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Chapter 1 of 21

Residence Permit & Visa

D7, D8, Gold Visa & EU registration

Residence & Registration

EU Registration, Non-EU Visas & Citizenship

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: aima.gov.pt | gov.pt | consulate The Hague

EU Citizens: Free Movement

As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Portugal without a visa. After arrival, you must register within 90 days at the Câmara Municipal for a Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da UE. This costs approximately €15.

Required documents: valid passport or ID card, proof of income or employment, proof of housing, health insurance or S1 form, passport photos.

AIMA replaces SEF

SEF was replaced in 2023 by AIMA (Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo). All immigration matters now go through AIMA. The transition has caused long waiting times.

Non-EU: Visa Options

The visa options below are only relevant for non-EU citizens, for example a non-EU partner or family member. As a Dutch citizen (EU citizen), you do NOT need a visa.

VisaFor WhomRequirements
D7 (PassiveRetirees, investorsPassive income ≥ min. wage/month

income)

D8 (Digital Nomad)Remote workersIncome ≥ 4× min. wage/month
D2 (Entrepreneur)Business ownersBusiness plan + investment
Gold VisaInvestorsInvestment ≥€250k–€500k
D1 (Work Visa)EmployeesEmployment contract in Portugal

D7 Visa — For Non-EU Partners & Family

The D7 visa is the most popular visa for non-EU citizens who want to emigrate to Portugal. Relevant if you have a non-EU partner. Intended for people with passive income: pension, rental income, dividends, savings.

  • Proof of regular passive income (minimum Portuguese minimum wage/month, €920 in
  • Proof of housing in Portugal
  • Health insurance
  • Clean criminal record (VOG)
  • NIF (Portuguese tax number)
  • Application at Portuguese consulate in The Hague

Non-EU: Start Early

The D7 application process takes 3-6 months. Start at least 6 months before the moving date. Apostilles and translations take time. The consulate in The Hague has limited appointment availability.

D8 — Digital Nomad Visa (Non-EU)

For non-EU remote workers. Requirements: proof of remote work, income ≥4× minimum wage (~€3,680/month), health insurance, clean criminal record. Valid 1 year, renewable. EU citizens do not need to apply for this visa — you may work freely in Portugal.

Residence & Citizenship

EU citizens: Your Certificado de Registo is permanently valid. After 5 years: apply for permanent residence. After 5 years: Portuguese citizenship possible (with A2 Portuguese).

Non-EU: First residence permit: valid for 2 years. Extension: 3 years. After 5 years: permanent residence. After 5 years: Portuguese citizenship possible (with A2 Portuguese).

Note: in 2025 legislation was passed that may extend the period for citizenship to 7 years (EU citizens) or 10 years (others). However, the law has been partially declared unconstitutional and is under revision.

Timeline: From Planning to Departure

PeriodAction
18 months before departureResearch: visit region, get tax advice
12 months before departureApply for NIF, collect apostilles, translate documents
9 months before departureStart visa application (non-EU) or plan EU registration
6 months before departureFind housing, open bank account
3 months before departureApply for S1 (CAK), inform SVB/pension funds
1 month before departurePlan utilities, insurance, moving
Upon arrivalRegister at AIMA, Centro de Saude, Financas portal

Common Mistakes

  • Starting too late — Start 6+ months before departure. Apostilles and translations take time.

  • Documents not apostilled — All Dutch documents must have an apostille.

  • Income not demonstrable — Bank statements 3-6 months. Pension statement in EN or PT.

  • Skipping EU registration — EU citizens must also register within 90 days.

  • Not scheduling AIMA appointment — Waiting times are long. Schedule early via the AIMA portal.

Glossary

TermMeaning
AIMAImmigration service (formerly SEF)
Certificado de RegistoEU residence certificate
D7 VisaPassive income visa
D8 VisaDigital Nomad Visa
Gold VisaResidence via investment
Autorização de ResidênciaResidence permit
Reagrupamento FamiliarFamily reunification
VOGCertificate of Good Conduct
ApostilleInternational document validation
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2. NIF & Tax Registration

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Glossary
  • NISS (Social Security Number)

    The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.

  • SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)

    The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.

  • IRS (Personal Income Tax)

    Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.

  • ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)

    Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.

  • CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)

    The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.

  • CertidĂŁo de Teor (Property Registry Extract)

    An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the ConservatĂłria. The CertidĂŁo de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.

  • Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)

    The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de ResidĂŞncia (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.

  • ConservatĂłria (Registry Office)

    The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the ConservatĂłria, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the ConservatĂłria do Registo Predial is mandatory.

  • TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia (Residence Permit)

    The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.

  • Multibanco

    The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.

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