Portugal

About Portugal

Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve's beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s, when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire.

There are two ways to obtain Portugal residency:

• Investment
• Retiree/ Passive income

The Golden Visa

Residence Permit in Portugal for Investment Activity - allows any individual who is not a citizen of the European Union to acquire a temporary residence permit in Portugal by making an investment in real estate, companies or by capital transfer.

The Golden Visa/ARI has an initial duration of two years and renewable for two periods of two years, having to prove the maintenance of the investment and respecting the minimum periods of stay in Portugal: On average 7 days per year

Required Documents for Golden Visa:

• Passport or any other valid travel document
• Evidence of entry and legal stay in the National Territory
• Evidence in which the Applicant is covered by the health care system, namely:
  • Document proving the Applicant is covered by the National
  • Health Service; or document proving the Applicant is the holder of an internationally recognized health insurance for the time period of the legal residence requested or featuring the automatic renewal of the insurance.
  • Extract from the criminal record of the country of origin, or of the country (or countries) where the Applicant is living for more than one year; otherwise, a certificate by the Portuguese diplomatic representation or consular mission. It shall be issued up to three months before the submission of all the documentation legally required and translated into Portuguese.
  • Supporting evidence of the tax identification number, or equivalent, of the country of origin, residence, or tax residence.

D7

This is a residence visa for retirees or holders of passive income who wish to live in Portugal and have a means of subsistence. One of the necessary requirements is proof that the applicant has the minimum income provided for by law to enable him to reside in Portugal for a period of not less than 12 months, such as:

• 1st adult (applicant): 100% of the current minimum wage (665€) = 7,980€/year
• 2nd or more adults: 50% of the current minimum wage (333€) = 3,996€/year
• Children and young people under 18 and over-dependent children: 30% of the current minimum wage (200€) = 2,400€/year

The first Residence Permit is issued for two years and renewable for 3 years more. During the validity of the residence card, you are not allowed to be out of Portugal for 6 consecutive months, or for 8 interpolated months.

You can, however, be away for more time, if you have a justifiable ground: they could be personal

reasons, or work related reasons or, at last, family reasons.

This happens because the Portuguese government acknowledges the increasingly high importance of mobility around the world, which is a big issue for individuals who live in a country other than the one they are from.

Required Documents for D7 Visa

• Passport or another valid travel document
• Two recent, identical photographs, passport-type and in good condition to identify the applicant
• Valid travel insurance to cover the necessary expenses for medical reasons, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation;
• Application for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF)
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the country where the applicant is residing for over a year (children under the age of 16 are exempt from producing a criminal record)
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of means of subsistence as stipulated by law:
  • The proof of subsistence means can be made through a statement of responsibility, signed by a Portuguese national or by a foreign national legally resident in Portugal.
• For retirement purposes:
  • Document certifying retirement amount
• For people living out from personal revenue:
  • Document certifying revenue from movable and immovable property, intellectual or financial assets.

The D2 Visa can be granted to foreign citizens from countries outside the European Union who intend to exercise an independent professional activity and Have a contract or written proposal for a contract to provide services within the scope of liberal professions. Are qualified to exercise the independent activity, whenever applicable. It can also be granted to entrepreneurial immigrants who intend to invest in Portugal, provided that:

• Have carried out investment operations
• They can prove that they have the financial means available in Portugal, including those arising from financing obtained from banks in Portugal, and demonstrate, by any means, the intention to carry out an investment operation in Portuguese territory.

Required Documents for D2 Visa

• Passport or another valid travel document.
• Two recent, identical photographs, passport-type and in good condition to identify the applicant.
• Valid travel insurance to cover the necessary expenses for medical reasons, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation
• Application for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF)
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the country where the applicant is residing for over a year (children under the age of 16 are exempt from producing a criminal record).
• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of means of subsistence as stipulated by law.
• Proof of means of subsistence as stipulated by law:
  • The proof of subsistence means can be made through a statement of responsibility, signed by a Portuguese national or by a foreign national legally resident in Portugal.
• Contract or written service provider proposal for liberal professions; and, if applicable, a declaration by competent authorities certifying professional competence for the referred activity; or Incorporation of a Company in Portugal.