Visas & Residency

Can I Move to Portugal If I’m Not an EU Citizen? (Yes — Here’s How)

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So you’ve heard the stories: the sunshine, the pace of life, the pastel de nata addiction—and the fact that Portugal is one of the easiest places in Europe to get residency. But if you’re not from the EU, the big question usually comes first: “Can I actually move to Portugal?” Yes. You can. If you’re British, American, Canadian, Indian—whatever. There are visa options available. In fact, Portugal has some of the most welcoming residency pathways in Europe. If you can …

If you’re from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you have the right to move to Portugal under EU freedom of movement rules. There’s no visa, no sponsorship, and no embassy process. You can simply move to Portugal and begin living here. However, once you decide to live here (rather than just visit), you need to register that residence and obtain the CRUE: Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (EU Citizen Registration Certificate) This is the document that formally recognises your residency …

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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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Remote work has changed everything. It’s now perfectly possible to keep your job in New York, Toronto, or London while living in a sunny European country with beaches, pastelarias, and a slower pace of life. And for many people, that dream destination is Portugal. Portugal is warm without being extreme, safe without being sleepy, and modern without being overwhelming. It has excellent healthcare, a thriving expat and digital nomad community, and some of the best weather in Europe. And yes …

A close-up image of two flags side by side. The flag on the left is the Canadian flag, featuring a red maple leaf on a white background with red borders. The flag on the right is the Portuguese flag, showcasing a complex coat of arms on a red and green background.

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. …

A picturesque public square in Portugal with a large ornate fountain featuring statues, surrounded by historic buildings under a clear blue sky. Purple jacaranda trees are in bloom, and pedestrians walk leisurely on the intricate black and white cobblestone pattern.

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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Already living in the EU with a long-term residence permit but aren’t an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen? Dreaming of making Portugal your next home? Article 116 of Portugal’s immigration code might be your ticket to Portuguese residency. Let’s dive into what this means for you and how you can make that move to Portugal happen. Overview of Article 116 Think of Article 116 as the EU’s way of saying “Mi casa es su casa” – if you’ve already proven yourself as a …

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Portugal’s Golden Visa program, long seen as one of Europe’s most appealing residency-by-investment options, may soon become even more attractive. According to a Bloomberg report, the Portuguese government is considering reforms to streamline the application process and introduce improved financial incentives — potentially aligning the Golden Visa more closely with Portugal’s favourable tax regime. In short, Portugal’s new centre-right government appears determined to reinforce its commitment to international investors, talent, and entrepreneurs. Portugalist Insight: A Timely Boost for Golden Visa …

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Portugal’s has one of the most popular golden visa programs in the world, and one of the ways that you can obtain this visa and obtain residency in Portugal is by investing in a qualifying fund (or funds), such as a private equity or venture capital fund. There are a number of qualifying funds, in sectors ranging from startups and technology to renewably technologies, wine, and football teams. After five years of residency, it’s possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, …

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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 …

Can I Move to Portugal If I’m Not an EU Citizen? (Yes — Here’s How)

How to Get Your CRUE as an EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen

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

Moving to Portugal as a Remote Worker in 2026

How to Move to Portugal from Canada

Portuguese Permanent Residency: What Changes When You Hit the 5-Year Mark?

Can I Move to Portugal Through If I Have Permanent Residency in Another EU Country?

Portugal Looks to Sweeten Golden Visa Incentives — But Will Promises Be Delivered?

Investing in Funds for Portugal’s Golden Visa

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