Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by
Have you ever thought about living in sunny Portugal? The southern European country has won the hearts of investors and families around the world, including UAE citizens. So in this article, find out all about how to move to Portugal from the United Arab Emirates.
In addition to beautiful sceneries and safe streets, the country also has a low cost of living and tax benefits for expatriates who move here. It’s safe to say that life is quite different here than in the UAE, in a good way, of course!
From the visa procedure to tips on adaptation in Portugal, we’re here to guide you through it all. Follow up!
How to move to Portugal from the United Arab Emirates
Although going to live in Portugal is an exciting dream, there is a lot to do before starting to pack your bags.
To start with, in order to move to Portugal from the United Arab Emirates, anyone who does not have EU citizenship is going to have to obtain a residence visa.
Fortunately, Portugal offers several types of visas and even benefits to foreigners who want to live here and invest or contribute in some way to the country’s economy.
In addition to this bureaucratic part, you should also start thinking about how you are going to live in Portugal. What city to choose, a new house, what business to start, or even how to send money here. We will address all of these issues as we progress through the article.
Obtaining permission to live in Portugal: get to know the visas
Portugal welcomes people from any part of the world who want to contribute to its economy somehow. Investors, workers, students, and, of course, their family members, can apply and obtain a visa to enter the country. Which will also grant them, further on, a residence permit that comes with many perks.
Among the benefits of residing in Portugal are:
- You can live in the country for the visa period (varies according to your activity in Portugal);
- Get the freedom to travel between Schengen area countries in Europe as a Portuguese;
- You can use the health system as a Portuguese;
- Also, you can extend the same rights to your spouse and children (or any dependent);
- You gain the right, after completing 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
It makes a lot of sense that so many people are looking for a visa for Portugal, doesn’t it?
Types of residence visas you can apply
There are many types of visas that can get into Portugal, but if your intention is to get residency and be in the country for more than 90 days, then you must apply for a residency visa. Get to know all of them:
- D1 Visa: Subordinated work visa;
- D2 Visa: Independent professional activity or migrants entrepreneurs;
- D3 Visa: Teaching purposes, highly qualified activity visa;
- D4 Visa: Study, higher education, volunteer visa;
- D6 Visa: Family reunification;
- D7 Visa: Passive income and retirement visa.
And besides these residency visas, there is also another way to obtain a residence permit in Portugal: the Golden Visa. We’ll tell you more about it later, keep up.
How to apply for a visa to Portugal from the UAE
According to the Portuguese Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, visa services for Portugal are being handled by VFS Global. The procedure starts online and ends with interviews at VFS Global’s Visa Application Centers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Of course, to get a visa for Portugal, you must:
- Comply with the requirements of the chosen visa (enrolling at a university in Portugal, buying a house, getting a job, opening a company, and so on).
- Create an appointment at VFS Global, attend the interview, and deliver the necessary documents to prove everything is in order.
- Wait for the receipt of the visa in the passport.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But complying with visa requirements may not be that easy.
That’s why there are companies providing immigration assistance to Portugal, such as Viv Europe. But let’s better explain the visa most sought after by the national UAE: The Golden Visa.
Documents you must present when applying for a visa
Although the list of documents to present changes a little depending on the visa chosen, some are common to all. For example:
- Complete Visa application form;
- International travel medical insurance, including medical emergencies and repatriation;
- Criminal Records Certificate issued by your country of origin (and those recently visited);
- A permission to consult the Portuguese criminal registry by SEF;
- Proof of means of subsistence and of accommodation in Portugal;
- Your passport, valid for the entire period of your stay;
Besides all these documents, it is worth remembering that before applying for a certain visa, you must comply with the prerequisites. For example, for a work visa, you must have got a position in a company in Portugal. If you want a study visa, you must enroll at a university first. For the entrepreneur visa, you must first have started a company in Portugal.
- So if you want more details about visas, read our article All About Visas To Portugal.
How can UAE nationals obtain a Golden Visa to Portugal?
Golden Visa is a regime created by the Portuguese government that allows foreign investors, when making certain investments in Portugal, to acquire the right to obtain an Investment Residence Permit (ARI).
This Investment Residence Permit comes with the Golden Visa, and it is obtained from the Portuguese Foreigners and Border Services (SEF) website. That is, it is not by VFS Global.
With this, these investors also get the same rights mentioned above.
Thousands of people have already obtained the Golden Visa and are today enjoying life in Portugal. But what does a UAE citizen have to do to get a Golden Visa in Portugal? The same as any other citizen.
You must make one of the following investments in Portugal:
- Acquisition of properties worth more than €500,000;
- Acquiring a property in Portugal over 30 years old or located in urban rehabilitation areas worth over €350,000;
- Acquiring a property in Portugal over 30 years old or located in urban rehabilitation areas with a low population rate worth over €280,000;
- Capital transfer of at least 1 million euros to a Portuguese bank account;
- Creation of at least 10 jobs in a new company you start in Portugal;
- Creating a company and transferring 350,000€ in addition to creating 5 jobs;
- Transferring at least €350,000 to investment or equity funds;
- An investment in scientific research;
- Investment in artistic production, preservation, or conservation of cultural heritage.
Let’s Move to Europe
With Viv Europe your plans for Europe will come to a reality
Golden Visa rules since 2022
There is, however, a catch. In 2022, the Golden Visa rules changed a little bit. Anyone who wants to invest in real estate will need to invest in a property located in a sparsely populated area. In other words, outside the famous regions of Lisbon, Porto, and most of the Algarve.
As a result, it is expected that real estate investments in Alentejo, Madeira, and the Azores archipelago promise to increase in value.
