Have you ever considered relocating to Portugal? The southern European country has captured the hearts of investors and families from all around the world, including UAE residents. Aside from gorgeous scenery and secure streets, the country provides a low cost of living and tax breaks for ex-pats who relocate here. So, in today's blog, you'll learn all you need to know about moving to Portugal from the United Arab Emirates. From the visa process to adjusting to life in Portugal.
Discover the visas necessary to live in Portugal
Portugal welcomes visitors from all over the world who want to contribute to the country's economy in any manner. Investors, laborers, students, and, of course, family members can all apply for and be granted visas to enter the country. This will also get them a residency permit, as well as additional benefits in the future.
Some of the benefits of living in Portugal are as follows:
- You may stay in the country for the period of your visa (varies according to your activity in Portugal)
- As a Portuguese national, you will be able to freely travel within Europe's Schengen zone.
- As a Portuguese citizen, you have access to the healthcare system.
- You can also provide the same privileges to your spouse and children (or any dependent)
- You can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of lawful residency in Portugal.
You can apply for a variety of different types of residency permits.
There are several different sorts of visas that may be used to enter Portugal, but if you want to stay for more than 90 days, you must apply for a resident visa. Get to know them all:
Entrepreneur Visa
The Entrepreneur Visa helps you get a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) by creating a real or virtual firm or organization in Portugal, as long as certain requirements are completed.
D7 Visa
Portugal D7 Visa assists you in obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) based on a verifiable source of income (retirement, pensions, rented real estate, investments, etc.) and meeting specific conditions.
Freelance Visa
A Freelance Visa can help you acquire a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) as proof of a self-employed professional or trade function functioning for himself in Portugal and registered as such.
To obtain a visa for Portugal, you must, of course,
- comply with the conditions of the chosen visa (enrolling at a university in Portugal, buying a house, getting a job, opening a company, and so on).
- Make an appointment with VFS Global, attend the interview, and bring the appropriate documentation to ensure everything is in order.
- Wait for the receipt of the visa to be placed into the passport.
Documents that you must present when applying for a visa
Although the list of documents presents few changes depending on the selected visa, some are common for all. As an example:
- International travel medical insurance, including medical and repatriation emergency Criminal certificate provided by your home country (and newly visited)
- SEF, has granted permission to consult with Portuguese criminal registration.
- Evidence of sustenance and accommodation in Portugal
- Your passport, which is valid for the duration of your stay.
In addition to all of these documents, keep in mind that before applying for a certain visa, you must comply with the prerequisites. For example, for work visas, you must have a position in a company in Portugal. If you want a learning visa, you must register at the university first. For business visas, you must first start a company in Portugal.
How may UAE citizens apply for a Golden Visa to visit Portugal?
The Golden Visa program was established by the Portuguese government to allow overseas investors to get an Investment Residence Permit after making specific investments in Portugal (ARI). This Investment Residence Permit is issued by the Portuguese Foreigners and Border Services in conjunction with the Golden Visa (SEF)
Thousands of people have previously applied for the Golden Visa and are already living in Portugal. But, in order to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal, what must a UAE citizen do? Citizenship is the same as it is for everyone else.
In order to invest in Portugal, you must do one of the following:
- Property acquisitions exceeding 500 thousand euros
- Acquisition of around 350 thousand euros worth of ancient houses in regions of urban rehabilitation
- At least 1 million euros in capital transfer
- In a new business you start in Portugal, you must create at least 10 employment.
- Small and medium-sized businesses are the focus of the investment.
- Scientific research should be funded.
- Investing in artistic output, cultural heritage protection, and conservation
What families from the United Arab Emirates should know about living in Portugal?
If you intend to migrate to Portugal with your family from the United Arab Emirates, you will still need to consider a few aspects to ensure the best possible adaptation.
What is the state of healthcare in Portugal?
You will be relieved to learn that Portugal's public health system is of high quality. It works, although big lineups and long wait periods are frequent, especially in major urban areas.
However, the private health care system in Portugal has a lot of attractive options. Health insurance is not expensive, and it is well worth it for individuals who desire greater exclusivity and quickness in their care.
What is the structure of the educational system?
The excellence of Portuguese public schools is likewise well-known. Even though the programs are free for all children in the country, they are exclusively offered in Portuguese.
Don't worry if your children don't speak the local language. In Portugal, there are hundreds of great international schools offering English, French, and German education.
The Job Market
The labor market in Portugal is hospitable and competitive, much like the country itself. Moving to Portugal right now is a highly profitable idea. Many new startups and IT enterprises are sprouting as a result of the rising economy. Of course, learning Portuguese will help you open additional doors. Let's take a deeper look at the market.
Expats are accepted in the IT industry or internet enterprises. Other, more traditional industries, on the other hand, frequently demand knowledge of Portuguese. Even if you don't know the language, you may always get a job in the tourism industry if you speak many languages. And with a nation like Portugal attracting people, there is no shortage of such.
