Come to Portugal as a tourist and get a residence permit inside the country. Checked with 6 attorneys and based on 3,000+ cases.
~ โฌ400 expenses
Save up to โฌ7K
Simple, handle on your own
~ 5-9 months
Verified by 6 attorneys
How startup visa works
A startup visa for Portugal (Article 89.4) is an easy way to move here with your team, even if you have just an idea for a startup.
Moreover, it is better to have an idea rather than a working business - then the process of obtaining a residence permit with a startup visa will be faster.
You will find lists of incubators, tips, description of the process below.
Main requirements
You have an idea for a startup in any business area
You are older than 18 years
You should be supported by one of the local business incubators
Yo have to show growth capacity for 5 years
You can apply in the country of citizenship, residence or inside Portugal
โ ๏ธ Important. โ When you enter the territory of Portugal, remember to make sure you have "legal entry" within 3 working days. โ - If Portugal is your first country of entry into the Schengen area, it is sufficient to keep your boarding passes for the flight you arrived in. - If you entered the Schengen area through another EU country, it is sufficient to check into a hotel or rent accommodation on Airbnb for 1 night after arrival in Portugal - the hotel/owner is required to send data to the SEF about your accommodation. Just in case, it is recommended to keep the receipt for the rented accommodation.
3,124 applied with the platform. Here is some statistics.
Spent โฌ400
Apostilles, certifications and translations
Waited 5-9 months
From collecting documents to moving and getting an ID card
How long does it take from the moment you fill out the form and submit it to obtaining a residence permit?
2-6 months, depending on how quickly IAPMEI responds.
Top tips/leafhacks
- Describe your project's scalability and willingness to grow in the European and global market - Demonstrate that you will create jobs for Portuguese people - Highlight your innovation. You are unlikely to get an OK from IAPMEI with a cafe or beauty salon project. - Add your wife/husband as cofounder so you don't have to bother with reunification ๐
Is it possible to fly to Portugal and get a startup visa on the spot? Or do I have to apply for it in my own country?
Yes, you can fly to Portugal and get a visa inside the country - most applicants do that. But it is better if your idea is approved by IAPMEI before you arrive.
Do I need a mediator?
No, if you've read this far, you can definitely do it yourself! If you have any questions, please write to our chat.
Do I need a Portuguese account to get a residence permit for a startup?
No, it is not necessary to have a bank account. However, you must demonstrate at any bank in the world that you have access to a minimum of 5186 euros per person, and it is recommended to have more.
Is the selection strict, what is the approval rate?
No one knows the internal approval process except the SEF staff. About the rigor of the selection - if you get the documents right, you will get 100% incubator support and a visa.
For how long is a residence permit issued under this program?
The first residence permit is given for 2 years, the extension depends on the work of the company and the implementation of plans.
How much money will have to be spent on the whole process?
In the first year after obtaining a residence permit, you must open a company. If something goes wrong, you can extend this period twice.
Should I open a company right away?
Yes. The promise of a contract is enough to file a manifestation. However, you must start working, receive a regular paycheck and pay taxes.
Is it possible to change the status of residence permit after 2 years? For example, to open a self-employment?
Yes, you can.
What is the monthly fee for using an incubator and what services are included for that amount?
There is a range of incubators available with fees that vary from โฌ50 to โฌ400 per month. The standard services included in this fee are workspace and networking opportunities. Some incubators may also offer additional services for which they may require a guarantee package.
Do I have to report on my work? And how often?
The responsibilities to the incubator are outlined in the contract that you sign. However, as the concept of a startup is widely understood, in case things don't go as planned, you may be able to negotiate additional terms.
Can I bring family members/civil partners/business partners with me?
If you have a spouse, you can register him/her as a co-founder of your startup and get visas simultaneously. In this case do not to forget to show double the amount of money in your account (10000โฌ)
How can I bring my family?
It is easiest to include your spouse as a co-founder right away. Your children can join later through the family reunification process. Once you have obtained a residence permit, you can either reunite your family through a D6 visa, which can take a minimum of 6 months and during which time you and your family will be separated, or you can bring your family with you on a Schengen visa and apply for a family reunification residence permit while in the country, which will keep the family together.
How much money will have to be spent on the whole process?
The startup visa itself is free, but to apply for it, you need to prepare documents. transfers, open an account, rent an apartment, etc. Plus put around 10,000โฌ into the account.
What does a typical process looks like
Fill out the Startup Portugal form
Fill out the form and wait for approval from the incubator. Wait for IAPMEI approval.
up to 6 month
Get IAPMEI approval
You need to prepare the documents according to the list and upload them to Sapa.sef
When your visa is ready consulate will paste it into your passport with date of apply in Portugal.
