Top Steps for Non-EU Citizens to Secure Portuguese Residency
If you’re a non-EU citizen looking to secure residency in Portugal, you’re in the right place. Portugal offers several attractive programs that can help you achieve this goal, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.
Understanding the Options: Golden Visa and D7 Visa
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand the two main programs available for non-EU citizens: the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa.
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Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU citizens who are willing to invest in Portugal. Here are the key points:
- Eligibility: Any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national can apply. You must be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record from your home country and Portugal\1\25.
- Investment Requirements: You need to make a qualifying investment, such as investing in a venture capital fund, forming a company, or making a donation. The minimum investment amount varies but typically starts at €250,000\1\25.
- Family Reunification: You can extend the Golden Visa to family members, including your spouse, children under 26 who are financially dependent, and parents who are financially dependent\1\5.
D7 Visa
The D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is for non-EU citizens with a regular passive income.
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- Eligibility: You must be a non-EU national with sufficient passive income to support yourself in Portugal. You also need a clean criminal record and proof of residency in Portugal4.
- Income Requirements: You need to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, which can be from pensions, transferable equity, or other forms of passive income4.
- Residency Requirements: You must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the initial two-year period4.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Golden Visa
Eligibility and Pre-requisites
To apply for a Golden Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Criminal Record: Hold a clean criminal record from your home country and Portugal.
- Nationality: Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national\1\25.
Choosing Your Investment
You have several investment options to qualify for the Golden Visa:
- Real Estate: Purchase real estate with a minimum value of €500,000.
- Venture Capital Fund: Invest in a venture capital fund with a minimum investment of €250,000.
- Company Formation: Form a company and create at least 10 jobs.
- Donation: Make a donation to a Portuguese charity or cultural institution with a minimum value of €250,000\1\25.
Gathering Required Documents
Here is a detailed list of documents you’ll need to apply for the Golden Visa:
- Copy of a valid passport or travel document
- Proof of the qualifying investment
- If investing in a fund, proof of fund subscription from the fund manager.
- If purchasing real estate, a deed of purchase.
- Declaration from a Portuguese financial institution confirming the transfer of funds
- Criminal record from your current country of residence
- Must be issued within three months of the application submission.
- Completed form authorizing SEF to access criminal records in Portugal
- Sworn declaration of compliance with the minimum investment requirements for five years
- Documents showing good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security system
- Must be issued within 45 days of the application submission.
- Receipt of ARI application payment\1\35.
Submitting Your Application
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can submit your application. Here are the steps:
- Submit your application through the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) online platform or through a certified representative.
- Pay the application fee.
- Wait for the processing of your application, which typically takes several months.
- Once approved, you will be required to visit Portugal to collect your residence permit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a D7 Visa
Eligibility and Pre-requisites
To apply for a D7 Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: There is no specific age limit.
- Criminal Record: Hold a clean criminal record from your home country and Portugal.
- Nationality: Be a non-EU national.
- Financial Self-Sufficiency: Demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself in Portugal4.
Gathering Required Documents
Here is a detailed list of documents you’ll need to apply for the D7 Visa:
- Copy of a valid passport or travel document
- Proof of passive income
- Documents showing your regular passive income, such as pension statements or rental agreements.
- Proof of residency in Portugal
- A rental agreement or a document from a Portuguese resident confirming that you will live in their home.
- Background check or police clearance letter from your country of origin
- Must be issued within 90 days of the application submission.
- Health insurance in Portugal
- If you plan to reside in Portugal.
- Documents showing good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security system4.
Submitting Your Application
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can submit your application. Here are the steps:
- Submit your application through the SEF online platform or through a certified representative.
- Pay the application fee.
- Wait for the processing of your application, which typically takes several months.
- Once approved, you will be required to visit Portugal to collect your residence permit.
Residency Requirements and Maintenance
Golden Visa Residency Requirements
For the Golden Visa, you must spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year and no less than 14 days for each subsequent two-year period. You must also maintain your investment for a minimum of five years\2\3.
D7 Visa Residency Requirements
For the D7 Visa, you must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the initial two-year period. This ensures that you are physically present in the country and integrated into the community4.
Pathway to Citizenship
Both the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa offer pathways to Portuguese citizenship, but they have different requirements.
Golden Visa Pathway
After holding the Golden Visa for five years, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship. You will need to meet the residency requirements and pass a basic Portuguese language test\2\3.
D7 Visa Pathway
After holding the D7 Visa for five years, you can also apply for permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship. You will need to meet the residency requirements, pass a basic Portuguese language test, and maintain a clean criminal record4.
Tax Considerations
Golden Visa Tax Benefits
Holders of the Golden Visa can benefit from tax incentives if they register for the Non-Habitual Tax (NHR) Regime. However, note that the NHR regime is set to end in 2024, and new applicants will need to consider other tax incentives4.
D7 Visa Tax Benefits
Holders of the D7 Visa who spend more than 183 days in Portugal each fiscal year can establish tax residency and benefit from the NHR Regime, which offers tax-free incentives on certain categories of income for up to ten years4.
Practical Insights and Actionable Advice
Choosing the Right Program
- Golden Visa: Ideal for those who can make a significant investment and are looking for a more straightforward pathway to residency.
- D7 Visa: Suitable for those with regular passive income and who prefer a more relaxed residency requirement.
Legal Assistance
- It is highly recommended to seek the help of a legal expert to ensure all documents are correctly prepared and submitted.
Integration into Portuguese Society
- Learning the Portuguese language and integrating into local culture can significantly enhance your experience and chances of obtaining citizenship.
Securing Portuguese residency as a non-EU citizen is a viable and attractive option, thanks to programs like the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa. By understanding the eligibility criteria, investment options, and residency requirements, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and goals.
For more detailed information and a step-by-step guide, you can refer to this comprehensive guide on becoming a Portuguese resident as a non-EU citizen.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of each program, you can successfully secure Portuguese residency and potentially pave the way for Portuguese citizenship in the future.
