This charming European country with a warm climate attracts tourists; many visitors are considering becoming permanent residents here. It is not difficult for EU/EFTA citizens because they have free entry for up to 90 days. The country’s government does not mind accepting visitors for an extended period, so it offers foreigners several Portugal visa types. Depending on the intended duration of stay in the country, it is possible to apply for one of the:
- short-term;
- temporary;
- long-term.
It may take up to 3 months to obtain permit documents, depending on the reason for the applicant’s entry into the country. At the same time, the Portugal visa allows people to travel freely around the country, study there, or work. There are special conditions for exchange programs, internships, volunteer work, or the need to improve health. In the future, recipients can apply for a residence permit and citizenship.
Who is eligible for a D2 visa?
An excellent opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs with medium capital to settle in the country can get a D2 visa in Portugal. When applying, the main criterion will be the benefit of the applicant’s startup for the country’s economic development, which is evaluated according to several parameters. Its main advantage for the applicant is the available threshold of financial investment – from 50,000 euros. Of course, a business with more considerable assets has a better chance of receiving it. As noted by Immigrant Invest experts, in addition to an attractive business project, the Portugal D2 Visa requires proof of solvency of the applicant. The program allows the applicant and his family to become permanent residents in 5 years. During this period, they must be in for at least six months continuously in the country. After another year, obtaining citizenship becomes available.
The appeal of the D7 visa
Non-EU/EFTA residents with passive income can apply for the D7, the requirements of which are affordable even for retirees. The benefit is that it requires no investment. The applicant only needs to prove at least a minimum income from one of the sources. It can be:
- retirement pension;
- profit from real estate rentals;
- salary in a remote job;
- royalties;
- fixed-income deposits.
Under the terms of the visa, the applicant will be required to reside for at least 16 months to over two years. Relatives eligible for residency include parents, minor children, and the applicant’s dependents. According to Immigrant Invest specialist Zlata Erlach, more and more people in remote work are interested in this visa program. As a result, they can enjoy the excellent climate of Portugal and work at their usual pace without losing their qualifications and income.
How to get a Portuguese Golden Visa
For people with significant financial resources, the Portugal Golden Visa is the most attractive of all types of visas in Portugal. It involves investment in the country’s development and provides significant advantages to the applicant. It can apply for long-term residence, family reunification, and, subsequently, citizenship. There is no need for the applicant to stay in Portugal for an extended period of time. It is enough to stay for one week in the first year and two weeks in each subsequent year. It is possible to invest in the following:
- The purchase of housing – from 400,000 euros, with real estate in the capital and coastal cities for foreigners are not available;
- Support of the existing business, taking into account its expansion of 500,000 euros;
- An investment fund that finances the country’s economy – from 500,000 euros;
- Support of cultural heritage – from 250,000 euros;
- Sponsorship of scientific development – from 500,000 euros;
- Creating a private business with a dozen jobs;
- Transfer of capital from foreign accounts – from 1.5 million euros.
An investment visa gives the applicant and his family the right to permanent Portugal residence after five years. After six years, he will be able to apply for citizenship. The tax legislation of the country is also attractive to investors. Benefits are available to recipients of all visas for five years and some positions – even for a decade.
From the moment of the application’s consideration for all types of visas, it will be possible to use the opportunity to travel to the European Union countries and make working visits.
