For non-EU citizens, spending an extended period in Portugal may seem like a challenge due to the limitations of the Schengen Visa. This visa allows non-EU citizens to come to Portugal for 90 days in a 180 day period. This is enough for many tourists, but often not enough for those sizing up Portugal as a place to permanently move to.
However, there are several options available that can allow you to stay in the country for longer periods. In this article, we will explore a few different pathways for non-EU citizens, such as those from the UK or USA, who wish to spend more than 3 months in a row in Portugal.
Option 1: Just Stay within the Schengen Visa Limit
If you are content with spending a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period in Portugal, then there is no immediate need to apply for additional visas or undergo any complex processes. Under the Schengen Visa rules, non-EU citizens are allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can come and go, spending up to 3 months in Portugal, without needing to apply for additional permits or file taxes in the country.
Want to spend 180 days in Portugal next year? Come to Portugal for 90, leave for 90, and then come back for another 90. You don’t necessarily have to go back home. You could spend those 90 days in an EU country that’s not in the Schengen Area, like Ireland, Romania, or Bulgaria, or go to the UK, which is no longer a part of the EU. It’s far from ideal, but it’s the simplest option normally.
Option 2: Try to Get the Schengen Visa Extended
Extending the Schengen Visa can be a possibility for non-EU citizens who have a valid reason to stay in Portugal or any other Schengen Area country for more than the initial 90-day limit.
It’s important to note that extending the Schengen Visa is not guaranteed and is generally reserved for exceptional circumstances or emergencies. That said, some Portugalist readers have said they’ve managed to get this extended without needing an emergency explanation — they just stated they’d like to stay longer.
However, to apply for an extension, individuals normally need to provide a strong justification for their request, such as medical treatment, family emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances. The decision to grant an extension lies with the respective immigration authorities, who carefully assess each application on a case-by-case basis. It’s crucial to consult with the local immigration authorities or seek professional guidance to understand the specific requirements and procedures for extending the Schengen Visa in Portugal.
Option 3: Join the Golden Visa Program
If you desire the freedom to spend more than 3 months in a row in Portugal and are looking for the simplest option, the Golden Visa program is worth considering. The Golden Visa program provides a pathway to residency and eventually citizenship for non-EU citizens who make a qualifying investment in Portugal. However, it’s important to note that this program might be ending in 2023, so it’s advisable to act promptly.
Why the golden visa? Because it only requires you to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal, although you can spend more than this if you wish to. The golden visa is unique in this sense, as most visas expect you to spend around six months of the year in Portugal [source].
As of late 2023, investing in property is no longer an option. It’s expected that investing in funds will become the most popular investment route now, but it isn’t the only route to obtaining the golden visa.
Investment and donation options:
- Funds (such as a venture capital fund): €500,000.
- Donation to Portugal’s Arts & Culture sector: €250,000.
- Creation of 10 jobs: No minimum amount.
- Company Incorporation & Creation of 5 jobs: €500,000.
- Investment in research (such as scientific research): €500,000.
Option 4: Obtain Residency in Portugal
For those who do not wish to invest a significant amount of money in the Golden Visa program but still want to spend more than 3 months in Portugal, there are a number of residency visas that are worth exploring. Obtaining residency is a challenge in itself and brings obligations (staying for more than 6 months in Portugal typically means you’re considered a tax resident) so this is an option that requires careful consideration.
The following visas are just examples of two of the most popular residency visas.
The D7
The D7 is designed for individuals who have sufficient funds to support themselves without needing to work in Portugal. The most common income sources are a pension, social security, or income from a rental property. To be eligible for the D7 visa, you would need to demonstrate that you have a consistent source of income or adequate financial means to sustain yourself during your stay in Portugal.
This visa allows you to reside legally in Portugal full-time, giving you more time to immerse yourself in the culture, explore the stunning landscapes, and enjoy the rich heritage of Portugal.
The Digital Nomad Visa
If you’re a freelancer or remote worker with an income from outside of Portugal, you could apply for Portugal’s digital nomad visa or D8. There are two parts to this visa, but one of these is for people that want to stay in Portugal for between 3 and 12 months. Normally, staying for more than 6 months could lead to you being considered a tax resident in Portugal. However, in a Portugalist webinar, lawyer Sandra Gomes Pinto suggested that getting a 1-year visa does not necessarily imply intent to stay, another factor in considering tax residency in Portugal, and the issue is more complex.
There’s also the option of the longer 24-month visa that’s available on the D8, or digital nomad visa, which is aimed at those that really do want to move to Portugal.
Like the D7, this is aimed at those that expect to spend around six months of the year in Portugal and are willing to accept the responsibilities (e.g. taxes) as well as the benefits that come with being resident in Portugal.
Regardless of the option you choose, it is essential to gather all the necessary information, consult professionals, and ensure compliance with Portuguese immigration regulations. By doing so, you can enjoy an extended stay in Portugal and fully immerse yourself in the beauty and charm this remarkable country has to offer.
Comments are closed.