that under Portugal immigration requirements, almost all Portugal visa applicants will be required to attend a visa interview or appointment during their application.

How Residency Visa Holders Can Become Portuguese Citizens

If you’re wondering how to effectively secure Portuguese citizenship and how to become an EU citizen, know that it’s a relatively straightforward process. Suppose you apply through the Portugal Golden Investment scheme. In that case, you qualify for citizenship after five years, allowing you to gain all the same rights as Portuguese nationals, provided that you maintain your investment and respective residency during this period.

Elsewhere, if you legally reside in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport after five years of legal residence.

Dual citizenship holders

While Portugal recognizes dual citizenship, you should check the dual citizenship policies of your country of origin to ensure that getting Portuguese citizenship won’t affect your existing citizenship. If both Portugal and your home country permit dual citizenship, you can be a citizen of both countries without any issues.

For all Portuguese citizenship applications, you must pass a basic test in Portuguese as a foreign language, known as the CIPLE test.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?

GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS

• GCS has offices located across Portugal.
• Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
• Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa. 

100% APPROVAL RATE

• Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants. 
• We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.

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• With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application. 
• Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.

TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY

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Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal Immigration

How does Portugal immigration work for non-EU nationals?

Non-EU nationals must usually apply for a Schengen Visa to stay in Portugal legally. However, nationals from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom can enter Portugal and circulate freely for the first three months without a visa. However, afterward, they’ll need to apply for a visa.

How to become a permanent resident in Portugal?

You must live in Portugal for an uninterrupted time of five years to qualify for a Portuguese permanent residence permit, as well as prepare all the necessary documentation and submit a test proving your language proficiency.

What Portugal visa lets me become a permanent resident?

You can either apply for the D7 Visa scheme or alternatively, apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme. This lets you live in Portugal, provided you make a qualifying investment in the nation.

There are also other visa options to consider, such as the D2 Visa for entrepreneurs, the Digital Nomad Visa, perfect for remote workers, the Portugal qualified worker visa, and the Portugal self-employment visa.

If you are looking for information about getting a Portuguese work permit, then you can consult this article: Portugal Work Visa: All You Need to Know.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment scheme that welcomes foreign investors to reside in Portugal legally, provided that a qualifying investment is made first. Among the most notable benefits of the program are the low residency requirements (spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal to maintain the residence permit) and a five-year pathway to Portuguese citizenship (enabling you to become a European citizen), which is much faster than the citizenship processes in most other European countries.

The Portuguese government implemented the program in 2012 to attract foreign investment into the country, and it has since attracted several billion Euros of investment from more than 12,000 applicants.

How does getting residency in Portugal work?

To get residency in Portugal, you must first enter Portugal with a valid visa for the duration of your stay. Afterward, you must lodge your residence visa for Portugal application with the immigration agency in Portugal, AIMA (Immigration and Border Services).

What is a temporary residence permit for Portugal?

A temporary residence is a document issued by AIMA allowing a third-country national to live in Portugal.

This document is valid for a period of two years and is renewable for successive periods of three years.

It is not to be confused with a temporary or short-stay visa, often issued to travelers or people looking for medical treatment.

What are the Portugal residence visa requirements?

The Portugal residence visas requirements are as follows:

• Valid residence visa.
• Passport
• Two passport photographs.
• Proof of enough finances to sustain yourself.
• Accommodation proof.
• Medical insurance
• Clean criminal record
• Proof of enrolment in social security (requiring a social security number known as a NISS) and evidence of tax status

Do I need a visa to enter Portugal?

You need a visa to enter Portugal if you’re a third-country national (non-EU/non-Swiss/non-EEA). The type of visa you will need will depend on your personal circumstances and home country. Passport holders of the EU can freely arrive in Portugal without the need for a visa.

How many types of visas are there in Portugal?

