Portugal, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and close ties to Brazil, has long been a popular destination for Brazilian travelers. The historical connection between the two countries makes Portugal an appealing destination for tourism, business, and even long-term relocation. Understanding the visa requirements for Brazilians traveling to Portugal is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Thanks to the strong relationship between the two nations, Brazilians enjoy certain privileges when visiting Portugal. For short stays, Brazilians can enter Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free entry is perfect for tourism, short business trips, or personal visits. However, for longer stays or specific purposes like studying, working, or investing, different visa options are available.
If you’re considering extending your stay beyond 90 days, or planning to engage in activities beyond tourism, it’s essential to explore the various long-term visa options that Portugal offers.
Long-Stay Portugal Visas for Brazilians
Portugal’s immigration system provides a range of visas designed to cater to the diverse needs of Brazilians. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, professional, or a family seeking to reunite, there’s a visa option available. These visas allow for extended stays, giving individuals the opportunity to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture, contribute to the economy, and build lasting connections.
Some popular long-stay visa options include:
- Golden Visa
- Tech Visa
- Startup Visa
- D7 Visa
- Study Visa
- Work Visa
Portugal Golden Visa for Brazilians
Golden Visa for Brazilians
Overview
The Golden Visa program in Portugal is a residency-by-investment pathway for Brazilians looking to establish deeper roots in Europe. It offers financial advantages, facilitates cultural integration, and can lead to Portuguese citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
The Golden Visa program provides two primary investment avenues:
- Capital Transfer: A minimum investment of €1 million into a certified Portuguese bank or a government-approved investment project.
- Entrepreneurial Venture: Creating at least 10 new jobs in Portugal, registered with the Portuguese Social Security.
Document Requirements
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Proof of capital transfer or job creation.
- Criminal record certificates from both Brazil and Portugal.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Evidence of consistent income.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (property deed or rental agreement).
- Fingerprints and photographs.
Timeline & Process
The Golden Visa process typically takes 12-18 months, divided into phases:
- Document Approval: A 4-6 month period for document verification.
- Residence Card Issuance: A residence card, valid for two years, is issued within 3-6 months after document approval.
The process involves initial application preparation, investment selection, banking formalities, and a visit to Portugal. After five years of residency, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Fees Involved
The Golden Visa involves various fees, including legal fees (€5,000-€8,000 for a single applicant) and initial application fees (€5,325 per individual).
Application Process
- Choose between capital transfer or job creation.
- Gather all required documents.
- Apply through the SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) portal.
- Attend an in-person interview in Portugal.
- Upon successful verification, the Golden Visa is granted.
Tech Visa for Brazilians
Overview
The Tech Visa program aims to attract skilled tech professionals, including Brazilians, to contribute to Portugal’s growing digital sector. It provides an opportunity to integrate into Portugal’s tech ecosystem and potentially expand into other European ventures.
Eligibility Criteria
- Long-Term Employment: A long-term employment contract (over a year) with a certified Portuguese tech company.
- Contribution to Innovation: Applicants should bring fresh perspectives and innovations to enhance Portugal’s tech landscape.
Document Requirements
- Official employment contract from a Tech Visa-recognized Portuguese firm.
- Proof of academic qualifications (bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
- Criminal record certificates from Brazil and Portugal.
- Declaration of no outstanding tax issues.
- Proof of local address in Portugal.
Timeline & Process
The Tech Visa process generally takes around a month:
- Application Prep: Certification of the hiring company and gathering necessary documents.
- Approval Phase: IAPMEI (Institute for Support to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Innovation) assesses the application within 20-23 working days.
The process includes verifying tech criteria, assembling documents, and allowing the certified company to manage the IAPMEI application. Upon IAPMEI approval, applicants can secure the Tech Visa through a Portuguese consulate and apply for a residence permit through SEF upon arrival in Portugal.
Fees Involved
There is no application fee for the Tech Visa.
Application Process
- Verify alignment with tech criteria and prospective employer’s certification.
- Collect necessary documents (CV, employment contract, academic credentials).