The visa will be valid for only 4 months with the ability to enter only twice. The SEF filing date is usually 4-5 months from the date of the visa. Yes, it's strange, but that's how it works.
Notes
More
When your visa is ready consulate will paste it into your passport with date of apply in Portugal.
The visa will be valid for only 4 months with the ability to enter only twice. The SEF filing date is usually 4-5 months from the date of the visa. Yes, it's strange, but that's how it works.
after 2-10 weeks
Make an appointment to apply for a residence permit
SEF reviews applications on a first-come, first-served basis and invites you for an interview (the waiting time is around 24 months)
There will be a link in your visa with the date, time and address to apply in SEF (immigration service). This is a purely formal procedure; you can relax.
You will need almost the same docs as you applied for a visa; here is a list. And here are instructions on what to expect when you apply in SEF.
Also, sometimes you can call the SEF when you will be in Portugal and try to ask for an earlier appointment.
Notes
More
There will be a link in your visa with the date, time and address to apply in SEF (immigration service). This is a purely formal procedure; you can relax.
You will need almost the same docs as you applied for a visa; here is a list. And here are instructions on what to expect when you apply in SEF.
Also, sometimes you can call the SEF when you will be in Portugal and try to ask for an earlier appointment.
2-12 weeks
Wait your residence card
Wait, on average, 2-3 weeks until the ID card arrives at your address. But sometimes it can take up to 3 months.
After filling out a form with your first name, last name, email, and passport number, you will be redirected to a page to register your startup idea. On this page, you can provide a detailed description of your project, select the relevant areas of activity, provide a name for your startup, upload a presentation and a motivation letter (a sample can be found), and answer all the questions on the application form. The platform offers an option to switch to English, which can be found in the upper right corner.
โ
โ ๏ธ Important
We advise you to press the "Save" button as often as possible, in order not to lose the already uploaded data.
All applicants over the age of 16 must provide a certificate of no criminal record from their country of citizenship and any countries where they have lived for more than a year after the age of 16.
โObtaining the Certificate: Request the certificate in paper format from your country, then obtain an apostille, translate the certificate into Portuguese, and have it notarized by a notary.It is better to order the document as soon as possible and while it is being processed, start gathering other required documents.
โValidity: The validity of a certificate depends on the country of issuance and can range from 30 to 90 days.
If you have a criminal record, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a lawyer. The specific offense and the length of time since the conviction may impact the decision regarding your visa.
โTranslation and Notarization: Remember to translate the certificate into Portuguese and have it notarized before submitting it to the consulate or VFS.
How to get it in different countries
Different countries have different rules for obtaining a certificate of no criminal record. We have compiled the available options below.
๐บ๐ธ The U.S.
Police Clearance Certificate in the US is issued by the FBI. You can find information about the FBI Criminal Background Check here.
๐ฌ๐ง The U.K.
Police clearance certificate in UK is issued by ACRO Criminal Records Office. You can find information here. After applying this document you need to send it for legalization at FCO. Information on how to legalize it you can find here.
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
A Canadian Criminal Record Certificate is issued by the Royal Canadian Police (RCMP). Information is provided from the national criminal registry on Form C-216C, stamped.
๐ฎ๐ณ India
The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued to an individual by the Indian Police or an authorized Indian Government official. It identifies any criminal records that an individual may have against their name and provides a clearance certificate if such records are clear.
๐ฎ๐ฑ Israel
Order the certificate at any police station. Unlike many other countries, in Israel, the police send the certificate directly to the Portuguese Consulate. Unfortunately, the Consulate in Israel is difficult to reach, so you can go to them in person and ask if the certificate is ready. The documents may only be accepted if the Consulate has received the certificate.
๐ท๐บ Russia
It is necessary to order the certificate in paper form on "Gosuslugi" and preferably with an apostille. It takes about 3-4 weeks. When the certificate is ready, you will receive a notification by mail with the address where you should receive it. You can call to see if the certificate is ready sooner.
Tips and docs
Don't forget to translate the certificate into Portuguese and have it notarized and apostilled.
There are approximately 100 certified incubators in Portugal that collaborate with IAPMEI. You have the option to apply to as many as you'd like, or you can focus on the most appealing ones.
About the incubator application
It is recommended that you reach out to the chosen incubators beforehand to receive pre-approval and clarify if they will consider your project. You can communicate with them online and briefly present your idea. Then, the approval process on the IAPMEI platform will proceed more efficiently.
