Speaker 1: 0:00

OK, let's dive in. So many people dream about living in Portugal. Right, you know, wandering through Lisbon, hitting the Algarve beaches, just soaking up the whole vibe, it sounds amazing.

Speaker 2: 0:12

It really does. It's got huge appeal.

Speaker 1: 0:15

But if you're not from the EU, say you're coming from the US, how do you actually do it legally? I mean, what's the real process?

Speaker 2: 0:21

I mean what's the real process? Yeah, that is the big question, and while it's definitely not just a single step, it's kind of complex actually, and the rules they've changed a bit recently too.

Speaker 1: 0:31

Exactly, which is why we're doing this deep dive. We've got this stack of sources, articles, notes, all sorts of research, and we're going to try, and you know, cut through the noise.

Speaker 2: 0:40

Make sense of it all.

Speaker 1: 0:41

Right. Our goal is to pull out the really cute info, show you the steps, the options, especially for US folks, based on this material, give you a clear picture of what's involved, maybe some potential roadblocks and what might fit your situation.

Speaker 2: 0:54

It's really about understanding the roadmap these sources are laying out for us.

Speaker 1: 0:58

OK, let's unpack this then.

Speaker 2: 1:01

So the core thing to grasp if you're not EU and want to stay over 90 days is it's fundamentally a two-step process. You can't just land there and sort it out.

Speaker 1: 1:10

Right, not just one application form and you're golden. Two separate stages, different places.

Speaker 2: 1:14

Exactly Step one happens before you go, way before you have to apply for and get a national visa, specifically a type D visa.

Speaker 1: 1:20

OK.

Speaker 2: 1:25

And you do this while you're still in your home country, so in the US. For our listeners, this D visa, think of it like pre-approval to enter Portugal for a specific long-term reason, maybe retirement, remote work, investing, something like that.

Speaker 1: 1:36

And who actually handles that application back in the US? Is it the embassy?

Speaker 2: 1:40

It's the Portuguese consulate or embassy that covers your state. But the sources mentioned VFS Global a lot here, like an official partner contracted by the Portuguese consulate or embassy that covers your state. But the sources mentioned VFS Global a lot here. They're like an official partner contracted by the Portuguese government.

Speaker 1: 1:49

Okay, vfs Global, so they're the ones you actually deal with first.

Speaker 2: 1:52

Usually, yes, they're the front end, the administrative side. They handle scheduling appointments, taking your application forms, all the documents, your fingerprints photo, collecting the fees.

Speaker 1: 2:01

The logistics basically.

Speaker 2: 2:02

They manage all that admin. But and this is really important, the sources stress this VFS doesn't make the decision. They can't approve or deny your visa.

Speaker 1: 2:12

Ah, okay.

Speaker 2: 2:13

That power stays entirely with the Portuguese consulate or embassy. Vfs just passes everything along after checking it's complete.

Speaker 1: 2:20

Got it. Vfs facilitates, consulate decides. And this first visa, the type D. How long is it usually good for?

Speaker 2: 2:26

Typically it's valid for four months and it usually allows for two entries into Portugal within that time. It's basically your window to get over there and start step two.

Speaker 1: 2:35

And you need to be careful not to mix this up with like a tourist visa.

Speaker 2: 2:38

Absolutely. This is completely different from a Schengen visa which is type C. Is completely different from a Schengen visa which is type C. Schengen visas are just for short stays, tourism, brief business trips. Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You absolutely cannot use a Schengen visa if your plan is to move to Portugal long term.

Speaker 1: 2:55

Okay, clear distinction. And these national visas. The sources mentioned two main types E visas and D visas.

Speaker 2: 3:00

That's right. There are temporary stay visas, the E visas. These are for stays over 90 days but generally capped at about a year. They're for specific, usually temporary purposes and the key thing the sources point out is that these E visas typically don't lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Later on, the digital nomad visa actually has a temporary version like this Interesting.

