Portugal’s Startup Visa: A Golden Ticket for Global Entrepreneurs

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The Startup Visa is a program run by IAPMEI in Portugal, designed for entrepreneurs from outside the EU/EEA/Swiss region. It’s an initiative to draw investment, talent, and innovation into Portugal’s growing startup scene. As well as dependent family members, up to five partners can be included on the application. With this residency visa, entrepreneurs not only get the chance to live in Portugal but also gain access to the wide array of supports and incentives offered by the StartUP Portugal …

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Can You Apply for the D7 Visa With JUST Savings?

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Savings are typically required as part of a D7 visa application, but most people will be unsuccessful if they apply with savings alone. This is regardless of how much you have in savings. (Note: we say most people because, like many things, the situation isn’t black and white and there are exceptions to every rule). However, it is possible to convert a lump sum of savings into something that generates passive income such as an annuity, rental property, investment, etc. …

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What’s an Atestado De Residência?

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While many companies and government departments will accept a utility bill or rental contract as proof of address, that’s not enough for some and they make ask for an Atestado De Residência. It may also be required if you don’t have a rental contract or if the contract isn’t in your name. An Atestado De Residência is a document that confirms you live where you say you do. Although you will typically need a document like a rental contract to …

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What Insurance Do I Need for the D7 Visa?

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When applying for a visa like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa? What type of insurance do I need? Travel or health insurance? There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and it doesn’t help that the rules constantly change—and differ from consulate to consulate. Until recently, most applicants did the following: However, things have changed. Some Consulates/VFS Offices Now Require 12 Months of Travel Insurance Several consulates and VFS offices—especially VFS San Francisco—are now requesting travel medical insurance valid …

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Portuguese Permanent Residency: What Actually Changes at the 5-Year Mark

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As you learn about Portuguese visas and residency requirements, you’ll hear terms like temporary residency, permanent residency, and Portuguese citizenship used a lot. Trying to understand the differences can be confusing, particularly if it’s your first time moving abroad. In this article, we’ll break down one of those terms, permanent residency, and what it means to have it. Can I Get Permanent Residency Straight Away? One of the most common misconceptions is that you can obtain permanent residency in Portugal …

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What Are My Accommodation Options for the D7 Visa?

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Are you dreaming of moving to Portugal but struggling to find suitable accommodation? Don’t worry: you’re not alone! For most residency visas (D7, Digital Nomad Visa, D2, D1, and D3), you’ll need proof of accommodation before you can even apply. Sounds a bit backwards, right? Well, that’s just how it works. But don’t fret – thousands of people do this every year. What Counts as “Suitable Accommodation”? Don’t worry, we’re here to help make the process a breeze! How to …

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How to Stay in Portugal For More Than 90 Days (as a non-EU citizen)

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For Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians, and anyone else without an EU/EEA or Swiss passport, Portugal’s 90-days-in-180-days Schengen rule is often the first big headache. It’s fine for a short trip, but not ideal if you’re thinking about moving here— or even doing a longer “test-the-waters” stay. The good news? You can stay longer. But the routes differ hugely in cost, commitment, tax consequences, and how much time you’re expected to spend in Portugal. This guide walks you through your options …

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Portugal’s D7 VS The Digital Nomad Visa (D8): Which Is Easier, Cheaper, & Right For You

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Visa comparison D7 vs Digital Nomad Visa: which one are you? Portugal’s two most popular residency visas for people who actually want to live here. They look similar — and they are — but they’re built for two very different kinds of income. The short answer If your income is passive — pension, rental, dividends — you want the D7. If your income is active — a remote salary or freelance work from outside Portugal — you want the D8. …

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How to Move to Portugal from Canada

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If you’re a Canadian looking for a warmer climate, better quality of life, or simply a change of pace, Portugal is increasingly on the shortlist. The country offers a mild climate, a slower and more communal pace of life, stunning coastlines, and generally lower day-to-day expenses compared to many parts of Canada—especially major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. According to the Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2024, there were 2,876 Canadian citizens residing in Portugal as of 31 December 2024. …

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What Counts as Passive Income for Portugal’s D7 Visa?

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If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, the D7 visa is one of the most straightforward residency pathways. It’s designed for people who earn income from non-active sources—income that arrives regularly without requiring day-to-day work. To qualify, you must show a stable monthly income of at least per month for a single applicant in . For dependents, add: This is significantly lower than the Digital Nomad Visa, which requires per month in . What Exactly Is Passive Income? For the …

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