Are you a non-EU individual thinking of moving to Portugal? Our detailed guide on the different types of visas for expats covers everything you need to know about eligibility and requirements for each visa type.
Whether you’re seeking employment, starting a business, pursuing higher education, or simply wanting to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, there’s a visa tailored to your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of visas available for expats moving to Portugal, detailing the eligibility and requirements for each.
D1 Visa: Portuguese Employment Visa
Overview (Who is the visa for?)
The D1 Visa is designed for individuals who have secured employment in Portugal. It's ideal for expats looking to work for a Portuguese company and establish a professional career in the country.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
Proof of job offer and contract from a Portuguese employer.
Documentation proving that you have the necessary qualifications and skills for the job.
Proof of a valid health insurance.
Proof of housing (i.e. lease or property ownership)
Clean criminal record.
Bank statements showing sufficient financial means to support yourself.
A valid passport.
Portugal Visas for Expats - D1 Employment Visa Requirements
D2 Visa: Portuguese Entrepreneur Visa
Overview (Who is the visa for?)
The D2 Visa is tailored for entrepreneurs and freelancers who wish to start or expand their business in Portugal. This visa encourages economic activity and investment in the country. No minimum investment required.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
NIF (Portuguese tax number).
Portuguese bank account.
A Portuguese limited company (for entrepreneurs) or contracts with one or more clients (for freelancers).
Also proof of accommodation in Portugal, health insurance, and sufficient finances to sustain yourself.
Portugal Visas for Expats - D2 Entrepreneur Visa Overview
D3 Visa: Portuguese Highly Qualified Activity Visa
Overview (Who is the visa for?)
The D3 Visa is intended for individuals who have highly qualified skills and qualifications, often targeting professions such as scientific research, teaching, company directors, engineers, or other highly skilled work.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
Proof of employment and job offer for this highly skilled position.
Proof of high-level qualifications and expertise in the field.
Proof of health insurance and sufficient funds.
Clean criminal record.
Portugal Visas for Expats - D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa Details
D4 Visa: Portuguese Student Visa
Overview (Who is the visa for?)
The D4 Visa is aimed at international students who have been accepted into a Portuguese educational institution. This visa allows students to pursue their studies in Portugal. Also suitable for interns, volunteers and other courses that last over a year.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
An acceptance letter from a Portuguese educational institution.
Proof of enrolment in a study program.
Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Proof of health insurance.
Clean criminal record.
Portugal Visas for Expats - D4 Student Visa Guide
D5 Visa: Portuguese Student Mobility Visa
Overview (Who is the visa for?)
The D5 Visa facilitates the mobility of students between different educational institutions within the EU, targeting those participating in exchange programs or continuing their studies in Portugal after starting in another EU country.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
Proof of enrolment with your educational institution within the EU.
Proof of exchange program.
Proof of financial support.
Proof of health insurance.
Clean criminal record.
Portugal Visas for Expats - D5 Student Mobility Visa Explained
D6 Visa: Portuguese Family Reunification Visa
Overview (Who is the visa for?)
The D6 Visa allows family members of foreign nationals residing in Portugal to join them. This visa is essential for maintaining family unity. Includes spouse/partner and dependents.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
Proof of family relationship (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate).
Proof of a residence permit for the family member residing in Portugal.
Proof of sufficient financial means to support family members.
Proof of health insurance.
Proof of accommodation.
Portugal Visas for Expats - D6 Family Reunification Visa Information
D7 Visa: Portuguese Passive Income Visa
Overview (Who is the visa for?)
The D7 Visa is ideal for retirees and individuals with stable passive income who wish to live in Portugal. This visa supports those who have sufficient means to support themselves without active employment.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
Proof of passive income (e.g. from pensions, dividends, investments, etc.) superior to Portuguese minimum wage (i.e. over €820 per month).
Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents.
Proof of accommodation.
Proof of health insurance.
Clean criminal record.
Portugal Visas for Expats - D7 Passive Income Visa Essentials
The D8 Visa caters to digital nomads and remote workers who wish to work from Portugal. This visa allows individuals to live in Portugal while working remotely for companies outside of Portugal.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
Proof of remote employment or freelance work (from a country outside Portugal).
Portugal Visas for Expats - D8 Digital Nomad Visa Overview
D9 Visa: Portuguese Golden Visa
Overview (Who is the visa for?)
The D9 Visa, also known as the Golden Visa, is designed for individuals who make significant investments in Portugal, such as real estate purchases or capital investments, offering a pathway to residency and citizenship.
Eligibility and requirements
To be qualified for this visa you must present:
A minimum investment or donation of €500,000 (not from a loan).
Proof of legal source of investment funds.
Clean criminal record.
Portugal Visas for Expats - D9 Golden Visa Investment Requirements
Summary of Portuguese List of Visas for expats
Moving to Portugal offers a wealth of opportunities for expats, whether you’re seeking employment, starting a business, pursuing education, or simply enjoying the Portuguese lifestyle. By choosing the right visa, you can ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling experience in your new home, so here is a summary of the visas just discussed:
D1 Visa: Portuguese Employment Visa - For individuals with a job offer from a Portuguese employer.
D2 Visa: Portuguese Entrepreneur Visa - For entrepreneurs and freelancers starting or expanding a business in Portugal.
D3 Visa: Portuguese Highly Qualified Activity Visa - For highly skilled professionals, such as researchers and educators.
D4 Visa: Portuguese Student Visa - For international students accepted into Portuguese educational institutions.
D5 Visa: Portuguese Student Mobility Visa - For students participating in exchange programs or continuing studies from other EU countries.
D6 Visa: Portuguese Family Reunification Visa - For family members of foreign nationals residing in Portugal.
D7 Visa: Portuguese Passive Income Visa - For retirees and individuals with stable passive income.
D8 Visa: Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa - For digital nomads and remote workers wishing to live in Portugal while working remotely.
D9 Visa: Portuguese Golden Visa - For individuals making significant investments in Portugal, such as real estate purchases or capital investments.
According to the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the processing of a national visa application is 90€ and you can apply from a Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country or paying a lawyer to apply on your behalf.
