Portugal Retirement Visa – Eligibility, Requirements and Application

Portugal is often considered an attractive tourist destination because of its warm climate, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture. Portugal also boasts several exciting attractions, including history-rich cities like Lisbon and Porto and stunning coastal towns like Vila Real de Santo António. In addition, the country attracts people because of its low cost of living, low tax rate, and intensive quality Health Care services. Its relaxed lifestyle and rich culinary traditions also make it a great place to visit for anyone looking for a retirement destination.

Portugal welcomes EU and non-EU nationals to the country, but if you are a non-EU citizen, you will need a Portugal retirement visa to visit the country on retirement. Interestingly, Portugal is the least of all EU Countries with visa restrictions. So if you meet all eligibility criteria and other requirements, your visa application will be successfully issued without delay.

What is Portugal Retirement Visa?

It is an immigration option for foreigners over the age of 55 who want to retire in Portugal. The visa allows the holder to live and engage in most activities in Portugal. It can also be renewed when it expires, provided all requirements are met.

The Portugal Retirement Visa is an attractive option for foreigners who are looking to retire in Portugal.

Citizens from EU countries can retire to Portugal for three months without applying for a visa. After that, only their passport is enough, but a visa must be applied for if the citizen stays longer than 90 days.

Portugal Visa Route for Retirees

Retirees planning to make Portugal a retirement destination but need a visa to immigrate can apply for a retirement visa or Golden Visa.

Portugal Retirement Visa: This visa is issued to non-EU nationals wishing to retire and live in Portugal without applying for jobs. The applicant must have a reliable source of income, like a pension and sustainable savings, for survival while in the country.

Portugal Golden Visa; This type of visa is a bit expensive though obtaining it is easier than a retirement Visa. However, you should own a property worth €500,000 or other investment forms. Other eligibility criteria for this type of visa for retirement are listed below:

• Invest a minimum of €1 million in the Portuguese stock market or companies.
• Financial aid of €350,000 or more to fund research and development in Portuguese academic Institutions.
• Reduce unemployment by creating a minimum of 10 jobs in Portugal
• Invest in Portuguese real estate to the tune of €350,000 or more to speed up Portugal’s Urbanization.

Who doesn’t need Portugal Retirement Visa?

Certainly, not all foreign retirees planning on their retirement destination for Portugal need visas. For example, retirees from EU/EEA Nations will not need Retirement Visa in their first 90 days in Portugal. But after the duration expires and they wish to continue their stay in Portugal, visa application becomes compulsory. All other nations need the Retirement Visa except countries that enjoy Portugal’s visa waiver opportunities.

Documents Needed for Portugal Retirement Visa Application

If you provide all the listed documents, your visa application will be processed as quickly as possible. The tendency to be issued the Portugal Retirement Visa is also very high. They are:

• Traveling passport with at least six months validity.
• passport photographs in the required dimensions
• Completed Portugal Retirement Visa application form
• A self-address Envelope to return some documents after review.
• Evidence of financial capacity that you have the legal and financial resources to live comfortably in Portugal. It can be a recent bank statement, proof of investment in Canada, or documents showing your financial strength.
• Evidence of Accommodation in Portugal, like a rented house or property you own. If you plan to rent accommodation, attach a reservation proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, birth certificate, and others.
• Proof of Health Care Subscription can be travel insurance or other health plans. This is needed to cover all health emergencies in Portugal, so you won’t be a burden to the government.
• Clearance should be provided to show that you don’t have any criminal records and are fit to be in Portugal.

Note that all the documents listed above must be submitted in English, alternatively in Portuguese. If they aren’t in this language, ensure an accredited translator translates them for you.

Portugal Retirement Visa application procedures

Portugal Retirement Visa can be successfully applied if you follow the procedures listed below:

Firstly, visit the embassy or consulate in your country to schedule an appointment with the consular staff.

Secondly, download the application form here and complete it as instructed in the guidelines. Avoid mistakes and error as much as possible.

Thirdly, attach all the required documents and visit the embassy or consulate to submit the form on the scheduled date. The application will, after that, be reviewed for onward Processing. The visa application fee can also be paid before the date of the consular appointment.

Fourthly, relax and expect further communication about the progress of your application, If your application meets the requirements and is thriving. Your visa will be mailed to you as soon as possible for onward preparations. Congratulations, and pack your bags and move to Portugal.

Lastly, you need to obtain a Portugal resident permit when you get to the country. In case you didn’t get an automatic resident permit appointment when you received your visa, schedule an appointment with SEF. Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) is in charge of granting a residence permit and the number of days. So you apply for the resident permit and provide all required documents. If you don’t have any issue, the immigration officer verifies your documents and grant you the stamped permit.

Portugal Retirement Permit Validity, processing fee and time

The first resident permit granted by SEF spans one year, subject to renewal for another two years. This can be done twice. After this, you will be eligible to apply for Portugal Permanent Resident. The application fee is for Portugal’s retirement visa processing, resident permit processing fee, and cost of the resident permit.

The embassy or consulate charges €90 to process your visa application. Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service charge €83 as the resident permit processing fee, while the resident permit costs €72. Retirement Visa can proceed with one week to three weeks, though there could be an extension when the need arises.

Top cities for foreigners in Portugal

If you are a retiree who wishes to stay in the top cities of Portugal, the following cities are good options. Each city of Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Coimbra, and Aveiro offers unique attractions and opportunities.

Cheapest cities to live in Portugal

The cheapest cities in Portugal are typically the smaller, more rural ones. Cities like Braga, Coimbra, and Viseu offer a lower cost of living than the larger metropolitan areas like Lisbon and Porto. Housing is generally more affordable, and necessities like food and transportation are also cheaper. However, keep in mind that these smaller cities may offer fewer cultural attractions and job opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I move to Portugal with My Family?

Yes, you can move in with your family if you can apply for a retirement visa for your partner. It is also possible to come along with your dependent children who are not eligible for a retirement visa.

Additionally, you have to meet the requirements listed below:

• A comfortable house for your family member to stay in Portugal when they arrive.
• Enough money to take care of them, like feeding, clothing, and other necessities.
• Must also show strong proof of relationship to the family you want to move in with.

How much will you spend monthly while on Retirement in Portugal?

The amount you will spend monthly depends on the area you wish to live in Portugal and the size of your family. But regardless of the location, you will need a minimum of €1,500 monthly on expenses as an individual. 

Can I visit other countries with my Portugal Retirement Visa?

It is possible to visit other countries but only the European countries or Schengen zone countries. Moreover, the visa allows you to stay up to 3 months in the said countries without a visa.

How old do you have to be to get a retirement visa in Portugal?

Portugal Retirement Visa is available for someone at least 67 years of age.

What are the cons of living in Portugal?

One of its demerits is that you must learn Portuguese to enjoy your stay.

A Portuguese bank card is the only way to make an online payment, MasterCard and other cards can’t be used.

Where do most ex-pats live in Portugal?

Libson, a bursting and the most popular city in Portugal, is where you find ex-pats.

Conclusion  

Conclusively, Portugal is a good destination for intending foreign nationals to retire. Portugal Retirement Visa is not available for younger ages but for elderly ones. Minors or independent Children moved in by holder of the retirement visa can apply for work and study permits.