Moving to Portugal for permanent residence allows you to live in a country with a developed economy and a stable political situation, as well as to get new opportunities to improve living conditions. Permanent residence in the country is a permit for indefinite stay, it can be issued after 5 years of living in Portugal on a temporary residence permit. The grounds for a residence permit are family reunification, employment, education or investment.

It is possible to move to Portugal on a 4-month residence visa. This is an entry permit to apply for a residence permit. The state attracts a large number of immigrants every year due to its mild climate, high standard of living and comfortable conditions. Most of those who come for permanent residence are freelancers, families with children, investors, well-to-do retirees.

Why Portugal attracts emigrants

Portugal is an attractive country for emigration from less developed countries because of its belonging to the European Union and Schengen zone. Moving here means:

• access to visa-free travel to more than 160 countries;
• education in Portuguese educational institutions as well as in EU universities;
• employment and business in Portugal or another EU country;
• the right to purchase real estate without the need to obtain permits;
• access to a special program of tax benefits for residents of Portugal (Non-Habitat Resident);
• opening of accounts and use of the services of European Union banks;
• residence permit for financially independent persons who have a monthly passive income;
• residence in a state with one of the lowest cost of living among the countries of Western Europe;
• possibility to apply for a “digital nomad” visa for freelancers or a startup visa for founders of companies in the innovative sphere;
• free education in public schools and universities of the country for residents;
• registration of residence permit for the purchase of real estate or investment in business under the “Golden Visa” program;
• receiving services and payments from the social security funds of Portugal;
• access to a developed health care system with free services in public hospitals, as well as European health insurance;
• living in a country with a low crime rate and a calm pace of life;
• the possibility of obtaining the status of a Portuguese citizen in the future.

The Portuguese resident card gives you access to almost all the rights of citizens, except for participation in the electoral process. You can get even more opportunities and rights with a passport of any EU country. Simplified EU citizenship programs are available in 2025. You can find out more details at a free consultation.

Ways of obtaining permanent residence in Portugal

Since permanent residence is a status that can be acquired only after staying in the country for 5 years, you should first obtain a permit to enter Portugal. After successful issuance of a visa and arrival in the territory of the state, you should apply to the Immigration Service for registration of residence permit. Even at the stage of visa application it is important to have a good reason to stay in the country for a long period of time.

Employment

The duration of this residence permit depends on the planned period of work in Portugal, i.e., until the expiry of the employment contract or contract. There are several working residence permits:

• employed – for holders of a work permit and a contract or any other documentary proof of employment in the country;
• remote workers (“digital nomads”) – for professional activities outside their home country;
• independent activity – for self-employed individuals, members of the free professions (lawyers, accountants, translators, writers, filmmakers, etc.) or professionals who have qualifications appropriate to their independent activity;
• teacher/researcher/highly qualified specialist – to work in a higher education institution, research center or scientific institution under a contract;
• cultural worker – for those who are involved in cultural activities in Portugal within the framework of a project recognized by the Government representative responsible for culture and of interest to the State;
• intra-corporate transfer – for professionals and training providers (authorization is granted for one year or for the period of work tasks);
• startup visa – for the establishment of an innovative company in Portugal, subject to registration as a taxpayer and participation in the startup visa program.

Investment  

You can obtain a residence permit in Portugal if you have invested between 250,000 and 500,000 EUR in the Portuguese economy, either personally or through your company. You can invest in shares of a Portuguese company, establishment of a company, scientific research or support and restoration of Portuguese cultural heritage.

Obtaining education  

The permit can be issued to students who have provided documentary proof of enrollment in a higher education institution. Receipts for tuition fees and health insurance will also be required. The residence permit is granted for one year with the possibility of renewal for the same period of time.

Internship or volunteer work  

A residence permit is issued for unpaid internships or volunteer programs if you have health insurance from the National Health Service. The duration of the permit does not exceed one year and paid activities are strictly prohibited.

Family reunification  

Holders of a residence permit card are entitled to bring their spouses, minor children (or after the age of 18 if they are studying in Portugal) to Portugal. It can also be first line relatives of residents and their spouses (if they are under the guardianship of the applicants), but only if there is housing to accommodate the family members and the means to support them.

For most categories of applicants, the residence permit is granted for 2 years with the right to renew for 3 years. All applicants for a Portuguese residence permit must not be in the Schengen or Portuguese information systems as undesirable persons. To obtain a residence permit in Portugal, you must be in the country, have a valid national visa, proof of financial security and housing (own or rented), as well as have no criminal record and do not pose a threat to public safety.

The process of applying for permanent residence in Portugal

1. Visa issuance.
   To obtain a visa to Portugal you need to apply to the consulate or embassy of the country, fill out an application and provide a package of documents confirming the existence of grounds for issuing a visa. In most cases, foreign citizens apply for a residence visa, the main purpose of which is the further granting of residence permit. The application processing time is 40-60 days.
2. Obtaining NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) and NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social).
   You must go to the Department of Financial Social Security to provide personal data, after which you will receive a tax identification number (NIF) and a social security number (NISS). The tax number is required for any contracts, including renting a home, opening bank accounts, doing business and employment. The social number gives you access to receive support and subsidies.
3. Obtaining a residence permit.
   Once you arrive in Portugal, you should make an appointment to visit the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) Immigration Office and apply for a residence permit. You need to bring your passport, proof of financial independence and availability of housing in Portugal, health insurance policy, certificate of no criminal record and photos. In addition, it is necessary to submit a set of documents confirming the presence of grounds for long-term stay in the country. The period of consideration of the application takes 30-60 days.
4. Residence in Portugal with a residence permit.
   To retain the right to stay and be able to obtain a permanent residence permit in the future, you need to stay in the country for at least 183 days a year for 5 years. Given that a temporary residence permit is issued for 1-2 years, it will have to be renewed several times.
5. Applying for a permanent residence.
   You should prepare a personal dossier, as well as take the time to integrate into society and learn Portuguese. It takes up to 6 months for the Immigration Service to process your application for a permanent residence permit.
6. Obtaining residency status.
   The permanent residence status in Portugal has no expiration date, but the card itself, which is also a foreigner’s identity card, requires replacement every 5 years or more often in case of changes in your personal data.

