Relocating to Portugal is an exciting decision, but navigating the visa process can be daunting without the right information. For UK expats and digital nomads, the most common residence visas are:
- D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
- D9 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
- Accompanying Family Member Visa (for spouses and children).
This guide will walk you through the initial steps, key considerations, and common challenges to help you start your journey smoothly, depending on your source of income.
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa for Your Situation
D7 Visa – Passive Income Visa
The D7 Visa is ideal for individuals with stable income from non-employment sources such as:
- Dividends: Regular payments from company ownership.
- Pensions: Steady retirement income.
- Rental Income: Revenue from property leases.
Important Requirements:
- Minimum monthly income of €870 (2025 Portuguese minimum wage).
- Proof of 12 months’ worth of minimum wage (€10,440) in a Portuguese bank account.
D9 Visa – Digital Nomad Visa
This visa is for remote workers, freelancers, or self-employed individuals earning income from clients outside Portugal. It’s suitable for sole company owners who either pay themselves a salary or show self-employment income.
Key Requirements:
- Average monthly income over the past three months of at least €3,480 (2025 minimum).
- Acceptable income sources:
- Remote work contracts
- Freelance agreements
- Self-employment earnings
Accompanying Family Member Visa
This visa allows spouses and children to live in Portugal alongside the main D7 or D9 visa holder.
Key Requirements:
- Proof of Family Relationship: Legalized birth or marriage certificates translated into Portuguese if necessary.
- Proof of Financial Resources:
- 50% of the minimum wage (€435/month) for each adult family member.
- 30% of the minimum wage (€261/month) for each dependent child.
- Savings Requirement: The same percentages apply to the required savings (12 months of the Portuguese minimum wage), meaning:
- €5,220 in savings for each additional adult.
- €3,132 in savings for each dependent child.
Step 2: Prepare Key Documents
Proper documentation is critical. Some essential documents include:
1. Criminal Record Certificate (ACRO): The ACRO Police Certificate is the only accepted criminal record for Portuguese visa applications.
2. Birth and Marriage Certificates: For family applications, ensure certificates are legalized and translated as needed.
3. Proof of Self-Employment Income (for D9 Applicants): Self-employed individuals or business owners should establish a consistent income pattern for at least three months before applying.
Step 3: Where to Apply – VFS Global Centres
UK residents must apply through VFS Global.
London: For the South of England and Greater London.
Manchester or Edinburgh: For Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Appointments can be limited, so book early to avoid delays.
Why work with Professionals?
At ZR Advogados, we provide comprehensive legal support to ensure your application meets all requirements. As qualified lawyers, we can represent you directly with the Portuguese Consulate and handle any clarifications, appeals, or document corrections.
Contact us to start your journey to Portugal with confidence!