- The certified firm handles the IAPMEI application.
- With IAPMEI’s approval, proceed to the Portuguese consulate for the Tech Visa.
- Once in Portugal, obtain the residence permit from SEF and receive the residence card.
Startup Visa for Brazilians
Overview
The Startup Visa program encourages entrepreneurs from non-EU countries, like Brazil, to foster innovation and investment in Portugal’s business environment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Entrepreneurs aged 18 or above who are not EU citizens or permanent residents.
- Clean criminal record.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Minimum of €5,800 to support the startup’s early stages.
- Viable startup idea with scalability potential.
- Endorsement from a Portuguese business incubator.
- Five-year business trajectory demonstrating scalability.
Document Requirements
- Valid travel passport.
- Proof of residency outside the European Economic Area.
- Affirmation of debt-free status concerning Social Security or Tax Authority.
- Comprehensive business plan.
- Motivation letter outlining innovation, scalability, and growth potential.
- Proof of association with a certified Portuguese incubator.
- Long-term (at least one year) Portuguese housing contract.
- Health insurance.
- Investment breakdown into the incubator: €175,000, with €25,000 for equity in a Portuguese enterprise.
Timeline & Process
The Startup Visa’s processing time is approximately 2 months, with decisions often made within 30 days or, in accelerated cases, as early as 15 days.
Fees Involved
The Startup Visa application fee is €90 per applicant, with an additional €85.05 for the residence permit. Other costs include health insurance (around €400 or more) and potential legal counsel fees.
Application Process
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Gather the required documentation.
- Engage with IAPMEI for evaluation.
- Connect with a certified business incubator in Portugal.
- Secure the Startup Visa and initiate the residence permit application in Portugal.
Startup Visa assistance for Brazilian entrepreneurs
D7 Visa for Brazilians
Overview
The D7 visa is suited for Brazilian retirees and those with consistent passive income, offering comfortable residency in Portugal.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be 18 or older.
- No criminal record.
- Not EU citizens or permanent residents.
- Maintenance of at least €5,800 in a bank.
- Viable startup idea applicable to any business sector.
- Endorsement from a Portuguese business incubator.
- Startup growth and scalability potential over 5 years.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport and proof of non-European Economic Area residency.
- No debts to Social Security or a Tax Authority.
- Startup project presentation and motivation letter.
- Document proving affiliation with a certified business incubator.
- Long-term Portuguese rental contract (minimum 1 year) and health insurance.
- Photographs.
- Residency card copy.
- Startup/entrepreneur investment of €175,000 into a business incubator, with €25,000 for shares in the Portuguese business venture.
Timeline & Procedure
The D7 visa process takes 2 to 4 months and involves an initial application in your home country, followed by a residence permit application with SEF after arrival in Portugal.
Fees Involved
The D7 visa processing fee for Brazilian citizens is €83, with an additional €72 for the residence permit.
Application Process
- Meet the eligibility criteria.
- Gather required documents.
- Apply at the Portuguese embassy or consulate and pay the visa fee.
- Attend an interview (if requested).
- Wait for visa processing.
- Upon approval and entry into Portugal, apply for a residence permit with SEF.
Study Visa for Brazilians
Overview
A study visa provides Brazilian students access to high-quality education, easy travel within Europe, affordability, and a welcoming environment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Acceptance letter from a recognised Portuguese educational institution.
- Sufficient financial means to cover living expenses.
- Valid health insurance.
- Clean criminal record.
- Proficiency in Portuguese (if studying in Portuguese).
Documentary Requirements
- Valid passport.
- Filled visa application form.
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Health insurance documentation.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Round-trip flight itinerary.
- Details of accommodation.
- Payment receipt for the visa application fee.
- Study objectives outline.
- Proof of tuition payment.
Timeline & Procedure
The study visa process typically takes about 60 days. You can apply up to 6 months before traveling. For courses between 3 months to 1 year, apply for a Temporary Stay Visa.
Fees Involved
The Portuguese student visa costs around €170, including fees for short-stay visas, long-stay visas, embassy fees, and SEF residence permit fees.
