Discover the Lifestyle Benefits of Living in Portugal and Learn More About d7 Visa and d8 Visa residency Visas for Portugal
Introduction
Portugal has become a top destination for UK nationals seeking to establish permanent residency. Whether you are looking for a change of lifestyle, a lower cost of living, or a warmer climate, Portugal offers an attractive blend of benefits.
Beaches, mountains, plains, villages and cities. Portugal has it all. However, is not only for the diverse territory that this country with more than 10 million inhabitants appeals to UK residents and others from all over the world who seek permanent residency in Portugal.
This article delves into the key visas available to British nationals, such as the D7 and D8 visas, and covers everything you need to know about moving to and living in Portugal, including the Portugal D7 Visa and Portugal D8 Visa Requirements.
Article Summary
This comprehensive guide offers insights into the lifestyle benefits of moving to Portugal from the UK. It provides an overview of key visa options, including the D7, D8, and Portugal Passive Income Visa, for individuals looking to establish permanent residency and remote workers. We also explore topics such as housing, cost of living, healthcare, and education, offering practical advice for those considering this beautiful country as their next home.
Key Takeaways
Portugal offers a lower cost of living, exceptional cuisine, and a warm climate that appeals to UK nationals.
Safety, public healthcare, and quality education are significant factors that make Portugal a desirable place to live.
The Portugal Retirement Visa, specifically the D7 visa, is ideal for retirees or those with passive income, while the D8 visa is geared toward active income earners, including digital nomads.
Both visa options provide a pathway to Portuguese citizenship after five years.
How it’s like to live in Portugal?
Portugal in comparison with other European countries has a low cost of living. It’s possible to enjoy its wonderful and diverse cuisine and still be on a budget, if necessary. Portugal holds the 4th place on the 100 Best Cuisine in the World TasteAtlas ranking of 2024. So, along with sunny weather for the majority of the year, you have great food and wine. Yes, Portugal is also known for its wine. White, red, rose, or sweet wine. You have multiple choices, but you can’t go wrong when choosing a good old Porto to end the meal.
Even with its problems, Portugal has a good Portuguese public healthcare system, and once you become a resident you are entitled to it. The Portuguese government plays a crucial role in providing access to public healthcare. After getting your residency permit, you can go to any public hospital and get attended without costs.
Safety is another aspect people value when planning on moving to Portugal from the UK. According to the global report from the Institute for Economics and Peace, it’s considered the 7th most safe country in the world. The political rights and civil liberties are respected and residents feel safe.
Safety usually gives assurance to parents who wish to enroll their children in Portuguese public schools. In Portugal, school is mandatory until the last year of high school, so if you have kids who still haven’t completed this level, you won’t find major obstacles to enrolling them besides some bureaucracy.
What about the housing?
Like other countries in Europe, Portugal has also been struggling with housing issues. There isn’t enough offer for today’s demand, which has been having an impact on the renting prices.
The Lisbon and Porto metropolitan areas are in high demand for housing compared to the interior of the country. The coastline, where Lisbon and Porto are located, offers more services, universities, and transportation options.
Nevertheless, the interior is also a great destination for retirement if you prefer a quieter lifestyle. In this part of the country, you can be closer to nature and enjoy its beauty. Mountains, plains, waterfalls, you name it.
Algarve is a famous British destination for its beautiful white sand beaches and great weather. In terms of housing, this area of Portugal is highly influenced by tourism. You find a lot of apartments that are only for short-term rental, which makes the prices go up for apartments that offer long-term leases. This phenomenon is seen all year but is during the summer when its impact reaches its peak.
And let’s not forget about the Madeira and Azores islands. Yes, if you wish to live on an island that’s also possible. If there’s something that Portugal’s territory has to offer is diversity.
Azores consists of 9 islands, with São Miguel being the main one and where the majority of services are located. However, Terceira is also well-served and also incredibly beautiful. But in Azores beauty can’t be a standard for you to find your future home, since all 9 islands are graced by the beauty of their green landscapes. In terms of weather, you can experience all seasons in one day, but with a more tropical climate.
Although with a landscape more marked by mountains, where the green is not so prominent as in Azores, beauty is something Madeira doesn’t lack. Composed by the Island of Madeira and Porto Santo is in the first where you have the majority of the services and transportation. Here the weather is a more tropical humid climate.
In the end, all areas of Portugal are great options to live in. It all depends on your preferences of where you would like your future home to be. Portuguese residency offers retirees and digital nomads an appealing lifestyle, access to Europe, and legal frameworks like the D7 and digital nomad visa d8, making it an attractive option for those looking for a favorable living situation in Portugal.
