Visa & Immigration
Portugal is a multicultural country, a melting pot where different traditions and customs meet. And generally speaking, this is a welcoming and friendly place to live, filled with opportunities for people to thrive. How hard is it to immigrate to Portugal? Are there restrictions to certain nationalities? And how can you apply for a visa? This is one of the most important issues you need to address when moving abroad to a new country - ready to dive into it?
#1
Portugal is ranked the number one best country in Europe for expats, and fourth best globally
78%
of Portugal Golden Visas Issued in the first semester of 2022 were through property investment
70%
Americans have invested 70% more in the Portugal Golden Visa in 2022 compared to 2019
> €6 B
The total investment made for obtaining a residence permit through investment activity
12.4%
of people living in Portugal, between the ages of 16 and 74, have an immigrant background
49.3%
of expats in Portugal are between the ages of 16 and 39
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Portugal is the #1 European country for The Ease of Settling In Index (#7 worldwide)
40%
increase of foreign residents in Portugal between 2011 and 2021
Types of Visas
Below we explain the Visa types; but who should get a Visa? All third-country nationals intending to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days must obtain a long-stay visa. This requirement does not apply to nationals: of an European Union member state; a member state of the European Economic Area or a third country with which the European Community has reached an agreement on the free movement of persons; family members of Portuguese citizens or the aforementioned foreign citizens.
D1 - Work Visa
Residence Visa for Engaging in Professional Employment
If you are a wage-earning worker (D1 visa), the first step is to secure employment and sign an employment contract or, at least, receive a promissory contract of employment.
With this document in hand, you should apply for a residence visa for subordinate work (D1 visa), and in addition to the above-mentioned documents, you should present:
- Employment contract or promise of employment contract;
- Proof that you are qualified to exercise the profession, if it is regulated in Portugal (if applicable);
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance that covers, at least, the first 120 days in Portugal;
- Clean criminal record: the visa applicant must have a clean criminal record;
- Valid passport: Applicants must have a valid passport.
The D1 Visa is a crucial tool for those aiming to work in Portugal under a contract. This visa provides the pathway for global professionals to explore job opportunities in Portugal and seamlessly integrate into the thriving Portuguese workforce. The process is clear and practical, with the primary requirements being a job offer and the appropriate professional qualifications for regulated professions.