Application Process
- Secure acceptance from a recognised Portuguese institution.
- Gather documents: passport, visa form, acceptance letter.
- Apply at the Portuguese embassy in your home country and pay fees.
- Await visa approval (typically around 60 days).
- Once in Portugal, register with SEF within four months.
- For programs over a year, renew the residence permit as required.
Immigration assistance for securing a study visa in Portugal
Work Visa for Brazilians
Overview
Portugal’s work visa enables Brazilian professionals to enter the European job market, enhancing their careers and experiencing Portugal’s lifestyle and culture.
Eligibility Criteria
- Valid job offer from a Portuguese employer.
- Clean criminal record.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Health insurance coverage.
Documentary Requirements
- Passport.
- Employment contract or job offer letter.
- Criminal record certificates from Brazil and Portugal.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Financial documentation.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- Visa application form.
Timeline & Procedure
The SEF takes up to 60 days to process the work permit application, followed by 2-3 months for the Portuguese embassy to issue the entry visa. Brazilians can tour Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days, extendable to 180 days.
Fees Involved
The residency visa for Portugal has a processing fee of R$ 637.15, including the consular fee, transfer fee, and processing fee.
Application Process
- Find a job in Portugal and secure a job offer.
- Gather the required documents, including the employment contract.
- Submit your visa application at the nearest Portuguese consulate or the embassy in Brazil.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Attend an interview.
- Wait for the visa applicant processing.
- Upon approval, travel to Portugal within the visa’s validity.
- Apply for a residence permit in Portugal.
Portugal Residency
Temporary Residency Permit
Non-EU nationals wanting to live in Portugal must first obtain a temporary residency permit, valid for one year and renewable for two subsequent years. After 5 years, one can apply for permanent residency.
Permanent Residency Permit
After living in Portugal for 5 consecutive years, you can apply for permanent residency, valid indefinitely, though the card needs renewal every five years. It grants similar rights to Portuguese citizens, excluding voting in national elections.
Applying for Permanent Residency in Portugal
Applying for Permanent Residency in Portugal
Eligibility
- Lived in Portugal for at least five continuous years with a valid temporary residence permit.
- Stable income and accommodation.
- Basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level certificate or higher).
Required Documents
- Valid passport and copies.
- Photographs.
- Valid temporary residence permit.
- Proof of regular income and accommodation (rental agreement or property deed).
- Proof of social security payments.
- Certificate of no criminal record from Portugal and the applicant’s home country.
- Language proficiency certificate (A2 level or higher).
Application Process
Schedule an appointment with the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). Present your documents during the appointment. Once approved, you’ll be issued a residence card.
Renewal
The residence card must be renewed every five years.
Path to Citizenship
After six years of continuous legal residence in Portugal, you may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to additional requirements like language and cultural tests.
Portuguese Citizenship for Brazilian Citizens
Overview
Portuguese citizenship offers the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union. Given the historical and cultural connections between Brazil and Portugal, obtaining Portuguese citizenship can be a significant advantage for Brazilian citizens.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residence: Legally resided in Portugal for at least six continuous years.
- Children: A child born in Portugal may be eligible if one parent has legally resided there for at least five years.
- Marriage or Partnership: Married to a Portuguese national for at least three years.
Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship
- Proof of legal residence.
- No criminal convictions punishable by imprisonment of three years or more.
- Basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (typically A2 level).
- Demonstrated ties to the community.
Application Process
- Complete the application form.
- Gather supporting documents, including birth certificates, proof of legal residence, and language proficiency certificates.
- Pay the application fee.
- Apply to the Central Registry Office (Registo Central) in Portugal.
- The application process might involve an interview or additional documentation requests.
Citizenship for Descendants
If a Brazilian can prove that one or both of their parents or grandparents were Portuguese citizens, they may be eligible for citizenship, even without residing in Portugal. However, they would still need to fulfil other requirements for Portuguese citizenship.
Assistance with Portuguese citizenship applications
Navigating the visa and residency processes can be complex. Seeking expert guidance ensures a smoother and more successful application.
