Immigration planning is a process of preparing and strategizing for the legal and logistical aspects of moving to a new country for work, study, or personal reasons. It involves identifying the necessary steps and requirements to obtain a visa or resident permit, securing necessary documentation, and making arrangements for housing, employment, and other logistics in the destination country.
Immigration planning may also involve identifying potential challenges and risks associated with the move, such as cultural differences, language barriers, or legal and financial considerations. As part of the planning process, individuals may consult with immigration lawyers to ensure that they have a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements for immigration to the destination country.
Immigration planning is particularly important for individuals who are planning to move to a new country on a permanent basis, as it can help them avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smoother transition to their new home. However, it can also be useful for those who are moving temporarily, such as for work or study abroad, as it can help them navigate the complex legal and logistical requirements of their stay in the new country.
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Portugal has several growing industries that offer opportunities for professionals with a range of skills and expertise. Some of the best professions in Portugal include:
Technology
The tech industry in Portugal is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Renewable Energy
Portugal has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, and there are many job opportunities in areas such as solar and wind power.
Healthcare
With an aging population, there is a high demand for healthcare professionals in Portugal, including doctors, nurses, and other medical specialists.
Engineering
Portugal has several large engineering firms, and there is a high demand for professionals with expertise in areas such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism remains an important industry in Portugal. There are job opportunities in areas such as hotel management, restaurant services, and tour guiding.
It is worth noting that competition for jobs can be tough, particularly in popular urban areas like Lisbon and Porto.
English and Portuguese
It is important to be fluent in English and Portuguese.
The real estate market in Portugal has been growing steadily in recent years, particularly in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto. There has been a significant increase in demand for properties in Portugal, with many foreign buyers, including Europeans, Americans, and Chinese, looking to invest in the country’s real estate market.
The Portuguese government has implemented several measures to attract foreign investors, such as the Golden Visa program, which provides residency permits to non-EU citizens who invest in Portuguese property. This program has been particularly popular among Chinese investors.
In terms of prices, Portugal’s real estate market is relatively affordable compared to other European countries. The average price per square meter in Lisbon, for example, is around €3,000, which is significantly lower than cities like Paris and London.
Despite the growing demand for properties in Portugal, there are still opportunities to find good deals, particularly in rural areas or smaller cities. However, it’s important to work with a reputable real estate agent or lawyer to ensure that you are making a sound investment and that all legal requirements are met.
Overall, the real estate market in Portugal is considered to be stable and growing, with opportunities for both local and foreign investors.
This visa is designed for people who work remotely and earn income outside of Portugal.
Below is a list of the main documents:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
National Visa application filled and duly signed by applicant (For minors and incapacitated, forms should be signed the legal guardian) 2 Photos, even, passport type, recent and in good condition to identify the applicant (1 for this form).
Passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return.
Proof of regular situation in case of residence in a country other than the country of current nationality, which must be valid 3 months after the estimated date of return.
Valid travel insurance, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
Criminal record certificate, issued by the competent authority of the country of the applicant’s nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for over a year (except for applicants under sixteen), with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalised.
Request for criminal record enquiry by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF) (Not applicable to minors under the age of sixteen).
SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS
In case of subordinate work, one of the following documents:
Work contract;
Declaration by employer confirming the labour link.
In case of independent professional activity, one of the following documents:
Society contract;
Contract of services provision;
Document attesting 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 monthly minimum guaranty remuneration.
Company certification at IAPMEI in Portugal refers to the process of SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) certification conducted by the Institute for Support to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Innovation (IAPMEI).
SME certification is a quality label that recognizes companies that meet performance and financial solidity criteria, and that are in good conditions to face market challenges. This certification is valid for a period of three years and can be renewed.
To obtain SME certification, the company must meet the following requirements:
Have an annual turnover of less than 50 million euros;
Have a total balance sheet of less than 43 million euros;
Have a number of employees less than 250.
IAPMEI SME certification can bring several benefits to companies, such as:
Access to credit lines and financing specifically for SMEs;
Priority in public procurement processes;
Possibility of reduction of fees and taxes in certain circumstances.
To obtain SME certification, companies must submit application on the IAPMEI and provide financial information and other relevant information.
The application is evaluated based on financial performance, management, and business strategy criteria, and the company must demonstrate compliance with current norms and regulations.
In Portugal, only lawyers can open a company by power of attorney.
You do not need to be in Portugal. We do everything online.