Requirements to the applicant

Applicants for a permanent residence in Portugal must meet such legal requirements:

• residence in the country with a residence permit for 5 years continuously (allowed to leave for 6 months a year, the total period of absence for the entire time should not exceed 10 months);
• having a rented or own home and a stable income to live in Portugal and provide for the family (if applicable);
• having a health insurance policy;
• no criminal record;
• A2 level of Portuguese;
• do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Required documents

At the time of applying for a permanent residence, the following are required:

• passport;
• 2 photos of the applicant in passport format;
• valid residence permit card with proof of residence for at least 5 years;
• proof of financial solvency;
• proof of housing in Portugal (certificate of ownership or lease agreement);
• certificate of absence of outstanding tax and social obligations;
• CIPLE certificate of Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level;
• criminal record certificate;
• a receipt for the payment of an administrative fee.

In addition, it is necessary to document good reasons for long-term residence in Portugal, such as proof of family ties or a contract with an employer. All foreign documents must be translated into Portuguese and legalized.

Costs of Portuguese documents and relocation

When planning to move to another country, it is important to calculate the budget required for documentation, initial settlement and living expenses. Costs for immigrants to apply for a permanent residence card:

Life in Portugal

Life in Portugal offers European-level comfort, security, mild climate and all the advantages of an EU country (freedom of movement, access to medicine, education and a stable economy). It attracts a large number of immigrants every year with the affordable cost of food and housing. The population highly values family traditions and its usual unhurried way of life.

Food and housing prices

The average amount of expenses of one person for a month, not taking into account rent, is a little more than 680 EUR. The cost of renting a one-room apartment ranges from 744-938 EUR per month, while the utility bill for an 85 m2 apartment is 114 EUR. Food prices are generally at the level of average European prices. The food basket of essential goods for January 1, 2025 has slightly increased in price compared to the same period of 2024 and will now cost 235.66 EUR for one person.

Work

Foreigners can find employment in Portugal with a work permit. Highly paid jobs are available only if you speak Portuguese. The average salary in the country is almost 1 067 EUR. At the moment, the Portuguese labor market is experiencing a shortage of personnel in the field of health care and technology, companies are increasingly attracting foreign specialists with high qualifications. The government policy in 2025 is aimed at promoting professional requalification and attracting talent from abroad.

Business

The country has a migration program to attract specialists in the field of innovation and modern technologies – “Startup Visa” for entrepreneurs and company founders, as well as employees of firms. In 2025, the government supports the sector with tax incentives and investments in innovation and green energy.

Study

Education and higher education in Portugal is provided on paid and free of charge basis, the minimum cost of a year of study for a bachelor’s degree is about 700 EUR. The country has a program of scholarships and grants for students with special achievements in the fields of science and technology, social and humanitarian spheres. Students also have access to the European Union mobility programs.

Medicine

The health care system in Portugal is provided by the National Service and covers all residents regardless of their labor, social economic or legal status. The service is financed by general taxation, and all charges to the population for primary care and related services were completely abolished in 2022. Only ancillary services, such as emergency care that does not require hospitalization, need to be paid for.

Best cities to move to

Choosing the best city to immigrate to in Portugal largely depends on your preferences and goals for relocation. If you plan to find a job or start a business, the best cities to move to are large cities with well-developed infrastructure, such as Porto or Lisbon. Freelancers and financially independent immigrants are better suited Albufeira, Cascais and Estoril with a relatively mild climate, beautiful nature and a wide variety of entertainment. Those who prefer old colorful cities with rich architecture, it is better to move to Coimbra or Braga.

Feedback from immigrants who have moved to Portugal for permanent residence

Reviews of immigrants who moved to Portugal for permanent residence are mostly positive, as the country is characterized by a high standard of living, and the local population is hospitable and treats foreigners well. Among the problems and difficulties are the language barrier, the sale of medicines strictly on prescription and bureaucracy in the processing of any documents. Some immigrants also note Portugal as a country of distances: despite its small size, the distance between cities and towns is quite long (can reach 200-300 km).

Living in Portugal after some time becomes quite comfortable, foreigners who have moved for permanent residence often mention the high quality of food and affordable prices for them. Buy real estate for living or commercial purposes can be on favorable mortgage terms, which attracts many investors. Also, an advantage is the ability to retain the passport of the country of origin when obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

The best way to immigrate to Portugal

Immigration to Portugal on general grounds is a rather complicated and lengthy process, during which a lot of time is spent on collecting and preparing documents, waiting for decisions and regular renewal of residence permits. An alternative to moving to the country to obtain a residence permit is repatriation, i.e., obtaining citizenship of one of the European Union states by territorial or ethnic affiliation.

Become a repatriate and obtain an EU passport can be up to 14 months, which will allow you to go to live in Portugal without the need to apply for residence permit and permanent residence permit. With the support of Relocation Compass lawyers, you can immigrate to the territory of the European Union without much effort and high costs. Experienced specialists will provide all the necessary assistance and will accompany the process of acquiring EU citizenship up to the moment of obtaining a passport.