Portuguese Residence Visa

How does it work?

Portugal has been attracting the interest of foreign investors and other international citizens, thanks to a wide array of assets. From its overall safety to the wonderful weather, not to mention that cities such as Lisbon have become synonymous with entrepreneurial innovation.

In fact, Portugal has seen its reputation increase as a hotspot for foreign investment, thanks to its Golden Visa program and Non-Habitual Resident tax regime. Other measures include the StartUp Visa and the D7 Visa, which we have already discussed.

But since not all foreign citizens are eligible for these options – as they demand you to meet very specific criteria –, today we will understand how else you can have access to a valid Residence Visa in Portugal.

We should note, however, that obtaining a Residence Visa is a multi-phase process. This means that applicants will have to comply with different sets of rules during each stage of this procedure.

First step: Visa to obtain a Residence Permit

In general, you will only need to register your stay in Portugal if you wish to stay in the country for more than 90 days. If this is the case, people coming from a non-EU/EFTA territory will need to obtain a Residence Permit.

Visas to obtain a Residence Permit are issued by a third country (namely, at the Portuguese Consular Posts / Embassies) and will only be valid in Portugal. This means the freedom of movement within the Schengen area will not be applicable to foreigners at this stage.

Please note this visa will be valid for two entries in the Portuguese territory and will entitle the holder to stay for a period of four months (120 days).

As a result, this document is intended to enable international citizens to enter Portugal, so they may be able to apply for a residence permit.

Second step: Temporary Residence Permit

The residence permit application must be submitted to the SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service), while the candidate is in Portuguese territory. Afterward, the results of the application will be decided within a period of 90 days.

Once approved, the residence permit will be valid for a period of one year (starting from the date of its issue) and will be renewable for successive periods of two years. At this stage of the process, freedom of movement within the Schengen is now applicable.

We must note, however, that if a holder intends to be absent from Portugal for more than six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months, they must inform SEF before leaving the national territory.

Would you like to know more information?

At Easely Portugal, we have a team of lawyers and business experts, whose goal is to help you settle in Portugal – whether to invest in this country, to enjoy your retirement, or just to grant you the permit you need for your purposes.

Feel free to reach us anytime. We’ll be your best gateway to live and invest in Portugal!