Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for South Africans looking for a stable, affordable, and European lifestyle. Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, student, or entrepreneur, Portugal offers several visa options that allow South African citizens to live legally and securely in the country.
In this guide, we explain the best visa pathways, the application process, and how Borderless Lawyers can help you make your move from South Africa to Portugal with full legal support.
🌟 Why South Africans Are Moving to Portugal
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✅ Access to EU residence and Schengen travel
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✅ Safer and more stable environment
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✅ Affordable private healthcare and cost of living
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✅ English widely spoken in major cities
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✅ Diverse communities and sunny climate
🛂 Visa Options for South African Citizens
As a non-EU citizen, a South African must apply for a Portuguese residence visa before entering the country for long-term stay. Here are the most suitable visa routes:
💼 1. D7 Visa – Passive Income or Remote Work
Designed for South Africans with a stable income from remote work, pensions, or investments.
Requirements:
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Minimum monthly income: ~€820
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Proof of accommodation in Portugal
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Portuguese NIF (tax ID)
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Private health insurance
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Clean SAPS police clearance (apostilled & translated)
Best For: Retirees, remote workers, and investors.
🌍 2. Digital Nomad Visa
Tailored for remote employees or freelancers working with clients outside Portugal.
Requirements:
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Monthly income of at least €3,280
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Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts
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Rental agreement in Portugal
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International health insurance
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Apostilled SAPS clearance certificate
Best For: Tech workers, consultants, writers, online entrepreneurs.
🧳 3. D2 Visa – Entrepreneur Visa
For South Africans planning to start a business or open a company in Portugal.
Requirements:
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Business plan and proof of investment capital
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Accommodation in Portugal
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NIF and bank account setup
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Apostilled SAPS clearance
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Health insurance
Best For: Business owners, franchise investors, self-employed professionals.
🎓 4. Student Visa
For those accepted to Portuguese universities or academic programs.
Requirements:
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Official acceptance letter
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Proof of financial means and accommodation
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Health insurance
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SAPS clearance certificate (apostilled)
Best For: Students enrolling in undergraduate, postgraduate, or language programs.
👨👩👧👦 5. Family Reunification
If a family member already has legal residence in Portugal, you may be eligible to join them.
Eligible Family Members:
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Spouse or life partner
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Minor children or dependents
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Dependent parents
Portugal supports family reunification through a simplified legal process.
📍 Best Cities in Portugal for South Africans
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Lisbon – Urban, well-connected, and English-friendly
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Cascais – Coastal suburb ideal for families and professionals
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Algarve (Faro, Lagos) – Perfect for retirees and sun-seekers
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Porto – Creative, affordable, and growing fast
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Braga – Student-friendly and peaceful
📄 How to Immigrate to Portugal from South Africa – Step-by-Step
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Choose the visa that matches your profile (D7, Digital Nomad, D2, etc.)
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Gather required documents and have them apostilled in South Africa
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Submit your application at the Portuguese Consulate in Pretoria or Cape Town
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Attend visa interview and biometric appointment
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Receive visa and enter Portugal legally
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Attend your SEF appointment to receive your residence card
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps South Africans Move to Portugal
Navigating international immigration can be complex—but it doesn’t have to be.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help South Africans legally relocate to Portugal by managing all the legal and bureaucratic steps with clarity and speed.
Our services include:
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✅ Personalized visa strategy
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✅ Document prep, apostilles, and translations
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✅ NIF, bank account, and accommodation assistance
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✅ D2 visa business registration
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✅ SEF appointment scheduling and representation
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✅ Full legal support post-arrival
✅ Ready to Start Your Move from South Africa to Portugal?
Portugal offers a stable, welcoming home for South Africans seeking new opportunities and a higher quality of life in Europe. Whether you’re working remotely, retiring, or building a business, we’re here to help.