Speaker 2: 3:22

Then you have the residence visas, the D visas. These are for stays longer than a year and these are the ones that put you on the path towards permanent residency and eventually, citizenship, if you want it. So, for this deep dive, we're really focusing on the D visas because that's the route for relocation.

Speaker 1: 3:37

Makes sense. So the D visa gets you permission to enter for the right long-term reason. Any idea how long it takes to get that initial visa approved. Just step one.

Speaker 2: 3:46

Well, the sources suggest an estimate of around 60 days for the consulate to process a residence visa application. But and this is a really big but that 60 days is only for step one getting the visa sticker in your passport.

Speaker 1: 3:58

Which brings us neatly to step two. So you've landed in Portugal, you have your D visa. What absolutely has to happen next?

Speaker 2: 4:06

Right away. You must apply for your residence permit. In Portuguese it's the Autorização de Residência. This is the official card, the document issued in Portugal that actually makes your long term stay legal.

Speaker 1: 4:18

And who do you apply to for that inside Portugal?

Speaker 2: 4:20

You apply to AEMA. That stands for Agência para a Int. Integración, Migración y Asilo. It's the government agency that handles immigration and integration. Now they took over from the previous agency, SEF, back in late 2023.

Speaker 1: 4:35

AEMA. Okay, so they're the ones you deal with once you're actually there and this permit this is the really important one for staying long-term.

Speaker 2: 4:42

Oh, absolutely. This is the really important one for staying long term. Oh, absolutely. This is the crucial document. It proves you're a legal resident. It gives you access to things like the public health care system, education, getting a Social Security number all that, and, critically, it's this permit and its renewals that starts the clock ticking towards permanent residency or citizenship.

Speaker 1: 4:57

How long is that initial permit usually valid for?

Speaker 2: 5:00

Typically, the first one is valid for one or two years, depending on the specific visa type, and then you have to renew it.

Speaker 1: 5:05

And you mentioned the pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. How long does that take?

Speaker 2: 5:11

You need five years of continuous legal residence in Portugal holding those valid permits. After five years, you become eligible.

Speaker 1: 5:18

Okay, Now you highlighted the split step one with the consulate and VFS back home, Step two with EMA in Portugal. The sources seem to flag this as a potential bottleneck right?

Speaker 2: 5:29

Yes, definitely. This is where, according to the sources, a lot of the frustration and significant delays can happen. While getting the initial visa might take around 60 days, actually getting the required appointment with EMA in Portugal, well, that's another story. You need an appointment to give biometrics again, finalize the permit application and then wait for the actual card. And these AMA appointments and the processing after they can take a really long time. We're talking many months, sometimes even over a year, added to the total timeline EMA inherited huge backlogs from SEF.

Speaker 1: 6:01

Wow, okay, so that's a major heads up. The 60-day visa estimate is just the start. The real wait can be much longer once you're in Portugal trying to get that residence card.

Speaker 2: 6:16

Exactly. You got to factor that in. Patience is key. The total time from applying for the visa in the US to having your residence card in hand in Portugal is often significantly longer than people initially expect.

Speaker 1: 6:23

Okay, that's a really crucial point for managing expectations. So we get the two-step structure. Let's dive into the specific visas. The sources cover, especially the ones relevant for US citizens.

Speaker 2: 6:34

All right, let's get into the specifics. The first big one the sources detail is the D7 passive income visa. You often hear it called the retirement visa.

Speaker 1: 6:42

Okay, d7. Who's it really for? Just retirees?

Speaker 2: 6:45

Well, it's very popular with retirees, but technically, no, it's not just for them. It's designed for anyone who has a stable, regular income that is passive and comes from outside Portugal.

Speaker 1: 6:56

Passive income from outside Portugal Got it. What are the main requirements, then, based on the sources?

Speaker 2: 7:01

Okay, first up, clean criminal record. For US citizens that usually means getting an FBI background check, the identity history summary.

Speaker 1: 7:08

Right.

