
Migrating, Visiting, and Living in Portugal
New Zealand offers a range of visa options for individuals looking to visit, work, study, or migrate to the country. These include Visitor Visas for tourists and short-term stays, Work Visas for employment opportunities, Student Visas for educational pursuits, and Resident Visas for those seeking to settle permanently. Special categories like the Skilled Migrant Category, Family Visas, and Business Visas cater to specific circumstances and skills. Each visa type has distinct eligibility criteria, required documents, and application processes.
Reasons to Migrate in Portugal
- High quality of life and affordable cost of living
- Safe country with low crime rates
- Beautiful landscapes, mild climate, and stunning beaches
- Rich cultural heritage and friendly locals
- Quality healthcare and education systems
- Diverse and welcoming expat community
- Various visa options leading to residency and citizenship
- Widespread English proficiency, especially in urban areas
- Excellent cuisine and wine
- Strong support for digital nomads and remote work
3 Easy Ways to Get PR in Portugal
Short Overview of Portugal Visas
Portugal offers a range of visas for different purposes, including tourism, work, study, family reunification, and residency. Here’s an overview of the main types of visas and their requirements:
1. Short-Stay Visas (Schengen Visa)
- Purpose: Tourism, business, family visit, short-term study, or other short-term purposes.
- Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Requirements:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Travel itinerary or round-trip ticket.
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Visa fee.
2. Work Visa
- Purpose: Employment or self-employment in Portugal.
- Types:
- Temporary Stay Visa for Work: For short-term work (less than a year).
- Residence Visa for Work: For long-term employment.
- Residence Visa for Self-Employment: For self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs.
- Requirements:
- Job offer or work contract.
- Proof of qualifications and experience.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Visa fee.
3. Study Visa
- Purpose: Study at a recognized Portuguese educational institution.
- Duration: Duration of the study program.
- Requirements:
- Acceptance letter from a Portuguese educational institution.
- Proof of financial means.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Visa fee.
4. Family Reunification Visa
- Purpose: Joining a family member who is a legal resident or citizen of Portugal.
- Requirements:
- Proof of family relationship.
- Proof that the family member in Portugal has sufficient financial means and accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Visa fee.
5. Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investment)
- Purpose: Investment in Portugal.
- Requirements: One of the following investment options:
- Purchase of real estate worth at least €500,000.
- Transfer of capital amounting to at least €1 million.
- Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
- Investment in research, cultural projects, or other specified areas.
- Investment in small and medium-sized businesses.
- Benefits: Residency for the investor and their family, potential path to citizenship after five years.
6. D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
- Purpose: Individuals with a stable passive income, such as retirees or individuals living off investments.
- Requirements:
- Proof of regular passive income.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Visa fee.
7. D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)
- Purpose: For entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in Portugal.
- Requirements:
- Business plan or proof of business setup.
- Proof of financial means.
- Health insurance.
- Visa fee.
8. Digital Nomad Visa
- Purpose: For remote workers or digital nomads.
- Requirements:
- Proof of remote work or self-employment.
- Proof of sufficient income.
- Health insurance.
- Visa fee.
9. Volunteer Visa
- Purpose: For individuals participating in volunteer programs in Portugal.
- Requirements:
- Proof of acceptance in a volunteer program.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Health insurance.
- Visa fee.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means
- Health insurance
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
- Specific documents based on visa type (e.g., job offer, enrollment letter)
General Application Process
- Determine the visa type: Based on the purpose of your visit or stay.
- Gather required documents: This includes a valid passport, application form, photos, proof of purpose (e.g., job offer, acceptance letter), proof of financial means, health insurance, accommodation proof, and others as specified.
- Submit application: At the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy or through the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) for residence permits.
- Attend an interview: If required.
- Wait for processing: Processing times vary depending on the visa type and your country of residence.
- Receive the visa: If approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport.
It’s essential to check the specific requirements and procedures with the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country, as they may vary. Additionally, some visas, like the Golden Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa, may have specific application processes and additional benefits.
Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Short-Stay Visa (Schengen) | 80 – 120 |
| Work Visa (Temporary) | 90 – 150 |
| Residence Visa for Work | 90 – 150 |
| Study Visa | 90 – 150 |
| Family Reunification Visa | 90 – 150 |
| Golden Visa (Investment) | 500 – 1,000 |
| D7 Visa (Passive Income) | 90 – 150 |
| D2 Visa (Entrepreneur) | 90 – 150 |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 90 – 150 |
| Volunteer Visa | 90 – 150 |
Note: Fees can vary based on nationality and specific consular services. Additional costs may apply for document authentication and translations.
Visa Processing Time
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Short-Stay Visa (Schengen) | 15 days |
| Work Visa (Temporary) | 30-60 days |
| Residence Visa for Work | 30-90 days |
| Study Visa | 30-60 days |
| Family Reunification Visa | 60-90 days |
| Golden Visa (Investment) | 3-6 months |
| D7 Visa (Passive Income) | 30-90 days |
| D2 Visa (Entrepreneur) | 30-60 days |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 30-60 days |
| Volunteer Visa | 30-60 days |
Note: Processing times are approximate and can vary based on the specific case and the consulate’s workload.
Key Points to Remember
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
- Thoroughly check the specific requirements for your visa type, as they can vary.
- Plan ahead, as some visa processes can take several months.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents.
- Health insurance is often mandatory.
Conclusion
Migrating to or visiting Portugal can be a rewarding experience, offering a blend of culture, history, and a pleasant lifestyle. Whether you’re coming for a short visit, to study, work, or retire, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements and application process. Careful preparation and attention to detail will help ensure a smooth and successful transition.
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Related FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not need a visa, while others may require a Schengen visa.
How long can I stay in Portugal on a tourist visa?
A Schengen visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Can I work in Portugal on a tourist visa?
No, a tourist visa does not permit employment. You need a work visa to legally work in Portugal.
Can I extend my visa once I'm in Portugal?
Some visas can be extended under certain circumstances. It’s best to consult with SEF or a legal advisor.
Is it easy to get permanent residency in Portugal?
Permanent residency can be obtained after five years of continuous legal residence in Portugal. The process involves meeting specific criteria, including language proficiency.
What is the Golden Visa program?
The Golden Visa program grants residency to non-EU citizens who make qualifying investments in Portugal, such as real estate purchases, capital transfers, or job creation.
Is healthcare free in Portugal?
Public healthcare in Portugal is available to residents at a low cost. Private healthcare is also available and can be accessed with private insurance.
How can I bring my family to Portugal?
You can bring your family through the Family Reunification Visa, provided you meet the financial and accommodation requirements.
Can I buy property in Portugal as a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Portugal, and doing so may qualify you for the Golden Visa program.
What is the process for applying for Portuguese citizenship?
After five years of legal residency, you may apply for citizenship, provided you meet language requirements and other criteria.
Are there international schools in Portugal?
Yes, Portugal has a range of international schools, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, offering curricula in English and other languages.
Can I access public services as a non-EU resident?
Yes, non-EU residents with a valid residence permit can access public services, including healthcare and education, under similar conditions as Portuguese citizens.
What are the main industries in Portugal?
Key industries include tourism, agriculture, wine production, technology, textiles, and renewable energy.
Do I need a visa to stay longer than 90 days?
Yes, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need a visa appropriate to your purpose, such as a study, work, or residence visa.
DISCLAIMER
This publication is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice from this website or its affiliates. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, that the content of the publication is accurate, complete, or current. Globalvisanet.com is a service that facilitates the process of acquiring a visa for skilled workers, immigrants, and students by being partners with other visas and immigration service companies. We offer consulting services for different visa categories and immigration options, but we do not provide any visas directly. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change, and does not constitute legal advice. For specific visa and legal advice, you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, attorneys, and members of our expert team.

