How to Immigrate to Portugal: Your Guide for 2025

Have you ever dreamed of relocating to Portugal, famed for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and high quality of life? Portugal remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for expats, digital nomads, and families. If you’re considering making the move in 2025, here’s everything you need to know about immigration pathways, visa processes, practical tips, recent changes in immigration policies, and clear pathways to permanent residency (PR).

Residency Visa Options for Immigrating to Portugal (2025)

Your first step in immigrating is determining the type of visa you’ll require. EU citizens can freely move to Portugal but must register if they plan on staying longer than three months. After living in Portugal for five years, they can apply for a permanent residency certificate.

If you’re not from the EU, you’ll need a visa and a residency permit unless your home country has a special agreement with Portugal. See the visa and residency options below:

Golden Visa Program

Portugal’s Golden Visa Program is a residency-by-investment scheme offering non-EU nationals the opportunity to obtain residency in exchange for significant contributions to the Portuguese economy. The Golden Visa offers the benefits of visa-free travel within the Schengen area, the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, and eligibility to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.

Available Golden Visa pathways include:

• Investment Fund Option: Invest a minimum of €500,000 (USD 540,000) in qualifying Portuguese investment or venture capital funds regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
• Job Creation: Create at least 10 full-time jobs.
• Investment in Cultural Heritage or Scientific Research: Minimum €250,000 (USD 270,000) investment in projects supporting cultural heritage or scientific research.
• Capital Transfer Investment: A minimum of €1.5 million (USD 1.62 million) capital transfer into Portugal.

Processing typically takes 12–18 months, counting toward your residency requirement.

Digital Nomad Visa (D8)

Introduced in late 2022, Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8) allows remote workers earning approximately €3,280 (USD 3,540) monthly (four times Portugal’s minimum wage) to live and work in Portugal.

Job-Seeker Visa

Launched in October 2022, the Job-Seeker Visa allows foreigners to enter Portugal visa-free for 120 days (extendable by 60 days) to seek employment.

Highly Qualified Work Visa (D3)

The Highly Qualified Work Visa in Portugal is designed for highly skilled professionals with confirmed job offers in Portugal. Applicants must have a signed employment contract before arriving.

HQA Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Program)

The HQA Visa is a specific subcategory within the D3 visa framework, tailored for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to launch innovative businesses or research projects in Portugal. To qualify, applicants must:

• Invest at least €175,000 (approx. USD 190,000) into a project incubated by a Portuguese university or research institution,

• Commit to a three-year business incubation period,

• Demonstrate a plan that adds high-value innovation or R&D to the Portuguese economy.

This route is ideal for startup founders, scientific researchers, and high-level innovators seeking fast-tracked residency and a pathway to Portuguese citizenship. Processing is often faster than other visas, with approval in as little as 30 days.

D7 Passive Income Visa

The D7 Passive Income Visa is ideal for retirees and individuals with stable passive income, requiring an annual income of at least €9,120 (USD 9,840) for the primary applicant, with additional funds for dependents.

Residency Visa Requirements and Documentation

For most visas, you’ll need:

• Passport valid for at least 15 months
• Apostilled police clearance
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Private health insurance (€30,000/USD 32,400 minimum coverage)
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal (minimum 6-month lease)
• Portuguese NIF number and bank account

For all Temporary Stay visas in Portugal, you’ll also need to provide the following:

• Return travel ticket details
• Access to criminal records by the Portugal immigration authorities
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof that you can support yourself for the duration of your stay.

Residency Visa Costs and Processing Times

Visa application fees typically cost around €90 (USD 97), and processing usually takes 60 days. Due to current backlogs with AIMA, converting your initial visa into a residency card upon arrival can take between 12–18 months.

The Residency Visa Application Process

Arrival and Application

Upon arrival in Portugal, you must submit your residence application to AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). AIMA replaced SEF in April 2025 and is responsible for processing residency applications. Their online system streamlines obtaining essential identification numbers like NIF, Social Security, and SNS health numbers.

