Portugal is a beautiful country with much to offer its visitors. With the increasing number of people looking to explore the culture and sights of Portugal, the need for visas has also grown. There are a variety of Portuguese visas available to travellers, each offering its own unique benefits.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the trending Portuguese visas for 2022 and 2023, and which ones are becoming increasingly popular.
The Golden Visa
The Portuguese Golden Visa is an initiative designed to encourage non-EU citizens to relocate to Portugal. The Golden Visa grants you and your family a Portuguese residency permit, as well as access to the entire EU. It is especially popular among those looking for a second home in Europe.
To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants must choose an investment option: capital transfer, property acquisition or business investments. Once the Golden Visa holder has maintained their residency permit for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency. This makes it one of the most attractive visa programs in Europe.
The Golden Visa is intended for visitors who don’t want to commit to spending all their time in Portugal, as the requirements are only 7-days in the first year, then 14-days for each subsequent 2-year period. In other words, the Golden Visa is a great option for anyone who wants to be able to settle permanently in Portugal in the near future, but cannot commit to it right now.
With a consultation with RHJ Law, you can start discussions about applying for a Golden Visa, liaise with our lawyers and better understand the process. In the event you decide to apply for the Golden Visa, our Business Support team will be on hand to guide you throughout the process throughout the week. There will always be someone to help you.
If you want to start living in Portugal permanently now, you might want to consider the D7 visa, or if you have family in the EU, you might consider family reunification.
The Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad workers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Portugal, and we can see this visa taking off as more people start to work remotely as 2023 begins. It is possible for those with an income from outside Portugal to obtain residency in Portugal, whether on a short-term or long-term basis. This visa offers the possibility of long-term residency to Digital Nomads. As with other visas, you can apply for citizenship or permanent residency after five years of residency.
When applying for this visa, the main challenge is supplying evidence of income requirements (at least €2820 monthly). It may not be difficult if you get money from countries like the US and UK, but it might prove more challenging if you get money from companies and people in other parts of the world.
Because RHJ Group manage both legal and accountancy services, we can help you understand how to apply so that all evidence is clearly shown – so don’t be concerned if you’re not meeting the minimum requirements right now; you can take advantage of this visa in the near future if you speak with our team.
Family Reunification
Family Reunification, also known as the D6 visa, is a way for individuals to gain residency in Portugal. It is generally easier and cheaper than obtaining a full visa, making it an attractive option for people who are looking to live and work in Portugal.
To qualify for a Family Reunification visa, applicants must have a family member who has or is obtaining a full visa or CRUE. This includes spouses, children, and some other relatives.
The process of applying for the visa itself is quite simple. This type of visa has always been quite popular due to its affordability and simplicity. For those who don’t qualify for the more advanced visas such as the D7 Visa, D2 Visa, or D3 Visa, the Family Reunification visa is an excellent option.
The RHJ Law team can guide you through the family reunification process, so you can decide which visa option the main applicant should apply for before the rest of the family is able to gain residency in Portugal. Feel free to schedule a consultation or ask us a few questions, so we can assist you.
Don’t know how to apply for Portuguese residency directly as an EU resident? Email our team for assistance!
D7 Visa
The D7 Visa is a residency permit in Portugal specifically aimed at people with a stable, passive or recurring income. It allows individuals to benefit from the Portuguese Non Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme which offers preferential tax rates for a period of up to 10 years.
The D7 Visa is especially beneficial to those who want to move their family to Portugal, as the application process is much faster compared to other visas. One of the reasons that the D7 visa has become so popular is because the minimum financial requirements are incredibly achievable. You must earn at least the minimum wage in Portugal, which for 2023 is €760. You may find it difficult to live off of this amount, and most people who relocate to Portugal from abroad earn over €1000; however, this simply proves how achievable a D7 visa is.
Meet the wage requirements for this visa option, and want to find out more? Arrange a consultation with our lawyer today, or just send us a quick email to begin discussions.
D2 Visa
The D2 Visa is an excellent option for expats moving from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who are looking to setup a business or work as a freelancer in Portugal.
Starting a business or setting up as a freelancer can be complicated, but that’s why we’re here. To provide the support necessary to make this visa application process simple. We understand the requirements for this visa and help you with all necessary steps from gathering documents to presenting your case to the Portuguese government.
We recommend people applying for this visa can understand the Portuguese language to a basic extent, especially if they’re going to be hiring Portuguese employees! Additionally, having professional assistance from RHJ Accountants can go a long way in making the application process smooth. RHJ Law can help you setup a business through incorporating a branch, or starting from the basics.
Overall, the D2 visa allows for individuals to tap into Portugal’s great potential and open up opportunities in terms of personal and professional growth. With the right information, guidance and assistance from experts like RHJ Group, the entire visa process can be hassle-free.
D3 Visa
The D3 visa is the equivalent to the Golden Visa, aimed at highly qualified experts in a professional field. This route into Portugal provides a much faster track compared to the Golden Visa route.
The D3 visa is for those who are already highly skilled workers, and have an employment contract, formal offer of employment or own business within certain areas. With a successful application, the applicant and their family members will be granted residence status in Portugal, as well as being able to apply for a EU card after a period of 18-months.
At RHJ Accountants, we can help you determine if the D3 visa is a potential option for you or your family. We can guide you through the application process and ensure that all documents are completed accurately and efficiently, giving you the best chance of success with your visa application.
How RHJ Accountants can help
During the consultation, we can help you decide which option is best based on the specifics of your visa application, whether you are just considering one option or several; a personalised proposal will be sent to you for your consideration after that.
Browse our RHJ Law and RHJ Accountants websites to learn more about us before using our services to apply for a visa.
As well as assisting with visa applications, we can assist you in finding a suitable property to rent or buy. Interested in a consultation with our lawyer, or perhaps just our Business Support team? Contact us today!
