How to move to Portugal from India: Digital Nomad visa and D7 visa guide

Portugal is an excellent choice for those who plan to become a resident of a European country. The country is one of the top 5 safest countries in the world. Requirements for obtaining residency are much easier compared to many other European countries.
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A big plus of moving to Portugal is the opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence there. For example, in Spain, you can apply for citizenship only after ten years.
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Moving to Portugal is an opportunity to live and work in Europe, where the wage is higher than in India.

Add to this fast and affordable Internet – to hold a fiber optic unlimited wi-fi can be practiced in every home. Store prices are low, compared to the European average, with an extensive network of public transport and a cheap cab.
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If you are an Indian citizen, we advise two ways to move to Portugal: 

• Digital Nomad Visa (if you work remotely) 
• D7 visa (if you have passive income: rent, dividends, pension, etc.)

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Average visa process

✅ Step 1. Preparation of documents.

You prepare all the necessary documents and translate them all into Portuguese.

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✅ Step 2. Visa application.

Submit your application to the consulate or VFS in India and obtain your work Portugal visa for indians. The consulate will paste the visa into your passport with the date of application in Portugal. Some embassies do not provide these pre-appointments with SEF.

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✅ Step 3. SEF Application.

Upon arrival in Portugal, apply at the SEF. You're almost there! Simply arrive on the designated date and provide the necessary documents.

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✅ Step 4. The residence card is ready.

On average, you can wait for the arrival of your ID card.

Where to apply
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In India, the application for the D visa is based on the jurisdiction. 
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• Suppose your state of residence (the state you have been legally residing in the past six months) is Maharashtra, Goa, or the UTs of Daman & Diu or Dadra & Nagar Haveli. In that case, you must apply at the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa.
  
  
• If you belong to Maharashtra, you can apply with VFS Global in Mumbai and Pune. However, your application will be processed by the consulate in Goa.
  
  
• If you are from the rest of the states and UTs, you must apply at the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi through VFS Global visa application centers. 
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VFS Global visa centers are available in 9 big cities in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Jalandhar).

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Appointments can be booked online or through call centers. Currently, people are booking slots 3-6 months ahead. It can be difficult to secure an appointment, so it is recommended to check availability multiple times daily and check different centers nationwide.

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VFS Global will receive and check your documents, and after that, they will send them to the embassy. You will be given a tracking number to check when they are delivered. However, you will not be able to see further progress on your application until the final decision. Due to high demand, the embassy prioritizes family reunification and student visas, while D7 visas are slower to process.

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If you apply in Goa, the process is a bit different. You will need to visit the online visa application portal of the Portuguese Republic, choose the consular post as the 'consulate general of Portugal in Goa,' and fill in the rest of the Portugal visa online application form with all the relevant details. Choose your required consulate appointment time and date on the same application form. You can check the Portugal Visa status online by visiting the online portal of the Portuguese embassy and logging in using the username and password provided during the application.

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Upon approval, you will receive a visa stuck in your passport, valid for four months from the issue date. This is the period you have to enter Portugal.

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When you are already migrate to Portugal from India, you must complete the second step of the application to become a resident in the country. You must go to the SEF to deliver your documentation and have a personal interview. If everything is correct, your application will be accepted, and you will receive a temporary residence permit, which will be valid for two years.

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Digital Nomad visa

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Portugal finally got its own Digital Nomad visa. Although it is called for digital nomads if you are, for example, a sales manager or a producer of an online school, and this income is legal and permanent – welcome to Portugal!

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Main requirements
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👉 You must apply in India or a country with a residence permit.

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👉 If you apply for a DN visa, your family can apply simultaneously for accompanying visas. These visas will have the same duration as the primary holder's Digital Nomad visa - either long-term and converted to a residence permit by SEF or short-term.

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👉 You do not need a Portuguese bank account, and the official requirements for the Digital Nomad visa do not mention mandatory savings for the principal applicant. However, based on experience, showing at least €9,120 per person is recommended. To increase the chances of getting approved for a long-term visa, some applicants aim to offer at least €18,000 deposit.

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👉 Proof of income must be provided, including contracts, tax declarations, and bank statements.

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👉 Proof of accommodation: at least four months, ‍but it has a 1-2 year lease is better.

There are two types of Digital Nomad visas, each giving different opportunities.

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Short-term visa

The first type of visa is for those who just want to live in the country for a while and then move on. This visa is for one year. It may be suitable for those who want to test life in Portugal and ensure that the country to move to is correct.

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Long-term visa

The second type of visa allows you to get a two-year residence permit after you can extend it for another three years. You need this if you plan to go to Portugal for a long time. After five years of legal residence in the country, you can apply for citizenship.

