Learn about the Golden Visa program, including a step-by-step breakdown of how to obtain one.

Portugal Golden Visa: Everything You Need to Know About the Investment Process

Creation of Job Positions

Venture capital / Investment funds

Capital Transfer

Real Estate (€350K used properties)

Real Estate (€500k)

Golden Visas Oct 2012 - Feb 2023 by investment type

Learn about the possibilities of Portuguese Citizenship via investing, on the Moviinn blog.

Investing in Portugal for Citizenship: Is It the Right Choice for You?

Learn about the attractions of the Algarve region.

Algarve Real Estate: why is it so tempting to invest in this seaside paradise?

Learn about the Golden Visa changes on the Moviinn blog.

Portugal Announces New Measures to Combat Housing Problems, Including Changes to Golden Visa Program

How to Secure Your Golden Visa Before Portugal's Program Changes

A charming multicultural city with a progressive mindset.

Purchasing Power (per capita) - PT Ref.: 100

Number of Inhabitants per Doctor and Pharmacist

Number of Doctors, Dentists, Nurses and Pharmacists

Number of Inhabitants per Staff working in Hospitals

Number of Public General and Specialty Hospitals 

Cultural Expenses of Municipal Councils as a % of Total Expenses

Volkswagen Golf 1.3 90 KW Trendline (or Equivalent New Car)

Purchasing Power (per capita - PT Ref.: 100)

An elegant city, filled with history, and traditions. 

Purchasing Power (per capita - PT ref: 100)

Elegance, sophistication, and nature, all in one city. 

Sunshine, sea, and sunsets. A glorious coastline to discover. 

We crafted a few key questions to help you decide what would be a good place for your background and personality in Portugal.

What’s the best city for you in Portugal

Your perfect city match is: Cascais. An elegant and charming seaside city, close to Lisbon.

You should really move to... Lisbon! Lisbon is vibrant, lively, filled with opportunities. This is your match. Ready to moviinn to this city?

Your perfect match is...Porto. This city is filled with history, culture, beautiful streets, and a riverside that is unlike any other. Elegance, distinction and character. This is your match! 

Ready to move to Algarve? For those who love to live in a sunny place, blessed with around 300 days of sun a year, Algarve is very diverse. You will find cities that are perfect for remote living and others, like Lagos, that are lively and filled with cultural events. Find out more on our Explore page.

Read the real journey stories of people we helped along the way. We hope you can identify with some of them and let us help you start your own journey.

Expat Journey Stories - Moviinn

Fresh start in Portugal, with an eye towards the future.

Josh: Quality of life and opportunities Europe can offer

Moving a business from Israel to Portugal

Dave Leiderman: Expanding a business to Europe

The Pearson's: the path to citizenship through investment

Peter & Christine: Balance, success and personal growth in Portugal

From wandering the world to settling down in Lisbon

Lina's Journey: Settling down with good prospects and a comfortable lifestyle

Ann-Elise Smith: retiring on this sunny side of Europe

A leap of faith: moving to a new country alone

Oksana: A new life for a young professional from Belarus

We have put together these journey pages based on real stories of over 1500 people we helped along the way, we hope you can identify with some of them and let us help you start your own journey.

Enjoy our complimentary conversation and clarify what you need to make Portugal your new home

Book a free call with one of our Migration Advisers

At moviinn we see ourselves as a one stop shop for everything related to moving abroad: we help you choose the right city to live in, offer investment advice services, support you with your visa application, and so much more. Our team of experienced professionals is here, every step of the way, helping you move abroad with confidence.

moviinn has partnered with the most knowledgeable sources to create a full directory that gives you access to everything you need to know about moving abroad. From our experience throughout the years with over 1500 clients just like you, we have identified 3 main  stages that are the basis of our moviinn method: Explore 1, 2 and 3 or Thinking Stage, Talking Stage, and Doing Stage, respectively.

At this stage, you've already had a first call with us, and you're getting closer to making big decisions related to moving abroad. Our team of migration advisers will ease the stress of moving abroad, and you'll also get a personal account manager that will be assigned to take care of all the nuances your process might have. moviinn is here to help you move abroad with confidence.

Platform will start to be used Q1 of 2023

moviinn provides a relocation platform so you can manage your entire process and get real-time insights, in one single spot.
You can also get in touch with your account manager directly and check the progress of your services, such as visa applications.

Settling in a new country is as important as taking the first steps. You start to meet people, to broaden your social circle, and you're looking for new hobbies or ways to incorporate your old ones in this new place you now call home. We are different from other relocation services because we also provide support in helping you feel integrated - we know first hand how important it is to find community and like minded people in a new city or country.