This is a local authority that assesses whether your company is innovative and technologically advanced. You will need to be patient, as they officially have 60 days to consider your application. If you have any questions, you can reach out to startup.visa@iapmei.pt. They are usually very responsive and willing to help, providing a reply within 3-4 days.
What is the NSS?
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Tips and docs
If you have any questions, write to startup.visa@iapmei.pt.
The contract is signed by two parties - you can exchange scans of the signed versions.
What's important in signing a contract
You may receive approval or an offer from multiple incubators. In that case, you will need to make a decision on which one to choose. It's recommended to communicate with each of them, gather information about their conditions, and determine which one best meets your needs. Keep in mind that by accepting an offer, you will have a contractual obligation with the selected incubator, including any associated costs such as monthly fees for workspace and other services.
The main points: โ โ ย to apply for a D7 visa in India, you will need a Portuguese bank account and a minimum one-year lease registered with Finanรงas (tax office in Portugal). โ โ It is recommended to show sufficient funds for 2 years instead of 1. โ
The main problems: โ โ Long waiting times. It can be difficult to secure an appointment for visa application and you may need to wait for 3-6 months after you catch a slot โ โ After application, processing times can also vary greatly, with some applicants waiting 4-6 months or even longer. And you will leave your passport at the Embassy on the day of application. โ โ Embassy in New Deli does not reply to emails or phone calls and does not allow visitors without appointments. Consulate in Goa might be slightly more responsive. โ
Where to apply In India the application for the D7 visa is based on the jurisdiction.
โ If your state of residence (state you have been legally residing in the past 6 months) is Maharashtra, Goa, or the UTs of Daman & Diu or Dadra & Nagar Haveli - apply at the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa.
โ if you belong to Maharashtra, you can also apply with VFS Global in Mumbai and Pune. However, your application will be processed by the consulate in Goa.
โ If you are from the rest of the states and UTs in the country, you must apply at the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi through VFS Global visa application centres.
โ VFS Global visa centres are available in 9 big cities in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jalandhar).
โ Appointments can be booked online or through call centres. It can be difficult to secure an appointment, so it is recommended to check availability multiple times per day and check different centers across the country. Currently, people are booking slots in 3-6 months ahead.
โ If you apply in Goa, visit the online visa application portal, choose the consular post as the โconsulate general of Portugal in Goaโ, and fill in the rest of the visa online application form with all the relevant details. Choose your required consulate appointment time and date on the same application form.
โ You can check the Portugal Visa status online by visiting the online portal of the Portuguese embassy and logging in using the username and password provided during application. โ
Family โ โ As of now, spouses need to apply separately. The application form is per individual; it doesn't have space/fields to mention spouse details hence it is to be filled individually. โ โ Two VFS appointments are required to be booked [same day, consecutive time slots] for submission considering there are two individuals. โ โ Write personal statement/motivation letter in a way you are complimenting each other and express the interest in moving there as a couple. โ Submit a copy of your marriage certificate, joint bank account statements. Rent agreement/lease [Portugal] should be in joint names. โ โ If one spouse is financially dependent on another, the dependent should submit financial portfolio statements of the spouse along with their application, and it is also worth mentioning it in their personal statement or motivation letter.
Tips โ โ Long waiting times mean that your insurance may expire. Most companies in India offer maximum 6 month long insurances, so opt for the longest available period.
โ You may need your passport in the waiting period, and it is possible to request it back from the embassy. It is a slow process, and you wonโt be able to get it for immediate emergency travel - requests are processed approx. 30 days. Be careful: itโs unclear how regaining your passport back from the embassy for travel may affect the visa application process.
Not clear if rental contracts with Flatio or cheaper contracts of accommodation services typical for student housing and hotels are eligible. Remember that youโll need to pay rent while staying in India - sometimes up to a year of rent for a house you canโt use
How to apply in India?
The hardest part is making an appointment to apply, and then waiting sometimes longer than six months.
