If you’re considering a move to Portugal from Canada, it’s crucial to note that if you want to work there, getting an employment visa is a must, unless you hold EU citizenship. Also, keep in mind that the working environment in Portugal differs from that in Canada. Ultimately, this requires you to secure a work visa before diving into your new job.

Those aspiring to establish permanent roots in Portugal might find the Entrepreneur and Investor Visa worth exploring. Yes, it does come with a higher cost, but the potential rewards down the line could be substantial.

If you wish to relocate to Portugal from Canada and you have enough passive income to sustain yourself, applying for a non-lucrative visa might be the best route. Essentially, this could pave the way for you to create a new life in Portugal.

Dreaming of studying in Portugal? Well, as a Canadian citizen, you can through a student visa. Also, once you complete your studies, you’re allowed to stay in the country and actively search for job opportunities.

Additionally, moving to Portugal from Canada doesn’t mean bidding farewell to your Canadian identity. Portugal acknowledges dual citizenship, basically allowing you to maintain your connections to both countries.

1. Step 1 – Understand Your Situation.
   1. There are various residence permits in Portugal, each with its own procedure. For example, you must follow a different system to get a non-lucrative visa than one to get a work permit. So, first, you need to determine which visa is best for you.
   2. Even though Canadian citizens are not EU citizens, we can still help you and ensure the process is simple. 
   3. Our lawyers can assist you in deciding whether a Portuguese resident visa is exactly what you require. In addition, we can assist you with Immigration officials, because we speak Portuguese.
2. Step 2 – the immigration procedure
   1. You typically begin the process in your home country unless you are applying for an entrepreneur visa or a highly skilled professional visa.
   2. You must apply to the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the location where you are a legal resident before travelling to Portugal to obtain a Portuguese visa.
   3. After your application has been processed, the Embassy or Consulate will give you a visa so that you may enter Portugal and stay there.
   4. Make sure to travel within 90 days after the visa was issued.
   5. Once you have received your NIF number, you must apply for a residence permit. A residency card is essentially what you receive. 
   6. You may live in the country for two years with this residence permit, which can be renewed for a period of three years, as long you still meet the exact requirements.
   7. You may apply for permanent residency after living in Portugal for at least 5 years.
3. Step 3 – Working in Portugal
4. If you are an ex-pat, you must have a work visa to work in Portugal.
   1. Those seeking to reside in Portugal who are unable to meet the stringent requirements for other types of visas may find the work visa a suitable replacement.
      1. Most applications must be made from outside of Portugal.
      2. You must have a Portuguese job offer and a work contract to get a work permit.
      3. You can only work in positions where the government has identified a need.
   2. We’ve helped hundreds of clients secure their EU blue card, so don’t delay and speak with Lexidy today. 
5. Step 4 – Moving to Portugal but not working.
   1. You can live in Portugal as a Canadian citizen without working on a non-lucrative visa. Having enough money to sustain yourself there, however, would be ideal. 
   2. With this visa, you can use your private or public pension to support yourself while living in Portugal.
6. Step 5 – Getting a NIF
   1. Anyone who lives in Portugal has to obtain a tax identification number NIF especially if they run official/legal fiscal activities 
   2. In Portugal, a NIF number is required to open a bank account, purchase a property, pay taxes and do most other fiscal activities.
7. Step 6 – The paperwork
   1. You must have the following documents for each residence permit in Portugal.
      1. A clean criminal record in Portugal and your home country
      2. Proof that you can financially support yourself if you are applying for a student visa or non-lucrative visa
      3. Full public healthcare coverage
      4. A passport and two photo IDs
   2. More complex visa applications require more paperwork. For instance, the Golden Visa in Portugal requires proof that the applicant has purchased a Portuguese asset. In addition, the entrepreneurship visa requires the applicant to develop a business plan.
8. Step 7 – Translate the documents
   1. All documents must be translated into Portuguese and certified with a Hague Apostille. These documents are rejected if presented in the client’s native language, so everything must be translated into Portuguese.
9. Step 8 – Move with your family.
   1. An extended family may apply for a residence and work permit if the principal applicant has resided in the country for more than one year.
   2. Portugal counts the below as family:
      1. Your parents
      2. Spouse or unmarried partner
      3. Your spouse’s parents
      4. Your children
   3. Your family reunification residence permit application cannot be processed until your relative is out of the country.
10.  

Thinking about moving to Portugal from Canada? Well, if you’re considering a long-stay visa for employment, self-employment, studies, or retirement, you’ll need to submit a specific visa application tailored to your purpose. Here are the main visa options available to you as a Canadian citizen:

Retirement Visa (D7 Visa): Known as the D7 visa, the Retirement Visa enables Canadian citizens to reside in Portugal as long as their financial resources can sustain their lifestyle. Moreover, you can even work in Portugal while relying on passive income like dividends, pensions, interest, or rental earnings. Demonstrating that you possess sufficient economic means to support yourself and your family is crucial, and having a pension is the recommended way to do so.

Once you arrive in Portugal, you can apply for a Residence Permit, valid for two years and renewable for three-year periods. Also, after five years of living in Portugal, you’re eligible for permanent residency, which is the initial step toward obtaining Portuguese citizenship, applicable to your family as well.

Digital Nomad Visa: This visa is for Canadian citizens whose remote work income can sustain their lifestyle in Portugal. Unlike the D7 Visa which relies on passive income, this one hinges on your salary from freelance or remote employment.

Furthermore, when you arrive in Portugal, you can apply for a Residence Permit, with a two-year validity that’s extendable for three years at a time. After residing in Portugal for five years, applying for permanent residency follows. This paves the way for obtaining Portuguese citizenship, which also includes your family.

Unique to this visa application, you aren’t obligated to purchase property or make investments.

Investor Visa (Portuguese Golden Visa): If you want to move to Portugal from Canada, you can take part in the Golden Visa Program to gain permanent residency in Portugal. Offering the most benefits and flexibility, this visa also boasts the simplest application process. Essentially, both you and your loved ones can begin working immediately in Portugal.

However, this visa entails a significant investment in Portuguese real estate. Generally, this amounts to a €500,000 investment, but it can certainly decrease if you purchase property in a low-density region or a designated rehabilitation zone.