If you’re asking what is required to move to Portugal, you’re not alone. Portugal has become one of the most sought-after destinations for retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and global investors. Its high quality of life, warm climate, and robust residency pathways offer a compelling case for relocation. At Madeira Corporate Services (MCS), we guide individuals and families through every stage of the relocation process, from visa selection to legal compliance and ongoing tax assistance. Below is a detailed, professional checklist of all you need to make your move a success in 2025 and beyond.
What is required to move to Portugal?
1. Choose the Right Visa Route
Your first step is identifying the correct visa for your profile. Portugal offers several long-stay visa options, each tailored to specific circumstances:
- D7 Visa: For individuals with stable passive income such as pensions, dividends, or rental income.D8 Digital Nomad Visa: Designed for remote workers and freelancers earning at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (currently over €3,280/month).
- D2 Visa: For entrepreneurs, freelancers, or business investors setting up in Portugal.
- Golden Visa: For individuals making qualifying investments in regulated Portuguese assets. Minimal physical stay required.
If you are an EU citizen, you will also need to meet specific immigration requirements.
Our team at MCS can advise on which path best aligns with your income, goals, and intended residence level in Portugal.
2. Gather the Required Documentation
Once you select the visa route, you must prepare a robust application. While documentation requirements may vary slightly depending on the visa, the essentials typically include:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photos
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (e.g., rental contract or property deed)
- Proof of sufficient financial means or income
- Private health insurance covering Portugal
- Criminal background check issued by your country of residence
- Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
- Portuguese bank account
At MCS, we assist clients in securing their NIF and compiling compliant documentation for consular and immigration authorities.
3. Apply for the Entry Visa at the Consulate
With documentation, the next step is to apply for a national long-stay visa at the Portuguese Consulate in your current country of residence. Appointment lead times may vary significantly, so early scheduling is essential. Following approval, you will receive a visa valid for 120 days to travel to Portugal and apply for a residence permit.
4. Apply for a Residence Permit Upon Arrival
Once in Portugal, you must schedule an appointment with AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, formerly SEF) to obtain your temporary residence permit.
You will be required to present:
- Your passport with a valid visa
- Proof of accommodation and income
- Portuguese health insurance
- Tax ID and bank account confirmation
- Updated criminal background documentation
- Relevant visa application documentation
Temporary permits are generally issued for two years and are renewable thereafter.
5. Maintain Legal Residency
Depending on your visa:
- D7/D8/D2 visa holders are generally expected to reside in Portugal for 183 days per year or establish habitual residence.
- Golden Visa holders are required to spend an average of only 7 days per year in Portugal.
Our legal advisors ensure you comply with physical presence rules, income thresholds, and other regulatory obligations.
6. Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After five years of legal residence in Portugal, you may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. However, be aware of recent changes:
- As of 2025, most applicants must wait 10 years to apply for citizenship (with exceptions for Lusophone nationals).
- Applicants must also pass a minimum Portuguese language and civic integration exam (A2 CEFR level).
MCS supports long-term clients through naturalisation, including residency renewals, legal representation, and citizenship applications.
Why Work With MCS?
At Madeira Corporate Services, we specialise in relocation advisory and tax structuring in the Autonomous Region of Madeira and mainland Portugal. Our multilingual team of legal, tax, and compliance professionals offers:
- End-to-end visa and residence permit support,
- NIF registration
- Tax planning and compliance
- Real estate acquisition assistance
- Company incorporation (including for D2 visa applicants)
- Ongoing representation before AIMA and Portuguese tax authorities
Whether you are planning to retire, work remotely, start a business, or invest in Portugal, our team at MCS is ready to help you every step of the way.
Ready to Move?
If you’re still wondering what is required to move to Portugal, we invite you to book a consultation with our relocation experts. Let us help make your transition smooth, secure, and fully compliant.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content as of the date of publication, Portuguese immigration laws, visa policies, and tax regulations are subject to change without prior notice.
Readers are strongly encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their circumstances before deciding to move to Portugal, apply for a visa, or establish tax residency. Madeira Corporate Services II, Lda. (MCS) assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or actions taken based on the information herein.
For personalised assistance, please contact our team directly.
What is required to move to portugal: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is required to move to Portugal as a foreigner?
To move to Portugal, you must select the appropriate visa (D7, D2, D8 Digital Nomad, or Golden Visa), gather the required documentation such as passport, proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance, and apply for a residence permit upon arrival. Legal compliance, including maintaining physical presence rules and obtaining a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), is essential.
2. How long do I need to live in Portugal before applying for permanent residency or citizenship?
Typically, foreign residents may apply for permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence. However, as of 2025, most applicants must wait 10 years to apply for Portuguese citizenship, except for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries. Additionally, applicants must pass a Portuguese language and civic integration exam (A2 CEFR level).
3. Can I maintain my residency in Portugal while working remotely or investing abroad?
Yes. Depending on your visa type, such as D7, D2, or D8, you must generally reside at least 183 days per year or establish habitual residence. Golden Visa holders, by contrast, are required to spend only an average of 7 days per year in Portugal. Madeira Corporate Services can help ensure compliance with these rules.
The founding of Madeira Corporate Services dates back to 1996. MCS started as a corporate service provider in the Madeira International Business Center and rapidly became a leading management company… Read more
