Your first steps to moving to Portugal
For UK expats and digital nomads, the most common residence visas are: D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa), D9 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa), and 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
- 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
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
Key Requirements:
- Proof of Family Relationship: Legalized birth or marriage certificates translated into Portuguese if necessary
Proof of Financial Resources:
- 50% of minimum wage (€435/month) for each adult family member
- 30% of minimum wage (€261/month) for each dependent child
Savings Requirement:
- €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
For Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
Edinburgh
Alternative for Scotland and Northern Ireland
⚖️ Why work with Professionals?
At ZR Advogados, we provide comprehensive legal support to ensure your application meets all requirements.
- Direct representation with the Portuguese Consulate
- Handle clarifications, appeals, and document corrections
- Qualified lawyers specialized in Portuguese immigration law
- End-to-end support from application to approval
- Expertise in UK-specific documentation requirements
Contact us to start your journey to Portugal with confidence!