Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for Argentine expats—thanks to its mild climate, safe cities, thriving expat scene, and EU benefits. Whether you’re planning to work, retire, invest, or study, there are legal residency options to make your move smooth and successful.
Let Borderless Lawyers guide you step-by-step through relocating from Argentina to Portugal legally and confidently.
✈️ Why Argentinians Are Moving to Portugal
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🌞 Mediterranean lifestyle with a low cost of living
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🏥 Free or low-cost public healthcare after registration
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🧑🏫 Excellent public and international schools
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🌍 Freedom to travel across the Schengen Zone
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🇵🇹 Pathway to Portuguese citizenship in 5 years
🛂 Best Visa Options for Argentinians Moving to Portugal
Argentina and Portugal do not have a visa-free long-stay agreement, so most Argentinians will need to apply for one of the following residence visas:
1. 💼 D7 Passive Income Visa
Ideal for: Retirees, remote workers, freelancers
Requirements:
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Minimum monthly income: approx. €820+
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Proof of stable funds or pension
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12-month lease or housing proof
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Portuguese NIF and bank account
👉 Popular among Argentine retirees and freelancers.
2. 🧳 D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Ideal for: Remote workers or freelancers with foreign income
Requirements:
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Monthly income: €3,280+
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Employment or service contract
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Valid housing & insurance
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Clean criminal record
3. 🚀 D2 Entrepreneur Visa
Ideal for: Argentinians launching a startup or opening a business in Portugal
Requirements:
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Business plan and capital (flexible based on industry)
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NIF, Portuguese bank account
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Proof of business activity or future viability
4. 👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification Visa
Ideal for: Spouses, children, or parents of legal Portuguese residents
Requirements:
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Legal residency of the sponsor
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Documents proving family relationship
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Financial support commitment
5. 🎓 Student Visa
Ideal for: Argentine students enrolled in Portuguese universities
Requirements:
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Proof of enrollment
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Financial resources
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Health insurance
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Accommodation in Portugal
🏡 Can I Move Without a Job?
Yes. Both the D7 and D8 visa options allow you to live in Portugal without a local job offer, as long as you have stable foreign income (from freelancing, remote work, retirement, etc.).
✅ Borderless Lawyers helps you secure all required documentation, including NIF, bank account, lease contracts, and SEF appointments.
🇵🇹 Residency to Citizenship Timeline
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Visa Approval | 2–3 months |
| Residency Permit | 1–2 years (renewable) |
| 5 Years of Legal Residency | Eligible for permanent residency or citizenship |
| Citizenship Application | 6–12 months after submission |
After 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship without giving up your Argentine nationality (Portugal allows dual citizenship).
📄 Documents Needed (Typical)
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Valid Argentine passport
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Clean police background check
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Proof of income (bank statements, pensions, salary slips)
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Lease or housing contract in Portugal
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NIF (Portuguese tax ID)
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Health insurance
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Application forms + fees
📝 All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.
💬 Do I Need to Speak Portuguese?
Not initially. But to apply for citizenship, you’ll need A2-level Portuguese. Borderless Lawyers offers language support resources and connects you to certified tutors.
🏥 Healthcare Access for Argentinians
After registering as a resident and obtaining your Número de Utente, you’ll have access to Portugal’s public healthcare system. Private insurance is also affordable and widely used.
📦 Moving Logistics from Argentina
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✈️ Direct flights from Buenos Aires to Lisbon (approx. 12 hours)
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🏠 Affordable housing in Porto, Braga, or Coimbra compared to Lisbon
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📦 International shipping or luggage forwarding services available
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🧾 Borderless Lawyers assists with housing, banking, insurance, and SEF setup
🤝 Work with Borderless Lawyers
We offer turnkey relocation support for Argentinians:
✅ Visa application & consulate prep
✅ Document collection & translations
✅ NIF + bank account setup
✅ Local lease assistance
✅ AIMA/SEF appointment booking
✅ Family reunification support
📞 Ready to Start Your New Life in Portugal?
Contact Borderless Lawyers for a free consultation tailored to your background, visa type, and timeline. We’re ready to help you make Portugal home.