Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Maryam Siddiqui
In this FAQ, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we get about Visas and resident permit in Portugal
If you have any questions that are not answered in this article, please let us know in the comments. Viv Europe will publish its response as fast as possible.
Also, for more details on this topic, we suggest reading the article “All About Visas in Portugal“.
With nothing else to consider, let’s jump to the questions:
Do I need a Visa to move to Portugal?
Under Portuguese immigration policy, citizens who own an EU, Schengen, or Switzerland identity (European citizenship) do not need any type of Visa to reside in Portugal.
Also, citizens who do not have European citizenship but are authorized to travel to Portugal without a Visa, can visit this country and stay there for up to 90 days over a period of 180 days.
All other citizens will need to apply for a Visa, either to visit or reside in Portugal.
There are several types of visas for Portugal; for more information on this topic, click here.
What are the types of visas to move to Portugal?
There are many types of visas for those who plan to reside in Portugal.
Among them, we can highlight the following:
- Work Visa (D1 Visa) – Intended for those who already have a Work Contract (or Promise) with a Portuguese employer.
- Business Visa (D2 Visa) – For those who want to develop a business in Portugal. A business plan must be created before application.
- Highly Qualified Activity (D3 Visa) – For highly skilled individuals who find a job in Portugal.
- Study Visa (D4 Visa & D5 Visa) – For those who intend to study in Portugal for more than 1 year.
- Family Reunification (D6 Visa) – Authorizes the family members of the Residence Permit holder to live with them in Portugal.
- Passive Income (Visa D7) – Intended for those with passive income, such as retirement, financial investments, dividends, rents, etc.
- Digital Nomad (D8 Visa) – For freelancers and digital nomads who want to live and work in Portugal.
- Golden Visa – For investors and business owners who want to invest in Portugal in exchange for residency.
All Visas and resident permit in Portugal have their specific documents.
Also, depending on the country where the applicant starts the Visa process, different types of documents can be required.
There are several types of visas for Portugal. For more information on this topic, click here.
How does the Visa process work?
Normally, the Visa process begins with the application at the Portuguese consulate (or embassy) in the applicant’s country.
After the Visa approval, the applicant will have to travel to Portugal for an interview at the Agency for Migration and Asylum Integration (AIMA).
Later on, the applicant will receive the Portuguese Resident Permit and will be able to reside in Portugal during this document validation time.
In some specific cases, the applicant won’t have to go through this Visa process and will be able to obtain his Portuguese Resident Permit without applying for a Visa.
What documents do I need to apply for a Visa?
The documents for the application vary according to the requested Visa.
There are, however, some documents that need to be collected, no matter the chosen Visa. They are:
- Visa Form
- Passport
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- International Medical Insurance
- Criminal Background Certificate
If you want to consult the documents requested for the chosen visa, considering the place where you are applying, just book a consultation.
How much are the fees for the Visa application?
Depending on the applicant’s location, different values may apply.
Overall, these are the approximate values related to visa procedures:
- Residence Visa application: €90
- Residence Visa application for a child between 6-12 years of age: €40
- Residence Visa application for a child younger than 6 years of age: Free
- A request for the Residence Permit: €83.30
- Issuance of the Residence Permit: €72.20
How long does the Visa procedure take?
This information varies depending on the country where the process was initiated.
In general, if there is no need to explain or rectify any information, or include a new document in the process, issuing a visa can take up to 60 days.
Also, after the appointment at AIMA, in Portugal, it can take around 1 month so that the applicant can receive his / her Portugal Residence Permit.
What is the Visa validation period?
It is important to emphasize that the Visa and the resident permit are different documents, therefore they have different validation periods.
For example, The Visa is intended to allow its holder to enter Portugal in order to apply for a residence permit.
It is valid for 2 entries in Portugal, allowing its holder to remain in this country for a period of 4 months.
After obtaining a residence permit in Portugal, this document may also have different terms.
For example, the Study Resident Permit is valid for 1 year, while the Passive Income Resident Permit is valid for 2 years.
Once the applicant (and family) arrives in Portugal, can they use the Public Health System?
Not yet; before using the Public Health Service, they have to request the Utente Number that can be obtained at the local health center.
More information is in our Complete Guide to Portugal.
What services does Viv Europe provide so that I can obtain my Visas and Resident Permit in Portugal?
Viv Europe will assist you through the entire Visa process, from the moment of the application (in the applicant’s country of residence) to the receipt of the Residence Permit (in Portugal).
Our company will help you obtain all the necessary documents for the application, especially those that need to be drafted by experts and other professionals, such as:
- Business plan
- Company’s Social Pact
- Contracts
- Deeds
- Letters
Will I be able to leave Portugal after obtaining my Residence Permit?
Yes. The only restriction is that during the valid period of the residence permit, you can not be absent from Portugal for more than 6 continuous months or 8 non-continuous months.
We hope to have answered all your questions related to visas and residence permits in Portugal.
If you need any guidance on this procedure, Viv Europe can assist you during this entire process.
Also, if you want to exchange information about Portugal, why not join our Facebook group? We are sure that you will be able to have a personal experience on many topics. To have access just click here.
