Visas Portugal: Live, work, and retire with clarity

Q: How long do applications take?

Processing times vary by visa type and location.On average, expect anywhere from two to six months.Starting early and preparing translations in advance helps avoid delays.

Q: Does Hisparos handle visa applications?

No.Hisparos provides sworn translations of the supporting documents you need for your visa.Applications themselves are made through Portuguese consulates or immigration authorities.

Q: What happens if my translations aren’t ready?

Your application can be delayed or rejected.Preparing translations before your appointment means you’ll arrive confident and ready.

Portugal offers more than beautiful coastlines and sunny days — it offers a new beginning. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or a slower pace of life, getting the right visa is the first step towards turning your plans into reality.

From thriving tech hubs like Lisbon and Porto to tranquil villages in the Algarve, Portugal attracts people seeking opportunity, lifestyle, or both.

But before you can enjoy it, you need to navigate the paperwork. This guide explains the main visas Portugal offers, which documents need sworn translations, and how to prepare so your move goes smoothly.

From plans to paperwork.

Visas Portugal: Understanding your options

A Portuguese visa isn’t just a form — it’s the bridge between your current life and your future one.

The challenge? Each visa has its own rules, timelines, and required documents. We make them simple to understand, so you can focus on the big picture.

The three most common routes for non-EU citizens relocating to Portugal are:

Golden Visa for Portugal

– for investors and those seeking a flexible path to residency.

Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal

– for remote workers who want to make Portugal their home base.

Retirement Visa for Portugal

– for individuals or couples ready to enjoy their retirement abroad.

In this guide, you’ll find what each visa involves, who it’s for, and which supporting documents need sworn translations before submission.

Paperwork shouldn’t feel like quicksand.

Visas Portugal: Why sworn translations matter

When your documents cross borders, they need to speak the legal language of Portugal. A misplaced word or incorrect translation can cause delays, rejections, or even the need to start over. We make sure that never happens.

Many Portuguese consulates require foreign-issued documents to be submitted with an official sworn translation in Portuguese.

Common examples include:

Preparing sworn translations early makes your application stronger and prevents last-minute stress. At Hisparos, every translation is precise, legally valid, and delivered on time — so your paperwork moves as smoothly as you do.

Golden Visa for Portugal: Build your path to residency

The Golden Visa is more than an investment programme — it’s an opportunity to create roots in a country that offers quality of life, stability, and connection.

Portugal’s Golden Visa provides a route to residency for individuals who make qualifying investments in the country.

It’s popular for those who want the freedom to live part-time or full-time in Portugal while also travelling freely across the Schengen Area.

Who it suits

Investors seeking a pathway to European residency.
Families looking for a secure, flexible relocation plan.
Individuals who value long-term stability and mobility.

Typical essentials

Proof of qualifying investment (e.g., business creation, research contribution, or cultural projects).
Clean criminal record from all countries of recent residence.
Health insurance valid in Portugal.
Proof of accommodation.

Sworn translations commonly required

Criminal record certificates, birth and marriage certificates for family members, and financial or legal documents supporting the investment.

Good to know

Recent rule changes mean property investments are no longer eligible.

Processing times can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the type of investment and consulate workload.

Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal: Remote work, real life

Portugal is one of the world’s favourite destinations for remote workers — and for good reason. With reliable internet, vibrant cities, and some of the best weather in Europe, it’s a place where career and lifestyle thrive together.

The Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal allows remote employees, freelancers, and independent contractors to live legally in Portugal while working for non-Portuguese clients or companies.

Who it suits

Remote employees working for companies outside Portugal.
Freelancers serving international clients.
Entrepreneurs running location-independent businesses.

Typical essentials

Proof of stable income (minimum thresholds updated annually).
Work contracts or client agreements confirming non-Portuguese employment.
Private health insurance valid in Portugal.
Clean criminal record certificate.
Proof of accommodation.

Sworn translations commonly required

Criminal record certificates, work contracts, and proof of income documents, especially if issued outside Portugal.

Good to know

The visa is initially valid for one year and can often be renewed.

Portugal has thriving remote work communities in Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and smaller cities like Braga and Faro.

Retirement Visa for Portugal: Peace of mind in a beautiful place

Retirement isn’t about stopping — it’s about living on your own terms. Portugal offers a safe, welcoming environment to make those years truly rewarding.

The Retirement Visa for Portugal (often under the D7 visa category) allows retirees or individuals with passive income to live in Portugal long-term without engaging in work.

Who it suits

Retirees looking for affordable, high-quality living.
Couples seeking a safe, welcoming place to spend their retirement.
Individuals with pensions, dividends, or other stable passive income.

Typical essentials

Proof of sufficient income to support yourself and any dependants.
Clean criminal record certificate.
Private health insurance.
Proof of accommodation in Portugal.

Sworn translations commonly required

Criminal record certificates, marriage or birth certificates for dependants, and financial proof such as pension statements.

Good to know

Portugal’s public healthcare system is highly regarded and accessible to residents.

Applicants must usually live in Portugal for the majority of the year to maintain residency status.

What people say about us

Your questions, answered.

FAQ: Common concerns about visas for Portugal

When you have the right information, you make better decisions. Here are answers to the questions we hear most from people planning a move to Portugal.

Do I need sworn translations for my visa application?

Yes — most foreign-issued documents, like criminal records or birth certificates, must be submitted with official sworn translations into Portuguese.

Can I apply for my visa while already in Portugal?

Some visas, like the Digital Nomad visa, allow in-country applications, but most — including the Retirement Visa — must be started from your home country’s Portuguese consulate.

How long do applications take?

Processing times vary by visa type and location.
On average, expect anywhere from two to six months.
Starting early and preparing translations in advance helps avoid delays.

Does Hisparos handle visa applications?

No.
Hisparos provides sworn translations of the supporting documents you need for your visa.
Applications themselves are made through Portuguese consulates or immigration authorities.

What happens if my translations aren’t ready?

Your application can be delayed or rejected.
Preparing translations before your appointment means you’ll arrive confident and ready.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Many visas allow family reunification, but you’ll need to provide additional documents such as marriage or birth certificates — also translated and certified.