Essential steps to secure portuguese residency as a non-EU citizen

Essential Steps to Secure Portuguese Residency as a Non-EU Citizen

If you're considering moving to Portugal as a non-EU citizen, navigating the residency process can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the essential steps to secure Portuguese residency.

Understanding the Different Visa Options

Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to understand the various visa options available for non-EU citizens. The two most popular options are the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa.

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Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is designed for investors who want to make a significant investment in Portugal. This program offers a fast-track to residency and potentially citizenship in the future.

• Eligibility: Any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national can apply. You must be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record from your home country and Portugal\1\24.
• Investment Requirements: You need to make a qualifying investment, such as investing in a venture capital fund, forming a company, or making a donation. The minimum investment is typically €250,000\2\4.
• Residence Requirements: You must spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal, with a total of 14 days during each two-year residence card validity period\2\4.

D7 Visa

The D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and those with passive income.

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• Eligibility: You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with a clean criminal record and health insurance. You need to meet the minimum passive income requirements of €820 per month5.
• Income Requirements: You must demonstrate proof of accommodation and show that you have sufficient income to support yourself and any dependents5.
• Residence Requirements: You need to establish tax residency in Portugal, living in the country for at least four to six months each year5.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Choosing the Right Visa

The first step is to determine which visa is most suitable for your situation. Here’s a brief comparison:

Gathering Required Documents

Regardless of the visa you choose, you will need to gather several documents. Here is a detailed list for each visa:

Golden Visa Documents

• Copy of a valid passport or travel document
• Proof of the qualifying investment
• Declaration from a Portuguese financial institution confirming the transfer of funds
• Criminal record from your current country of residence
• Completed form authorizing SEF to access criminal records in Portugal
• Sworn declaration of compliance with the minimum investment requirements
• Documents showing good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security system
• Receipt of ARI application payment\1\2.

D7 Visa Documents

• Filled-out application form
• Passport or another valid travel document
• Two passport photos
• Valid health insurance
• Clean criminal record
• Portuguese NIF (income tax number)
• Letter of intent
• Proof of accommodation (rental or purchase agreement)
• Proof of means of subsistence5.

Submitting the Application

Online Submission and Interview

For the Golden Visa, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online to AIMA (former Serviço de Fronteiras e Estrangeiros – SEF). After approval, you will need to appear for an in-person interview at AIMA. This process typically takes between 9-12 months before your residence permit is issued2.

For the D7 Visa, you will need to submit your application through the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country. Once your application is approved, you will receive a temporary residence permit, which you can then exchange for a residence permit in Portugal5.

Maintaining Residency

Residence Permit Renewals

For both visas, you will need to renew your residence permit periodically.

Golden Visa Renewals

• The initial permit is valid for one year.
• Subsequent permits are valid for two years each.
• You must renew your permit at the end of each validity period, ensuring you maintain the investment and meet the residence requirements\1\2.

D7 Visa Renewals

• The initial permit is typically valid for one year.
• You must renew your permit annually, ensuring you continue to meet the income and residence requirements.
• Any consecutive absence longer than six months or non-consecutive absence longer than eight months can affect your renewal5.

Family Reunification

Both the Golden Visa and D7 Visa allow for family reunification.

• Golden Visa: You can extend the Golden Visa to family members, including spouses, children, and parents. This includes dependent children, regardless of age, if they are unmarried and financially dependent on you\1\2.
• D7 Visa: You can apply for family members to join you, provided they meet the specific rules and requirements. This typically includes spouses, children, and other dependents\3\5.

Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After five years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship.

Permanent Residency

• Golden Visa: After maintaining your investment and residence requirements for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. This status grants you the right to reside in Portugal indefinitely, with access to social benefits and the ability to work\2\4.
• D7 Visa: Similarly, after five years of maintaining your D7 Visa and meeting the residence requirements, you can apply for permanent residency5.

Portuguese Citizenship

• Once you have permanent residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. This typically involves passing a language test, having a clean criminal record, and demonstrating integration into Portuguese society\3\5.

Practical Insights and Actionable Advice

Living in Portugal

Portugal is known for its affordable cost of living, especially compared to many Western European countries. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a high quality of life, beautiful landscapes, and a mild climate\2\5.

Tax Incentives

Portugal offers attractive tax incentives for foreign income, making it an alluring place to live. The Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) regime can provide significant tax benefits for foreign residents2.

Legal Assistance

Given the complexity of the application process, it is highly recommended to consult with a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer or a Golden Visa consultant to ensure all documentation is correct and the process is smooth2.

Securing Portuguese residency as a non-EU citizen involves several steps, but with the right guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. Whether you choose the Golden Visa or the D7 Visa, understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and maintaining your residency are key to a successful application.

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By following these steps and considering the unique benefits of each visa option, you can make an informed decision and start your journey to living in Portugal.