Are you planning to move to Portugal from Pakistan? This step-by-step guide simplifies the process, covering everything from securing a visa to settling into your new home after your move to Portugal.
Are you considering a move to Portugal from Pakistan? This step-by-step guide streamlines the process, covering everything from visa applications to settling into your new home in Portugal. You'll find key details on relocation, including visa options, residency requirements, and cultural integration. We offer straightforward insights on what to expect as you embark on your journey to move to Portugal from Pakistan.
Tips for settling into your new Portuguese home
Pakistani citizens must select the right visa based on their intended stay in Portugal: a Schengen Visa for short visits up to 90 days, or a Portuguese National Visa for long-term residency, each with distinct requirements and application processes.
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers a route to permanent residency or citizenship through investment in areas like real estate, capital transfer, or job creation. It requires minimal stays and a five-year investment retention.
Expats should follow key steps for obtaining a visa, register with AIMA Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo upon arrival, ensure financial stability, and secure health insurance to access medical services, with options for both short-term and permanent residency pathways.
Visa Options for Pakistani Citizens: An Overview
The first step in moving to Portugal is to understand the available visa options. Pakistani citizens have two primary choices based on the duration of their stay. For stays up to 90 days, the Schengen visa is the best option. For longer stays, a Portuguese National Visa is required, which is suitable for work, study, family reunification, or retirement.
When applying for the Schengen visa, it's advisable to submit your application at least 15 days before your trip, though you can apply up to six months in advance. Decisions are usually made within 15 calendar days. For the Portuguese National Visa, processing can take up to 10 working days. Each visa type has its own specific requirements and application procedures.
Short-Term Stays: The Schengen Visa
The Schengen Visa, or Short Stay Visa, permits Pakistani citizens to stay in Portugal or other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It's ideal for short-term visits, tourism, and business. To apply, Pakistani citizens must visit the Portuguese embassy or consulate in Pakistan.
A key benefit of the Schengen Visa is its multiple-entry validity, allowing stays of up to 90 days within each 180-day period. The visa fee is relatively low: €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under six traveling with family.
Long-Term Residency: The Portuguese National Visa
For stays exceeding 90 days, the Portuguese National Visa is the appropriate choice. This visa is available for various purposes including:
- Work
- Study
- Family reunification
- Retirement
Applicants must provide detailed information about their intended stay and submit relevant supporting documents.
The Portuguese National Visa serves as a gateway to longer-term residency. With this visa, you can apply for a Portugal residence visa or temporary stay permit, offering various opportunities and benefits. As with the Schengen Visa, the Portuguese National Visa has its own specific requirements and application procedures.
The Golden Visa Program: Your Route to Residency
An attractive option for Pakistani citizens considering a move to Portugal is the Portugal Golden Visa. This program provides a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship through various investment avenues, such as:
- Real estate investment
- Capital transfer
- Job creation
- Research and development
Eligible investments for the Golden Visa Program include €500,000 in fund investments, creating 10 full-time jobs, capital transfers for scientific research, contributions to cultural heritage, or increasing shares in Portuguese companies. To qualify for permanent residency or citizenship, investors must maintain their investment for at least 5 years and spend a minimum of 7 days per year in Portugal, totaling 35 days over the 5 years.
The Golden Visa Program is a strategic investment offering a clear route to residency and potential citizenship through its structured process.
How to Obtain a Residence Visa from Pakistan
Once you’ve determined the type of visa you need, the next step is to apply for it. Pakistani citizens must submit their visa application for either a temporary or long-term stay at the Portuguese Embassy or consulate in Pakistan. After arriving in Portugal, you must register with the AIMA within three working days, unless you already hold a residence permit or authorization for a stay exceeding 6 months.
For residency, you need to provide proof of health insurance and stable income. You can demonstrate financial stability by transferring private capital to Portuguese banks or showing income at least equivalent to your home country's minimum monthly wage. The visa application fee is approximately $88, with an additional $485 fee for permanent residence, and an extra $88 for the residence permit application. Processing times for residency visas and permits can take up to 10 working days.
Documentation Checklist
For a Portugal National Long-Term Visa, you need to submit:
- Visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Passport copy
- Proof of current living or working situation
- Travel insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Return ticket
- Proof of financial resources
For a Portuguese residence permit application, you must provide:
- Two color photographs
- Valid passport
- Evidence of accommodation
- Proof of financial means
- Criminal record from your home country and any country where you have lived for over a year since turning 16
Depending on the residence permit type, additional documents may be required, such as proof of family relationships (FRC), study or employment, health insurance, and Portuguese language proficiency.
Application Submission and Fees
Applications must be submitted in person. Schengen visa applications should be submitted at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in Pakistan, while national visa applications are handled by the external service provider, Gerry’s.
Visa application fees vary by type: €80 for Schengen visas, with a reduced fee of €40 for children aged 6 to 12. National visa fees are €90 for residence visas and €75 for temporary stay visas.
Additional expenses such as notary, translation, and postal services may apply.
Opening a Bank Account When Moving to Portugal
Opening a bank account is a key step when you move to Portugal. With a Portuguese residency permit, non-EU nationals can obtain a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), which is essential for various legal and financial activities, including opening a bank account.
To open an account, you’ll need to provide certain documents, such as proof of identity, a Portuguese tax number (NIF), and proof of address. The application can usually be completed online - in person or by a Tax Representative in Portugal, and an initial deposit might be required to activate the account.
Having a Portuguese bank account, whether with a local or international bank, will greatly simplify your daily transactions and financial management after your move to Portugal.
Health Insurance Requirements When Moving to Portugal
Health insurance is crucial for ex-pats moving to Portugal because it:
- Covers medical expenses not included in the public healthcare system
- Reduces waiting times for medical services
- Provides access to a broader range of healthcare providers
Accessing healthcare services in Portugal involves registering with a local health center, selecting a family physician through the SNS (National Health Service), and obtaining a health card. Although public healthcare is available at low cost for nationals and permanent residents, private insurance is advisable for expats until they are fully integrated into the SNS system.
Popular health insurance options for expats include plans from providers like Cigna Global, known for its comprehensive coverage and flexible plan options.
About INLIS Consulting
Inlis Consulting is a premier tax and immigration firm dedicated to assisting individuals and families through the intricate process of relocating to Portugal. With a team of skilled accountants and immigration specialists, inlis.pt offers customized solutions to address the specific needs of each client.
Why Choose Inlis Consulting?
Expertise and Experience: Our team of lawyers has deep expertise in Portuguese immigration law and extensive experience handling various visa applications, including the D7 Visa, Golden Visa, Startup Visa, and Family Reunion Visa.
Personalized Approach: Recognizing that every client’s situation is unique, we take the time to understand your specific goals and provide tailored advice and support throughout the process.
Comprehensive Support: Inlis Consulting offers more than just legal advice. We assist with document preparation, property searches, and relocation planning to ensure a smooth transition.
Competitive Fees: We provide competitive rates and transparent pricing, so you know exactly what to expect without hidden costs.
Exceptional Client Service: Our commitment to exceptional client service means we are responsive, attentive, and always available to address your questions and concerns.
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to start a business in Portugal, a retiree wanting to benefit from the country’s tax advantages, or a family aiming for reunification, Inlis Consulting is here to support you every step of the way.
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