Citizenship of Portugal,  How to get Portuguese Passport?

Citizenship of Portugal allows many benefits. The Portuguese citizens enjoy being the descends of Portuguese parents or grandparents. Some individual becomes the citizens of Portugal via civil union or birth. However, in relation to these residents, Portugal offers several ways where anyone can become a member or citizen of Portugal. Across the world, people can obtain citizenship of the Portugal with 3 different types of visas.

1. D2 Visa
2. D7 Visa
3. Golden Residence Permit Program

The requirement to become a Citizen of Portugal follows the residence programs and it is applicable for citizenship after 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, if:

• • The applicant is at least 18 years of age
  • The applicant has been a resident in Portugal for at least five years
  • The applicant has basic (A2 international level) knowledge of the Portuguese language
  • The applicant has not been convicted for a crime that corresponds to a penalty equal to or more than three years according to Portuguese law

In order to create more favorable conditions for citizenship approval, the applicant may demonstrate tangible connections with the Portuguese community. Portugal allows dual citizenship.

Portugal D2 Visa

Portugal D2 Visa is for Entrepreneurs. D2 Visa allows to get a residence permit with all its benefits and opportunity in Schengen countries. To get one, an applicant must open a new company there or buy an already working business or it’s share.

Portugal D2 residency visa for Entrepreneurs requires no minimum investment threshold. However, an applicant must prove to have sufficient funds to start and run their business. Also, housing and money to live in Portugal for a year are required.

From the legal perspective, the validity of visa is 4 months. At this time, an entrepreneur must enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit, enabling them to have immigrate to Portugal, start a company and work there.

The validity of the Portugal residence permit after the D2 visa is for 2 years and then it can be renewed for three years. After five years of residency, one may apply for citizenship or permanent residence in Portugal.

An entrepreneur’s family members may immigrate to Portugal with a residence permit for family reunification. To retain residency, business people and their relatives must stay in Portugal for 6+ months each year.

Eligibility for Portugal D2 Visa

An entrepreneur may apply for a D2 Visa if they fulfil one of the following conditions,

• Buy a Portuguese company or share in it
• Already have a company abroad and plan to open its branch in Portugal
• Submit a comprehensive business plan for a new company in Portugal

The business requirements for D2 Visa are soft. Applicant can choose any sector and there are no thresholds on profitability or creation of jobs. Applicants must confirm the business economically and socially to benefit the Portugal and have enough money for investment.

The requirements for Portugal D2 Visa applicants include,

1. Age over 18 years
2. No criminal record
3. To have rented or owned housing in Portugal
4. To confirm they have money to live in Portugal for a year
5. To buy health insurance

An entrepreneur’s spouse, couple’s children and parents may apply for residence permits for family reunification. Adult children and parents must prove they depend on the D2 Visa holder to get residency. The family has to confirm housing and money to live in Portugal.

Documents to apply for a Portugal D2 Visa

D2 Visa needs to have required documents to apply for a D2 Visa. The list includes

• A detail business plan
• Submit constituent of company or registration documents, contracts, invoices and financial reports with bank statement of the company’s account balance
• Submit documents to prove you have money to start a company with business investment.

Few personal documents are required for the visa and residency application from the applicants. Entrepreneurs prepare and submit the following

• An application form
• A passport and its copy
• Document to confirm sufficient funds to live in Portugal i.e. bank statement
• Document to prove on housing to live in Portugal i.e a rental agreement
• Certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence with an apostille
• Permission to SEF to check criminal records in Portugal
• Health insurance
• Pictures

Portugal D7 Visa

Financially independent non-EU citizens can get a Portugal D7 visa. It is also known as Passive Income Visa. Applicants obtain a visa and then a residence permit in Portugal by confirming financial independence on the monthly income of 760 Euro.

Portugal D7 Visa is also known as Retirement or the Passive Income Visa. The holder of this visa can come to Portugal and get residence permit. This path is suitable for financially independent people who can confirm the stable income of 760 Euro a month.

This visa allows the individual and his family a legal residence in Portugal that intends to attract retirees and people with passive income. The ultimate purpose of D7 visa is to boost the economy and professional activity in Portugal.

Benefits of D7 Visa

Portugal D7 Visa provide certain benefits to its holders. Some of the major benefits are as following.

• Holders of a Portugal residence permit have free mobility within European Union and the Schengen area. They do not need to obtain travel permit.
• The resident of D7 visa holders have the option to extend the stay by three years upon confirmed compliance requirement.
• A spouse and dependent close relatives like minor children, siblings and parents can have residence permits for family reunification.
• A foreigner can apply permanent residence permit in Portugal citizenship after living in country for five years.
• D7 visa holders have the option for fastest route to naturalization in EU.
• Portugal D7 holders can become NHR (non-habitual resident) i.e you are exempt from or pay very little taxes on foreign sources income.

Eligibility of Portugal D7 Visa

The eligibility of Portugal D7 visa is based on the passive income of the individual. Some major eligibility criteria is as following

• Individual need to be non-EU national.
• Individual need to have funds to support his/her stay in Portugal
• Individual needs to have clean criminal record
• Individual must show residence address in Portugal
• Individual needs to spend at least 16 months in Portugal during first 2 years

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program

Residence by investment or Portugal Golden Visa is also commonly known as Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program. It is five-year residence program through investment for non-EU nationals. The residence permit allows the right to live, work and study and have free mobility in EU countries and Schengen Area. Golden Residence Program requires an average of seven to 1 year stay and after five years, this visa can be converted into citizenship legal compliance requirement.

Portugal Golden Visa scheme is designed to attract massive investors from other countries. it is a strategic policy to not only boost economy of the country, but also tourism and technology sector as well. Due to its benefits and steady fast growth, Golden Visa is one of the most popular residencies by investment in Portugal.

Benefits of a Portuguese Golden Visa

• Free mobility in EU and Schengen countries with open study, live and work opportunity.
• Dual citizenship can be maintained after five years of legal residency in Portugal.
• Low physical presence in the country i.e only 7 days in the first year and total 14 days in 2 years can be count for citizenship eligibility after five years.
• Excellent opportunity to study in state-of-the-art universities and schools.
• High level of security, quality of life and rich culture can be enjoyed in Portugal.
• Excellent medical facility.

Procedures and time frame of the Portugal Golden Visa

The procedures and time frame of the Portugal Golden Visa is steady fast. The first permit is usually obtained after 1 year and it can be renewed. It is necessary for the applicant to make two trips to Portugal during application process in order,

• To choose the qualifying investment, start the legal process, and open a bank account
• To provide the biometric data and original documents

The process is followed by proper documentation through investment and other details over 18 months.