The main points: โ โ ย As Brazil is a member of CPLP there are some specific features mentioned in CPLP MOBILITY AGREEMENT
CPLP citizens are exempted from presenting:ย ๐ travel insurance,ย ๐ means of subsistence, ๐ andย return air ticketย upon presentation of responsibility term in the following terms:ย ย
๐ a) Presentation of a term signed by the host entity for interns or workers, as well as by the organization responsible for student exchange or volunteer programs.ย ย
๐ b) Presentation of a term of responsibility, signed by a Portuguese citizen or a foreign citizen, with a residence permit in Portugal, which guarantees food and accommodation for the visa applicant, as well as the replacement of removal costs, in case of irregular stay.ย
โ To assume this role of responsibility for the visa applicant, it will be necessary to prove financial means, also in the amount of three times the minimum wage (760โฌ).ย
โ The proof can be done through bank balances and income tax declaration of the previous year, preferably. Also the embassy may require proof of the guarantorโs accommodation - their lease contract or property certificate.ย
โ The process is very simple. The citizen or resident must fill out a term of responsibility with his/her personal data and send it to the applicant so that he/she can include it in the documentation requesting the visa. Some consulates may require notarisation of the letter, so better prepare it beforehand. โ
Note: โ โ It is not recommended to try to replace D7/D2/DN income proof with a letter from the guarantor. The Embassy will likely consider it insufficient. For D7/D2/DN visas (and Job Seeker visa applicants without guarantors) it is necessary to show the required amount of money on a Portuguese bank account.ย
โ Accommodation provided by guarantors is usually well accepted for all visa types, though it depends on individual circumstances.ย
โ If you do not have a guarantor, prepare an official rental contract registered with Financas for 1 year, because Airbnb or Booking short-term rentals are no longer accepted.ย โ
How to apply for all types of visas: In India the application for the D7 visa is based on the jurisdiction.
๐ 1. Apply for a visa on the VFS.Global platform.ย ๐ 2. Proceed with the payment of the application fee - which can be via Pix, debit card or bank deposit ๐ 3. Forward all the necessary documentation to the nearest consulate to your location by postย
โ Three consulates are in the southeast, in the following locations: Nova Lima, MG; Rio de Janeiro, RJ; Sรฃo Paulo, SP. There is also one in the northeast, in Salvador, BA, and one in the center-west, in Brasilia, DF. Unfortunately, there is currently no agency in the north or south with an active and operating visa application center.
โ After submitting the initial application, applicants may be contacted by VFS to provide additional documentation or to attend an appointment at their preferred consulate.ย
๐ If VFS requests additional documents you may be able to send them via email to VFS and pay their printing fee
๐ VFS often request additional documentation, even if they have already received it in the past. However, it is more efficient to simply resubmit the documents rather than to try to explain any potential mistakes
๐ Keep a fresh criminal record as they may request it again. It should be issued during the last 30 days
๐ The processing time for a response, either approval or denial, currently takes 2-4 months.
โ VFS will keep the applicant updated through email or SMS on the status of their application. The status will change to "processed by consulate" once VFS has received, checked and sent the applicant's documents to the embassy. The applicant will receive a notification when their passport is ready for collection, but the final result will only be known when they open the package from the embassy to check their passport.ย
Family โ โ It is possible to apply for family reunion in Portugal, after the legal entry as a tourist, accompanying the holder of the main visa. Pay attention to the deadline for contacting the SEF: there are only 3 working days after arriving in the country. There is no problem if the service is scheduled for a later date, but initial contact with the SEF must be made within that period.
โ Alternatively, the request may be sent to the Portuguese Consulate, at the same time that the visa request is made for the main holder. On the VFS website, family companion visas are available in two modalities, depending on the type of digital nomad visa requested: Residence visa for accompanying family members for period over 12 months and Temporary stay visa for accompanying family members for period less than 12 months.
Job seeker visa โ โ Brazilian citizens also may apply for a Job Seeker residency visa and obtain a residency up to 120 days. By acquiring a position that will give them formal employment, applicants will be able to work until the end of their stay.ย
โ Applicants can extend their stay for another 60 days. If the employer wants to keep them on staff, they can apply for permanent residence.ย
โ Despite its short duration, a Job seeker visa is a residence visa, so family members may apply simultaneously for accompanying visas.ย
โ Job seeker visa requires proof of the availability of financial resources in the amount of at least three times the value of the minimum monthly salary. OR, ALTERNATIVELY: Term of responsibility with a signature certified by a notary public in Portugal, signed by a Portuguese citizen or a qualified foreign citizen, with a residence document in Portugal, which guarantees food and lodging to the visa applicant, as well as the replacement of the removal costs, in case of irregular stay.ย
SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS โ โ Declaration indicating the conditions of the intended stay.
โ Registration with IEFP โ must be done online. You must express your interest in registering with the Instituto de Emprego e Formaรงรฃo Profissional (IEFP), the Portuguese public employment service, before submitting your visa application. In order to declare your interest in enrolling in the IEFP, you must complete the following form: https://formularios.iefp.pt/index.php/929227?lang=ptโ After submitting the form, you will receive an extract (by email). It takes around 6 hours to receive it via email.
How to apply in Brazil?
Unlike other countries, in Brazil you can apply by mail and the process is not as complicated.