Immigration Specialist

Dayane Martins

Lawyer - Senior Partner

Raquel G. Roque

Chief Financial Adviser

Nikhil Divecha

Lawyer

Gustavo Dias

Founder & CEO of Moviinn

James Muscat

Susanna Vickers

Real Estate Specialist

Ricardo Dias

Office Manager & HR

Ana Meca

Marketing Manager

Sonia Fernandes

Account Manager

Rita Mendo

Senior Migration Adviser

Gonzalo Saramago

Senior Account Manager

Julia Jarzebowska

Natacha Branquinho

Immigration Manager

Caroline Pagel

With your selected services and a tailored moving profile identification we are going to send you a sample proposal with all you need to know to start your moving process.

NIF (Portuguese: Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a mandatory documento for financial activities or business in Portugal. It's a personal tax number used in several operations. 

Opening a bank account in Portugal may require several documents and bureaucracy. Moviinn can help you with the paperwork that is gonna be necessary. Valid photo ID (passport), proof of address (a utility bill), proof of employment (a pay slip or work contract), and your NIF number are some of the documents required. 

NISS (Portuguese: Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is a Portuguese Social Security Number. One is able to get a NISS only when he/she is working in Portugal. Freelancers ans self-employed will also need a NISS. 

Obtaining a Portuguese Social Security Number (NISS)

Apply for a visa has several challenges. We have the expertise to go straight to the right points to get your approval. Moviinn can represent you since the application until the end of the journey of having your visa approved. 

When you need to extend your stay in Portugal, moviinn will be there for you to help you with your renew (first or second renew).

Applying for permanent residency in Portugal has several challenges. We offer you support on this process. Paperwork may include cover letters, criminal record certification, proof of accommodation, proof of income, among other. Moviinn knows how to make this journey smoothly.

There are several cases in which you will want to request your Portuguese citizenship. Moviinn knows all of the rules of this process and we will be happy to help you to become a Portuguese citizen. 

Healthcare in Portugal is something that you need to know. NHS (Portuguese: Serviço Nacional de Saúde) can provide you a several ranges of coverages in terms of healthy. Moviinn can help you on this, advising you and being aside you during the process of obtain your NHS.

Obtaining a National Health Service (NHS) card

Moviinn has specialists to accompany the different specific processes that may happen with our customers. For this, we have a team of specialists willing to make specific consultations to meet specific demands.

Here’s an initial snapshot of how much it would cost and how long it should take to get and maintain residence status through the D3 track.

Highly skilled third country (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) professionals, academics or researchers.

It is valid for two entries into the country, allowing the holder to stay in Portugal for a period of four months.


It must be applied for at the Portuguese consulate in the country of origin or in Portugal.*


The applicant must live in Portugal for a period 183 days during the 1st year until residence permit renewal.


Visa exemption for travelling within the Schengen Area.


Possibility of applying for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.

* If the applicant is staying in Portugal legally (e.g. on a tourist visa), he/she can skip this step and apply there for a residence permit.

Employment contract or promissory employment agreement valid for at least one year and an annual remuneration of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary or three times the Social Support Index (IAS).


Suitable academic and professional qualifications, duly certified, regarding regulated or unregulated professions and the role in question


If necessary, a Declaration issued by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) proving that the candidate holds a suitable professional and academic background.

1- Timelines are estimates and refer to business days.

2- Government fees are reviewed on an annual basis.

3- Our fees are displayed without VAT and do not include costs of Portuguese Authorities in relation to fees, taxes, duties, etc., as well as traveling, translation, communications and other expenses.

*Important: values and time estimates are for illustration purposes only. They will vary significantly according to specific needs of each client

Applying in Country of Origin

Phase 1 - Essentials

A Portuguese Tax ID is mandatory for everything you do in the country

Service includes: 

- Drafting a Power of Attorney
- Certification of ID documents to obtain a NIF
- Getting login credentials to the Tax Authority Portal

Obtaining a Portuguese Tax ID number (NIF)

Tax representation is mandatory for all individuals who do not reside in Portugal

Service includes: 

Tax representation for foreign non-EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Norway residents is mandatory. The tax representative is the interface between the taxpayer and the Tax Authority. This is charged yearly.

Tax Representation (individuals)

Service includes:

Sharing a list of necessary documents, gathering documents and liaising with the bank, so that the necessary forms can be filled in and signed.

Open a Bank Account (individual in Portugal)

Open a Bank Account (individual out of Portugal)

Social Security registration is mandatory upon registration as a freelancer/sole trader.

Social Security registration is mandatory upon registration as a freelancer/sole trader. 