I want to move to Portugal. What are the visas for Portugal that can help me obtain permanent residency?
Portugal offers several visa options that can lead to permanent residency, making it an attractive destination for those looking to relocate. One of the most popular options is the D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa. This visa is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who have a stable passive income and wish to live in Portugal. The D7 Visa allows you to enjoy the Portuguese lifestyle while eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship.
To qualify for the D7 Visa, you need to demonstrate that you have sufficient passive income to support yourself. This can include income from pensions, investments, rental properties, or other sources. Additionally, you must have savings both globally and ideally in Portugal. The D7 Visa is particularly appealing for retirees or those looking to live off their investments in a country known for its lower cost of living, excellent healthcare, and beautiful landscapes.
For entrepreneurs and business owners outside Portugal, the D8 Visa is a suitable choice. This visa is designed for individuals who earn active income through employment or self-employment and want to establish their business in Portugal. The D8 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, caters to those who can work remotely and meet the income requirements.
By choosing the right visa, you can pave the way for a smooth transition to living in Portugal and eventually obtaining permanent residency.
I want to move Portugal. What are the visas for Portugal that can help me obtain permanent residency?
D7 Visa Portugal
The D7 Visa is for people that want to retire or live off retirement in Portugal or live off their own passive income. To apply for this, you must ensure you fit into the Portugal D7 Visa Requirements:
Receive monthly at least one Portuguese minimum wage in passive income (Pension, Social Security, dividends, royalties, rents, investments, etc)
Have global savings
Have savings in Portugal
This Visa allows you to live in Portugal comfortably, to enjoy a lifelong well-deserved retirement from the UK, but with Portuguese lifestyle: the weather, the lower cost of living, the free national health system, purchasing property, etc.
D8 Visa Portugal
The Visa for working people, so living off salaries (from an employment contract or service provider – freelancer, business owner), so this means active income.
This Visa is also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, but we should deconstruct that concept to explain why it is not truly suited for travelers by profession but instead for Digital Nomads for Portugal.
Let’s start with the basics, it is considered a Digital Nomad someone who travels constantly and at the same time works remotely, and their job can be done through a computer which allows them to do it in any place in the world.
For Portuguese immigration this type of Visa must fulfill all the normal criteria of residency requirements, having no consideration on the “Nomad” aspect, so there is no exception on matters connected with the permanent nature of staying in Portugal:
The minimum period of stay in Portugal, (6 months in a row or 8 months altogether, per validity of the permit – the first one is for 2 years, its renewal for 3 years);
The need to demonstrate permanent housing in Portugal (1 year).
Those examples just show that the “Digital Nomad” name, which is not an official name, is really at the end of the day tailored to the individuals seeking Portugal as a home instead of as a passage, at least for the first 5 years.
For those who are interested in Portugal as a passage, you can find more information on the Short Stay D8 Visa Portugal section.
If the intention is to come to Portugal and enjoy Portugal to the fullest extent possible, this Visa is your entry point.
The D8 Visa Portugal requirements are the following:
Earning at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage;
If the person is an employee, to have proof of this link and have the consent of their employer to the move;
If the person is self-employed (freelancer or business owner) show proof of this and their connection with their clients (invoices, service agreements, etc.);
The employer/clients are not Portugal based;
Have tax residency outside of Portugal and demonstrate it with savings.
Short Stay D8 Visa Portugal
There is a Short Stay D8 Visa Portugal possibility in the cases the person wants to come to Portugal for less than 365 days, and in this case, they could apply for a Short Stay Digital Nomad Visa, and the Visa would have the duration that the person requests within up to that maximum.
The nuance of this possibility is that the person would not need to go to an appointment in immigration in Portugal, and that is not renewable, so one the time frame printed on the Visa is done, the person has to leave.
This option is tailored to the Digital Nomads who want to experience Portugal as something fleeting, temporary, and transitory, so this is the true answer to the nomads who do not want to establish themselves in Portugal.
This can mean people that took a specific time frame to travel, and then will go back to their normal life, or travelers by profession.
What is Common to both d7 Visa Portugal and d8 Visa Portugal?
Where to apply?
You must apply for it outside of Portugal, so in the country of nationality or in the country of legal residence, depending on your residency status – sometimes they are the same, sometimes they are not. See below some examples:
example 1: a British person living in the United Kingdom, they apply in United Kingdom;
example 2: a British person living in Mexico with a residence permit, they can apply in Mexico and the United Kingdom;
example 3: a person with double nationality British and American, living in Australia with a residence permit, can apply in Australia, in the United Kingdom and in the United States.
