Portugal Immigration

Portugal Visas

Portugal offers one of Europe's most welcoming immigration frameworks. Whether you are relocating for work, retirement, entrepreneurship or family — there is a pathway designed for you.

D-Category Long-Stay Visas

Portugal's D-category visas are long-stay national visas that allow non-EU/EEA nationals to reside in Portugal for more than 90 days. Each visa is designed for a specific purpose and leads to a residence permit upon arrival. The Fox guides you through every stage — from eligibility assessment to final approval.

Visa Categories

D1 – D8 Visas

The D1 visa is designed for non-EU nationals who have secured a valid employment contract or a binding job offer from a Portuguese employer. It is the primary route for those entering the Portuguese labour market.

Process

Applications are submitted at the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence. Processing typically takes 60–90 days. Upon arrival in Portugal, you will apply for a residence permit at AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).

Duration: 4 months (extendable to a 2-year residence permit)

Key Requirements

Valid employment contract or binding job offer from a Portuguese employer
Proof of sufficient income (at least the Portuguese minimum wage)
Clean criminal record from country of residence
Valid travel document
Proof of accommodation in Portugal

The D2 visa is available to independent professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who wish to establish or develop a business activity in Portugal. It is also suitable for those with a service contract with a Portuguese company.

Process

Applicants must demonstrate a viable business plan or existing professional activity. The Fox assists with business plan preparation, NIF registration and the full consular application process.

Duration: 4 months (extendable to a 2-year residence permit)

Key Requirements

Proof of self-employment, freelance activity or business plan
Demonstrated financial means to support yourself and dependants
Tax registration in Portugal (NIF) and social security registration
Clean criminal record
Valid travel document and proof of accommodation

The D3 visa targets highly qualified professionals in technical, scientific or managerial roles. It is aligned with the EU Blue Card framework and offers an expedited pathway for senior talent.

Process

The D3 process is similar to the D1 but requires evidence of higher qualifications and a qualifying salary threshold. Processing is often faster due to the EU Blue Card alignment.

Duration: 4 months (extendable to a 2-year residence permit)

Key Requirements

Higher education qualification or at least 5 years of equivalent professional experience
Employment contract with a Portuguese employer offering a salary at least 1.5× the national average
Clean criminal record
Valid travel document and proof of accommodation

The D4 visa is for non-EU nationals who have been accepted to a recognised Portuguese higher education institution. It allows students to reside in Portugal for the duration of their studies.

Process

Applications are submitted at the Portuguese consulate. The Fox assists with document preparation and ensures your application meets all consular requirements.

Duration: Duration of the academic programme

Key Requirements

Proof of acceptance or enrolment at a recognised Portuguese higher education institution
Proof of sufficient financial means (minimum €760/month or equivalent)
Health insurance valid in Portugal
Clean criminal record
Valid travel document and proof of accommodation

The D5 visa is designed for students participating in recognised international mobility programmes such as Erasmus+. It facilitates short-to-medium-term academic exchanges.

Process

Similar to the D4 process, with additional documentation confirming participation in the exchange programme.

Duration: Duration of the exchange programme

Key Requirements

Enrolment in a recognised international exchange programme
Acceptance letter from a Portuguese institution
Proof of financial means
Health insurance valid in Portugal
Clean criminal record

The D6 visa allows the family members of a legal resident or citizen of Portugal to join them. It covers spouses, minor children, dependent adult children and dependent parents.

Process

The sponsor in Portugal initiates the process. The Fox coordinates between the sponsor and the applicant to ensure all documentation is correctly prepared and submitted.

Duration: 4 months (extendable to a 2-year residence permit)

Key Requirements

Sponsor must hold a valid Portuguese residence permit or citizenship
Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
Sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income to support the family
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Clean criminal record for all adult applicants

The D7 visa is one of Portugal's most popular long-stay visas. It is designed for individuals who can demonstrate a regular passive income — from pensions, rental income, dividends, or remote employment — sufficient to support themselves in Portugal.

Process

The D7 is applied for at the Portuguese consulate. The Fox assists with income documentation, accommodation proof, and the full application. Upon arrival, a residence permit is obtained at AIMA.

Duration: 4 months (extendable to a 2-year residence permit)

Key Requirements

Proof of regular passive income of at least €870/month (2024 reference)
Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property ownership)
Clean criminal record
Valid travel document
Health insurance valid in Portugal

Introduced in 2022, the D8 visa is tailored for remote workers and digital professionals who earn their income from sources outside Portugal. It is one of Europe's most attractive digital nomad programmes.

Process

The D8 follows the same consular application process as other D-category visas. The Fox assists with income documentation, contract preparation and the full application.

Duration: 4 months (extendable to a 2-year residence permit)

Key Requirements

Proof of remote employment or freelance income of at least 4× the Portuguese minimum wage (approx. €3,480/month in 2024)
Employment contract with a non-Portuguese employer, or freelance contracts
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Clean criminal record
Valid travel document and health insurance

How It Works

Our Process

Initial Assessment

We review your circumstances, goals and documentation to identify the most appropriate visa category and assess your eligibility.

Document Preparation

We prepare and review all required documents — ensuring every submission meets the precise requirements of the Portuguese consulate.

Application Submission

We guide you through the consular appointment and submission process, providing support at every step.

Arrival & Residence Permit

Upon arrival in Portugal, we assist with your AIMA appointment and the conversion of your visa to a full residence permit.

Ready to Begin?

Book a consultation with one of our immigration specialists to discuss your situation and identify the right pathway to Portugal.

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