Want to retire to Portugal? Find out what visa you need
Spain may be a favourite destinations for many tourists, but Portugal, its neighbouring country, is not far behind in terms of what it has to offer to its visitors.
Lisbon, Porto, and many other places are famous around the world for their architectural beauty, their romantic aura, their culture and their gastronomy. For many people, Portugal is a magical country to which they always dream of returning after visiting for the first time – and not just for a holiday.
It’s easy to see why an increasing number of people choose to start a new life in Portugal. To retire after many decades of work and to get to know another way of life and a totally different culture, and enjoy the country’s fantastic weather.
Some choose Portugal for its stunning beaches and pretty coastal villages and towns. They long for a quiet, rural life with delicious food and wine, and warm weather. Others meanwhile prefer the bustle and culture of cities like Lisbon. The country’s low cost of living is also very attractive for many retirees, ensuring that your money goes further and that you can afford luxuries that may not be possible in countries with a higher cost of living.
What visa do you need to retire to Portugal?
But what you have to do to obtain a retirement visa for Portugal? The first and most important thing to know is that if you are not a citizen of the European Union you will need to apply for a visa to be able to live in Portugal and retire permanently there.
What are the main visas that people apply for? One of the best known and recommended is the Portugal Golden Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for a long period of time and allows you to travel in the 26 countries with which Portugal has agreements.
In order to apply for this type of visa, it is advisable to secure the support and guidance of expert teams such as My Portugal Residency, a boutique with more than seven years of experience in this type of procedure, and others related to immigration processes. Visa experts will provide you with the right advice, personalised feedback and an answer to any questions within 24 hours.
One of the benefits offered by the Portugal Golden visa is that it allows family reunions with your loved ones once settled in the country. In this case, in order to settle in the country, you need residency and documentation that proves that you are staying in the country legally, such as a NIF.
There are several requirements to carry out the application process to obtain this visa and with it the permission not only to stay in the country, but also to reside, as well as many other benefits. There are also many other types of visas with specific requirements you can apply for, for different needs – whether you wish to retire to Portugal, or continue working while living in the country.
