Immigration, investment, real estate, business in Portugal
The most popular types of residence permits in Portugal:
Program Essence: This is an investment-based residency program designed for non-EU residents who make significant financial investments in the Portuguese economy. It is the fastest pathway to a Residence Permit with minimal physical presence requirements.
Key Advantages:
- Freedom of Movement: Residence permits for the entire family (spouse, children under 18, parents over 66) with the right to visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Minimal Stay Requirement: To maintain the status, you are required to spend an average of 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period in Portugal.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After 5 years of legal residence (including time under the Golden Visa), you can apply for Portuguese citizenship (subject to passing a basic Portuguese language exam).
- Favorable Tax Regime: Eligibility (subject to meeting conditions) for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status, which provides significant tax benefits for a period of up to 10 years.
Main Investment Options:
- Purchase real estate with a value of €500,000 or more (or €350,000 or more if the property is over 30 years old and located in an urban regeneration area).
- Capital transfer of €1,500,000 into a Portuguese bank account or investment of €500,000 in investment funds/shares of Portuguese companies.
- Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
- Contribution of €250,000 or more to the national cultural or scientific heritage.
We assist in selecting the most profitable and secure investment option, conduct legal Due Diligence on assets, provide full transaction support, and handle the entire preparation and submission of documents to the official authorities.
Program Essence: A special type of visa and residence permit for citizens of non-EU countries who work remotely for a foreign employer or client, or who have their own online business located outside of Portugal.
Key Advantages:
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Legal Status: The ability to reside legally in Portugal while working for a company from another country.
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Access to the EU: The right to travel within the Schengen Area countries.
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Attractive Standard of Living: High quality of life at prices that are affordable (compared to Western Europe).
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Tax Prospects: The possibility to utilize the NHR program to reduce the tax burden on income.
Main Requirements:
- Proof of Income: Stable monthly income (typically at least €3,280 — 4x the Portuguese minimum wage at the time of application).
- Employment Contract or Client Contracts: Documents confirming the remote nature of the work.
- Valid Health Insurance: Must have health insurance that is valid in Portugal.
We provide consultation on income requirements, assist in gathering and correctly preparing the document package to confirm remote employment, and support the entire process of obtaining the D8 visa and subsequent registration of the residence permit in Portugal.
Program Essence: This option is designed for foreigners who plan to relocate to Portugal to conduct entrepreneurial activity: starting a new business, opening a branch, or establishing a subsidiary company.
Key Advantages:
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Real Business: The opportunity to legally develop your business in the European Union.
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Residence Permit for the Whole Family: As with other programs, the residence permit extends to family members.
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Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: After 5 years of legal residence, you can obtain permanent residency (PR) or citizenship.
Main Requirements:
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Submission of a detailed business plan with economic justification, revenue forecasts, and plans for job creation for Portuguese/EU residents.
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Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and to implement the business project.
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Registration of a company in Portugal (e.g., Unipessoal Lda. — similar to an LLC) and compliance with all tax regulations.
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Job Creation. Although not always a formal mandatory requirement, plans to employ local residents significantly increase the chances of approval.
Our experts provide comprehensive support: from developing a convincing business plan and registering your company in Portugal to opening a corporate bank account and handling tax registration for the business. We ensure your project fully complies with the requirements of the immigration authorities.
Program Essence: The right to family reunification is granted to foreigners legally residing in Portugal with a residence permit (e.g., for work, study, or one of the programs mentioned above), allowing them to bring their close relatives to join them.
Who is eligible for reunification:
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Spouse or legally recognized civil partner.
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Minor children (including those of the spouse) who are dependents.
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Children over 18 years old, if they are incapacitated and are dependents.
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Parents and parents of the spouse, if they are dependents.
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Minor siblings, if they are under the guardianship of the residence permit holder.
Main Requirements:
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The main applicant must hold a valid residence permit in Portugal (usually for at least 1 year).
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Submission of all required documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.), legalized and translated.
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Proof of stable and regular income sufficient to support the family without recourse to state social assistance.
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Availability of rented or owned accommodation that meets the required size standards for all family members.
