Visas & Residence

“Portugal is one of Europe’s most open countries for immigration, but the bureaucratic path requires patience and preparation”

Visa Types

Schengen Visa (Type C) — Tourist

• Duration: up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• Cost: €90 (adults), €45 (children 6–12)
• Visa-free: citizens of 62 countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.)

D7 — Passive Income / Retirees

For individuals with regular passive income: pensions, dividends, rental income, royalties.

D8 — Digital Nomads

For remote workers and freelancers employed by companies outside Portugal.

D2 — Entrepreneurs

For starting or acquiring a business in Portugal. No fixed investment threshold, but a business plan demonstrating economic value is required.

Golden Visa

Status (2026): programme active, but real estate options were removed in October 2023.

Available options:

• Investment funds — min. €500,000
• Cultural donations — min. €250,000
• Job creation — min. 10 positions

Minimum stay: 7 days in the 1st year, 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period.

D4 — Student Visa

For studies at accredited Portuguese institutions lasting more than 1 year. Minimum savings: €11,040/year. Work permitted up to 20 hours/week during term.

NIF — Tax Identification Number

NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is mandatory for any financial transactions: renting, buying, bank accounts, employment.

How to obtain:

• In person at a Finanças office or through a representative
• Free of charge
• Documents: passport + proof of address

EU/EEA citizens no longer need to appoint a fiscal representative. Non-EU citizens with tax obligations in Portugal must appoint one.

NIF is issued on the spot and is valid for life.

Legalisation Process

AIMA (replaced SEF in 2023)

AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) handles all immigration matters.

Obtaining a residence permit after a D-type visa:

1. Enter Portugal on a D visa
2. Schedule an appointment at AIMA for biometrics: tel. (+351) 217 115 000, email: ari@aima.gov.pt
3. At the appointment: biometrics + complete document package
4. Residence card arrives by post in 6–11 weeks

Important (since April 2025): “complete application” rule — incomplete applications are automatically rejected, with no grace period.

Processing times: 6–18 months (depending on permit type).

Types of Residence Permits

• Temporary (Temporária): issued for 2 years, renewable for 3 years
• Permanent (Permanente): after 5 years of legal residence

Segurança Social (NISS)

NISS (Social Security Number) is required for employment, healthcare, and benefits.

Since April 2025, AIMA requires NISS for all new residence permit applications.

Junta de Freguesia — Atestado de Residência

Official proof of residence issued by the local parish council. Needed for banks, government agencies, and tax purposes.

Required: residence permit, rental contract, utility bill, and two witnesses who are registered voters in the parish.

Driver’s Licence

EU/EEA Citizens

Licences valid until expiry. Exchange without exams when establishing residency (within 2 years).

Citizens of Countries with Bilateral Agreements

Exchange without exams. Mandatory within 2 years of establishing residency.

Citizens of Countries Without Agreements

Exchange requires a practical driving test. Without residency, you may drive for up to 185 days.

Setúbal-Specific Information

AIMA — Setúbal Delegation

Loja do Cidadão Setúbal

Juntas de Freguesia

Key Changes 2025–2026

Useful Links

Information current as of February 2026. Portuguese immigration law is actively evolving — check current requirements on official websites.