Portugal is a country of just over 10 million inhabitants and a charming country. If you are planning to study, work, or live in Portugal, you need to be aware of whether you meet all the prerequisites, as well as having all the necessary documentation.

The first step is to plan well in advance, save money, get a long-lasting passport (the new model with a chip lasts 10 years), and read extensively about the necessary documents and vaccinations. After that, it’s time to visit the website of the Portuguese Consulate, get information, and schedule your appointment.  Portuguese embassies are located in cities all across the world so find the one closest to you.

Check out the types of residency visas for living in Portugal:

1. Residence visa for subordinate professional activity

This type of visa is intended for professionals who receive job offers in Portugal. For example, a software engineer sends their resume to a company in Portugal, the organization likes their profile and wants to hire them. The company then publishes the vacancy in the country, and if within 30 days they cannot find any Portuguese professional, they send an invitation letter saying they want you on the team. After that, it is necessary to gather the documentation to apply for the visa at the Consulate:

• Employment contract or promise of an employment contract;
• Valid passport with more than 3 months of validity remaining;
• Having sufficient means of subsistence for the period (this can be provided by income tax returns, bank statements, and any other financial documents you possess).

2. Residence visa for independent professional activity or for entrepreneurial immigrants

The visa is for professionals who have a contract or a written proposal for a service contract in liberal professions and are qualified to practice the activity in the European country.

For entrepreneurial immigrants who want to invest in Portugal, a residence permit is granted, provided they have made investments or can prove they have available financial resources for use in Portugal. Furthermore, they must demonstrate their intention to invest in Portuguese territory (proof of the amount of money they possess is required).

3. Residence visa for research or highly qualified activity

The visa is for scientific research at the doctoral level (with all diplomas recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science—MEC). A research grant contract is required. The visa may also be granted to university professors or for highly qualified activities (with an employment or service contract).

Specific documents required:

• Document proving that you have been admitted as a researcher at a research center recognized by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education; employment contract or service contract; or scientific research grant document.
• For university professors or those in highly qualified positions, an employment contract or a service contract will be required.

4. Residence visa for study, student exchange, professional internship, or volunteering

For a student visa, you need a passport valid for at least the duration of your planned stay in the country. For minors, written parental authorization is essential. In addition to all the documents listed below, you will need proof of enrollment from the institution or an acceptance letter from the university. For internships, you will need a document from the company stating that you have been selected.

5. Family reunification residence visa

Family reunification is possible for spouses and children, but each person must have a valid passport, health insurance, means of subsistence, birth certificate, marriage certificate (in the case of a spouse), and an appointment to apply for a visa, along with all original documentation presented at the Portuguese Embassy while still in your country.

Documents required for all types of visas:

• Visa application submitted to the Consulate (while still in your country). It must be printed and signed.
• Two identical color photos, with a plain background, and new/current;
• Valid passport or other recognized travel document;
• Criminal record certificate (obtained online) while still in your country;
• Application for consultation of the Portuguese Criminal Record;
• Proof of means of subsistence (Income tax return, bank statements and anything else that can prove financial means to support oneself in the country);
• Travel insurance;
• Payment of fees.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal?

Housing costs in Portugal can vary by region. Lisbon, the capital, is the most expensive city in the country, and a two-bedroom apartment (T2) rents for an average of €900.00. In the north of the country, it’s possible to find two-bedroom apartments for €500.00 per month.

Most apartments for rent come furnished. For those traveling alone to study, there’s also the option of renting a room in a student apartment, averaging between €150.00 and €250.00 per month. Many real estate agencies require Portuguese guarantors or advance rent payments (which can vary between 4 and 6 months’ rent, so you need to bring a good amount of money to start your life). Contracts are usually for one year.

Market expenses

Food in Portugal is cheaper than in many other countries. You can buy a carton of milk for €0.50, half a kilo of beans for €0.59, a small bread roll for €0.10, and a kilo of whole chicken for €1.99. 

The minimum wage in Portugal is €928.00. A Big Mac at McDonald’s costs €6.00. A couple spends an average of €250.00 per month on groceries. A daily meal at a restaurant costs on average €10.00 (bread, soup, main course, drink, and coffee).

The most traditional supermarkets in Portugal are Pingo Doce, Continente, Mini Preço, Lidl, Super Cor and Froiz. Pingo Doce is one of the cheapest supermarkets in the country, followed closely by the Lidl chain (present throughout Europe).

