Residency in Portugalthe D8 visa

The estada temporária is designed for a stay of up to a year and gives no residence card. The visto de residência is an entry visa on which a residence permit is arranged at AIMA: a card for two years, an extension of three and a qualifying period towards a further status.

An employer or clients located outside Portugal. The form of employment makes no difference: an employment contract and independent activity under services contracts both qualify.

For employment, an employment contract or the employer’s declaration. For independent activity, the company’s founding document, a services contract or proof of services provided. A document on tax residency is also required.

Yes. A spouse, minor children and dependent adult children come into the application. Each raises the income requirement: €460 a month for an adult and €276 for a child.

In our practice, four to six months: preparing the documents, consideration at the consulate, the entry and receiving the card at AIMA. Most of the time goes on the appointment and the biometrics.

Yes, the status is designed for real residence. A long absence is a ground for refusing renewal, so the D8 does not suit as a fallback document.

Yes. The years on this status count towards the qualifying period of lawful residence: after five years permanent residency opens up and, where the conditions are met, the right to apply for citizenship.

On moving the centre of your vital interests you become a Portuguese tax resident. The final burden depends on the structure of your income and is worked out before the move, not after the first return.

There are no restrictions on citizenship. The practical difficulty is evidencing the receipts and translating documents from a foreign employer; we go through that part before filing.