If you want to open a company in Portugal, you will need to follow these steps:
Choose a company name
The first step is to choose a name for your company that is unique and not already registered with the Portuguese Companies Registrar.
Choose a legal form
The next step is to choose a legal form for your company, which can be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a limited liability company. The most common form for small and medium-sized enterprises is a limited liability company (LLC), which offers the protection of limited liability for shareholders.
Appoint a legal representative
You will need to appoint a legal representative for your company who will act as the company’s legal representative and will be responsible for signing contracts and other legal documents on behalf of the company.
Register with the Companies Registrar
You will need to register your company with the Portuguese Companies Registrar, which is called “Registo Nacional de Pessoas Coletivas” (RNPC).
Obtain a tax number
You will also need to obtain a tax number for your company, which is called “Número de Identificação Fiscal” (NIF). You can obtain this number by registering with the Tax Authority (Tax Identification Number).
Open a bank account
You will need to open a bank account for your company in Portugal, which can be done at any Portuguese bank.
Hire employees
If you plan to hire employees, you will need to register with the Social Security and obtain an employer identification number.
Comply with accounting and reporting requirements
You will need to comply with Portuguese accounting and reporting requirements, which include filing annual financial statements and tax returns.
Overall, opening a company in Portugal can be a relatively straightforward process if you follow the necessary steps and meet the legal requirements. It’s recommended to seek professional advice to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Is Portugal a good country for entrepreneurs?
Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for entrepreneurs in recent years. The country has made significant progress in improving its business environment, and there are now many resources available to support entrepreneurs and startups.
In 2018, the Portuguese government launched the StartUP Visa program, which offers a fast-track visa application process for foreign entrepreneurs who want to set up businesses in Portugal. The program provides a range of support services, including mentoring, incubation, and access to funding.
There are also many co-working spaces and startup accelerators in Portugal, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto, which offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with other business owners and access resources and support services.
In addition to the government’s efforts to support entrepreneurship, Portugal’s location and strong ties to other Portuguese-speaking countries can provide entrepreneurs with unique opportunities to expand their businesses globally. The country is also known for its relatively low cost of living, which can be an advantage for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and need to keep costs low.
Overall, Portugal can be a good country for entrepreneurs, particularly those in the technology and innovation sectors. However, as with any country, there may be challenges and barriers to entrepreneurship that vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and the nature of their business.
At the outset, we warn you not to make any payment or sign any document before the step below.
This article was written by a lawyer, used to practicing real estate law in Portugal. The text is simple and objective, to facilitate the reader’s understanding.
Below we will mention the documents that must be analyzed (obligatorily) before buying and selling a property. Due to the complexity of the analysis, it is usual and recommended that the analysis be done by a lawyer experienced in real estate law. But, it is important that the buyer knows, at least, basically.
Land registry (certidão de registro predial) and building booklet (caderneta predial)
The first step in analyzing a safe property purchase is the analysis of the land registry certificate (in Portuguese: certidão de registro predial) and the building booklet (in Portuguese: caderneta predial). As already said, it is an indispensable analysis and should be the first step.
How to obtain the land registry certificate (certidão de registro predial) of the property?
Our office does the research and the request for the land registry certificate (certidão de registro predial). However, the following data is required
the description number (the number that the building has in the land register) or the article of the matrix (the number under which the building is registered with the finances) and the nature of the article (rustic or urban);
if it is an autonomous fraction (an apartment, for example) the letter identifying the fraction/unit of accommodation
the neighborhood (freguesia) and municipality where it is located (you must indicate the neighborhood and municipality mentioned in the document from which you took the description number or the article from the matrix).
You can obtain this information from the Promissory Contract of Purchase and Sale – (In Portuguese: “Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda” – CPCV) . In fact, the CPCV must mention the data mentioned above.
Fee: The cost varies according to the type of certificate, but can be 18€.
How do I obtain the “caderneta predial” of the property?
Our office will search for the land register of the property. However, the following information is required:
Neighborhood (freguesia in Portuguese):
Type of building (urban or rustic)
Matricial article
NIF/NIPC of the owner
It is possible to obtain this data through the Promissory Contract of Purchase and Sale (CPCV).
By law, only lawyers can write or review contracts in Portugal
According to the legislation of Portugal, only lawyers can provide legal consultation or legal advice on property purchase and sale contracts.
The contact of the buyer (client) must be direct with the lawyer. There can be no intermediaries, such as real estate agents, “legal department”, real estate consultant etc.
