Portugal is quickly becoming a top destination for Chileans seeking a better quality of life, economic stability, and EU residency rights. Whether you’re planning to retire, work remotely, study, or reunite with family, there are legal residence pathways that make relocation from Chile to Portugal a real possibility.
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide Chileans like you through the entire immigration process—from your first visa application to Portuguese citizenship.
🌍 Why Are Chileans Choosing Portugal?
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🌞 Pleasant climate and affordable cost of living
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🏥 Public and private healthcare access
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🧑🏫 International schools and universities
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🛂 Visa options that don’t require local employment
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🇵🇹 EU citizenship available after 5 years
🛂 Visa Options for Chileans Moving to Portugal
Chileans do not need a short-stay visa to enter Portugal (up to 90 days), but you must apply for a long-stay visa to reside, work, or study in Portugal legally.
Here are the most common residence visa options:
1. 💼 D7 Passive Income Visa
Ideal for: Retirees, remote workers, freelancers
Requirements:
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Minimum income: approx. €820/month
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Portuguese NIF and bank account
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Housing lease for at least 12 months
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Health insurance + criminal record clearance
2. 🧳 D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Ideal for: Chileans working remotely for non-Portuguese companies
Requirements:
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Monthly income of at least €3,280
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Foreign work contracts or freelance proof
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Valid lease, insurance, and NIF
3. 🚀 D2 Entrepreneur Visa
Ideal for: Business owners or startup founders
Requirements:
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Business plan with economic potential
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Initial investment or capital
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Proof of intent to operate a business in Portugal
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Local address and Portuguese bank account
4. 👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification Visa
Ideal for: Spouses, children, or parents of legal Portuguese residents
Requirements:
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Sponsor must hold legal residency
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Family relationship documentation
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Financial support and housing
5. 🎓 Student Visa
Ideal for: Chileans accepted into Portuguese schools or universities
Requirements:
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Acceptance letter
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Proof of funds & housing
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Health insurance
❓ Can I Move Without a Job Offer?
Yes. The D7 and D8 visas allow Chilean nationals to relocate without a Portuguese job offer, as long as you prove stable income from abroad.
✅ Borderless Lawyers assists with all documentation, including NIF, bank accounts, lease contracts, and visa forms.
📝 Required Documents (General)
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Valid Chilean passport
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Clean criminal background check
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Proof of income or savings
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Portuguese lease agreement
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NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)
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Health insurance policy
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Visa application forms
🗂️ Foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.
🏡 Where Should I Live in Portugal?
Many Chilean expats settle in:
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Lisbon – vibrant capital with job and startup opportunities
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Porto – affordable, historic, and cultural hub
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Braga / Coimbra – quieter cities, ideal for families or retirees
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The Algarve – sunny coastal towns popular with expats
🕒 Timeline from Visa to Citizenship
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Visa Processing | 2–3 months |
| Residency Permit | 2 years (renewable) |
| Legal Residency | 5 years for PR or citizenship |
| Citizenship Application | 6–12 months after 5 years |
Portugal allows dual nationality, so Chileans can hold both passports.
🧾 Taxes & NHR Regime
Portugal offers a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, giving expats a flat tax rate or exemption on certain foreign income. This can benefit Chileans with foreign pensions, freelance income, or dividends.
💼 Work With Borderless Lawyers
We offer full relocation support for Chileans moving to Portugal:
✅ Visa application guidance
✅ NIF + bank account setup
✅ Lease contract and housing assistance
✅ SEF/AIMA appointment booking
✅ Family reunification support
✅ Ongoing residency and citizenship help
📞 Ready to Move to Portugal from Chile?
Contact Borderless Lawyers for a tailored immigration plan and expert legal support every step of the way. We’re ready to help you turn your Portugal dream into reality.