Speaker 2: 7:15

Then proof of accommodation in Portugal for at least a year.

Speaker 2: 7:16

So a 12 month rental contract or maybe a property deed, if you've bought a place, makes sense. And then the big one, the income you need sufficient passive income from foreign sources. The sources list things like pensions, rent from properties you own outside Portugal, dividends from investments where you're not actively running the company, mind you, interest from savings, royalties, maybe transferable equity. The absolute key is it must be passive. You can't be actively working in Portugal for this income and it's generally looked at gross before tax.

Speaker 1: 7:43

And there are specific minimum income amounts tied to Portugal's minimum wage.

Speaker 2: 7:47

Yes, exactly. The sources use the 2025 figures, based on the minimum wage of 870 euros a month. So for one person applying, you need that 870 euros per month, which works out to 10,440 per year. For a couple, you need that amount plus 50% more for the second adult, and then for each dependent child, you need to add another 30% of the minimum wage.

Speaker 1: 8:18

And these figures can change each year with the minimum wage, so you need to check the current numbers when applying.

Speaker 2: 8:24

Absolutely Always verify the official current rate. These are just the 2025 examples from the sources.

Speaker 1: 8:29

Besides the monthly income, do you also need to show you have savings?

Speaker 2: 8:32

Yes, the sources say you do. You need to show you have funds readily available in a Portuguese bank account. The amount should be at least equivalent to 12 months of that required minimum income for your family size. So for a single applicant, using the 2025 figures, that's around 10,440 Euro in savings.

Speaker 1: 8:49

Which means getting a Portuguese tax number, the NIF, and opening a Portuguese bank account are things you have to do pretty early on.

Speaker 2: 8:55

Oh, completely essential, based on the sources. You need the NIF for almost everything, including opening that bank account, and you need the bank account to show the savings Plus. You also need proof of health insurance coverage for Portugal.

Speaker 1: 9:06

Okay, the paperwork for the D7 sounds like it needs to be spot on especially proving the income is's passive and comes from outside Portugal.

Speaker 2: 9:37

That passive definition can be tricky sometimes, so documentation is key.

Speaker 1: 9:41

Right. And when someone gets the D7, arrives, gets the residence permit, what do they need to do to keep it? Any residency requirements?

Speaker 2: 9:49

Yes, to maintain the D7 permit and stay on the path to permanent residency or citizenship, the standard rule is you need to be physically present in Portugal for at least six consecutive months each year, or eight non-consecutive months per year. Keep that up for five years, maintain your legal status and then you're eligible to apply for the permanent options.

Speaker 1: 10:06

Okay, that gives a good overview of the D7. What's the next big visa category the sources talk about?

Speaker 2: 10:11

That would be the D8 digital nomad visa, this one's newer, specifically aimed at remote workers.

Speaker 1: 10:19

Right people working online, but for companies or clients located outside Portugal.

Speaker 2: 10:24

Exactly. It covers both traditional employees working remotely for a foreign company and also freelancers or self-employed people whose clients are mainly outside Portugal.

Speaker 1: 10:33

And the sources say there are actually two different versions of this D8 visa.

Speaker 2: 10:37

You do, yeah, first there's a temporary stay D8. This one lets you stay for up to a year. It allows multiple entries, but and this is key it generally doesn't lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Also, family reunification usually isn't possible with this temporary version. You typically need accommodation proof for that whole year.

Speaker 1: 10:55

Okay, so a temporary option. What's the other one?

Speaker 2: 10:57

The other is the residency D-8 visa. This one follows that standard two-step process we talked about Apply for the initial four-month D-8 visa while you're still in the US. Then, once you arrive in Portugal, you apply for the residence permit from AIMA. Ah, so this one is for long-term settlement. Yes, the first residence permit is usually for two years. Then you can renew it for another three, and this residency D8 does give you that clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after the five years Plus. Family members can join you with this one and, like the D7 residency path, you'll need proof of accommodation for at least 12 months when you apply.

