Residency in Portugal: How to Legally Live in Portugal Long-Term

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.

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🇵🇹 Types of Residency in Portugal

There are two primary types of legal residency:

1. ⏳ Temporary Residency

• Valid for 2 years (initial permit), renewable for 3 years

• Allows you to live, work, study, and access public healthcare

• Renewable until you reach 5 years of legal residency

2. 🔒 Permanent Residency

• Granted after 5 years of continuous legal residence

• Offers similar rights as Portuguese citizens (except voting)

• Can be renewed every 10 years

• No requirement to re-apply for a visa

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🛂 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:

• D7 Visa (Passive Income or Retirement)

• D8 Visa (Digital Nomad or Remote Work)

• D2 Visa (Entrepreneur or Freelancer)

• Student Visa

• Work Visa

• Family Reunification Visa

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🔑 Common Residency Visas in Portugal

💼 D7 Visa – Passive Income or Retirement

Best for: Retirees or those with pensions/investment income
Requirements:

• Minimum income: approx. €820/month

• Portuguese NIF + local bank account

• Long-term housing lease

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🧳 D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Best for: Remote workers or freelancers
Requirements:

• Monthly income: €3,280+

• Proof of non-Portuguese employment

• Insurance + housing + clean criminal record

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🚀 D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Best for: Business owners, startup founders, and self-employed
Requirements:

• Viable business plan

• Capital investment

• Business registered in Portugal

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Reunification

Best for: Family members of Portuguese residents
Requirements:

• Relationship proof (marriage/birth certificates)

• Financial support by the sponsor

• Shared housing or accommodation plan

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📝 General Documents Required for Residency

• Valid passport

• Clean background check

• Proof of income or job

• Health insurance

• NIF (Portuguese tax ID)

• Rental contract or housing proof

• Completed visa or residency application forms

🗂️ Most foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.

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📅 Timeline to Residency & Citizenship

Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you can often keep your original nationality.

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🏥 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.

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💼 Taxes and Residency

Once you become a resident, you may qualify for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime, which offers:

• Flat 20% income tax for certain professions

• Tax exemptions on many foreign-sourced incomes

• Valid for 10 years

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📋 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)

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🤝 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

We assist with:

• Choosing the best visa for your residency goal

• Preparing and submitting all required documents

• NIF and bank account setup

• Lease contract support

• Booking AIMA/SEF appointments

• Legal translations & apostille guidance

• Renewals, appeals, and permanent residency filings

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📞 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.