The main points: โ โ ย In the U.S., the method of application varies depending on where you live. Some consulates accept documents directly, and some accept them through VFS visa centers. You can apply only at the consulate to whose area of jurisdiction your permanent residence belongs.ย โ โ The way to apply also differs. Usually you need to make an online appointment at the consulate or visa center and then submit the documents in person. However, Boston, for example, requires you to send all electronic versions of your documents first for initial verification and to get an appointment to file in person. Check with your consulate for procedures.ย
โ Rental or property purchase agreements must be submitted in Portuguese, as translation is not legally binding according to the law.
โ It is necessary to show all funds in a bank account in Portugal.
โ For DN visa you need to show income for the last 3 months and work contracts.ย For D7 visa you should prove a stable passive income - for example, provide pension certificates or payments from Social Security. For D2/4/6 visas, you need to show the employment contracts, bank statements for the last 6 months and an Income Tax Return (ITR) certificate. It is recommended that you show funds for 2 years of residency, instead of 1 (i.e., the entire term of the residence permit).
โ For the FBI criminal record certificate, you will need to ask the police for fingerprints. You can request the certificate online or through authorized agencies. Time: 3 to 5 working days, price from $18 to $50. You will need to have the certificate apostilled by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentication or - order a copy by email and a hard copy by mail. If you DO NOT open an envelope with the FBI report mailed to you, you will not need the certification (apostille) from the U.S. Department of State, except for the New York office. U.S. citizens applying from outside the United States will need the certificate apostilled.ย
โ Proof of residency for at least 12 months is required (except for some applications with a 6-month lease through Washington, D.C.). This can be a rental agreement, property purchase agreement, proof of residency on Airbnb or similar sites, staying with friends or relatives. If spouses are applying, it is advisable to have them both listed on the contract. If the contract of sale is in process, you will need a Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda (CPCV). If the accommodation is provided by the landlord free of charge, a Termo de responsabilidade certificate is drawn up, and the host's signature on the form must be notarized in Portugal. This is not the best option, you have to prove your relationship with the landlord and it reduces the chances of success.
The main problems: โ โ Processing times vary greatly from consulate to consulate. For example, in New York you can get your visa approved in 4 weeks, but in San Francisco the wait is up to 5 months. โ โ The requirements vary from consulate to consulate: they may request additional documents at their discretion.ย โ โ Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email telling you to send your passport to the consulate to have your visa affixed, along with a pre-paid and signed envelope to send it back. It is very important to check your spam folder and if there is a delay, check with the consulate (perhaps through a lawyer) to see if there is an error in the address. There are cases where people were not able to get their visas for over a year because of a simple error in their email addresses - the consulate itself will not try to contact you and clarify the data if there is no letter from you.ย โ
Where to apply In USA the application for the Portugese visas is based on the jurisdiction.
โ Bostonย AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Maine, Massachusetts (except the area covered by New Bedford), New Hampshire and Vermontย โข Use https://www.vistos.mne.pt/pt/ for applications and information. All documents should be uploaded on the site for pre-check, afterwards you will be assigned an appointmentย โข Consulate often requests copies of all documentsย โข Requires proof of travel arrangements to Portugal (entering Portugal as your first Schengen Area country)
โ New Bedfordย AREAS OF JURISDICTION: Counties of: Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket and Plymouth; Cities of: Acushnet, Dartmouth, New Bedford and Fall Riverย Use https://www.vistos.mne.pt/pt/ for applications and information.ย
โ New York (Uses VFS Globalโs services)ย AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Connecticut, Michigan and New York; Territories of American Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Puerto Ricoย โข You should schedule an appointment and fill in the application form on VFS Global website. ย โข You should sign a form permitting Portuguese Criminal Records Checkย โข Consulate may request marriage and birth certificates even for solo applicantsย โข Correct Consular fee must be paid via Money Order/Banker/Postal/Cashier check payable to "VFS Services USA Inc.โย
โ Newarkย AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvaniaย โข Use https://www.vistos.mne.pt/pt/ for applications and information.ย โข Schedule an appointment on https://newark.consuladoportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/consularmatters/appointmentsย
โ Providenceย AREAS OF JURISDICTION: State of: Rhode Islandย โข Consulate often requests copies of all documentsย
โ San Francisco (Uses VFS Globalโs services) AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyomingย โข Requires printing out and bringing your visa application form and appointment verificationย โข Requires that applicants arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the appointmentย โข Visa application form brought to the in-person interview must have your signature notarized unless you sign it in front of the agentย โข Consulate often asks for a โreferenceโ in Portugalย โข Requests you complete a Release of Liability for Passport Mailing that they provide at the appointment. It specifies where you want your passport and visa sent, unless you wish to pick it up or arenโt leaving your passportย โข Requesting and sometimes requiring that you leave your passport with them until it is stamped. This request isnโt legal.ย โข The full application package cannot exceed 50 pagesย โข Often pressures couples to have one person apply, the other follow Family Reunification in Portugal, to reduce their workload. Family reunification is a slightly more complicated process due to expiration of the FBI report and reprinting financial statements. โข Correct Consular fee must be paid via Money Order/Banker/Postal/Cashier check. Applications submitted to the VFS Center in San Francisco need this check payable to "Consulate General of Portugalโ or โEmbassy of Portugalโ. ย
โ Washington D.C. (Uses VFS Globalโs services)ย โ If you are a resident of the State of Illinois and need a Schengen Visa to Portugal, you can apply with the Consulate-General of Lithuania in Chicago: https://chicago.mfa.lt/cikaga/en/traveland-residence/coming-to-lithuania/visas/schengen-visasย
AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, District of Columbia.ย โข You should schedule an appointment and fill in the application form on VFS Global website.ย โข Correct Consular fee must be paid via Money Order/Banker/Cashier check. For applications submitted to the VFS Center in Washington DC, the Money order/Banker or Cashier check must be payable to โEmbassy of Portugal" โ
Family โ โ Each family member must fill out a separate visa application form. Some consulates advise parents of children under the age of 5 not to obtain accompanying visas but to use family reunification option within Portugal.