Service includes:

- Scheduling an appointment
- Drafting the necessary application forms

Obtaining a Portuguese Social Security number (NISS)

Phase 2 - Visa Application

Highly Qualified with or without Tech Visa Certification

Service includes:

- Providing you with a document checklist
- Process analysis
- Assistance in obtaining the residence visa
- Assistance in obtaining the necessary official Portuguese documents
- Drafting of the necessary documents
- Drafting and submission of forms
- Appointment scheduling
- Accompanying the applicant to interviews at SEF
- Assistance in obtaining the Residence Permit

D3 Visa Application and Representation

Phase 3 - Renewals

When the legal basis for granting a residence permit does not change, renewals may be done online.

Service includes: 

- Online SEF registration
- Validation of personal information
- Submission of renewal
- Sending of DUC (payment document)
- Sending of renewal confirmation

Online Residence Permit (First Renewal)

Online Residence Permit (Second Renewal)

When the legal basis for granting a residence permit changes, renewals must be done in-person.

Service includes:

- Assistance in obtaining the necessary official Portuguese documents
- Drafting of the necessary documents
- Drafting and submission of forms
- Appointment scheduling
- Accompanying the applicant to interviews at SEF (Immigration)
- Assistance in obtaining the Residence Permit

In-person Residence Permit (First Renewal)

In-person Residence Permit (Second Renewal)

Phase 4 - Permanent Residency &/or Citizenship

Provided you have legally resided in Portugal for five consecutive years

Service includes:

- Providing you with a document checklist
- Process analysis
- Assistance in obtaining the necessary official Portuguese documents
- Drafting of the necessary documents
- Drafting and submission of forms
- Appointment scheduling
- Accompanying the applicant to interviews at SEF
- Assistance in obtaining the Permanent Residence Permit

Applying for Permanent Residency

1st Stage - Detailed analysis by an expert lawyer

Service includes:

1st Stage - Detailed analysis by an expert lawyer of the documents the Applicant(s) has already and of what still needs to be procured, including proof of an A2 level of Portuguese and general instructions on documents and procedures, to allow for a viability assessment.

Requests for additional certificates should only be submitted after the assessment, so that no time and money are wasted.

Applying for Portuguese Citizenship (1st Stage)

2nd Stage - Portuguese Citizenship Application

Service includes:

2nd Stage - Portuguese Citizenship Application - submission of the process before the Registry Office (it may take several months to be concluded, during which time the expert lawyer will keep the Applicant up to date on the status of the application, as well as reply to notifications or take any other action needed to produce the intended outcome).

Applying for Portuguese Citizenship (2nd Stage)

Applying in Portugal

Other related services

Service Includes:

- For more complex scenarios, the 1 hour immigration consultation will allow for a deeper analysis in order to reach the most suitable and efficient immigration strategy.

Consultation with an Immigration Specialist

Legal residents can register with a local Health Centre and have access to healthcare under the same conditions as nationals.

Service includes: 

- gathering information
- filling in forms

Note: if escorting the client is needed an additional fee of 100€ will be charged. 

Obtaining NHS

Family Reunification D6 Visa Application (Adult to EU Citizen)

Family Reunification D6 Visa Application (Adult to Non-EU Citizen)

Family Reunification D6 Visa Application (Minor to EU Citizen)

Family Reunification D6 Visa Application (Minor to Non-EU Citizen)

Services & fees · D3 | Highly Qualified Work Visa

Estimated Timeline for D3 | Highly Qualified Work Visa

When you need to extend your stay in Portugal, moviinn will be there for you to help you with your renew (first or second renew). 

Healthcare in Portugal is something that you need to know. NHS (Portuguese: Serviço Nacional de Saúde) can provide you a several ranges of coverages in terms of healthy. Moviinn can help you on this, advising you and being aside you during the process of obtatin your NHS.

Here’s an initial snapshot of how much it would cost and how long it should take to get and maintain residence status through the D1 track.

Aimed at third country immigrant nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who wish to work in Portugal.

It is valid for two entries into the country, allowing the holder to stay in Portugal for a period of four months.

It must be applied for at the Portuguese consulate in the country of origin or in Portugal.*

The applicant must live in Portugal for a period 183 days during the 1st year until residency permit renewal.

Visa exemption for traveling within the Schengen Area.

Employment contract or promissory employment agreement valid for at least one year.

An affirmative statement issued by IEFP (Portuguese Employment and Vocational Training Institute).

Service includes:   

- Drafting a Power of Attorney 
- Certification of ID documents to obtain a NIF 
- Getting login credentials to the Tax Authority Portal

Regular Work Permit

This route is meant for non-highly qualified applicants (e.g. sales or customer support profiles, depending on the specific academic background and role) and applies only to employees (with an employment contract, fixed term or permanent).