AIMA enforces a strict “complete file” policy—any incomplete application will be rejected immediately, so ensure all documentation is thoroughly prepared.

Receiving Your Residency Card

After submitting your application, you will await the issuance of your residency card. Due to processing delays, expect to wait approximately 12–18 months. During this period, it’s crucial to maintain legal residency status and adhere closely to all immigration rules.

Taxes for Expats: The New IFICI Program

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) scheme closed to new applicants in January 2024. Replacing it, the new Incentive for Foreigners Investing in Innovation and Culture (IFICI), commonly known as “NHR 2.0,” offers attractive tax benefits to expats. IFICI targets professionals primarily engaged in R&D, technology, innovation, and cultural sectors, providing a flat 20% income tax rate on eligible income. Unlike the previous NHR regime, IFICI focuses on attracting highly skilled professionals to support Portugal’s economic growth and innovation efforts.

Expats should be aware that spending fewer than 183 days in Portugal annually prevents classification as a tax resident, thereby avoiding global income taxation in Portugal. Understanding these tax implications helps expats strategically manage their residency and financial planning effectively.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Portugal offers a competitive cost of living compared to other Western European countries. Here’s a detailed breakdown of typical monthly expenses to help you budget effectively:

Best Places to Live in Portugal

Portugal offers diverse cities and regions catering to various lifestyles:

• Lisbon: Vibrant capital with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, cultural events, and excellent public transport.
• Porto: Known for its rich history, picturesque streets, and thriving cultural scene.
• Cascais and Estoril: Coastal towns ideal for families, featuring excellent schools and beaches.
• The Algarve: Renowned for stunning beaches, golf resorts, and an active expat community.
• Braga: Affordable and historic, popular with families and retirees.
• Madeira: Perfect for nature lovers, with mild climates and lush landscapes.

See our full blog on the best places to live in Portugal here.

Practicalities and Daily Life in Portugal

Relocating involves more than just paperwork. Below, you’ll find comprehensive information to manage your move and settle seamlessly into Portuguese daily life.

Relocating with Pets

Portugal warmly welcomes pets, but regulations apply:

• Pets must be at least 12 weeks old, not pregnant, and limited to five animals.

• Dogs, cats, and ferrets require a rabies vaccination administered after microchip implantation.

• For pets receiving their first rabies vaccination, a 21-day waiting period is mandatory before travel.
• Pets from high-rabies countries must wait at least 30 days post-vaccination before obtaining a blood titer test. Entry into Portugal can only occur three calendar months after the blood draw.
• An accredited veterinarian must issue a health certificate confirming your pet’s fitness for travel and vaccinations, valid for 10 days from issue until entry into Portugal.

Pets can travel by plane or ferry. Airlines usually transport pets as additional baggage in a dedicated cargo area, while ferries might allow access to pets, although not in public areas. For more information on transporting your pet, see here.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date according to global health guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Routine Vaccinations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), Polio, Varicella (Chickenpox).

• Hepatitis A and B: Recommended particularly for travelers from higher-risk regions.

• Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Strongly advised annually.

• COVID-19 Vaccine: Verify current entry requirements for vaccination or testing.

Check specific vaccine guidelines relevant to your home country and personal health situation by consulting a healthcare provider well ahead of your move.

Driving and Transportation

Foreign driving licenses remain valid for six months, after which you must obtain a Portuguese license. Portuguese law requires immediate police notification if involved in a traffic accident. Taxis and ride-sharing services (such as Uber) are widely available and reliable in urban areas.

Local Registration Requirements

Non-EU citizens, including US nationals, can enter Portugal visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid at least three months beyond your intended stay. If you’re not staying in a hotel or official tourist accommodation, you must register your presence with local authorities (AIMA) within three working days of arrival.