Real estate consultants and real estate agents must limit themselves to making the commercial approach of the buyer and the seller.
Thus, any professional or company offering a contract analysis to a client – other than a lawyer – is committing an illegality in Portugal (Law nº. 49/2004, of August 24)
Real estate due diligence in Portugal
Before buying a property in Portugal (or in any country) the buyer must take due care. This care involves a detailed analysis of the property documents, among other analyzes and investigations. This is what we call real estate due diligence.
Obviously, due diligence can become more complex, depending on the case and the parties’ requirements. For example, there are cases where the parties hire engineers and/or architects for a technical analysis about the construction of the property. This analysis is also important to assess the housing license (or license of use) of the property, which is issued by the Municipality.
RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED ACTIVITY (HIGHLY QUALIFIEDPROFESSSIONAL)
Many people don’t know about the possibility of applying for a residence permit to carry out a highly qualified activity in Portugal. However, this is an excellent opportunity that cannot be ignored.
For this type of residence permit (highly qualified activity), the law on foreigners in Portugal requires the applicant to have an employment contract or a service contract compatible with the activity considered highly qualified, among other requirements.
As in all cases of residence permits, there are general requirements and specific requirements. Professionals must prove that they meet all the requirements for highly qualified activity.
General documents
The general requirements are as follows:
Passport or any other valid travel document;
Proof of sufficient earnings to live in Portugal;
Proof of tax registration in Portugal;
Proof of social security registration in Portugal;
Proof that the applicant has suitable accommodation.
Obviously, there is a need for a more detailed analysis, because each client has a different situation.
Specific documents
You can apply for a visa or residence permit with an employment contract (employee) or with a service contract (self-employed). In either case, the contract must be related to highly qualified work.
The applicant must present a university degree in the field of the highly qualified activity.
It is necessary to prove that the highly qualified professional has the earnings required for this type of visa or residence permit. A minimum of €1,500 is recommended. However, some exceptions must be analyzed.
Unfortunately, the law is not very well understood by some SEF officials and this causes many misunderstandings. Consequently, there may be some controversies during the procedure. Interpretations can also vary from consulate to consulate.
As we have already said, the best way out is a detailed analysis of each case, with full knowledge of the law and legal practice, to reduce all risks.
This article is to answer the questions we received:
How to apply for a Portugal D7 Visa?
What is a D7 Visa?
How much do you need?
What are the documents required?
The D7 visa is one of the best visa options and is ideal for retirees and entrepreneurs.
The D7 visa is one of the best because you just need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
Basically, your income must correspond to twelve minimum wages in Portugal. By the way, to start the D7 visa process, it is necessary to have this amount (12 x minimum wage) in a bank account in Portugal.
For example, the minimum wage in Portugal this year (2021) is 665 euros. Therefore, you must have a personal income greater than or equal 12 x 665 euros, that is greater than or equal 7980 euros. But, you must remember that the minimum wage changes annually.
If there are family members, there must be additions in the calculation.
For example, a couple with children must add 50% for the other spouse, plus 30% for each child.
We are a licensed Law Firm in Portugal. We have our office located in Porto, but we only receive clients by appointment (pinheiro@advocaciapinheiro.com or Whatsapp / Telegram / SMS).
Documentation
As we speak, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal. In other words, you must prove that you can meet all the requirements.
The most important documents are:
– Proof of regular income or passive income; – Proof of a place to live.
Anyway, all documents that can prove your income will be necessary or useful, such as bank statements, retirement records, properties, etc.
In addition to these documents, you will need to present all the usual documents for all visas, such as criminal background check, valid travel insurance, passport etc.
The first contact must be made by message (whatsapp, Telegram, SMS or email). We do not answer phone calls without scheduling.
You need to send a message and request an online consultation.
When we understand what you want to contract, we will send you a fee proposal by email.
You apply for a visa at the embassy (consulate) in your home country.
For example, if you are in the United States, you must go to the embassy (consulate of Portugal) in the United States and start the visa process at the Consulate. The visa process cannot be started in Portugal.
After entering Portugal, you must schedule a visit to the Foreigners and Borders Service – SEF, in Portuguese: Serviço de Estrangeiro e Fronteiras – SEF.
You will have four months to attend the SEF interview. Upon approval of the process, you will receive your residence permit.
Permanent Residence Permit and Citizenship
After five years of residence in Portugal, you will be able to apply for your permanent residence permit. In addition, with five years of residency, you will also be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
