Portugal Immigration Lawyers for Visas, Residency and Citizenship

The D7 visa, also known as the Passive Income visa, is designed for individuals who have sufficient passive income to support themselves in Portugal without working. This includes retirees, remote workers, and those with rental income or investments. The minimum income requirement is approximately €920 per month for a single applicant.

The Golden Visa process typically takes 8–12 months from application submission to approval. This includes the initial document preparation phase, which can take 2–3 months, followed by the official processing time by AIMA (Portuguese Immigration and Asylum Agency). Our team works to ensure all documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

Yes, if you have Portuguese ancestors (parents or grandparents), you may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent. You'll need to provide birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other documentation proving the Portuguese lineage. The process involves registering at a Portuguese Civil Registry Office and can take 12–24 months.

No, most visas do not require Portuguese. Portugal ranks 6th in global English proficiency. However, A2 level Portuguese is mandatory for naturalisation and enhances integration and job prospects.

You must provide legalized (Apostille) marriage or birth certificates, valid passports for all family members, proof of accommodation in Portugal, evidence of sufficient income, and health insurance. Non-Portuguese documents require certified translation.

Applications are submitted via VFS Global or the Portuguese consulate’s E-visa platform in your home country. After consular approval, register with AIMA in Portugal to obtain your residence permit.

Consular visa processing takes up to 60 days legally. After arrival, AIMA interviews and issues residence permits within 90 days. Start at least four months before your planned move.

Visa application fee is €110; residence permit issuance via AIMA is €184 (exemptions for PALOPs & Brazil). Additional costs include translations, certifications, insurance, and optional legal assistance.

The Portuguese Golden Visa (ARI) grants residency through targeted investments: €500,000 in qualifying alternative investment funds (min. 5-year maturity); €500,000 in scientific research projects; €250,000 in approved artistic or cultural heritage projects; €500,000 in share capital of a Portuguese company with creation/maintenance of ≥ 5 jobs; Creation of ≥ 10 jobs (or ≥ 8 in low-density areas). Alternatively, non-EU nationals may apply for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa by presenting a viable business plan and proof of sufficient funds.

The NHR regime ended in 2024. Now the IFICI offers tax incentives for R&D and innovation. Portugal remains crypto-friendly with favorable taxation on digital assets. Standard residents face progressive rates up to 48%.

Use leading job portals, recruitment agencies and LinkedIn; target growth sectors (tech, tourism, healthcare); learn Portuguese for edge; or open a D2 entrepreneur visa to start your own business.