Portugal Immigration From India Made Easy

Portugal is one of the most famous countries in Western Europe. It provides a wonderful quality of life, making it a very attractive location for many immigrants to settle their roots in. 

With exemplary weather, friendly people, beautiful natural landscapes, and an affordable cost of living, Portugal is a very lucrative country where most people want to live and work. Adjusting to Portugal immigration is also a simple process, as the Portuguese are friendly and easygoing people and the government provides a lot of support for immigrants. 

Portugal welcomes foreigners for work with open arms. You can avail of many visa opportunities, including the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, which allows you to find work in Portugal and eventually seek a work permit. 

Why should you move to Portugal?

Portugal offers a variety of benefits to its residents. The following reasons have made Portugal immigration one of the most sought-after processes in the world. 

1. Wonderful climate

Unlike most European countries, Portugal has a moderate climate. It has warm summers accompanied by temperate winters, and the country remains sunny for the most part. The climate is favourable and, therefore, easy to adjust to. 

2. Safety levels 

According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Portugal has ranked as the 7th safest country in the world. It is, therefore, one of the safest countries in the world and has strikingly low crime rates. This is a very important factor when choosing a country to live in. 

3. Friendliness of locals 

Portugal has also been ranked as the 7th most friendly country in Europe. Most Portuguese people also speak English. So if you need help getting by, buying groceries, or finding directions, the people will always help. 

Also Read: 9 Best Jobs to Settle Abroad from India in 2024: Check Out

4. The cost of living is affordable. 

The cost of living in Portugal is very affordable, especially for a country in the European Union. The cost of education and healthcare is also quite affordable in Portugal, and the government provides many support and benefits to its residents. If you eventually choose to avail Portuguese citizenship, your healthcare will then be covered under the National Health Service scheme offered in the country. However, healthcare is mostly free anyway, for most people. 

5. Historical significance 

Portugal has a long and ancient history, and its influences are very prominently visible even in present-day architecture. Celtic and Roman influences, along with Moorish designs, are the highlights of their rich heritage. Its cultural significance is another reason many people seek Portugal immigration from India. 

Types Of Visas Issued In Portugal 

Portugal offers many different visas that you can avail to move to Portugal. Depending on your needs or duration of stay, the visa you need for Portugal immigration will differ. The important visas that you need to know about are listed below. 

• Portugal Job Seeker Visa

• Portugal Family Visa

• Portugal D9 Golden Visa 

• Portugal D7 Retirement Visa

• Portugal D2 Visa

• Portugal Student Visa 

1. Portugal Job Seeker Visa 

The Job Seeker visa was introduced in Portugal in 2022. It is a very recent development, but is very beneficial and profitable to both- the country and the individuals seeking work in Portugal. It allows foreigners to enter Portugal and look for a job, making the process of Portugal immigration from India easier for anyone who wishes to live and work in Portugal. 

With this visa, you can live in Portugal for 3 months. You must find a job within these 3 months, after which you can apply for a residence permit, completing the process of Portugal immigration from India.  

This visa is valid for 120 days only. However, it can be extended for 60 days more upon renewal, but not more than that. You must also satisfy certain eligibility criteria to avail of this visa. 

The eligibility criteria for the Portugal job seeker visa are as follows. 

• The applicant must hold a higher education. 

• The applicant must be proficient in English- IELTS/TOEFL scores are not required.

• The applicant should have sufficient funds to support their stay in Portugal and have proof of the same.

• The applicant must share their aeroplane and residence reservations beforehand. 

• The applicant must have health insurance covering their medical expenses in Portugal. 

2. Portugal Family Visa

If you have a family member living in Portugal, you can apply for a Portugal family visa and move to Portugal. Family members of residents and citizens of Portugal can use the Portugal family visa and avail of Portugal immigration. 

You can issue the Portugal family visa via the Immigration and Borders Service if you satisfy the eligibility criteria. You can apply for this visa as long as you are related to a resident or citizen of Portugal through the following means:

• Partner through marriage

• Children who are minors(adopted children are also included)

• First degree relatives

• Siblings, who are minors and are under the legal custody of the resident 

• Adult children who are dependent on the resident 

The validity of the family visa depends on the validity of the resident’s visa. Generally, this visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for three years after the initial expiry. 

Individuals who live in Portugal with a family visa can also study and work in Portugal. However, if you do intend to take up work while you are living on a family visa, you must inform the Immigration and Borders Service promptly. 

