Whether you’re dreaming of living by the ocean, working remotely in Lisbon, or retiring under the sun, Portugal offers a clear legal path to residency. From temporary visas to permanent residency and even citizenship after 5 years, it’s one of Europe’s most attractive and accessible relocation destinations.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help individuals and families around the world secure legal residency in Portugal—stress-free and fully compliant.
🇵🇹 Types of Residency in Portugal
There are two primary types of legal residency:
1. ⏳ Temporary Residency
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Valid for 2 years (initial permit), renewable for 3 years
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Allows you to live, work, study, and access public healthcare
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Renewable until you reach 5 years of legal residency
2. 🔒 Permanent Residency
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Granted after 5 years of continuous legal residence
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Offers similar rights as Portuguese citizens (except voting)
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Can be renewed every 10 years
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No requirement to re-apply for a visa
🛂 Who Can Apply for Residency in Portugal?
Anyone from outside the EU/EEA can apply for residency if they qualify under one of Portugal’s long-stay visa categories, such as:
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D7 Visa (Passive Income or Retirement)
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D8 Visa (Digital Nomad or Remote Work)
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D2 Visa (Entrepreneur or Freelancer)
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Student Visa
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Work Visa
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Family Reunification Visa
🔑 Common Residency Visas in Portugal
💼 D7 Visa – Passive Income or Retirement
Best for: Retirees or those with pensions/investment income
Requirements:
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Minimum income: approx. €820/month
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Portuguese NIF + local bank account
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Long-term housing lease
🧳 D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Best for: Remote workers or freelancers
Requirements:
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Monthly income: €3,280+
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Proof of non-Portuguese employment
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Insurance + housing + clean criminal record
🚀 D2 Entrepreneur Visa
Best for: Business owners, startup founders, and self-employed
Requirements:
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Viable business plan
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Capital investment
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Business registered in Portugal
👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification
Best for: Family members of Portuguese residents
Requirements:
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Relationship proof (marriage/birth certificates)
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Financial support by the sponsor
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Shared housing or accommodation plan
📝 General Documents Required for Residency
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Valid passport
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Clean background check
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Proof of income or job
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Health insurance
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NIF (Portuguese tax ID)
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Rental contract or housing proof
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Completed visa or residency application forms
🗂️ Most foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.
📅 Timeline to Residency & Citizenship
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Visa Application | 2–3 months |
| First Residency Permit | 2 years |
| Renewed Residency | 3 years |
| Permanent Residency Eligibility | After 5 years |
| Citizenship Eligibility | After 5 years with A2-level Portuguese |
Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you can often keep your original nationality.
🏥 Healthcare Access
Once you’re a legal resident, you’ll be eligible to register with the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS). You’ll receive a Número de Utente and can access public hospitals and clinics.
💼 Taxes and Residency
Once you become a resident, you may qualify for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime, which offers:
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Flat 20% income tax for certain professions
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Tax exemptions on many foreign-sourced incomes
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Valid for 10 years
📋 Benefits of Residency in Portugal
✅ Legal right to live in Portugal
✅ Travel freely in the Schengen Area
✅ Access to public services (health, education, transport)
✅ Pathway to permanent residency and EU citizenship
✅ Family reunification rights
✅ Work authorization (depending on visa)
🤝 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We assist with:
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Choosing the best visa for your residency goal
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Preparing and submitting all required documents
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NIF and bank account setup
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Lease contract support
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Booking AIMA/SEF appointments
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Legal translations & apostille guidance
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Renewals, appeals, and permanent residency filings
📞 Ready to Start Your Residency in Portugal?
Let Borderless Lawyers guide you from application to approval—and beyond. We handle the legal complexity so you can focus on your move.