Independent information for migrants in PortugalChecked 20/08/2026
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I want to move to Portugal: start with the right visa.

Before travelling, the key decision is choosing an entry route that matches your real purpose: employment, study, self-employment/business, own income, remote work, highly qualified activity or another legal basis.

Checked 20/08/2026Official-source links
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Who this page is for

I am still outside Portugal

  • Third-country nationals planning to settle in Portugal.
  • People preparing a residence-visa application at a Portuguese consular post.
  • Anyone who needs to distinguish residence visas, temporary stays and other routes before travelling.
Important

Do not mix legal routes

Do not make irreversible travel decisions based only on social-media summaries. The visa must match the reason you intend to live in Portugal.
Your route, step by step

What to check first

01

Define your real purpose

Employment, study, self-employment/business, remote work, highly qualified work, own income and family routes do not use identical requirements.

02

Use the competent consular post

Residence-visa applications normally begin before entry, through the competent Portuguese consular channel.

03

Prepare evidence before travelling

Passport, criminal record, insurance, accommodation, means of subsistence and proof of purpose are common elements, but the exact list depends on the visa.

04

After entry, complete the residence process

A residence visa is not the final residence card. After entry, the residence-permit process follows the applicable route.