Speaker 1: 11:34

So if someone's goal is to really move long term, maybe become a citizen eventually, and they work remotely, the residency D8 is the one they should be looking at.

Speaker 2: 11:43

According to the sources, yes, that's the route.

Speaker 1: 11:45

What are the main eligibility points for that residency D8?

Speaker 2: 11:48

main eligibility points for that residency D8. Okay, again a clean criminal record then, crucially, proof you're actually working remotely for entities outside Portugal. So for employees, that means an employment contract that clearly states your remote role and names your foreign employer. For freelancers, it's things like service contracts or agreements primarily with foreign clients. Maybe proof of your business registration too.

Speaker 1: 12:12

And the requirement is different from the D7's passive income rule.

Speaker 2: 12:16

Totally different. For the D8 residency visa, you need to show proof of average monthly income from your remote work that equals at least four times the Portuguese national minimum wage.

Speaker 1: 12:26

Four times Okay, and the sources mentioned some slight confusion or variation on the exact number there.

Speaker 2: 12:31

Yeah, they cited a few figures like 3,040, 3,280 euro or 3,480 euros per month. It seems the most current interpretation, based on the 2025 minimum wage of 870 euro, points to 3,480 per month 870 by four. But again, like the D7, it's super important to verify the official requirement at the time you apply and, just like the D7, this income must originate from foreign sources. Your remote work pay needs to come from outside Portugal.

Speaker 1: 12:59

Savings needed for the D8 as well.

Speaker 2: 13:01

Yes, Sources say you need proof of funds again, preferably in a Portuguese bank account equal to at least 12 times the current minimum wage, so somewhere around $10,440 based on 2025 figures possibly a bit less depending on the exact minimum wage used. And that amount goes up if you're bringing family, Plus the usual 12-month accommodation, proof for the residency version, health insurance and getting your NIF.

Speaker 1: 13:22

Documentation sounds critical again, especially proving the remote and foreign source parts.

Speaker 2: 13:28

Absolutely vital. They'll want to see those contracts clearly showing it's remote work for foreign entities. Bank statements are key, showing that income consistently flowing in from abroad over the last few months. Maybe tax returns too. Proving both the remote nature and the foreign origin of the income is really the heart of the D8 application For freelancers. The sources mention primarily foreign clients, which suggests it might not always be 100% foreign, but you'd need strong documentation to make that case.

Speaker 1: 13:58

Okay, that paints a clear picture of the D-7 for passive income and the D-8 for remote workers. What's the third main option? The sources highlight, particularly for investors.

Speaker 2: 14:08

That's the Golden Visa. Its official name is ARI Autorización de Residencia por. This one's always been a bit different, because it was really designed for investors who maybe didn't plan to live in Portugal full time, at least not initially.

Speaker 1: 14:22

Right. It's known for having very low physical presence requirements.

Speaker 2: 14:26

Exactly. The sources confirm that you only need to spend an average of about seven days per year in Portugal to keep the Golden Visa permit valid, much less than the D7 or D8.

Speaker 1: 14:36

But this program, the Golden Visa. It went through some massive changes recently, didn't it Late 2023.

Speaker 2: 14:41

Huge changes. Yes, ... no more housing law really shook things up for the Golden Visa the biggest impact for new applicants they completely got rid of the options involving real estate.

Speaker 1: 14:53

Wow, completely gone.

Speaker 2: 14:54

Yep no more direct property purchases qualifying and, crucially, no more investing in funds that have any direct or indirect connection to real estate. That route is closed for new applications. The old $1.5 million capital transfer option was also eliminated.

Speaker 1: 15:11

So if someone already has a golden visa based on real estate, they can keep it.

Speaker 2: 15:14

Yes, the sources say existing golden visas obtained under the old rules, including real estate, can still be renewed, but new applicants cannot use those paths anymore.