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What are the specifics of applying if you are an Indian citizen?

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You must show Proof of an average monthly income for the last three months that is at least four times the minimum wage in Portugal (for 2023, the minimum wage is €760, so you must show a monthly income of €3040).

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Also, you must show the basis for this income, such as a work contract or contract with a client. It is also to provide a tax return for your income as evidence that you receive income legally and declare it.

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You do not need a Portuguese bank account, and the official requirements for the Digital Nomad visa do not mention mandatory savings for the principal applicant. However, based on experience, showing at least €9,120 per person is recommended. To increase the chances of getting approved for a long-term visa, some applicants aim to offer at least €18,000 deposit.

Documents

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Documents to Prove Your Income:
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Freelance

• Society contract;
•  Contract of services provision;
•  The document attests to the services provided to one or more entities;
• Proof of average monthly income for the last three months with a minimum value equivalent to four months' minimum guaranteed remuneration;
• Document attesting the fiscal residence;
• Tax declaration with Proof of payment of taxes on received income.
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Working at the company

• Working contract;
• Employer's certificate stating that you can work remotely (if not stated in the work contract);
• Declaration by employer confirming the labor link.
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Before submitting your application, it is advisable to ask a lawyer to review your paperwork to ensure that everything is prepared correctly.

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What other documents do you need?

• Visa application filled and duly signed by the applicant (for minors and incapacitated, forms should be signed by the legal guardian)

•  Two Photos, even passport type, recent and in good condition to identify the applicant (one for this form).
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• Proof of regular situation in case of residence in a country other than the country of current nationality must be valid three months after the estimated return date.
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• Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation. 

•  Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the applicant's country of origin or country of residency for over one year. (The PCC is only considered valid up to three months after the date of issuance. Older PCC's will not be accepted. Minors under 16 years of age are exempt from producing any criminal record-related document. The PCC should be issued by a Regional Passport Office (RPO) and attested with Apostille from RPO or MEA)
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•  Request for criminal record inquiry by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF) (Not applicable to minors under the age of sixteen)

Follow our step-by-step guide

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✅ Step 1. Fill in the visa application form

✅ Step 2. Get a police criminal record

✅ Step 3. Prepare the rental contract

‍✅ Step 4. Proof of Monthly Income

‍✅ Step 5. Savings in a bank account

‍✅ Step 6. Health insurance

‍✅ Step 7. Book your ticket to Portugal

✅ Step 8. Your family documents (if applicable)

✅ Step 9. Write a cover letter (It is unnecessary, but it will help convince the consulate.

You can prepare a letter with a lawyer to choose the most relevant arguments for your case).

✅ Step 10. Apply to the consulate or VFS

D7 visa if you have a passive income

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What kind of passive income is suitable? If you earn income from renting an apartment, dividends, interest from a bank deposit, and more. If you have a legal passive income, a D7 visa Portugal for indians is a great way to get residency in this country.

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Main requirements
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👉 You must apply in India or a country with a residence permit.

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👉 Passive income is the only type that can be used to apply for the D7 visa – a legal and predictable income of at least €760 per month.

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👉 You must open a Portuguese bank account and deposit at least €9,120, but we recommend more (more details below)

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👉 You must provide Proof of income through contracts, tax declarations, bank statements, etc.

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What are the specifics of applying if you are an Indian citizen?

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1. A Portuguese bank deposit

It is recommended to show sufficient funds for two years instead of one – at least €18,000.

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2. The main problem: Long waiting times

Long waiting times are a common issue for D7 visa applicants in India. It can be difficult to secure an appointment for a visa application, and you may need to wait 3-6 months. After application, processing times can also vary greatly, with some applicants waiting 4-6 months or even longer. Embassy in New Deli does not reply to emails or phone calls and does not allow visitors without appointments. Consulate in Goa might be slightly more responsive.
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3. Family 

As of now, spouses need to apply separately.

• The application form is per individual; it doesn't have space/fields to mention spouse details; hence, it must be filled out individually.
•  Two VFS appointments must be booked [same day, consecutive time slots] for submission, considering there are two individuals.
• Write a personal statement/motivation letter that compliments each other and expresses your interest in moving there as a couple. 
• Submit a copy of your marriage certificate and joint bank account statements. 
• Rent agreement/lease [Portugal] should be in joint names.
• If one spouse is financially dependent on another, the dependent should submit financial portfolio statements of the spouse along with their application, which is also worth mentioning in their personal statement or motivation letter.