Fixed expenses

Monthly expenses for water, energy, and gas average €120.00 for a couple. Cable TV, telephone, and internet packages average €50.00 per month. Operator options include NOS, MEO, and Vodafone. Young people up to 25 years old have the advantage of having specific and very cheap plans (around €9.80 per month with a plan of 500 minutes and 500 MB of internet (with unlimited social media)).

Healthcare in Portugal

Public healthcare in Portugal isn’t free, but it works very well (especially in smaller cities). Public hospitals are considered better than private ones. 

Who is entitled to Portuguese citizenship?

Recognizing Portuguese citizenship and having a European passport can open many doors for immigrants. After you find yourself in Portugal, you might want to take it a notch ahead by applying for citizenship. Here we have all you need to know about Portugal citizenship.

Portuguese Citizenship—Granting of Nationality 

It takes effect from the date of birth. Who is entitled to Portuguese citizenship?

1. Children of Portuguese parents;
2. Grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, through an effective link with the Portuguese community—depending on the regulations;
3. Children born in Portugal to foreigners born in Portugal (Portugal does not grant nationality by territory—those born in Portugal are not automatically citizens);
4. Children born in Portugal to foreigners/legal residents for at least 5 years (provided that none of them are in the service of the State (a diplomat, for example));
5. Born in Portugal but without nationality.

Fees: €175.00 (children are exempt).

Acquisition of Nationality 

Reacquired nationality: the reacquisition of nationality is possible for those who, prior to the entry into force of the Nationality Law, lost their Portuguese nationality as a result of marriage to a foreigner or the voluntary acquisition of foreign nationality.

Derived nationality: it is valid from the date on which the registration of acquisition of nationality is drawn up/made public.

1. Adopted by Portuguese citizens (by virtue of adoption—full adoption);
2. Children of naturalized citizens, who are minors or legally incapacitated (by virtue of their will);
3. Married or in a de facto union (court decision) with Portuguese citizens for more than 3 years (by choice);

Who cannot apply for Portuguese nationality (derived nationality applies):

a) People with no effective connection to the Portuguese community;

b) Persons who have been convicted (with a final judgment) of crimes punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 3 years or more, according to Portuguese law;

c) Individuals who perform public functions for other countries that are not predominantly technical in nature, or individuals who have voluntarily performed non-compulsory military service for their country.

(d) Persons who threaten national security or defense by engaging in activities related to terrorism.

The following cases are acquired by virtue of naturalization and always depend on the absence of requirements B and D of opposition:

1. Children of foreigners born in Portugal: Minors – Whose parents   have legally resided in Portugal for at least five years. Or Minors – who have completed the first cycle of basic education, with knowledge of the Portuguese language;  Adults – Who have lived in Portugal for at least 10 years, with knowledge of the Portuguese language;
2. Adults – Legal residents for at least 6 years, with knowledge of the Portuguese language;
3. Adults – Descendants or members of communities of Portuguese descent, who have held Portuguese nationality, have rendered or are called upon to render relevant services to the Portuguese State or the national community;
4. Adults – Descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews, through demonstration of a tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, based on proven objective requirements of connection to Portugal, namely surnames, family language, direct or collateral descent;
5. Those who lost their Portuguese nationality and did not acquire another.

Fee amounts: adopted children are exempt, minors – children of naturalized citizens €200.00, others €250.00.

Places

Applications can be submitted to any Registry Office (which are the Notary Offices – in any Portuguese city) or Portuguese consular post (Consulates), but they are always processed by specific registry offices defined by the Portuguese Government.

For this reason, applications submitted to the competent registry office in Portugal will always be processed faster.

Average time

At the central registry office, the process for recognizing Portuguese citizenship is taking an average of 12  to 14 months.

With or without consulting services?

To apply for Portuguese citizenship, you can do it yourself or with specialized legal assistance.

The advantage of using legal counsel lies in the analysis of the possibilities of the request and the necessary documentation, as well as the legal knowledge to counter certain decisions issued contrary to the applicants’ wishes, when divergent interpretations are accepted.

A thorough understanding of legislation and procedural rules (deadlines and rules applicable to the process) can always be an asset, as in any process, whether judicial or administrative.