Why migrate to Portugal? 

• Over 1.1 Million were in 2024
• 57,375 job vacancies in Portugal
• Enjoy the Social Security
• Free Healthcare benefits
• Ranks 7th on the Global Peace Index in 2024
   

Move to Portugal from Canada  

Portugal is often regarded as one of the world's leading destinations for migration overseas. It has many advantages, including its warm Mediterranean climate, which is an important aspect for Canadians.

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Portugal's Immigration system is its high quality of life. The country boasts a mild Mediterranean climate that makes it pleasant to live in throughout the year. Portugal is also a great place to look for work opportunities, as its growing economy offers numerous opportunities for skilled professionals. Portugal offers favorable immigration policies for entrepreneurs and investors, making it an attractive destination for business-minded individuals.  

Foreign nationals who want to move to Portugal are initially offered a residency permit, which expires after one year. They have to renew it before the expiration date to remain in the country. The Portugal residence permit allows Canadians to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days. After residing in Portugal for a minimum of five years, the applicant can apply for a permanent residence permit.
 

Benefits of Immigration to Portugal

• High quality of life
• Low cost of living
• One of the safest country
• Ease of residence and visa program
• Excess Healthcare system
• Bring your family
• Several work opportunities
• Migrate even without job offer
• High Annual Salary packages
• Numerous Employment benefits
• Technologically advanced infrastructure
• Pleasant climate and natural scenic beauty
   

Types of Portugal visa  

Portugal Visa Options for Canadians

Portugal offers long-term visas for Canadians who are planning to settle in the country, which are:

• Golden Visa
• D7 Visa
• Work visas
• Family reunification (D6) Visa
• Study visas
   

Generally, Portugal issues two kinds of residence permits for different visas:

• Temporary visa or residency visa: This short-term Portugal visa allows an applicant to stay in the country for 3-4 months.

• Portugal Residence permit: This is a temporary residence permit that is valid for 1 year and is renewed depending on the length of stay

Firstly, an applicant has to apply for a Portugal residence visa and enter the country, then apply for a Portugal visa, after which those who want to reside in the country for the long term can apply for a Portugal residency permit according to their purpose of stay.

In addition to visas, applicants must have a residence permit to enter and remain in the country. This permit authorizes applicants to live, work, or study in the country during their stay.

Here are the lists of different types of Portugal residence permits:

Residence Permit for Work

This Portugal residence permit is issued to applicants who have secured employment in Portugal. The employer must prove that no EU national is available or willing to do the job so the non-EU applicant is hired.

Residence Permit for Study Purposes

This residence permit is issued to applicants accepted into a Portuguese educational institution for study purposes.

Residence Permit for Family Reunification

This residency permit is issued to applicants who want to move to Portugal to join a close family member who is either a resident in Portugal or a citizen. A close family member will include:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Minor Child
• Child of Age but who is dependent on a Portugal visa
• A direct descendant who is dependent on the resident 

Residence Permit via Investment

This residency permit is issued to entrepreneurs or investors who want to invest in the country with €200,000 to €500,000 in any eligible investment route.

Special Residence Permit

This Special Residence Permit is issued in some specific situations. These particular situations are:

• Residence permit for individuals who suffer from health conditions
• Residence permit for individuals who have completed military services in Portugal's Armed forces
• Residence permit for minors born in national territory to foreign parents
• Residence permit children of resident permit holders who have reached the age of majority
• Residence permit for Individuals of age who were born in national territory

 

Eligibility criteria to apply for Portugal residency permit  

To apply for a Portugal residency permit, an applicant must be eligible for the following:

• A valid passport
• Sufficient funds
• Valid residence permit
• Proof of Accommodation
• Private Health Insurance
• Clean criminal record
• Portugal Registration certificate
• Job contract

Requirements to apply for a Portugal visa

To apply for a Portugal Residency permit, an applicant must fulfill the requirements such as:

• Valid passport
• Valid residence permit
• Evidence of sufficient financial means
• Health insurance
• Family certificate
• Criminal certificate
• Employment contract
• Acceptance letter from the university
• Proof of accommodation
   

Processing time of Portugal residency permit

Before applying for a Portugal residency permit, it is important to apply for a Portugal residency visa, which allows an applicant to re-enter and reside in the country for 4 months. The processing time for a residency visa is 60 days. Once you receive a Portugal visa for work, study, or family, then an applicant can apply for a Portugal residency permit, which takes 6-12 months to process.

Processing cost of Portugal visa and residency permit

Portugal's residence permits typically cost around €84.  An applicant must pay the fee every time they want to renew it; the fee will depend on the type of your residence type. Below are the processing costs of different Portugal residency permits:

Different types of Portugal residency visas	Processing fees
Portugal work residency permit	€ 1.60
Portugal study residency permit	€80 to €198
Portugal investment residency permit	€533 (without family)
Portugal family residency permit	€ 85

 

Different types of Portugal visas	Processing fees
Golden Visa	€605.10 per person
D7 Visa	€80 to €100
Work visas	€90 -€250
Family reunification (D6) Visa	€ 90
Study visas	€ 90

 

How to migrate to Portugal?

Step 1: Choose the Portugal visa type

Step 2: Gather the required documentation

Step 3: Schedule an appointment

Step 4: Attend the visa interview

Step 5: Wait for the processing

Step 6: Once approved, Migrate to Portugal
 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is one of the leading immigration consultancy that provides services with over 25 years of experience. Our team of expert opportunities provides services like:

• Best strategy to obtain a Portugal visa
• Advises you on the financial documentation required
• Guide you in the documentation for the Portugal visa application
• Help you in filing the Portugal visa application form 
• Review your documentation before submission
• Get guidance on every step of working in Portugal. Y-Axis is a customized approach that supports an applicant in making a life-changing decision
• Y-Axis Coaching services help you ace the immigration test