Not Sure Which Visa You Need?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a Portuguese immigration lawyer. We'll review your situation and tell you exactly which visa to apply for, what documents you need, and what to expect.
US citizens can visit Portugal (Schengen area) visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For stays beyond 90 days or resi...
Learn MoreAfter Brexit, British citizens are no longer EU nationals and now need a visa to live in Portugal long-term. You can still visit f...
Learn MoreCanadian citizens can visit Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Long-term residency requires a long-stay...
Learn MoreAustralian citizens can visit Portugal (Schengen area) visa-free for up to 90 days. Longer stays and residency require a Portugues...
Learn MoreSouth African citizens can visit Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days. Portugal is very popular with South Africans due to cultura...
Learn MoreEU/EEA citizens can move to Portugal freely. Registration at the local council within 90 days of arrival is required.
Italian citizens are EU nationals and have the right to live, work, and reside freely in Portugal without a visa. You simply need ...
Learn MoreGerman citizens are EU nationals and can move to Portugal freely under EU free movement rules. No visa is required. You must regis...
Learn MoreFrench citizens are EU nationals with the full right to live and work in Portugal without any visa. Registration at the local Câma...
Learn MorePortugal offers several long-stay visa categories depending on your income source, profession, and goals. The right visa depends on who you are, not just where you are from.
For retirees, landlords, and anyone with regular passive income — pensions, dividends, or rental income.
For remote workers and freelancers earning income from employers or clients outside Portugal.
Investment-based residency. Only 7 days/year presence required. Leads to citizenship after 5 years.
For entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers setting up a business or professional activity in Portugal.
For founders of innovative startups. Requires endorsement from a certified Portuguese incubator. Fast-track route to residency.
EU/EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Portugal without a visa. Simply register at your local Câmara Municipal within 90 days.
The process
The typical process for non-EU citizens applying for long-term residency in Portugal follows these stages. EU citizens skip steps 1–4 and go straight to step 5.
Get Help With Your ApplicationYour Portuguese tax ID number. Required before any other legal or financial step. Obtainable remotely via video call — takes 1–3 business days.
Required for your visa application and for life in Portugal. Our lawyers open it remotely — no travel needed before your move.
Gather documents: proof of income, criminal record, health insurance, accommodation proof, and completed application form. Our lawyers handle the full pack.
Submit your application at the Portuguese consulate in your home country. Processing times range from 2–8 months depending on location.
Once your visa is issued, you can enter Portugal. Your visa allows a stay of 4 months to arrange your AIMA residence permit appointment.
Book and attend your appointment at AIMA (formerly SEF) to receive your official residence permit card — your legal proof of residency.
Key requirements for the most popular long-stay visas for non-EU citizens. All routes lead to a renewable residence permit and, after 5 years, eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship.
| Visa Type | Min. Income / Investment | Who It's For | Days/Year in Portugal | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D7 Visa | ~€760/month (single) | Retirees, passive income earners | 183+ days | 3–8 months |
| D8 Visa | ~€3,040/month | Remote workers, freelancers | 183+ days | 3–8 months |
| Golden Visa | €500,000+ (fund investment) | Investors | 7 days minimum | 6–18 months |
| D2 Visa | Viable business plan | Entrepreneurs, freelancers | 183+ days | 2–4 months |
| Startup Visa | Incubator endorsement | Tech founders | 183+ days | 2–4 months |
| EU Free Movement | None | EU/EEA citizens | No requirement | Registration only |
Income thresholds are indicative and subject to change. Additional amounts apply for dependants. Always confirm current figures with our lawyers before applying.
While exact requirements vary by visa type and consulate, these documents are required for virtually all long-stay Portugal visa applications.
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Some consulates require 12 months validity.
Bank statements (typically 3–6 months), pension letters, dividend statements, or employment contracts showing income above the minimum threshold.
Your Portuguese tax identification number. Must be obtained before most other steps. We obtain it remotely in 1–3 days.
Many consulates require proof of a Portuguese bank account. Our lawyers open it remotely before you travel.
Rental contract, property ownership documents, or a letter from a host. Must be a Portuguese address.
Valid health insurance covering Portugal for the duration of your stay. Minimum coverage €30,000 recommended.
From your country of residence (and any country you have lived in for 1+ years in the past 5 years). Must be apostilled.
The national long-stay visa application form, signed. Our lawyers prepare and review all forms before submission.
Why Portugal?
Portugal has consistently ranked among the world's top relocation destinations for over a decade. Here's what draws over 100,000 new residents every year.
Common questions about getting a Portugal visa and moving to Portugal.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a Portuguese immigration lawyer. We'll review your situation and tell you exactly which visa to apply for, what documents you need, and what to expect.
We are the immigration service when you expect nothing by the best.
+351 914 227 316 contact@visas.pt