Moving Costs

Relocating costs to Portugal vary by country. Typical relocation expenses are:

• From the USA: €10,000-€15,000 ($10,800-$16,200 USD)
• From Canada: €9,000-€13,000 ($9,720-$14,040 USD)
• From the UK: €5,000-€8,000 ($5,400-$8,640 USD)
• From Australia: €12,000-€16,000 ($12,960-$17,280 USD)

These estimates include shipping household goods, flights, visas, and initial accommodation. Planning your relocation early can help manage these expenses efficiently.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Moving to Portugal

1. Identify the right visa type.

2. Secure accommodation (minimum six-month lease).

3. Obtain or update your passport.

4. Arrange private health insurance (€30,000/$32,400 USD minimum coverage).

5. Open a Portuguese bank account and obtain your NIF.

6. Gather and apostille essential documents.

7. Apply for your visa at your local Portuguese consulate.

8. Plan relocation logistics.

9. Submit a residence application to AIMA upon arrival.

10. Register at your local health center and exchange your driving license if necessary.

Settling into Life in Portugal

Once you’re practically settled, it’s crucial to understand aspects of daily life in Portugal, from managing finances and employment to healthcare, education, language learning, and cultural integration.

Opening a Bank Account

Opening a Portuguese bank account is straightforward and essential for managing finances and facilitating permanent residency. You’ll typically need:

• Valid photo ID

• Proof of address

• Proof of employment or income

• Portuguese NIF number (obtained from tax authorities)

With over 150 banks, including international and online options, finding one suited to your needs is easy.

The Job Market

Portugal’s job market is diverse, with employment opportunities especially in IT, hospitality, multinational corporations, and language schools. The national minimum wage is approximately €820/month (around USD 903/month) when calculated over 12 payments. Many workers receive their salary in 14 instalments, which slightly reduces the monthly figure but keeps the annual total the same. EU/EFTA nationals do not require work permits, while non-EU nationals typically need a valid work visa.

Cultural Adjustments and Daily Life

Cultural norms in Portugal emphasize courtesy, friendliness, and community. Portuguese society is progressive, reflected in legislation on abortion, same-sex marriage, and drug laws. Despite being safe and welcoming, expect noticeable contrasts if moving from abroad, including weather variations between regions and financial challenges linked to relatively lower local salaries compared to living costs.

Healthcare System Overview

Portugal’s healthcare system, the SNS, provides universal health coverage. It’s highly ranked in the Global Health Index and the Health Consumer Powerhouse rankings. The SNS offers free services for children under 18 and people over 65, and it’s open to all citizens and legal residents.

As an immigrant, you’ll need travel insurance from your home country until your visa gets approved. Once that’s done, you’ll be eligible for the SNS. You also have the option to go for private health insurance. If you’re working in Portugal, your contributions to Portugal’s Social Security system will give you access to the public Portuguese health service.

Education for Expats

Portugal offers public and private education from kindergarten to university level. Schooling is compulsory from age six to eighteen, with public education being largely free except for minimal university fees. Several Portuguese universities rank highly in global rankings, ensuring excellent education standards.

Learning Portuguese as an Expat

Learning Portuguese is not mandatory for initial residency, but it significantly aids in integration, social interactions, and is required at a basic proficiency (A2 level) for obtaining permanent residency or citizenship. Language schools, online courses, and community resources facilitate language learning effectively.

The Final Step Towards Your Portuguese Adventure

Embracing the opportunity to immigrate to Portugal can feel like a daunting challenge, but with the right information and preparation, this beautiful country can easily become your new home.

From understanding the types of visas, acclimatizing to the culture, securing your accommodation, and navigating the financial landscape, this guide is structured to make your transition as smooth as possible.

So, pack your bags, grasp that Portuguese phrasebook, and prepare to immerse yourself in a rich culture full of warm, welcoming people, enchanting landscapes, and an extraordinarily high quality of life.

Contact us for free consultation to learn more about how to make your move to Portugal.

FAQs

Can I Maintain Dual Citizenship if I Become a Portuguese Citizen?

Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you can retain your original nationality when acquiring Portuguese citizenship.

Can My Family Move with Me to Portugal?

Yes, your spouse and dependent children can join you via family reunification.

Can I Purchase Property in Portugal if I’m Not a Resident?

Yes, Portugal does not restrict non-residents from buying property. Foreign nationals can freely purchase real estate.