We assist our clients who have already obtained a residence permit by gathering the complete document package for family reunification, preparing the financial guarantees, and submitting the application correctly to avoid delays and refusal.
About Portugal
Portugia has long ceased to be just a tourist destination. Today, it is one of the world’s most attractive countries for living, doing business, and investing. It combines a rich historical heritage, incredible natural beauty, a high level of safety, and progressive legislation that is open to foreigners. The team at IST Hungary explains why choosing Portugal means choosing a high quality of life and a promising future.
Country Profile: A European Gem at the Edge of the Continent
- Geography and Climate:
Located in southwestern Europe, Portugal offers unique diversity: a long Atlantic coastline with golden beaches, the green vineyards of the Douro Valley, scenic mountain ranges, and the sunny plains of Alentejo. The mild Mediterranean climate, with more than 300 sunny days per year, allows for outdoor activities all year round. - Culture and Heritage:
This is a country with a rich history from the Age of Discoveries. Here, every city breathes history: from the narrow streets of Alfama in Lisbon and the wine cellars of Porto to the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra. The Portuguese are known for their genuine hospitality and their calm, friendly attitude toward foreigners. - Economy and EU Membership:
As a full member of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the Eurozone, Portugal offers its residents all the advantages of living in a unified European space, including freedom of movement, the ability to do business, and access to high-quality European healthcare and education.
Advantages and attractiveness of living in Portugal
Compared to other Western European countries, the cost of living in Portugal remains very competitive. Rent, food, services and leisure are often cheaper here, without compromising on quality. This allows you to enjoy comfort and a high standard of living without exorbitant costs.
Portugal consistently ranks among the top 5 safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Low crime rates, political stability and a relaxed pace of life make it an ideal place for families with children and those who value peace.
One of the key benefits for new residents is the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime. This program provides significant tax breaks for up to 10 years for certain categories of income (e.g. from abroad, high-tech professions, pensions). This makes Portugal a paradise for entrepreneurs, investors and retirees.
The country has a modern healthcare system, including both state and high-class private clinics. Immigrants have access to quality healthcare. Portuguese universities and international schools offer excellent educational programs, and diplomas are recognized worldwide.
Portuguese cuisine is seafood, famous port and Madeira, delicious wines and desserts. For lovers of an active lifestyle, everything is offered: surfing at world-class spots, championship golf courses, hiking and sailing. The small size of the country makes it easy to travel around it and discover new places every weekend.
With a well-developed digital infrastructure, co-working spaces in major cities and a special visa for remote workers (D8), Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto, has become a real hub for digital nomads and startups from all over the world.
Portugal is not just a place to live, it is a way of life. It offers a unique balance between the modern dynamics of a European capital and the relaxed atmosphere of coastal towns. Whether you are moving to join your family, starting a business, working remotely or investing through a Golden Visa, Portugal opens its doors and provides all the opportunities to realize your plans.
We at IST Hungary will help you turn your dream of living in this amazing country into a clear and achievable plan. Contact us for a consultation and we will find the best path for you to obtain a residence permit in Portugal.
IST Hungary - full range of consulting services in Portugal
IST Hungary is a Hungarian international consulting company that provides services to foreign citizens from all over the world:
Business and banking services
- Company registration in Portugal
- Assistance in opening commercial accounts in banks in Portugal and other countries
- Consultations on increasing sales and business partnerships
- Analytics services
Financial and legal services
- Assistance in transferring funds to Portugal
- Comprehensive legal support in concluding contracts between
- European companies
- Support for legal transactions
Migration services
- Business immigration consulting
- Assistance in obtaining visas, residence permits and citizenship
- Consulting on long-term stay in Portugal
- Support for employers in obtaining work permits for foreign employees
Real estate services
- Consulting on the acquisition of residential and commercial real estate in Portugal
- Legal support for real estate transactions
- Consulting in the field of construction, including the design and construction of factories
Investment services
- Attracting entrepreneurs and large investors in Portugal
- Marketing consulting
- Development of strategic partnerships
including intermediary services.
Sao Tome and Principe