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4. The family members of the visa applicant who can apply for family reunification are:

• Spouse or partner;
• Minor or incapacitated children dependent on the couple or one of the spouses;
• Minors adopted by the applicant when he is not married, by the applicant or by the spouse, as a result of a decision by the competent authority of the country of origin, provided that the law of that country recognizes the adopted rights and duties identical to those of natural filiation and that Portugal recognizes the decision;
• Adult children, dependent on the couple or one of the spouses, who are single and who are studying at an educational establishment in Portugal;
• Ascendants in the straight line and in the 1st degree of the resident or his/her spouse, provided they are dependent on them;
• Minor siblings provided that they are under the guardianship of the resident, by a decision issued by the competent authority of the country of origin, and that Portugal recognizes this decision.

Required documents

• The passport is valid for an additional three months following the duration of the intended stay.
• Two identical passport photographs, up-to-date and in good condition, allowing proper identification
• D7 visa application form
• NIF (you can get it yourself in Portugal or through a representative remotely, we can help you with that)
• Proof of passive regular income from €760 per month
• Account statement in a Portuguese bank (at least € 9120, but we recommend at least €18,000)
• Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including emergency assistance and repatriation.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the applicant's country of origin or country of residency for over one year. (with apostille and notarial translation into Portuguese). The PCC is only considered valid up to three months after the date of issuance. Older PCC's will not be accepted. Minors under 16 years of age are exempt from producing any criminal record-related document. The PCC should be issued by a Regional Passport Office (RPO) and attested with Apostille from RPO or MEA.
• Form authorizing Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Service) to consult your criminal record.
• Proof of means of subsistence, i.e., financial documents, including bank statements for the last six months and ITR (model V for Indian citizens) for the last three years. This Proof may be produced through a term of responsibility issued by the workers hosting entity.
• A rental contract in Portugal for at least one year
• Tickets to Portugal (bookings are sufficient)
• Letter of motivation
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What else?

For retirement purposes:

Document certifying retirement amount.

• Proof of available funds in Portugal (e.g., bank statement of Portuguese bank account + Proof of bank transfer to the Portuguese bank account)
• The Proof of subsistence and accommodation can be replaced by a term of responsibility issued by the religious order hosting the applicant, confirming accommodation and a guarantee of the payment of all living expenditures.

Applications through the Consulate in Goa / VFS MUMBAI, please fill online form.

Application through VFS in other locations, please fill PDF form.
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 For people living out of personal revenge:

• Documents certifying revenue from movable and immovable property Intellectual or financial assets.
• Proof of available funds in Portugal (e.g., bank statement of Portuguese bank account + Proof of bank transfer to the Portuguese bank account.
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For religious purposes:

• Document proving that the applicant is part of a religious order (as long as the Portuguese legal system recognizes it).

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Follow our step-by-step guide.

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✅ Step 1. Fill in the visa application form

✅ Step 2. Prepare passport and photos

✅ Step 3. Get a police criminal record

✅ Step 4. Get a NIF (tax number)

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a Portuguese tax number and the first thing you should get if you plan to immigrate to Portugal form India. Get your NIF remotely and online. Read more about NIF here.

‍✅ Step 5. Prepare the lease agreement

‍✅ Step 6. Open a bank account (You cannot open an account online without a power of attorney for another person. Read more here).

✅ Step 7. Prove your passive income

✅ Step 8. Prepare a health insurance

‍✅ Step 9. Book your ticket to Portugal

✅ Step 10. Write a cover letter

✅ Step 10. Apply to the consulate or VFS

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Do you want to ensure everything is okay with your application, documents, and motivation letter? Check it with an attorney.

What else is important?

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Not clear:

• If rental contracts with Flatio or cheaper contracts of accommodation services typical for student housing and hotels are eligible. Remember that you'll need to pay rent while staying in India - sometimes up to a year of rent for a house you can't use.
• Long waiting times mean that your insurance may expire. Most companies in India offer a maximum of six months long insurance, so opt for the longest available period.
• You may need your passport in the waiting period, but it's unclear how regaining your passport back from the embassy for travel may affect the visa application process. It is also a slow process, and you won't be able to get it for immediate emergency travel – requests are processed approx. 30 days. 
• Applying for DN if no slots are named DN in the VFS Global system.
• How to apply for family reunification along with D7/DN application for children or dependent siblings.

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If you need expert help‍

You can do a lot independently, but contact us if you need expert help:

• subscribe to detailed guides 
• book a consultation with an immigration expert 
• sign up for a chat room with an immigration lawyer and assistant who knows the specifics of immigration from your country. 

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See more details here. 

Got a question? Contact us!

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Photo: Karthik Balakrishnan, Nick Karvounis, Annie Spratt, Vikas Makwana, Yogendra Singh