Are you thinking about moving to Portugal? For this process to go smoothly and without unexpected excesses, it is necessary to learn all the subtleties. The requirements for moving and staying in the country depend on many factors: starting with the purpose and ending with your nationality. These factors will also affect the choice of visa to apply for. There are three main Portugal visa types:
- Short-term (Schengen) allow a stay of 90 days;
- The national ones allow you to stay in the country for up to one year;
- Long-term, aka residence permits, allowing stays of more than one year.
However, this list is very tentative because each relocation case for foreigners is considered individually.
Why do foreigners choose Portugal?
More than 5% of the population of this country are not its original inhabitants but foreigners who managed to get Portugal residence. Often these people choose to live in the capital or other big cities. However, the excellent food, warm climate, and high level of service make many people think about moving.
If you are a resident of a European Union country, you can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days, as it is part of the Schengen area. To stay in the country after this period, you must request the appropriate documents to remain legally in Portugal.
For citizens of other countries, there are criteria for obtaining a visa, allowing a legal stay in the country. However, as Zlata Erlach, a specialist of the company Immigrant Invest notes, in addition to the EU countries, Portugal has concluded an agreement with more than 60 countries on short-term visa-free stay of citizens. This question is disclosed in more detail on the website immigrantinvest.com.
Peculiarities of visas to Portugal
Portugal is an open country and offers different solutions to everyone who wants to live there. One of the most popular types of visas is the portugal D7 visa. It has its features. Such a visa is suitable for those with a passive monthly income equal to the minimum salary in Portugal. You must be in the country for more than six months to obtain a Portugal D7 visa. Such a relocation can be divided into specific stages:
- Open a bank account that will receive passive income.
- Determine where you want to live – renting or buying property.
- Apply to the Portuguese embassy, and pay for the visa.
- After you receive your temporary visa, you have four months to move. At the same time, you must make an appointment with Foreigners Services.
- At the appointment, bring all the documents, the more you have, the better. Get a visa and residency.
If you fulfill all these conditions, your stay in Portugal will be comfortable and legal.
Portugal HQA Visa is intended for professionals who plan to carry out professional activities in Portugal. To obtain this visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have an annual cooperation agreement;
- You must have a high qualification, be an expert in an academic or scientific field, or occupy a management position.
Yes, the Portugal HQA visa is quite specific, so it is impossible to call it popular. However, for professionals who can bring something new to the development of science, Portugal is open to cooperation.
For entrepreneurs from other countries, Portugal offers a D2 visa. If you have an advanced idea that you want to present in Portugal or have already done so, you can count on getting this type. However, it is worth noting that it must be a truly groundbreaking project. The main requirements for obtaining it would be to have a well-thought-out business plan and the ability to provide for yourself.
Regardless of the visa you want, Portugal requires a documentation package, which is provided with the completed application. The package of documents must contain a passport or other document confirming your identity, photographs, health insurance, certificate of criminal record, proof of residency in Portugal, and a bank statement proving your ability to support yourself during your stay in the country.
Portugal is famous for its “Golden Visa” program, which is designed to attract foreign investment. People who are able to invest a lot of money can obtain a long-term residence permit, and subsequently citizenship. Where to invest? There are five possible options: real estate, funds, transfer of capital, job creation, and donations.
Buying real estate is at the top of the list, but remember that since last year it has been forbidden to purchase housing and premises in some cities. Five hundred thousand euros to subscribe to a fund that supports business development in the country also gives the possibility of obtaining a golden visa. Transferring capital to Portugal is the most expensive way. In addition, since last year, the transfer amount has increased. As for donations, you can invest 250 thousand in the preservation of national heritage or 500 thousand in research and development. As you can see, there are enough options for obtaining a golden visa to choose the one acceptable to you.
Having any of the types of visas discussed in this article, you can become a permanent resident of Portugal and enjoy the benefits of their tax system, namely the ability not to pay tax on any income from foreign sources. Many countries have agreements with Portugal to avoid double taxation of their citizens. You will also not pay tax on inheritance or wealth. If your pension is taxed, this rate will be fixed at 10%.
Moving to another country has many pitfalls. Without knowledge of the conditions for legal entry and stay, this process can become lengthy and complicated, so prepare in advance all the necessary documents and permits you will need to start a new life in Portugal.
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