Tips โ โ Documents can be submitted in English, Portuguese or French.
โ A motivation letter is required: However, do not include too much detail; it is detrimental to the consideration. The letter should mention your education, profession, reasons for choosing Portugal (family, friends, business, real estate), income, bank accounts and place of residence. You can include contacts for a landlord or your lawyer in Portugal.ย
โ Prepare color notarized copies of your passport if you do not want to leave the original document at the consulate until the visa is pasted. Your passport must be maximum 10 years old and have at least 2 blank pages.ย
โ If you are submitting a stamped, return address envelope (SASE) to the U.S. Department of State to return an apostilled FBI report, DO NOT use FedEx, as the Department of State does not work with this carrier and your document will be delayed.
โ At times consulates require marriage and birth certificates even if the applicant is filing alone and is not requesting family visas.ย
โ Consulates in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. sometimes ask for a recommendation from Portugal. The โreferenceโ can be your attorney, landlord, Dean of Admissions, friend, real estate agent, family member, etc., who is a European Union citizen or permanent legal resident in Portugal. Along with the rest of your documents, submit a note with their name, address, phone number, nationality, and enclose a copy of their national ID card or residency card.
Timeframe waiting time for visa approval can take up to 5 months
How to apply in USA?
Be sure to check particular requirements of thec onsulate in your area. Waiting times and application methods may vary greatly.
The main points: โ โ ย VFS visa center in Israel recently started to accept documents for DN and D7 visas
โ No problems reported with appointment scheduling, there are available slots for the next month โ โ DN visa requires an annual lease or proof of company-provided housing, as well as savings equal to 12 times the minimum monthly income, though it is not stated on their website
โ Portuguese bank account is not required, but the consulate strongly recommends opening one. You can use your Israeli bank account to show your savings.
โ All statements should be in English.ย
โ Flatio or Uniplaces rental contracts are accepted (no Airbnb)
โ DN visa requires 3 months of income, employment contract, and company information
โ Form 106 tax payment statement is required
โ You will need to write a detailed motivation letterย โ
The main problems: โ โ VFS website may not have up-to-date information on required documents; contact support for clarification and keep written answers
โ Passport must be valid for at least 2 years and 3 months; request Teudat Maavar if your Darkon is about to expire (takes 1 month to process) โ
Tips โ โ Israeli bank statement in English requires appointment with bank manager and in-person visit
โ Israeli certificate of no criminal record takes about 1 month to process; if holidays occur, wait longer. It should be requested on the site (the first link) https://www.gov.il/he/departments/general/police_criminal_information_certificates. The certificate is sent to the consulate, so you will need to retrieve it from there to attach it to the package of your documents.If living in Israel for more than a year, no need for another certificate of criminal record
Timeframe Processing time for visas is uncertain due to recent opening of VFS center, but no major delays expected
How to apply in Israel?
Apply to VFS and make sure that your Darkon is not about to expire
Main features: โ โ ย The documents for visa application in UAE are submitted through VFS global.
โ ย You do not need an account in Portugal for DN visa. An account in the UAE is enough, where you have to show the receipts as per the requirements of the particular visa. You can apply for DN visa 3 months after opening an account in the UAE.
โ ย However, for D7 visa, certified account details in Portugal are required.
