Portugal’s popularity as an expat haven largely stems from the success of its Golden Visa program. However, the country provides a range of appealing options for highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, digital nomads, and retirees. Moving to Portugal for these individuals involves a streamlined process, with various residence permit programs available even to non-EU citizens. After five years of being a legal permanent resident, one may even become eligible for Portuguese citizenship through the residency program.
Hence, if you’re considering investing or relocating to Portugal, numerous viable alternatives await your exploration. Let’s delve into some of these options together. Non-EU nationals interested in moving to Portugal can apply for a “D” visa specifically tailored for residency purposes. This visa category encompasses several reasons for relocation, including:
D1 Visa: Subordinate Work Activity If you have received a job offer in Portugal, you must provide evidence of employment, such as a work contract or letter of intent. Regulated professions require additional proof of professional certification to ensure compliance with local regulations.
D2 Visa: Independent Work Activity or Migrant Entrepreneur Portugal’s immigration regime offers a visa category for independent professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups. To qualify, independent professionals must present contracts or written proposals for liberal professions (e.g., lawyers), entrepreneurs must demonstrate investment operations in Portugal or intent to invest, and startups must participate in the Startup Visa Programme and obtain an incubation contract with a certified incubator in Portugal.
D3 Visa: Teaching, Highly Qualified, and Cultural Activity This visa type allows foreigners to enter Portugal for various purposes, including employment under a work contract, enrollment in higher education institutions with an invitation letter, or participation in cultural activities sponsored by relevant organizations. Highly skilled subordinate workers must provide proof of employment and a contract reflecting a salary at least 1.5 times the annual gross salary.
D4 Visa: Research, Study, Student Exchange, Internship, and Volunteer Work This visa encompasses research contracts, acceptance letters from research centers, admission documentation for minors participating in exchange programs (with authorization from legal guardians), internships (offered by certified host institutions only), and volunteer opportunities (with host entities providing civil liability insurance for volunteers, a crucial requirement for acceptance by Immigration Authorities).
D5 Visa: College or University Studies Although currently included in the D4 category, this visa specifically targets higher education students seeking to continue their studies in Portugal. Applicants must provide proof of admission to an educational institution in the country.
D6 Visa: Family Reunification Family reunification is available to both Portuguese citizens and non-Portuguese citizens with valid residence permits. Spouses, dependent children, first-degree ascendants, and legally recognized non-marital partners of residents can move to Portugal under the family reunification visa.
D7 Visa: Retirement, Passive Income, or Religious Purposes Since changes were made to the Golden Visa program, the D7 visa has gained significant popularity. It now applies to individuals with personal revenue from movable and immovable property, intellectual or financial assets (including dividends and investment portfolios). Retirees must provide documentation certifying their retirement income, while those moving for religious purposes require certification from their religious community.
D8 Visa: Remote Work Following recent legislative changes, digital nomads are encouraged to work remotely in Portugal. To qualify as a digital nomad, applicants must provide their work or service contract and prove an average monthly income over the last three months equivalent to at least four times the guaranteed minimum monthly salary.
Apart from the options mentioned above, non-EU citizens can also apply for temporary residence permits to accompany family members
