Skip to content 
To obtain permanent residency in Portugal, you must first hold a temporary residence permit for at least five years, maintaining legal and uninterrupted residence throughout that time.
After completing the five-year period, you may apply for permanent residency if you meet the key requirements, including sufficient financial means, a clean criminal record, and—depending on the pathway—basic Portuguese language skills at the A2 level.
What Is Permanent Residency in Portugal?
Permanent residency is different from a temporary residence permit because it’s granted indefinitely — you don’t need to apply for a new permit every one or two years. The only requirement is updating the physical card, which in Portugal usually happens every five years.
In Portugal, permanent residency offers nearly all the same benefits as citizenship, with the key exception of political rights. Permanent residents can’t vote or run for public office.
Unlike Portuguese citizens, permanent residents don’t get full freedom to live and work across other countries. Still, the permanent residence card does allow visa-free travel throughout the 26 countries of the Schengen Area.
Benefits of the Portugal Residency Permit
1. Live in Portugal indefinitely
Permanent residency removes the stress of frequent renewals. You can settle long-term, plan your future, and enjoy full stability in the country. The status itself doesn’t expire — only the card needs updating every five years.
2. Work and study without restrictions
You’re free to work for any employer, start your own business, or pursue studies at Portuguese schools and universities. You have nearly the same access to the labor market and education system as citizens, which makes integration much easier.
3. Access to public healthcare and social benefits
With PR, you can use Portugal’s public healthcare system at local rates, giving you reliable and affordable medical care. You may also qualify for social benefits and support programs available to long-term residents.
4. Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
Your permanent residence card allows you to travel freely across 26 Schengen countries for short stays. This makes weekend breaks, business trips, or extended travel across Europe much simpler.
5. A clear path toward Portuguese citizenship
Permanent residents can apply for Portuguese citizenship once they meet the five-year legal residency requirement (counting both temporary and permanent years). This offers access to an EU passport, enhanced mobility, and broader rights across the EU.
Key Requirements for Portuguese Permanent Residency
- Temporary residency: You must hold a valid temporary residence permit for five consecutive years. Most common pathways to obtain temporary residency in Portugal include D7 Visa, D8 Visa, D2 Visa, Golden Visa.
- Legal and uninterrupted residence: You cannot be absent from Portugal for more than six months in a single year or 12 months total during the five-year period.
- Financial means: Proof of adequate income or savings to support yourself in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: You must not have serious criminal convictions.
- Language proficiency: Basic Portuguese (A2 level) may be required depending on your residency route.
- Taxes and social security: You must be compliant with Portuguese tax and social security obligations.
How to Get Residency in Portugal (PR) After a Golden Visa: Step-by-Step
1. Decide on your investment
Choose the Golden Visa investment route that suits your goals—such as a fund investment, business creation, or another eligible category. Make sure the option you pick meets the minimum investment requirements.
2. Set up your NIF and a Portuguese bank account
Before moving forward, obtain your Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a local bank account. These are essential for completing your investment and submitting your application.
3. Complete your investment
Transfer the required funds and finalize all documents proving your investment. This step must be fully completed before you apply for the Golden Visa.
4. Gather all documents and submit your application
Collect the required paperwork, including your passport, proof of investment, criminal record, health insurance, and supporting documents. Once ready, your lawyer will submit your Golden Visa application through the official online portal.
5. Attend your biometric appointment at AIMA
After your application is pre-approved, you’ll be invited to a biometric appointment. Here, your fingerprints, signature, and photos are collected to issue your residence permit card.
6. Receive approval and get your residency permit cards
Once your application is fully approved, you’ll receive your Golden Visa residence cards. These are usually valid for two years and must be renewed every two years period until you complete five years of legal residency in Portugal.
7. Apply for Permanent Residency (after 5 years + A2 test)
After maintaining your Golden Visa for five years and meeting the minimum stay requirements, you can apply for permanent residency. You’ll need to pass the A2 Portuguese language test, provide updated documents, and attend another appointment at AIMA to finalize your PR status.
How to Get Portugal PR After a Residency Visa: Step-by-Step
1. Set up your NIF and a Portuguese bank account
Your first step is obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and opening a local bank account. These are essential for renting housing, proving financial means, and completing your visa application.
2. Secure accommodation in Portugal
Before applying for your residency visa, you must show a place to stay in Portugal—either a rental contract, property purchase, or invitation/accommodation letter. This helps demonstrate your intention to reside in the country.
3. Submit your residency visa application at the Portuguese consulate
Once you have your NIF, bank account, income proof, and accommodation, submit your visa application to the consulate. They’ll review your documents and issue a visa that allows you to enter Portugal and finalize your permit.
