Long Stay visa in Portugal

1. Student Visa (Residency for Study Purposes)

Who it’s for: Individuals enrolled in academic programs, training courses, or internships in Portugal.
Key Requirements:

• Acceptance letter from a recognized Portuguese institution

• Proof of sufficient funds (~€600–€700/month or scholarship confirmation)

• Proof of accommodation

• Private or institutional health insurance

• Clean criminal record
  Extra Notes:

• Allows part-time work up to 20 hours/week

• Renewable annually as long as enrollment continues

2. Work Visa (Subordinate or Independent Work)
Who it’s for: Professionals employed by Portuguese companies or self-employed individuals offering services.
Key Requirements:

• Valid employment contract (for employees) or proof of service agreements (for freelancers)

• Minimum salary must meet or exceed Portuguese minimum wage (~€820/month)

• Proof that job could not be filled by a local candidate (when applicable)

• Social security registration

• Public or private health insurance
  Extra Notes:

• May lead to permanent residency after 5 years

• Family reunification options available

3. D7 Visa (Passive Income / Retirement Visa)
Who it’s for: Retirees and financially independent individuals not seeking employment in Portugal.
Key Requirements:

• Stable passive income (e.g. pensions, rental income, dividends) of at least €820/month for the main applicant

• Savings equivalent to 12 months of living expenses (~€9,840)

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

• Private health insurance (until registered with SNS)

• Clean criminal background check
  Extra Notes:

• Renewable, with a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship

• Allows access to the public healthcare system after registration

4. D2 Visa (Entrepreneur / Startup / Freelancer Visa)
Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs launching a business or independent professionals.
Key Requirements:

• Viable business plan or proof of existing business activity

• Demonstration of economic, social, or cultural value

• Sufficient funds for personal and business needs (€5,000–€10,000 suggested minimum)

• Business registration in Portugal (or intention to register)

• Proof of accommodation and private health insurance
  Extra Notes:

• Flexibility for freelancers or digital service providers

• Stronger applications have local partnerships or Portuguese clients

5. Golden Visa (ARI – Residence by Investment)
Who it’s for: Investors contributing to Portugal’s economy through qualifying investments.
Key Investment Options:

• €500,000 in approved Portuguese investment funds

• €500,000 in research or innovation projects

• €250,000 in cultural heritage preservation

• Creation of at least 10 jobs
  Key Requirements:

• Proof of clean source of funds

• Health insurance

• Minimum stay requirement: 7 days/year on average
  Extra Notes:

• No requirement to live in Portugal full-time

• Eligible family members can be included

• Real estate route was discontinued in 2023

6. Family Reunification Visa
Who it’s for: Immediate family members of legal residents or Portuguese citizens.
Eligible Family Members:

• Spouse or partner

• Children under 18 (or dependent adults)

• Dependent parents of the resident or spouse
  Key Requirements:

• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates)

• Sponsor’s income: at least 100% of minimum wage per adult, 50% per child

• Proof of accommodation

• Health insurance

• Clean background check for adult applicants
  Extra Notes:

• Visa leads to the same residence rights as the sponsor

• Typically processed after the sponsor has been a resident for 1 year

7. Research, Tech, or Highly Qualified Professionals Visa
Who it’s for: Individuals working in science, research, academia, or highly qualified professions.
Key Requirements:

• Valid job or research offer

• Proof of qualifications (e.g., academic degrees, experience)

• Host institution registration in Portugal

• Proof of accommodation and insurance
  Extra Notes:

• Faster processing timelines

• Often supported by public institutions or universities

8. Volunteer or Religious Purposes Visa
Who it’s for: Individuals engaging in recognized volunteer programs or religious missions.
Key Requirements:

• Official invitation or agreement with a registered organization

• Proof of sufficient means to support the stay

• Accommodation and insurance
  Extra Notes:

• Valid for the duration of the project or mission

• Not intended for paid work

9. Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
Who it’s for: Non-EU/EEA remote workers or freelancers who wish to live in Portugal while working for clients or companies outside the country
Types of DNV Options:

• Temporary Stay Visa: Valid for up to 1 year, non-renewable

• Residence Visa: Valid for 2 years, renewable. Can lead to permanent residency and citizenship
  Key Requirements:

• Proof of remote work or freelance income from outside Portugal

• Minimum monthly income of at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage (~€3,280/month in 2024)

• Employment contract or proof of freelance contracts/clients

• Proof of tax residency in country of origin

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

• Private health insurance

• Clean criminal background check
  Extra Notes:

• No local clients allowed (cannot generate income from within Portugal)

• Family members can apply under family reunification

• Offers access to public services once registered with AIMA and local municipality

• Popular cities include Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and coastal Algarve towns

Important Notes for All Visa Types
Application Point: Applications must be submitted at the Portuguese consulate in the applicant’s home country
Residence Permit: Once in Portugal, applicants must register with AIMA (formerly SEF) to receive their residence card
Renewals & Citizenship: Most visas are renewable and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years of legal stay
Translations & Apostilles: Non-Portuguese documents must often be translated and legalized/apostilled