Every worker in Portugal is required to contribute to social security. The contribution provides Portuguese Social Security protection in the following situations:
- Unemployment compensation
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Pension for the elderly
- Benefits of illness and disease
- Benefits upon death
- Invalidity
- Workplace injuries and other health issues
Cost of living in Portugal
The good news is that Portugal is quite affordable, especially when compared to Western European costs. This low cost does not come at the expense of a high standard of living. It's entirely up to you how you interpret it. However, if you're relocating to Portugal, you'll need to plan for the most crucial expenses.
While costs are cheap across the board, they do vary based on your way of life. You'll save money by cooking all of your meals at home, but you'll lose out on one of the most crucial components of Portuguese social life. Realistically, you'll need to strike a balance between saving money and squandering your time.
The estimated cost of living (monthly):
Expenses | Cost |
Single person (without rent) | €1504 |
Family of four (without rent) | €2979 |
Current Immigrants in Portugal
Portugal, historically an exodus country, has suddenly become a meeting place for net immigration, and not just from the final Portuguese overseas possessions in India, Africa, and Far East Asia. Several fresh waves of Ukrainian, Brazilian, individuals from former Portuguese colonies in Africa, and other Africans have arrived in the nation during the 1990s, coinciding with a construction boom. These are the major categories of immigrants in Portugal today. Portuguese have also been picked as a destination by Romanians, Moldovans, and Chinese. A lot of EU individuals have also selected Portugal as a destination, with a large proportion of the communities in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden, among others, made up of people searching for work.
Since the 1990s, the number of immigrants in Portugal has increased. Some immigrant populations, such as those from Africa and South America, emerged as a result of economic emigration - immigrants seeking better economic opportunities elsewhere. Other immigrants in Portugal, like the majority of those arriving from other EU member states, are a result of the country's attraction to high-income foreign individuals seeking a higher quality of life, warmer sunny weather, security, and great food.
Despite Portugal's image as an economic success story after the financial crisis, many young, educated employees are still drawn to much higher pay in European nations such as Germany, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland.
How to migrate from UAE to Portugal?
Immigrants looking for new possibilities or investments in Portugal can benefit immensely from the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), which can be renewed and converted into a Permanent Residence Permit and Portuguese Citizenship. The technique, however, is not as straightforward as it seems. Understanding the different laws and policies of several categories might be difficult unless you have someone's knowledge and help. As the best Portugal Immigration Consultants in Dubai, we assist you with your migration to Portugal and provide migrate-to-Portugal services, taking responsibility for the whole administration of your application to guarantee that your case runs smoothly.
Pelican Migration Consultant has earned a reputation as one of the most renowned and experienced immigration consultants in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and the Middle East over the years. Our company revolves around our customers. We enjoy the challenge of thinking creatively about each of our client's unique problems and long-term objectives to provide a solution that will benefit them. We are accredited, CICC consultants. We work directly with our customers to get the best possible immigration outcomes, and we use a unique approach that provides total knowledge and trust.
Based on our years of expertise, we offer the best Portugal immigration services to people looking for new jobs, enterprises, or a new life in Portugal. We take great care to cover all of your bases so you don't have to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
1. What is the minimum amount of money required to live comfortably in Portugal?
Ans: A couple may live well in one of Portugal's minor cities or the interior for as little as €1,500 per month! However, if you opt to live in Lisbon, a couple's monthly expenditure ranges from €2,000 to €2,500.
2. What is the Portuguese minimum wage?
Ans: The legally mandated monthly minimum salary is €822. (as of 2022).
3. Is healthcare in Portugal free?
Ans: Public health care is not entirely free, although it is quite affordable for nationals and permanent residents.
4. Where in Portugal is the cheapest location to live?
Ans: Guimares is one of the cheapest cities in Portugal. It has a train connection to Lisbon and is near several tourist sites.
5. Do Portuguese ex-pats have to pay taxes?
Ans: Yes, if you are a permanent resident. You become a permanent resident after spending 183 days or more in the nation for 12 months. However, the NHR program can assist you in obtaining personal tax treatment.
6. What is the property tax in Portugal?
Ans: The property tax rates differ based on who owns the property. This varies between 0.4 percent for company-owned properties and 0.7 percent for individual-help residences. If the property is worth more than €1 million, the tax rises to 1%.
7. Can foreigners buy property in Portugal?
Ans: Because Portugal enables all foreigners to own and invest in its real estate market, many foreigners have steeled in Portugal or purchased a second home there.
8. How much does a house cost on average in Portugal?
Ans: Property in Portugal is among the most affordable in Europe. According to National Statistics Institute data, the average property price is €1,187 per square meter - €1,243 for flats and €1,090 for houses.