How to move to Portugal and obtain a residence permit?

Exploring the possibilities of immigrating to Portugal and obtaining a residence permit

Exploring the possibilities of legal immigration to Portugal and obtaining residency there is an exciting journey. There are several pathways that can help you achieve this dream. It is important to understand that the wait for residency can take a considerable amount of time, usually ranging from two to two and a half years. However, this timeframe can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances.

Experience of moving and adapting in Portugal

Irina, sharing her experience of moving and adapting in Portugal, talked about her impressions. After moving from Moscow, Russia, to Lisbon in 2020, she noted that the entire migration process took them only five months due to careful preparation and planning.

Ways to immigrate to Portugal

Tourist Visa:The easiest way to move to Portugal is to obtain a Schengen visa from any EU country and enter with it. This will allow you to stay in the country as a tourist for 90 days within a six-month period. However, it is important to remember that after the legal stay period specified in the visa expires, you must leave the country.

Work:Another option is to find a job with a Portuguese company or start your own business. After that, you can begin the process of obtaining a residence permit. In 2023, a new visa for job searching was introduced in Portugal, which has also become an attractive option for many.

Simplified types of visas:There are simplified visa types for highly qualified specialists, as well as D2 visas (for entrepreneurs) and D7 visas (for those receiving passive income).

Real estate and life in Portugal

Real estate in Portugal is available at different prices depending on the region and type of accommodation. Life in Portugal is full of culture, nature and opportunities for an active lifestyle.

Choosing a method of immigration to Portugal

Thus, the choice of how to move to Portugal depends on your personal preferences, goals, and opportunities. It is important to carefully explore all options and prepare for a new stage in life in this amazing country in southern Europe.

Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal under articles 88.2 and 89.2

To obtain a residence permit in Portugal based on grounds 88.2 and 89.2 (self-employment or having a job), you need to provide all the necessary documentation. A key document is the tax number NIF, which plays an important role in everyday life in this country. All documents must be translated into Portuguese, and some, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and diplomas, must be legalized. It is also necessary to obtain a social security number NISS, sign a one-year rental agreement through the tax office, and provide a work contract or documents for opening a sole proprietorship. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are significant delays in the immigration services, and the process of obtaining a residence permit can take from 2 to 2.5 years.

Other grounds for obtaining a residence permit

There are other grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal, such as studying, permanent residence in another European Union country, family reunification, marriage to a Portuguese citizen, or investments through the "Golden Visa" program. After obtaining a residence permit, it is necessary to reside in the country for at least 183 days a year, except for investors, who only need to stay for 7 days. After one year of residence, the residence permit can be extended for another 2 years, and after 5 years of residence, there is the possibility to apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Rights and opportunities when obtaining a residence permit or citizenship

By obtaining a residence permit or permanent residency in Portugal, you will gain the same rights as local residents – the right to work, travel to Schengen countries without a visa, free medical care, and education for children in public schools. Portuguese citizenship opens up even more opportunities, including visa-free travel to 188 countries worldwide, the right to live, work, and study in any EU country, participation in elections, and access to social benefits.

Real estate market in Portugal

Information about the growing influx of immigrants to Portugal is becoming increasingly relevant, resulting in a rapid development of the real estate market. Rental prices vary widely, starting at €850 per month for decent housing. Currently, there is a high demand for rentals with a year’s advance payment. It is also important to have a Portuguese guarantor with documented income from the previous year. The inability to pay the full rental amount may complicate the process of finding housing.

Nothing is impossible.I have heard of cases where people found great housing at affordable prices through Facebook groups. According to data from the Numbeo service, the cost of an apartment in Portugal (90 sq. m) can range from €180,000 to €270,000.

Conclusion

Portugal is a country that attracts with its beauty, climate, and relative ease of the immigration process. My husband, son, and I have chosen this country for a new stage in our lives, and despite some challenges, we believe our decision is well thought out and correct.

The moving process turned out to be quite fast thanks to the prior work done on preparing documents and consulting with migration specialists. However, it is important to be prepared for the fact that obtaining residence permits can take a significant amount of time — up to 2.5 years, especially in the context of the pandemic and the increased volume of applications.

Life in Portugal offers many advantages, including access to education, healthcare services, and social benefits. These opportunities are available to both citizens of the country and foreign residents, making Portugal an attractive place to live and work.

Despite the high demands for renting housing and the complexities of the legalization process, moving to Portugal can be a successful step for those who are ready for new challenges and are seeking stability and quality of life in this amazing European country.

Based on personal experience, I recommend that prospective immigrants invest time in preparing and researching all aspects of the move to make it as smooth and comfortable as possible. May your new life in Portugal be filled with only positive experiences and successful accomplishments!