Temporary Residence Permits In Portugal

Embarking on the Portuguese dream means navigating the sea of paperwork that is the temporary residence permit process.

But don’t worry, we’ve got the compass you need to steer through the storm.

In just a few scrolls, you’ll go from a bewildered expat to a savvy permit pro, with all the insider tips to get your paperwork stamped quicker than you can say ‘pastel de nata’. Let’s dive in!

What Is A Residence Permit In Portugal? 

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A Portugal resident permit is an official document that allows foreign nationals to work and live in Portugal. 

In general, Portugal grants two categories of permits: 

  • Residency Visas 
  • Residence Permits 

Residency Visas 

These visas are always for a limited time, usually 3 or 4 months. A Portuguese Embassy provides them just to allow the applicant to enter Portugal before registering as a resident.  

When foreigners enter Portugal with a resident visa, they have 4 months to register with the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to get their residence permit. 

Residence Permits 

These permits are typically good for 1 year and can be renewed on an annual basis, depending on how long the applicant needs to stay in Portugal. 

Holders of a temporary residence permit can go for a permanent residence permit after living in Portugal for at least 5 years. 

Permanent permits are available to people who prefer to remain in Portugal indefinitely; those who do not intend to do so may continue to extend their temporary permit. 

Portugal Residence Permit Types 

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The following are a few of the types of Portugal resident permits: 

  • Residence permit for work purposes. 
  • Residence permit for study purposes. 
  • Residence permit for family reunification. 
  • Special residence permit. 

Residence permit for work purposes 

If you have a job offer in Portugal, you can apply for a Portuguese work permit. To be eligible for this residence visa, an EU national must not have occupied the work position you sought within the previous month. 

When you want to apply for permission, your employer must file an application with the Portuguese Labor Authorities. After that, you apply for a visa at the local embassy in your own country. 

You must travel to Portugal after receiving a residency (entry) visa to apply for a resident permit at the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

Your initial residence permit is valid for one year, however, it can be extended based on your needs and job contract. 

There are different sorts of work permits available depending on the type of work you will be doing: 

Residence permit for study 

International students admitted to a Portuguese educational institution from outside the EU are granted a resident visa. 

This permission is also valid for a year and can be renewed annually for the remainder of your education. 

If you wish to stay in Portugal after finishing your education, you must have a job in order to apply for a Portugal work visa. 

Residence permit for family reunification  

If you want to move to Portugal to live with a family member who is either a resident or a citizen, you must apply for this residence permit. 

A family member is someone who: 

  • A registered partner or spouse. 
  • A minor child (natural or adopted). 
  • A child of legal age who is financially dependent on the Portuguese resident. 
  • A direct descendent who is financially dependent on the resident. 

The permit is valid for the same period as the Portuguese resident’s permit. In the event of partners who have been married for 5 years, the permission is valid for 2 years and can be renewed every 3 years.  

Holders of this permission may work and study freely in Portugal, and after 5 years, they may apply for permanent residency. 

Special Residence Permit

A Portugal residency permit can be given in certain situations. These all rely on the applicant’s condition. 

However, some of the most popular forms of exceptional situations residency permits include: 

  • Individuals with chronic medical issues who require long-term medical treatment may be granted residency. 
  • Individuals who have completed military duty in the Portuguese Armed Forces are eligible for a residence permit. 
  • Individuals who have served in the Portuguese Armed Forces can apply for a residency visa. 
  • Minors born on national territory to foreign parents with a residence permit are eligible for a residence permit. 
  • Children of residence permit holders who have achieved the age of maturity and have resided on a regular basis in the national territory since the age of 10. 
  • Individuals of legal age who were born in the national territory and have never left or who have resided in Portugal since the age of 10  are eligible for a residence visa. 

Portugal Requirements For A Resident Permit

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When applying for a residence visa in Portugal, you must prepare the following documents: 

  • The passport must be valid. 
  • Two recent identification photos in accordance with Portugal visa photo standards.  
  • Application form (when applying for a resident visa for the first time). 
  • Valid resident visa (the 3–4-month visa required before applying for your permission). 
  • Evidence of adequate financial resources. 
  • Proof of lodging during your stay in Portugal. 
  • Health insurance or proof that the National Health Service covers him or her. 
  • If applicable, a family certificate. 
  • Certificate of criminal responsibility. 
  • Parental permission (where applicable). 
  • Employment agreement. 
  • University acceptance letter (student visa). 
  • Tuition payments paid (student visa) 

It’s worth noting that if your documents have yet to be translated into English or Portuguese, they must be, and some may require legalization.  

Before you apply, make sure to confirm with the embassy. 