Speaker 1: 15:23

Okay. So, with real estate off the table for new investors, what are the main qualifying investment options now for 2025,?

Speaker 2: 15:30

according to these sources, Well, a major one now highlighted in the sources is investing in funds. Specifically, you need to put a minimum of 500,000 or hot a euro into qualifying Portuguese investment funds or venture capital funds.

Speaker 1: 15:43

But there are strict rules about these funds.

Speaker 2: 15:45

Very strict. The fund has to be regulated by the CMVM, that's Portugal's main securities regulator, kind of like the SEC in the US. And, critically, the fund cannot have any link, direct or indirect, to real estate. That's a huge point now. Also, at least 60% of the fund's investments must be in companies headquartered in Portugal and the fund needs a minimum maturity of five years.

Speaker 1: 16:07

So that fund route sounds like the main alternative. Now that real estate is out, what else qualifies?

Speaker 2: 16:12

The sources also list creating jobs, specifically creating and maintaining at least 10 full-time jobs, or it's eight jobs if it's in a designated low-density area of Portugal. Another option is investing $500,000 or more in a new or existing Portuguese company, plus creating or maintaining at least five permanent jobs for three years or more. There's also a route for scientific research investing $500,000 or more in qualified research institutions. And finally, supporting arts or cultural heritage putting 250,000 or more into artistic production or the restoration of national cultural heritage.

Speaker 1: 16:49

And the standard stuff applies too Clean record, nef bank account, health insurance.

Speaker 2: 16:54

Yes, all that's required. Plus, you have to keep the investment itself going for at least five years and, like the other visas, the investment money has to come from outside Portugal.

Speaker 1: 17:05

Applying for the Golden Visa sounds like it could be pretty complicated. Do people usually get lawyers?

Speaker 2: 17:09

It seems highly recommended. Yes, the sources indicate it's a complex process. You actually have to make the full investment before you even submit the application online through AIMA's dedicated ARI portal. Then there's a mandatory trip to Portugal for a biometrics appointment.

Speaker 1: 17:22

And what about processing times for the Golden Visa? Are they also slow?

Speaker 2: 17:26

Very slow. According to the sources they mention, processing times from submitting the application to actually getting the residence card can be anywhere from 12 to 24 months, possibly even longer. Really lengthy.

Speaker 1: 17:38

But didn't the sources mention a positive update about the citizenship clock for Golden Visa applicants, kind of compensating for those delays?

Speaker 2: 17:45

Yes, that was a really significant development the five-year countdown clock for becoming eligible for Portuguese citizenship. It now starts from the date you first submit your Golden Visa application online.

Speaker 1: 17:57

Oh, not when you finally get the card, months or years later.

Speaker 2: 18:00

Exactly, it starts from submission day. This is a huge deal because it means those long processing delays by AIMA. Don't penalize you by delaying your eligibility for citizenship. Your five years start ticking much earlier.

Speaker 1: 18:13

That's a massive benefit, especially with those wait times. Given the complexity now, particularly with the fund investments replacing real estate, doing your homework sounds absolutely critical.

Speaker 2: 18:23

Utterly critical. The sources really emphasize due diligence, especially on the funds. You have to be absolutely sure the fund meets every single strict rule CMVM, regulated, zero real estate links, the 60% investment in Portugal rule, the five-year maturity Plus. You really need to understand the fund's strategy, the risks involved, the manager's track record. Getting specialized legal and financial advice from people who really know the Golden Visa and Portuguese funds seems almost essential.

Speaker 1: 18:49

Okay, so the big three detailed in the sources for long-term stays from the US seem to be D7, passive income, D8, remote work, digital nomad and the Golden Visa investment now without real estate. But you mentioned briefly there are other types too.

Speaker 2: 19:01

Yeah, just so people know these aren't the only options. The sources briefly touch on others, depending on your situation, like the D2 visa. That's more for entrepreneurs or independent professionals wanting to start a business in Portugal. There's the D6 for family reunification if you have eligible family already legally living there. The D3 is for highly qualified workers who have a job offer from a Portuguese company, and the D4 covers students, researchers, interns, volunteers. So yeah, other paths exist beyond just income or investment.