There are usually three categories of Portugal Visa types:

1. A short stay visa, known as a Schengen Visa. These are valid for up to 90 days.
2. Temporary stay visas, which are valid for up to a year in most cases. 
3. Long stay visas, also known as residency visas. These are for stays of one year or more.

What are the three types of visas?

The three common visa types are short-stay visas, temporary stay visas, and long-stay visas. The right visa for you will depend on the length of time you are looking to live in Portugal and your country of origin.

Which is the best visa for Portugal?

There is no best visa. You have different visa types, and the best option for you will depend on what you are looking to move to Portugal for.

To provide you with an example, the D7 Visa is perfect if you are looking to retire to Portugal, the Digital Nomad Visa is a great option for remote workers, and various work visas are the way forward if you are seeking to move to Portugal to work. The Golden Visa should be on your radar if you want to secure residency in the country by making an investment in Portugal. Entrepreneurs should also check out the D2 Visa.

What is a Type C Visa in Portugal?

A Type C Visa or short-stay visa allows individuals to transit through or stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you have this visa type, you will be able to transit through international transit areas in airports that are located in the Schengen Area.

What is the latest Portuguese immigration news?

You can keep up with the latest Portuguese immigration news on the AIMA website. AIMA is the Immigration and Border Service in Portugal, and for any immigration services that you require, they will be your go-to entity responsible for your move to the country. Portugal’s immigration policy generally welcomes foreigners moving to the country. For example, the Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2022 allows remote workers to live in Portugal, provided they meet the requirements. 

For updates related to the Golden Visa, you can consult our article on Golden Visa Changes, Updates, and New Rules for 2024. 

What are the immigration policies for Portugal in 2024?

There are several ways to secure residency in Portugal in 2024, including the D7 Visa, the D8 Digital Nomad Visa, or securing a work visa to move to Portugal. 

Is Portugal easy to immigrate to?

Portugal provides many immigration options. For EU citizens, it is very easy to move to Portugal, given the fact that EU citizens can live, work, and study in any one of the 27 EU nations. For non-EU citizens, there are a variety of options open, depending on your requirements, and Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe for non-EU citizens to move to. 

For example, if you are looking to retire to Portugal, the D7 Visa (also referred to as the Passive Income Visa or the Retirement Visa) is an excellent option. You will simply need to show that you receive sufficient passive income to sustain yourself in the country. 

If you are looking to invest in Portugal, the Portuguese Golden Visa program allows foreign citizens to make an investment in the country and secure residency.

The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, allows remote workers to live in Portugal, provided they make four times the minimum wage in Portugal and work for a foreign employer. Another option to work in Portugal is to obtain a Portuguese work visa, whereby you can then live and work in the country. Entrepreneurs should also consider the D2 Visa. 

It can be worth seeking the assistance of a Portugal immigration lawyer with extensive knowledge of Portuguese law to assist you with your move to the country. They will be able to discuss which option could be best suited to your needs, and provide you with more information about the immigration process, the requirements, and the documents you will need to show.  

How much money do you need to immigrate to Portugal?

How much money you need to immigrate to Portugal and secure a residence permit will depend on the immigration option you choose. For foreign citizens, there are many different ways to migrate to Portugal.  

For the D7 Visa, the minimum income requirement is that foreign citizens earn a passive income of at least €820.00 per month (your income can come from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial equity).

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, introduced by the Portuguese government in 2022, you will need to make four times Portugal’s minimum wage or more.

Through the Portuguese Golden Visa residency by investment program, you can secure residency in the country by making an investment. 

Regardless of the visa you opt for, there will be an application form to complete and a procedure that you will need to follow. 

Non-EU citizens can apply for a Schengen Visa if they are simply looking to visit Portugal for a short time period. As a third-country national, it is important to have the appropriate visa when entering Portugal. 

Does Portugal accept immigrants?

Yes, Portugal generally has a very favorable immigration policy for foreign citizens. There are many different options for relocating to the country, including the D7 Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa), and the Entrepreneurship Visa. 