The reason behind these changes is to redirect investments to places that need them more. It helps the state develop areas that weren’t given as much attention before and to make more cities livable for expats and locals.
The hidden gems of Portugal are actually some of the most beautiful places in the country. These regions and small towns are best suited for people looking for a peaceful life close to nature and facilities like healthcare and education.
It’s also important to note that the laws for this particular Visa are prone to changing every now and then. So it’s best if you consult a legal advisor before planning where you should invest your money in. They will be able to guide you better and make your relocation dream come true.
- Learn all about Golden Visa’s new rules and procedures in our full article Complete Guide to Golden Visa in Portugal.
The best places to live in Portugal
Even if you are not going to invest in a property in Portugal, you will have to decide which region of the country to live in. Yes, Portugal is not such a big country, but its regions are very different from each other.
The Portuguese regions that most attract foreigners to live are:
- Lisbon, the capital of Portugal
- Porto, in the northern region
- Algarve region, southern Portugal
- Madeira Island, North Atlantic Ocean
- Silver Coast of Portugal, between Lisbon and Porto
If you’re planning on a relaxing life in Portugal, you should check out the best places to retire in by reading our article: Retirement In Portugal: Find The Best Places To Live And Choose The Right One For You.
Cost of living in Portugal
When considering moving here, it’s very important that you know the cost of living in Portugal well.
See the table below for an estimate of how much you would spend in Portugal to live well:
| Expense | Costs |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment rental in the city center | €763 |
| A single person estimated monthly costs (without rent) | €589 |
| 3-bedroom apartment rental in the city center | €1,289 |
| Family of four estimated monthly costs (without rent) | €2,050 |
Estimates are from Numbeo (as of March 2023).
It goes without saying that expenses can vary greatly depending on the city, lifestyle, and consumption habits.
Buying a property in Portugal
If you want to own a home in Portugal, our expert advice is to research and get to know the Portuguese real estate market very well.
But to kill your curiosity, check out the average property prices in Portugal:
| Purchase of a 100 m² property | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Estrela neighborhood, Lisbon | €613,000 |
| Downtown Albufeira, Algarve | €311,900 |
| Central Porto, northern Portugal | €327,400 |
| Downtown Funchal, Madeira Island | €274,300 |
Data is according to Idealista (as of March 2023), one of the largest real estate websites in Portugal.
- Read Also: Complete Guide to Real Estate Market in Portugal.
Working labor in Portugal
If you’re considering applying for a Work Visa, it’s a good idea to start looking for a job in Portugal in advance. Or at least getting to know the labor market. In fact, you can only apply for a work visa with a job offer in Portugal.
Portugal has experienced an economic miracle in recent years. The 2008 crisis affected the country and plunged it into a crisis, which is, fortunately, being overcome. The tourism boom, foreign investments, and the vision of Portugal as an international business hub make the country one of the most promising.
On the other hand, Portugal offers an average salary below that of most Western European countries. The annual minimum wage in 2023 is €10,640, divided into 14 times, which makes it €760 per month. However, only 25% of Portuguese earn the average minimum. Most people are able to live rather comfortably, given the expertise of their skills.
However, since the cost of living in Portugal is also much lower than in other European countries, and the quality of life is superior, some say it is worth it to be here. Especially if you work in IT, biomedicine, engineering, or tourism, Portugal can reward you very well.
Go to college in Portugal
The most renowned universities in Portugal are also open to international students. In fact, with each passing year, more and more university students in Portugal are foreigners.
Anyone from a non-EU country who comes here to study higher education is entitled to a student visa. Besides being a nice addition to the curriculum, studying abroad is an incredible experience for a lifetime.
What UAE families should know about living in Portugal
If you plan to come with your family and move to Portugal from the United Arab Emirates, you will still need to worry about some details for the best adaptation of all.
What is healthcare in Portugal like?
You’ll be happy to know that the public health system in Portugal is of quality. It works, but especially in larger urban centers, it is common to have long lines and long waiting times.
But there are also many good offers in the private health system throughout Portugal. Health insurance is not very expensive, and for those who want more exclusivity and speed in care, it is worth it.
How does the educational system work?
Portuguese public schools are also recognized for their quality. But although they are free for all children in the country, the classes are taught only in Portuguese.
But if your kids don’t speak the local language, don’t worry. There are dozens of excellent international schools in Portugal, with classes in English, French, and German.
Among these schools, the International School of Palmela stands out, as it also offers an Islamic Curriculum to students. It is located 40 km south of Lisbon and is the only one in the country with such an offer.
Things expat families should pay attention to
Relocating to Portugal with the entire family is a bit harder than doing it on your own. It may be hard for anyone to fit in in a new environment, make new friends and feel at home. But thousands of expat families in Portugal have done it successfully. Here are a few adaptation tips for expat families in Portugal:
- Prepare your family to relocate to Portugal
- Understand the stages of the adaptation process
- Be open to trying new things
- Keep in touch with friends and family back in your homeland
- Be patient and supportive (to yourself too)
Also, it’s important to be around people with similar experiences. Our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats is a great place to meet other foreigners in the country.
The Portuguese Islamic community can also be a good source of new friends with similar hit points.
So when are you coming to Portugal?
Now that you know how to move to Portugal from the United Arab Emirates, you can start making your plans. Yes, the relocation process can be a bit bureaucratic, as well as investing in real estate from abroad. But it’s definitely worth it.
Investing in Portugal means investing in your future. It’s important to do it right the first time; contact experts from Viv Europe and let us handle the bureaucracy. We know the laws, the market, and are experienced. Book a consultation and start planning how to move to Portugal from the United Arab Emirates!