Speaker 1: 19:33

It really depends on your specific reason for wanting to move.

Speaker 2: 19:36

Exactly.

Speaker 1: 19:37

Okay, let's maybe zoom back out a bit, thinking about the general application process across these visas. We talked about VFS Global being that first point of contact back in the US for submitting the application.

Speaker 2: 19:48

That's right For step one getting the visa. Vfs is typically who you'll deal with for the admin booking, submitting paying biometrics, but always remember the consulate makes the call.

Speaker 1: 19:59

And getting all your documents right. That seems like a constant theme Accurate, complete, maybe translated, legalized.

Speaker 2: 20:04

Absolutely. It's crucial for avoiding delays or even rejection. Things like birth certificates, marriage certificates, the FBI check. They usually need official Portuguese translations and often an apostille stamp for US documents to legalize them. It takes time to gather all that.

Speaker 1: 20:21

And you have to apply to the right office, right the consulate or VFS center that serves your specific US state.

Speaker 2: 20:27

Yes, consular jurisdiction is strict. You need to check which one covers your residence before you start anything. Fees involved, too obviously non-refundable ones for the visa and for VFS Yep the source has mentioned around mentioned around 90 year for the visa and about $40 for the VFS service fee in the US. Give or take, paid upfront and you don't get it back if you're denied or change your mind.

Speaker 1: 20:47

So let's just reiterate that timeline expectation one last time, that 60-day estimate for the initial visa. That's just step one Getting the actual residence card in Portugal from AIMA. Step two that can add a lot more time.

Speaker 2: 20:58

A whole lot more potentially. Patience is really required. Knowing that AIMA processing adds significant time, often many months is just vital for planning realistically.

Speaker 1: 21:09

Okay, so let's try and pull this all together. Portugal has these clear but distinct pathways for long-term stays. It's that two-step dance Visa first abroad, then the residence permit in Portugal. Right, you need to pick the right visa for you D7 if you have stable, passive foreign income. D8 if you're a digital nomad working remotely for foreign entities. The golden visa if you're making a qualifying investment and remembering real estate is out for new applicants. Or maybe one of the other specific types like D2 or D3.

Speaker 2: 21:40

And be ready for some serious documentation requirements.

Speaker 1: 21:43

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 21:43

Proving the source and type of income for D7 and D8 or the specifics of your investment for the golden visa. That requires meticulous preparation.

Speaker 1: 21:51

And you absolutely have to factor in those potential long delays with AIMA once you get to Portugal. That 60-day visa thing is just the very beginning. Exactly Manage your expectations on the overall timeline and 60-day visa thing is just the very beginning Exactly Manage your expectations on the overall timeline.

Speaker 1: 22:02

And those big golden visa changes kicking out real estate really push investors towards funds or direct business creation. Now, understanding all these steps, the specific hoops you need to jump through for each visa and the potential timelines, it's just crucial if you want to plan effectively and have a realistic shot at making that Portugal dream happen.

Speaker 2: 22:23

Yeah, it's a process that definitely rewards being prepared, paying attention to detail and, you know, probably getting some good professional advice tailored to your own situation and the visa you're aiming for.

Speaker 1: 22:34

You know, thinking about these shifts, especially taking real estate out of the Golden Visa and how specific the D7 and D8 are about passive foreign income or remote foreign work, it kind of makes you wonder yeah, it feels like more than just proving you have money, specific kind of economic contribution through certain types of funds, job creation or active remote work tied to the global economy, rather than just residency based on, say, owning a vacation home.

Speaker 2: 23:07

It certainly seems less about passive property ownership now and more about other forms of engagement or investment in the country's broader economic or maybe even cultural landscape. Definitely something to think about as you explore which path might be right for you.