 

What is the easiest way to immigrate to Portugal?

One of the easiest ways to immigrate to Portugal is through the Golden Visa Program, which invites foreign investors to make substantial financial investments in the country in exchange for a residence permit. Other common ways include securing a job, studying, or having family ties in Portugal.

There are other visa options, such as the D3 Work Visa, which is aimed to attract highly skilled professionals to Portuguese companies in exchange for a long-term residency visa.

Can I bring my family members with me when immigrating to Portugal?

Yes, you can bring your family members with you when moving to Portugal. Most Portuguese national visas and residence permits allow for family reunification, which means you can bring your spouse, minor children, or dependent parents with you. The exact definition of “family member” can vary, so it’s important to confirm the specifics when you apply.

Is it necessary to learn Portuguese to immigrate to Portugal?

While knowledge of Portuguese is not a strict requirement for your residency visa or immigration path, it can be very beneficial. A basic understanding of the language is highly useful for fully integrating into Portuguese society and navigating daily life. Moreover, proof of Portuguese language proficiency may be required for some paths to Portuguese citizenship (which grants you European citizenship) or permanent residence.

Are there any age restrictions for immigration to Portugal?

There are no strict age restrictions to immigrate to Portugal. However, each type of visa or residence permit has its own conditions and requirements that may indirectly relate to age. For example, work visas generally require proof of a job offer, and retirement visas require proof of sufficient funds to support oneself.

What are the tax implications of immigrating to Portugal?

Residency visa holders in Portugal, are liable to pay taxes on your worldwide income there. However, Portugal has a special tax regime known as Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status, which can provide significant tax advantages for 10 years to individuals who have not been tax residents in Portugal in the previous five years. This program covers certain types of income, including pensions, so it’s worth looking into if you plan to relocate.

Note that the NHR scheme is closed to most new applicants except a select group of people who meet certain criteria. However, some immigrants to Portugal will be eligible for its replacement, the Incentivised Tax Scheme, which offers similar tax benefits.

Can I bring my pets with me when immigrating to Portugal?

Yes, you can bring your pets when you move to Portugal, but there are specific requirements you need to follow. These typically include having a valid pet passport, ensuring your pet is microchipped, and that they’re up to date with certain vaccinations, including rabies. The specifics can vary depending on your current country, so it’s important to verify the requirements with official sources or a trusted vet before you move.

Can a US citizen immigrate to Portugal?

Yes, it’s possible for a US citizen to apply for any of the visas on offer in Portugal, provided that they meet the requirements. If you’re interested in moving to a European country and you’d like to see how Portugal compares to the US, look at our comparison guide here.

What support services are available for immigrants in Portugal?

• Immigrant support line (808 257 257): This line provides information and referrals on housing, employment, healthcare, education, and more in 10 languages.
• Legal aid: UNHCR and JRS offer free legal support for issues like visas, work permits, and access to social security.
• Language learning: Many NGOs like JRS provide Portuguese language courses to help immigrants integrate.
• Social support: JRS and other organizations offer social support services, including psychological counseling and temporary housing for asylum seekers.

Can I drive with my US driver's license after moving to Portugal?

Yes, you can drive with your valid US driver’s license for up to 185 days (around six months) as a non-resident. If you become a resident, you can drive for two years before needing to exchange your license for a Portuguese one

How can I get a NISS social security number in Portugal?

There are two main ways to get a NISS social security number in Portugal:

Online: This is available for foreigners and Portuguese citizens with lifetime ID cards. You’ll need to fill out a form on the Segurança Social portal and attach the required documents.

In-person: Visit your nearest Segurança Social office and submit the application form with the necessary documents.

Is Portugal easy to immigrate to

Portugal immigration laws are considered easier to navigate when compared to other countries. The Portuguese government has made it easy for foreigners to acquire a residency visa in Portugal. Whether you’re looking to retire here, have medical treatment or start working for a Portuguese company, immigrating to Portugal is much easier than other countries.