How Do I Apply For A Residence Permit In Portugal? 

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This is how you apply for a resident permit in Portugal: 

  • Apply for a residence visa. 
  • Make an application for a residency permit. 

Apply for a residence visa

You must apply for a residence visa, which allows you to enter Portugal for the purpose of obtaining a residency permit. The residency visa is good for 4 months and allows for two entries. 

 A residency visa takes 60 days (about 2 months) to process. You must apply at a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country. 

 You must first book an appointment with the embassy, which you may do by sending an email or visiting the embassy in person. 

Before submitting your application, ensure you have all the necessary papers and the visa application form. You may also be asked to attend an interview at the embassy. 

Suppose you want to apply for a residence visa based on job or family reunification. In that case, your employer and a family member must file an initial application at SEF or the Portuguese Labor Authorities on your behalf. 

 The application requirements in this scenario will differ depending on whether you desire a Portugal work visa or a family visa. 

Make An Application For Residency Permit

You can enter Portugal freely once you obtain a residency visa and apply for your residency permit. You must put in your residence permit at SEF as well as register for your social security number at a registration office. 

Remember that your resident visa expires in 4 months; you must visit SEF and the registration office before then. 

Advantages Of Portugal Residence Permit 

As a holder of a Portugal resident visa, you enjoy various advantages: 

✅ Visa-free travel to the EEA/EU and the Schengen Zone. 

✅ Gaining access to the labor force. 

✅ Education is available to everyone. 

✅ You can use the Portuguese healthcare system. 

✅ Unemployment benefits (if you lose your job). 

✅ Other family members may accompany you. 

✅ The possibility of becoming a Portuguese citizen. 

How Long Is A Portuguese Residence Permit Valid? 

The initial residency permit is typically valid for 1 year. Your permit must be renewed yearly, and after the first year, it may be extended to a 2 year permit. 

You can apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years of temporary residence. 

A residence permit for study reasons is valid for the duration of your study program, however, it must be renewed yearly, and after your study program is through, your permission is no longer valid. 

With a student permit, you cannot change your status to permanent residency. 

Residence Permit In Portugal For UK Citizens (After Brexit) 

The Withdrawal Agreement will benefit British nationals living in Portugal after Brexit. 

This agreement, agreed by the UK and the EU, discusses a few new legislation and policies on various problems, including trade and the freedom of movement of UK nationals in the EEA/EU. 

Transition Period 

The Withdrawal Agreement guarantees UK nationals the right to continue residing in Portugal after Brexit. 

UK nationals were awarded new residence permits to replace their Registration Certificates issued by town halls and certificates of Permanent Residence issued by SEF.  

The new permits become effective on or before December 31, 2020, confirming the holder’s status as a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement. 

British nationals with a residence permit must apply online through SEF’s website to swap their previous permits. 

Applying For Resident Visa After The Transition Period 

UK nationals who did not have a previous permit but desire to apply for a resident permit in Portugal after January 1st, 2021 (the end of the transition period) must apply through the usual process at SEF. 

Cross-border Employees  

Employees who live in the UK but work in Portugal, generally known as “cross-border” workers, can continue to work in Portugal because the Withdrawal Agreement protects their rights as cross-borders. 

However, as a cross-border worker, you must write an email to the relevant authorities requesting a certificate verifying your status as a cross-border worker and your freedom to travel across borders. 

Cost Of Portuguese Residence Permit  

A resident permit in Portugal costs €84. You must also pay a fee each time you renew it; the fee is determined by the type of dwelling you have. 

Portuguese Citizenship Requires Residence Permit 

After living in Portugal for a long time, you can petition for Portuguese citizenship. After 5 years of staying with a temporary residence permit, you can go for a permanent permit and citizenship 1-2 years later. 

Investment Residency In Portugal 

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Residency by investment, commonly known as the “Portugal Golden Visa,” is a method of obtaining residency in Portugal by investing a certain amount of money, typically in real estate.  

The sum varies depending on the investment you intend to make; for example, if you intend to buy real estate, you must invest at least €500,000

When you match the conditions for a Golden Visa, you will be provided a residence permit that is typically good for 1 year and can be renewed every 2 years. 

 You can petition for citizenship after 5 years of residence in Portugal. The residency criteria for a Golden visa are less stringent than those for a standard application for a residence permit or citizenship. 

Conclusion 

Congratulations, future resident! You’re now equipped with the knowledge to conquer the Portuguese bureaucracy and secure your temporary residence permit.

Consider this your rite of passage, a step closer to the sun-kissed afternoons and the ‘saudade’ that only Portugal can offer.

Stay Grounded!

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