โ ย The VFS website does not have any specific housing requirements for DN visas, but during consultations, they recommend providing at least a short-term rental for 30 days. It is desirable to make a reservation for 4 months, which is the entire period of validity of DN visas.
โ ย Bookings on websites such as Booking and Flatio are suitable.
โ ย D7 visa requires a long-term lease and a certified contract.
โ ย There is no minimum residency requirement before applying for a visa through VFS.
โ ย Resident ID must be valid for at least 7 months from the filing date. In addition, if you are submitting your application with your family, all family members must have a Resident ID as well.
โ ย A Dubai tax residency document is required, or a letter from VFS counselors stating that it is not required.
โ ย A detailed motivation letter is needed with your documents and VFS explanations, for example, showing that VFS asked for a 30-day reservation or stated that it is not required for employees of Dubai companies to prove tax residency.
โ ย You need to prepare a certificate of no criminal record from the UAE and have it certified by MOFA, even if you have lived there for less than a year. The details for the certification can be found athttps://www.mofaic.gov.ae/en/Services/attestation) โ
Main problems:
โ It can be very difficult to catch the slot for visa application. You often have to check the VFS website every day for months before you can get an appointment. Unfortunately, Portugal buys only a few slots to apply for all types of visas in the UAE. The choice of dates is extremely limited, and it's good if there is any availability in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Unlike in Moscow, you cannot sign up to apply six months in advance.
โ At the time of application, they often ask for additional documents that are not listed on the VFS website. Therefore, it is recommended to send all questions about your case to VFS via email and keep and print their answers to attach them to your cover letter/motivation letter to convince the manager to accept your application. If you realize that the manager is not quite right, be persistent!
โ Filing as a family requires booking multiple slots at once, which is often not feasible. If that fails, try requesting a letter from VFS stating that you can apply together for D visas and escorting visas at the same time. However, it's not a guarantee that the consulate will agree to let you in, but it's worth a try.ย โ
To keep in mind: โ โ All documents from UAE banks must be wet-stamped. It's recommended to order a certificate of account in advance to ensure that you have the necessary documentation.
โ All telephone numbers and addresses must be given in the UAE, not in the country of citizenship.
โ Flatio contracts, work contracts should be certified with live signatures, e.g. via DocuSign to ensure that they are accepted.
โ It's important to check if the manager forgot to attach your housing reservation - since it is not on the VFS list, this is sometimes overlooked.
โ They do not take your passport when you apply, they will invite you to paste your visa after it has been approved.ย
Timeframe: It is better to set the date of entry at least 2 months from the date of filing to allow for processing time
How to apply in UAE?
Apply through VFS, but it may be difficult to catch an appointment slot
โ ย No need for a Portuguese bank account. An account in Turkey or another EU country that meets the savings requirements for the specific visa is enough.
โ ย Short-term housing reservations (2-4 months) are accepted. There are many approved D7 and DN cases with reservations on Airbnb, Booking, and Flatio.
โ ย To confirm your income, you need bank statements from any bank (including RU) with regular account receipts for 3-4 months.
โ ย Tax information is not necessary.
โ ย You can apply for a visa immediately after obtaining a residence permit. There's no minimum residency requirement in Turkey.
The Main Problems: โ โ ย Email registration is the only option. The website registration doesn't work, so you should send an email to sconsular.ankara@mne.pt.Since August 2022, registration for DN, D7 visas is actually stopped - the consulate does not send the letters and does not provide slots to submit documents. It is not quite clear how long this state of affairs will last. It might help to request a slot for filing documents through a licensed attorney. In some cases the consulate did respond to attorney's letters.
Things to Keep in Mind: โ โ ย To increase your chances of approval, the recommended savings amount is 12-15k euros per person. If you have income in Russia, it's better to show larger amounts in your account.
โ ย Consular fees must be paid in cash (in liras) and are equivalent to ~90 Euros per person. The nearest bank from the embassy is far away, so it's better to bring banknotes.
Standard queestions for an e-mail to consulate โYou can speed up communication with the consulate by writing a request and including answers to the standard form:
1.
Passport copies for all
2.
Residency permits in turkey for all
3.
Name and Surname
4.
Nationality
5.
Where do theylive in Turkey or KKTC
6.
What do you do in Turkey or KKTC
7.
Do they have a valid Turkish or KKTC residence permit ?
8.
If yes, what is the exact validity date of the residency? (You need to write the exact date.)
9.
What is the purpose of the visit to Portugal?
10.
For how long are they intended to stay in Portugal?
11.
What are the traveling dates to Portugal?
12.
Will they go to another Schengen countries other than Portugal? If yes, please write to each countryยดs name and how many days they will stay in?
13.
