Portugal is one of the most famous countries in Western Europe. It provides a wonderful quality of life which has made 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. There are many visa opportunities that you can avail of, 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 favorable and therefore, easy to adjust to. 

  1. Safety levels 

Portugal, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index, 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. 

  1. 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 in getting by, buying groceries, or finding directions, the people will always be there to help. 

  1. 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 also provides a lot of 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. 

  1. 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 for many people to 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 be different. 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 

 

Visa Name

Fee

Processing time

Portugal Job Seeker Visa

75 to 90 euros

2 months minimum

Portugal Family Visa

85 euros

2 months minimum

Portugal Golden Visa 

533 euros

8 to 10 months minimum

Portugal Passive Income Visa 

100 euros

2 months minimum

Portugal Entrepreneur Visa

50.63 to 158.15 euros

2 months minimum

Portugal Student Visa 

75 to 90 euros

3 months minimum

 

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 be able 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 airplane and residence reservations beforehand. 

  • The applicant must have health insurance covering their medical expenses while they are 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 as well. Family members of residents and citizens of Portugal can make use of the Portugal family visa and avail of Portugal immigration. 

You can issue the Portugal family visa via the Immigration and Borders Service as long as 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. In general, this visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for three years at a time 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 traveling 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 

  • A qualifying investment must be made by the applicant 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 from Portugal, thereby boosting the Portuguese economy. 

With this visa, you can live in Portugal as long as 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 first before applying for this visa. 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 percent 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 percent per child (if any). 

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

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 fulfill. However, you must prove that you have the necessary funding to start and run a business successfully 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, which is 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 to be eligible 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. 

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

  • Type D Visa: This visa is availed for longer periods of study, 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 show proof of having enough financial resources to support your stay in Portugal, and also 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 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get PR in Portugal for Indians?

You must apply for a residence permit through the Portuguese embassy via one of the listed visas.

Is Portugal visa easy for Indians?

Yes, availing a visa for Portugal is easy for Indians, many Indians move to Portugal annually.

How to get a job in Portugal from India?

You must apply for a Job Seeker visa and move to Portugal to find a job there. You can stay up to 4 months in total and find a job.

Which job is in demand in Portugal?

Healthcare, information technology, pharmaceutical industry and transportation are most in demand in Portugal.

How is life in Portugal for Indians?

Portugal is easy to adjust to. It offers a superior quality of life, great climate and affordable lifestyle along with a world-class public infrastructure.