3. Portugal Golden Visa 

Immigration to Portugal by investment is made possible by the Golden Visa program. It is one of the most popular golden visa programs around the world. With the golden visa, you can move to Portugal and live there as long as you invest in the country or the country’s companies and resources. 

You do not need to obtain a residence permit to live and work in Portugal if you get this visa. The golden visa in itself serves as a sort of residence permit. You also do not need to obtain any other visas while travelling in the Schengen region. You can freely travel to 191 countries without any visas. 

This visa also fastracks the process of obtaining citizenship in Portugal. You can obtain Portuguese citizenship in 5 years. This is one of the fastest methods to obtain citizenship in Europe. It also provides you access to free healthcare education and other public services as well. 

You need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria to avail of this visa for Portugal immigration. 

• Any individual with a non-EU/EEA nationality can apply for this visa 

• The applicant should be at least 18 years of age 

• The applicant should not have a criminal record in their home country or Portugal 

• The applicant must make a qualifying investment to receive this visa. You can invest in 4-5 different ways, but you must invest a minimum of €500,000 in whichever route you choose.

4. Portugal D7 Visa

This visa is also known as the Portugal Passive Income visa, more commonly known as the Retirement visa. This was introduced in order to attract foreign talent to live and work in Portugal, thereby boosting the Portuguese economy. 

With this visa, you can live in Portugal if you have a stable passive income supporting your financial needs. It targets potential investors, retirees, and entrepreneurs who wish to opt for long-term residency in Portugal. You can also bring your family with you under this visa application, which further bolsters Portugal immigration. 

For this visa, you are expected to spend at least 4 to 6 months in Portugal before applying. This visa, like other visas discussed in this page, allows you to obtain citizenship in just 5 years as well. 

The eligibility requirements for the D7 visa are listed below. 

• The applicant should be at least 18 years old

• The applicant should not have a criminal record 

• The applicant’s minimum passive income should be €8460 per annum 

• The applicant should make at least 50 per cent more to cover their spouse’s expenses if their spouse moves to Portugal with them too under this visa

• The applicant should also make at least 30 per cent per child (if any). 

This visa is valid for 2 years. After this, it can be renewed for 3 years. The applicant can apply for citizenship once the 5-year mark has passed. 

Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling Abroad in 2024

5. Portugal D2 Visa 

This visa is designed for entrepreneurs who wish to set up shop in Portugal. You can either start a business or buy a business in Portugal and then live and work from there through this visa.

This visa does not have a minimum investment amount that you must fulfil. However, you must prove you have the necessary funding to start and run a successful business in Portugal. You must also show proof of having enough personal funds to live in Portugal for at least a year. 

This visa is valid for 4 months. After this visa expires, you must apply for a residence permit valid for 2 years. After that, you can renew it for three years at a time. After the lapse of 5 years, you can simply apply for citizenship. 

The partner, children, and other family members of the entrepreneur can also apply for a residence permit under family reunification after proving that they depend on the D2 visa holder to get their visas or residency. 

The criteria for eligibility for this visa are as follows: 

• Applicant should be above 18 years of age 

• Applicant should have no criminal record

• Applicant should have enough funding to live in Portugal for a year

• Applicant should show proof of having a rented or owned house in Portugal 

• Applicants should submit a thorough business plan for the company they plan to start. 

6. Portugal Student Visa 

The student visa is mandatory for individuals who wish to study in Portugal. Depending on how long you wish to study in Portugal, there are two types of visas you can avail yourself of. 

• Type C (Schengen Visa): This visa is valid for 90 days and is available for short-term study in Portugal. 

• Type D Visa: This visa is available for longer study periods, such as undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs. 

You must be admitted into a Portuguese institution for your higher education and submit your letter of acceptance as proof of the same. You must also provide proof of having enough financial resources to support your stay in Portugal, and confirm the details of your accommodation. As always, having health insurance is also mandatory to complete any process of Portugal immigration. 

Discover All That Terratern Can Do for You

1. Clear and Honest Guidance and Consultation

2. Comprehensive Visa and Immigration Documentation Assistance

3. Tailored Checklists Aligned with Your Program Requirements

4. Job Search Assistance and Support

5. Preparation for Language Proficiency Tests such as IELTS, PTE, and more

6. Continued Support and Relocation Assistance After Arrival