What is the duration of the process?
To schedule an appointment, it normally takes a couple of weeks. Then we move forward to the submission process which can take about a month, but, sometimes, it goes up to three.
Once this process is complete it is time to collect the visa, which takes about a week at the most. Within the 4 months of the duration of the visa, you enter Portugal and go to an AIMA appointment. The waiting for the residence permit to be issued can be one up to three months.
Why is it necessary to go to the AIMA appointment?
At that appointment, you apply for a residence permit, giving you permission to stay 2 years in Portugal, therefore, a necessary step to accomplish residency.
After the 2-year residence permit expires what to do?
Renew the temporary residence permit, either online or in person, and this second permit will be valid for 3 years.
Is there any benefit from applying for a visa in the UK?
From our experience, the UK is one of the best places to apply for a D7 Visa Portugal or a D8 Visa in Portugal. The process, if properly done, runs smoothly and fast when compared to other countries where the average of the processing time takes three months, and when it comes to the UK the normal is one month.
Both Visas allow you to apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years. Once your Portuguese citizenship is granted to can become a Portuguese passport holder and freely circulate in the Schengen countries.
If you are planning on moving to Portugal from the UK, we hope that this article has helped you clarify your doubts. Portugal is a lovely country with great food, weather and people. A great place to retire or to start a new life!
Why Choose Portugal?
Portugal’s appeal goes far beyond its sun-kissed beaches and delicious cuisine. The country ranks among the top places in Europe for quality of life, with its unique combination of modern infrastructure and old-world charm. Retirement Portugal is particularly attractive due to its high living standards, affordable cost of living, and excellent healthcare, making it an ideal destination for retirees.
The key reasons to choose Portugal include:
Affordable cost of living, especially compared to other European countries.
Highly ranked public healthcare system that residents can access.
A safe and peaceful environment, as evidenced by its ranking as the 7th safest country in the world.
Diverse geography with a variety of living environments, from bustling cities like Lisbon and Porto to quiet rural villages or island life in the Azores and Madeira.
A welcoming environment for retirees, digital nomads, and families.
Whether you seek to retire in peace, work remotely, or start a new business, Portugal offers a blend of opportunity, tranquillity, and culture.
Tax Implications of Moving to Portugal
Understanding Tax Obligations
When relocating to Portugal, it’s crucial to understand the tax implications and how they will affect your financial situation. As a resident in Portugal, you will be subject to Portuguese tax laws and regulations. This includes declaring your worldwide income and paying taxes accordingly. However, Portugal offers several tax benefits that can make the transition more attractive. However, Portugal offers several tax benefits that can make the transition more attractive.
Banking and Finance in Portugal
Opening a Portuguese Bank Account
One of the essential steps when relocating to Portugal is opening a Portuguese bank account. Having a local bank account is necessary for managing your finances, receiving your salary, paying bills, and fulfilling tax obligations. The process of opening a bank account in Portugal is straightforward, but it requires some documentation.
To open a Portuguese bank account, you will typically need to provide the following:
A valid passport or identification card
Proof of address (such as a utility bill or rental contract)
Proof of income (such as a salary statement or pension document)
Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
Some banks may also require a minimum deposit or have specific requirements for non-residents. It’s essential to research and compare different banks and their services to find the one that best suits your needs. Popular banks in Portugal include Banco Santander, Banco BPI, and Caixa Geral de Depósitos.
For expats, some banks offer accounts specifically designed for non-residents, which may provide more flexible terms and conditions. Additionally, having a Portuguese bank account is crucial for receiving your salary and paying taxes as a resident in Portugal.
By setting up a local bank account, you can ensure smooth financial transactions and better manage your finances while living in Portugal. It is not easy to open a bank account in Portugal without professional help and therefore it is highly advisable to engage the services of a professional who can do this for you.
Professional Guidance: Permanent Residency in Portugal and Global Mobility Expert Advice
Navigating the visas for Portugal process can be complex, but expert advice from global mobility professionals can streamline the process and ensure your application is successful. From choosing the right visa to managing documentation and legal requirements, professional services can provide tailored support to help you secure your residency in Portugal.
For those considering the D7 Portugal or D8 visa Portugal, working with an expert ensures that you meet the criteria for permanent residency and understand the ongoing requirements once you arrive in Portugal. This can include managing financial records, liaising with local authorities, and ensuring compliance with Portuguese immigration law. Additionally, they can guide you through the process of transitioning from a temporary residence permit to a permanent residence permit after five years of residing in Portugal.
