Golden ticket to the EU or how to obtain Portuguese citizenship through a residence permit
A residence permit in Portugal is the door to the European Union. In recent years, Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for foreigners wishing to move to Europe. Attractive Mediterranean climate, picturesque landscapes, affordable housing and high standard of living are just some of the reasons why more and more people are choosing this amazing country. But apart from the obvious advantages, Portugal also offers a unique opportunity to obtain a residence permit and subsequently EU citizenship. This is exactly what we will talk about today.
Ten reasons to get a residence permit
There are 10 main reasons to apply for a residence permit in Portugal:
1. Employment
2. study
3. scientific research
4. Entrepreneurial activity
5. Family circumstances
6. Financial independence
7. Purchase of real estate
8. Investment activity
9. Highly qualified specialist
10. Other justified reasons
How to get a residence permit in Portugal?
The process of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal consists of several steps:
- Applying for a long-term visa
The first step is to obtain a long-term visa from the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country. The visa paves the way for further processing of the residence permit. - Applying for a residence permit
Once you have entered Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit to the Service for Foreigners and Borders (SEF) within the prescribed deadline. - Collection of documents
To obtain a residence permit, you will need to submit a package of documents including:
— A completed application form
— Documents confirming the purpose of stay
— Certificate of no criminal record
— Medical insurance
— Proof of financial solvency
— Other documents depending on the basis
The conditions for extending a residence permit depend on the specific type of permit. It is usually required to live in Portugal for at least 6-8 months per year.
Programs for investors
If you have funds for investment, Portugal has a favorable program “Golden Visa”. It allows you to obtain a residence permit by investing in the country's economy. The main options are:
1. Purchase of real estate worth 500,000 euros or more.
2. Investing in companies from 350 000 euros, creating jobs.
3. Transfer of capital of at least €1.5 million.
4. Investments of 350,000 euros or more in the field of scientific research.
5. Purchase of old real estate from 350,000 euros for renovation and modernization.
“Golden Visa” opens the way to a permanent residence permit after 5 years and then to Portuguese citizenship.
Visa for the financially independent D7
Another popular option is the D7 visa for financially independent individuals. To apply for the D7, you will need documents on sources of income, real estate/rent in Portugal, health insurance and others. It can be obtained by those who have a stable passive income of at least 8200 euros per year (approximately 680 euros per month). Advantages of the D7 visa:
— Visa-free regime with Schengen countries
— Opportunity to work and do business
— Prospect of permanent residence after 5 years
— Path to Portuguese citizenship
Pathway to EU citizenship through residence permit
Holders of a residence permit have the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit (PML or residence) after 5 years of legal continuous residence in Portugal. For this purpose it is necessary to:
— Speak Portuguese at A2 level
— Have a legal source of income
— Pay taxes and insurance premiums
— Provide a residential address
After obtaining a residence permit, you have a direct path to Portuguese citizenship, and therefore to the entire European Union. One year after registration of residence, you can apply for naturalization. Dual citizenship is allowed, so applicants do not need to renounce their original citizenship.
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EU citizenship in 2025
At the moment, according to the current rules, 6 years of residence in Portugal is required to obtain Portuguese citizenship. However, from 2025 this period is planned to be reduced to 5 years. Thus, if you get a residence permit in 2023-2024, then in 2025 it will be possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship under a simplified procedure. And this will automatically open doors throughout the European Union!
Living in Portugal with a residence permit
With a residence permit, you can fully enjoy all the benefits of living in Portugal:
— Work or start your own business
— Study at local universities
— Buy real estate
— Travel visa-free to Schengen countries
— Enjoy social benefits and medical care
— Live in a country with a beautiful climate, rich culture and high level of security.
In addition to Portuguese citizenship through the residence permit program, it is also possible to apply for passports of other EU countries after several years of legal residence in them. For example, Spanish citizenship can be obtained after 10 years of residence in the country.
Benefits of EU citizenship
Possessing citizenship of one of the EU member states opens up a lot of advantages and opportunities:
- Freedom of movement
EU citizens can freely live, work and study in any of the 27 EU countries without additional bureaucratic procedures. - Social guarantees
You get the right to medical care, education, social benefits and other benefits on a par with citizens of the country of residence. - Visa-free regime
The EU passport allows you to visit more than 180 countries of the world, including the USA, Canada, Australia, without visas. - Economic prospects
New business and career opportunities within the EU single market. - Quality of life
EU countries are characterized by a high standard of living, developed infrastructure, stability and security.
Given all these advantages, it is no wonder that EU citizenship is so attractive to many foreigners. And Portugal offers one of the most affordable and fastest ways to obtain it.
Bottom line:
The residence permit program in Portugal is a great chance to realize your dream of living in Europe. Starting with a residence permit, after 5-6 years you can apply for citizenship of this wonderful country. And the passport of a Portuguese citizen, in turn, will open all the doors of the European Union for you. So if you have been thinking about moving to Europe, take action! Get a residence permit in Portugal now and make the first step towards EU citizenship. After all, by 2025 you have a real chance to get your coveted Portuguese passport!
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