RelyOn Relocation® Frequently Asked Questions
My family and I want to move to Portugal. If I contracted your services, what could you do for us?
Our service is all-in-one, that means you have nothing to worry about while working with us, except for personal paperwork. Our experienced lawyers will guide you along the process. We will assist you in the preparation of the application and all the necessary steps in the Portuguese Consulate and with the Immigration Agency (obtaining a Portuguese tax number, opening a Portuguese bank account, obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in Portugal, etc.).
How long does the relocation process take?
Obtaining Portuguese residency refers to the legal process through which an individual, who is not a citizen of Portugal, gains the right to live permanently in the country. This process can be initiated by individuals who have found a job in Portugal, who want to study there, or by individuals and family, who want to move to Portugal.
The process of obtaining Portuguese residence is a multistep procedure that typically takes between 6 to 9 months. However, it’s important to note that the duration can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as your country of residence and the waiting time at the consulate.
I don't want to learn a new language. Can I live in Portugal just speaking English?
Yes, sure you can. Most Portuguese people learn English at school from a young age. You won’t have any problem communicating, especially in areas with a big expat community.
What are the requirements for obtaining Portuguese citizenship?
To obtain Portuguese citizenship, several pathways are available, each with specific requirements:
1. Naturalization: Have legal Portuguese residency for at least 5 years. Have a clean criminal record.
2. Marriage to a Portuguese Citizen: Be married to a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years.
Maintain a connection to the Portuguese community.
3. Golden Visa Program: Invest in a Portuguese fund of meet other investment criteria.
4. Birth in Portugal: Children born in Portugal to foreign parents who have residency in Portugal for at least 1 year.
5. Temporary or permanent resident: Holders of Portuguese residence cards can obtain Portuguese citizenship after living in Portugal for 5 years.
Each path has specific documentation and procedural requirements, so it’s advisable to consult with Relyon to navigate the process efficiently.
If I wanted to get Portuguese citizenship, but I didn’t want to live there, what would my options be?
The only option would be the Portuguese Golden Visa. It’s the only official program of obtaining Portuguese Citizenship which allows you to spend just a minimum of 7 days a year. All other programs require you to live in Portugal for more than 183 days a year.
If I came on a tourist visa, would the process for applying for the Digital Nomad visa be finished before my tourist visa expired?
We would recommend that you come to visit Portugal on a tourist visa only if you want to live there for less than 90 days. If you want to stay longer you will need to start the proper process from your country of residence and apply for a 1 or 2 year Digital Nomad Visa, because it’s not possible to start the process on a tourist visa.
I’m an entrepreneur and want to live in Portugal? Is it possible?
Yes, sure. You need to consult with Relyon Relocation® to obtain a Portuguese D2 visa for entrepreneurs. Depending on each specific case, we will offer several options: creating a company from the ground up, acquiring an established enterprise, establishing a branch of your business in Portugal, or relocating your own company to Portugal.
I heard about the Portuguese Golden Visa. What is the main advantage of it?
The main advantage of the Portuguese Golden Visa is that there is no need to live in Portugal until you and your family are going through the process of obtaining Citizenship. It’s the one official program of obtaining Portuguese Citizenship which allows you to do that. All others require living in Portugal for more than 183 days a year, whereas the Golden Visa in Portugal is just a minimum of 7 days a year.
If I retiree from the US or UK (non EU country), can I legally live in Portugal for most of the year?
Yes, as a retiree from the US or UK (non EU country), you can legally live in Portugal for most of the year. The most common visa option for retirees is the D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa.
If I am a citizen of the US or UK and I get Portuguese citizenship, will I have dual citizenship?
Yes, if you are a citizen of the UK and get Portuguese citizenship, you will hold dual citizenship. Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you can retain your UK citizenship while becoming a Portuguese citizen. This means you will enjoy the rights and privileges of both countries, such as the ability to live, work, and travel freely within the EU as a Portuguese citizen, and maintain your rights in the UK.
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