4. Travel to Portugal once your visa is approved
After receiving the residency visa, you can travel to Portugal and begin the process of converting it into a residence permit.
5. Attend your biometric appointment at AIMA
You’ll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at AIMA (Portuguese Immigration Authotities) where you provide fingerprints, photos, and signatures. This appointment finalizes your first temporary residence permit.
6. Receive approval and get your residency permit cards
Once approved, you’ll receive your first residence cards valid for 2 years. You must keep them renewed for every three years until you complete five years of legal residency.
7. Apply for Permanent Residency
After maintaining continuous legal residency for five years, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal. You’ll need to pass the A2 Portuguese language exam, provide updated documents, attend an appointment at AIMA, and then receive your permanent residence card (renewed every five years).
Can I Get Portuguese Citizenship With Permanent Residence?
After five years of legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, as long as you meet the basic requirements. The key condition is demonstrating integration into Portuguese society, which includes passing an A2-level Portuguese language exam.
Once approved, you gain all the rights of a Portuguese citizen, including the Portuguese passport, full freedom to live and work across the European Union, and access to the country’s political rights and protections.
Can you lose your permanent residency in Portugal?
Yes, you can lose your permanent residency in Portugal. The most common reason is long absences from the country. If you stay outside Portugal for more than 24 consecutive months, or outside the EU for 30 consecutive months, your permanent residency can be revoked. However, if your absence is due to justified reasons — such as a work assignment, medical treatment, or family matters — you can request an exemption to keep your status.
Other situations include:
- Serious criminal offences that pose a threat to public order or security.
- Providing false information or using fraudulent documents during your immigration process.
What documents are needed to apply for permanent residency in Portugal?
To apply for permanent residency in Portugal, you’ll usually need to present a set of documents that confirm your legal stay, financial stability, and integration. The exact list can vary slightly depending on your situation, but these are the standard requirements:
- Valid passport
- Current temporary residence permit (5 years of legal residence)
- Proof of stable and regular income
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Portuguese criminal record certificate (and foreign records if needed)
- A2 Portuguese language certificate or equivalent proof of language skills
- Proof of tax and social security compliance
How Can We Help
Local Expertise
We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.
Honest Guidance
We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.
All-in-One Solution
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.
Seamless Process
Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the difference between permanent residence in Portugal and a residence permit?
A temporary residence permit is valid for a limited period and must be renewed regularly. Permanent residence is granted indefinitely, and you only need to update the physical card every five years.
What is the fastest way to get permanent residence in Portugal?
Most people obtain permanent residence after five years of legal residency. The quickest route is usually through stable long-term visas, such as the D7, D8, D2, or investment pathways that ensure continuous residence.
Is Portugal comfortable for life?
Many expats find Portugal very comfortable thanks to its mild climate, safety, friendly culture, and relatively affordable cost of living.
How hard is it to get residency in Portugal?
It’s generally manageable if you meet the visa requirements. Portugal is known for having more accessible residency pathways compared to many EU countries.
How long is PR valid in Portugal?
Permanent residence is indefinite, but the card itself must be renewed every five years.
What visas can lead to permanent residency in Portugal?
Several visa types can lead to permanent residency, including the D7 Passive Income Visa, D2 Entrepreneur Visa, work visas, study visas, family reunification visas, and the Golden Visa, which requires a qualifying investment starting at €250,000.
Do you need to speak Portuguese to get permanent residency?
Basic A2-level Portuguese may be required depending on your residency pathway. Demonstrating language skills strengthens your application and is essential if you plan to apply for Portuguese citizenship later.
Is Portugal easy to get PR?
It’s quite achievable as long as you follow the rules. The key is maintaining legal residence for 5 years, having stable income, clean records, and basic Portuguese skills. The process is structured, not overly difficult.
Is it hard for a US citizen to move to Portugal?
Not really. Americans have several visa options—D7, Digital Nomad, Golden Visa, D2 entrepreneur—so it mostly comes down to choosing the visa that fits your lifestyle and income.
How long do you need to stay in Portugal to get PR?
You need 5 years of legal residence. During those years, you must meet the minimum stay requirements of your residence permit type.
Can a US citizen get permanent residency in Portugal?
Yes. After living in Portugal legally for 5 years on any qualifying residence visa, a US citizen can apply for permanent residency.
Is Portugal still welcoming Americans?
Yes, very much. Americans continue to be one of the largest groups moving to Portugal, and the country remains open, friendly, and attractive for relocation and investment.
Excellent
4.9 | 47 Reviews