The relationship between the people ; father, mother ,โฆ
How to apply in Turkey?
You need a residence permit (ikamet) or Turkish citizenship
The main points: โ โ ย To apply for a Portuguese visa, your Serbian/Montenegrin residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months after your expected departure date. I.e. you must submit documents to the consulate eight months before the end of the residence permit.
โ You can apply for the visa as soon as you receive your local residence permit.You don't need a Portuguese bank account for DN or D7 visas. Accounts from other countries, including Russia, are accepted.
โ Make sure to show account statements for the past 3 months to prove the money is legitimately yours.
โ For DN and D7 visas, you can show paid or unpaid reservations for 4 months (the duration of the visa) on booking sitesย such as Airbnb or Booking. Flatio contracts should be notarized or have a digital signature. (You can use DocuSign service for this). You only need to include the primary applicant on the lease.
โ For DN it is enough to show 3 months of income, but the consulate may ask for a six-month statement in the course of consideration.
โ Sole proprietors should attach evidence of payment into the account along with the invoices, even if they have already provided a general bank statement.Employees should ensure their contract allows for remote work, otherwise the application might be declined.ย
โ For D7 visas, it's recommended to show at least 6 months of income.
โ ย For individual entrepreneurs, a certificate of no tax debt is required. โ
The main problems: โ โ The consulate can become overloaded and may temporarily stop accepting applications. Currently, they are not accepting DN, D7, and Schengen visas until April 1st. โ
Tips โ โ To sign up for submission via email, send scans of all documents with proper translations and apostilles to visas.belgrado@mne.pt. It takes about 10 days to check them, and if everything is in order, a personal visit will be scheduled within about a week. The list of required documents on the website includes a request to the SEF, but the form there is not up to date. There is no point in filling it out because they will give you another one on the spot.
โ Although the website does not mention a letter of motivation, they will ask for it when you apply.
โ The fee for a resident visa is 90 euros, payable in cash in dinars.
โ Bring copies of all original documents to the consulate.
โ All translations must be in English or Portuguese and completed by a court interpreter in Serbia.
Timeframe Approval for a visa can take up to 2 months.
How to apply in Serbia?
Consulate may stop accepting submissions from time to time in order to deal with received documents.
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Daniela manages full assistance from opening a bank account, finding a property, getting residence, bringing your family and applying for Portuguese nationality. If you are thinking about moving to Portugal, wait no more!
Tatiana knows different cases of applying for visas and residence permits within Portugal. Based on your data, she helps you to decide what types of visa or residence permit fit you best of all.
Diana loves her profession and is happy to help people relocate to such a beautiful country as Portugal with the least difficulty and bureaucracy possible.
Kate's immigration journey in Portugal began with relocating employees from Russia, Brazil, and the United States. She is an expert in business development and entering new markets in the IT industry.
Marielle is passionate about finding efficient solutions for all types of visas to Portugal and real estate acquisition. She works with many different nationalities, specially Iranians, Lebaneses, Chineses, Americans, Dutchs, British.
Gultennur understands the importance of relocating and finding new opportunities. She makes it easier for people to expand their horizons and find new legal and fast options for their lives.
For many years Olga has been working with clients operating in various geographical markets and in Portugal. She can assist in most tax issues, general accounting and in opening individual entrepreneurs.
Forouzan helps Iranians to get different types of visas to Portugal. She will guide you through the whole relocation process in your language and will help with real estate rent or purchasing.
Thiago is a licensed Portuguese lawyer, totally committed to clients' best interests, offering full support for D3 โ high skilled visas, and startup tech visas.
Thomas clients mainly are crypto CEOยดs, crypto taxes software solutions & crypto business developers.โ His biggest accomplishments so far are market research for Bit2Me, one of the biggest exchanges in Southern Europe. He's holding a 5-star rating on Fiverr.
David was born in Portugal and has a great passion for it. Amazing food, beautiful places to visit with a strong cosmopolitan feature. He can help to find business opportunities for your new start.
Gonรงalo is focused on individual tax and social security related issues. He has experience with global mobility services such as tax compliance, special tax regimes & equity plans.
Ebrahim is specialising in all types of Portugal residency programs with a full network of service providers across Portugal. He will make his best to make your immigration process as smooth as possible.
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Talk to people who have already moved. Study their experiences, learn their observations. But remember, this is not a legal-advice, but valuable experience.
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December 15, 2022
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May 25, 2022
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Many thanks to Migrun for helping me legalize in Portugal! I found plenty of useful information in absolutely free guides which are really comprehensive and constantly updated. Also, there is a friendly and supportive community in Telegram, which is always ready to help :)
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