Service includes:

- Providing you with a document checklist
- Process analysis
- Assistance in obtaining the residence visa (if it is applied from abroad)
- Assistance in obtaining the necessary official Portuguese documents
- Drafting of the necessary documents
- Drafting and submission of forms
- Appointment scheduling
- Accompanying the applicant to interviews at SEF
- Assistance in obtaining the Residence Permit

D1 Visa Application and Representation

Service Includes:  

- For more complex scenarios, the 1 hour immigration consultation will allow for a deeper analysis in order to reach the most suitable and efficient immigration strategy.

Services & fees · D1 | Work Visa

NIF (from Portuguese, Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a mandatory documento for financial activities or business in Portugal. It's a personal tax number used in several operations. 

NISS (from Portuguese, Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is a Portuguese Social Security Number. One is able to get a NISS only when he/she is working in Portugal. Freelancers ans self-employed will also need a NISS. 

Opening a bank account in Portugal may require several documents and bureucracy. Moviinn can help you with the paperwork that is gonna be necessary. Valid photo ID (passport), proof of address (a utility bill), proof of employment (a pay slip or work contract), and your NIF number are some of the documents required. 

Incoporate a company in Portugal is a process that can be aleviated if you have moviinn support. Legal and logistic issues can be facilitated by moviinn. 

Incorporate a company in Portugal or set up a business as a sole trader or freelance worker

When you need to extend your stay in Portugal, moviinn will be there for you to help you with your renew (first ans second). 

Applying for permanent residency in Portugal has several challenges. We offer you support on this process. Paperwork may include cover letters, criminal record certification, proof of accommodation, proof of income, among other. Moviinn knows how to make this journey smoothly

Healthcare in Portugal is something that you need to know. NHS (from Portuguese: Serviço Nacional de Saúde) can provide you a several ranges of coverages in terms of healthy. Moviinn can help you on this, advising you and being aside you during the process of obtatin your NHS.

Here’s an initial snapshot of how much it would cost and how long it should take to get and maintain residence status through the D2 track.

Aimed at third country entrepreneur nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who wish to set up a business in Portugal, either as sole traders, freelance workers or by incorporating a company.

The applicant must live in Portugal for a period 183 days during the 1st year until residence permit renewal.

Applicants must demonstrate their intention to set up a business in Portugal, either by having incorporated a company and submitting a solid business plan or, in the case of sole traders/freelance workers, by submitting a contract for services with a Portuguese company.

* Funds to be invested in the business can come from loans obtained from banks.

Phase 1 - Essentials & Business Inc.

Service includes:   

Tax representation for foreign non-EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Norway residents is mandatory. The tax representative is the interface between the taxpayer and the Tax Authority. This is charged yearly.

Incorporation of a newly incorporated company (Empresa na Hora)

Service includes:

- Gathering and reviewing all the necessary documents
- Selection of the legal name
- Drafting of the articles of association
- Incorporation of the company
- Registration with the Commercial Registry Office
- UBO (Beneficial Owners) registration
- Appointing a Chartered Accountant
- Appointment of the Managing Directors
- Obtaining a NIPC

Note: This fee covers the incorporation of a newly incorporated company (Empresa na Hora) with a maximum of 2 partners and a pre-approved contract template. A charge of €250 applies to each additional partner of the company. The fee for incorporating subsidiaries or branches goes from €3000 to €3500, depending on the complexity of the incorporation. 

Incorporate a company

Applicants must demonstrate their intention to set up a business in Portugal, as a sole trader/freelance worker.

Applicants must demonstrate their intention to set up a business in Portugal, as a sole trader/freelance worker, by submitting a contract for services with a Portuguese company. Proof of available financial means is required.

Service includes:

- Providing you with a document checklist
- Process analysis
- Assistance in obtaining the residence visa
- Assistance in obtaining the necessary official Portuguese documents
- Drafting of the necessary documents
- Drafting and submission of forms
- Appointment scheduling
- Accompanying the applicant to interviews at SEF
- Assistance in obtaining the Residence Permit

D2 Visa Application & Representation

Service includes:

- Providing you with a document checklist
- Process analysis
- Assistance in obtaining the residence visa
- Assistance in obtaining the necessary official Portuguese documents
- Drafting of the necessary documents
- Drafting and submission of forms
- Appointment scheduling;
- Accompanying the applicant to interviews at SEF
- Assistance in obtaining the Residence Permit

Services & fees · D2 | Entrepreneur Visa

Estimated Timeline for D2 | Entrepreneur Visa

Tech visa has some particularities and special requirements. Several details and some papework are needed. Moviinn has the expertise to drive a company to acquire all of the certification to apply for a Tech Visa. 

Application to the Tech Visa Certification

Here’s an initial snapshot of how much it would cost and how long it should take to get and maintain residence status through the Tech Visa