Whether you are planning your retirement or embarking on a new chapter of remote work, having the right professional guidance can make all the difference in achieving a smooth and successful transition to life in Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Portugal from UK
What are the main visa options for moving to Portugal from the UK?
The two main visa options are the D7 and D8 visas. The D7 visa is designed for retirees or those with passive income (such as pensions or investments), while the D8 visa is for working individuals, including digital nomads, who earn active income through employment or self-employment. Both visas offer a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Can I apply for a D7 or D8 visa while still in the UK?
Yes, both the D7 and D8 visas must be applied for outside of Portugal. If you are a UK national living in the UK, you would apply directly from the UK. If you live in another country with a valid residence permit, you can apply from either that country or the UK.
What is the minimum income requirement for the D7 visa?
To apply for the D7 visa, you need to prove that you have a passive income that is at least equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage. This income can come from pensions, dividends, rental properties, or other investments. You will also need to show that you have savings, both globally and ideally in Portugal.
What is required to apply for the D8 (Digital Nomad) visa?
The D8 visa requires you to earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage if you are a salaried employee or self-employed. You must demonstrate proof of your employment or client contracts, and your employer or clients should not be based in Portugal. Additionally, you must show that you have tax residency outside of Portugal and sufficient savings.
Can I bring my family with me to Portugal on a D7 or D8 visa?
Yes, both visas allow for family reunification. Once your visa is approved, you can apply for residency for your immediate family members, such as your spouse and dependent children. They will need to meet the specific requirements set out by Portuguese immigration authorities.
How long does the visa process take?
The process can vary, but in the UK, it typically takes around two months if all documentation is in order. In other countries, the process can take up to three months. Once your visa is approved, you have four months to enter Portugal and attend an AIMA appointment to finalize your residency.
What happens at the AIMA appointment?
At the AIMA appointment, you will apply for a Portuguese residence permit. This residence permit initially lasts for two years, after which it can be renewed for three more years. After five years of residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
How does the cost of living in Portugal compare to the UK?
Portugal generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the UK. Housing, food, and public services are more affordable, particularly outside major cities like Lisbon and Porto. This makes Portugal an attractive destination for both retirees and working professionals looking to improve their quality of life.
Is Portugal a safe place to live?
Yes, Portugal is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. It consistently ranks high in global safety indexes, making it an appealing destination for families, retirees, and individuals alike.
Can I buy property in Portugal as a UK national?
Yes, UK nationals can buy property in Portugal without restrictions. Many choose to purchase homes in popular areas like Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, or the islands of Madeira and Azores. Buying property may also help meet certain residency requirements for visas.
Can I access Portugal’s public healthcare system as a resident?
Yes, once you obtain your residence permit, you are entitled to access Portugal’s public healthcare system. The healthcare system is highly regarded and free for residents, making it another significant advantage of living in Portugal.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Moving to Portugal offers a unique blend of affordability, rich culture, and an excellent quality of life, making it one of the most attractive destinations for UK nationals. Whether you’re seeking to retire in peace, embark on a new professional journey, or simply enjoy the sunny weather and beautiful landscapes, Portugal provides a welcoming environment for all. With options like the D7 and D8 visas, the process of establishing permanent residency is straightforward, offering a pathway to citizenship after just five years.
From its incredible cuisine to its world-class healthcare system and safe living conditions, Portugal stands out as a prime choice for those looking to relocate. Whether you want to enjoy the vibrancy of cities like Lisbon and Porto, the tranquility of the interior, or the island life in Madeira or the Azores, Portugal has something for everyone.
Ready to make your move to Portugal? Let us help you take the first step toward establishing permanent residency. Whether you need assistance with your D7 or D8 visa application, guidance on finding housing, or expert advice on navigating the legal requirements, our team of global mobility specialists is here to assist you every step of the way.
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At Advice for Expats, we understand that expatriate life comes with a unique set of financial challenges and opportunities.
Our extensive network of trusted partners across multiple professional disciplines is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to thrive as an expat.
We are driven by the fundamental belief in nurturing meaningful, deep and lasting client relationships; and the power of engaging in dialogue to craft solutions that truly resonate with client needs. We stand by the principles of transparency, active listening and extensive expertise as the keystones of our service.
Let us help you make a smooth and successful transition to become legal residents in Portugal.
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For professional advice you can arrange a free initial consultation with a trusted global mobility expert in Portugal on:
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Useful Resources
Further information about moving to Portugal can be found on the website page: https://adviceforexpats.com/countries/portugal/
For further information about Portugal please visit the website page: https://residencyoptions.com/residency-by-investment-golden-visas/portugal/
Other useful sources: Other useful sources: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-portugal