Thinking of how to move to Portugal from Pakistan? This step-by-step guide simplifies the process, detailing everything from visa procurement to settling in your new Portuguese home. Discover the essentials for relocating—all while navigating visa options, residency requirements, and cultural integration. Without the fluff, we provide clear insights into establishing yourself in Portugal and what to anticipate as you read ahead on how to move to Portugal from Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistani citizens must choose the appropriate visa based on stay duration: a Schengen Visa for short stays up to 90 days, or a Portuguese National Visa for long-term residency, with each having specific requirements and application processes.
- The Portugal Golden Visa offers a path to permanent residency or citizenship through investment options such as real estate, capital transfer, or job creation, requiring a minimal stay and a five-year investment retention period.
- Expats need to follow steps for visa acquisition, register with SEF upon arrival, ensure financial stability, and obtain health insurance to access medical services, with options for both short-term stays and pathways to permanent residence.
Exploring Visa Options for Pakistani Citizens
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The first step in planning your move to Portugal is understanding the visa options available. Pakistani citizens have two main options, depending on the duration of their stay. For a short stay not exceeding 90 days, the Schengen visa is the ideal choice. On the other hand, for longer stays, the Portuguese National Visa is the way to go. This visa caters to various purposes, including work, study, family reunification, or retirement.
When applying for the Schengen visa, it’s best to submit your application at least 15 days before your trip. However, Pakistani citizens do have the option to apply up to six months in advance. The decision on your application will typically be made within 15 calendar days. If you’re applying for the Portuguese National Visa, you can expect a processing time of up to 10 working days. It’s important to note that each visa type has its own specific requirements and procedures.
Compare Portugal Visas:
Short-term Stays: The Schengen Visa
The Schengen Visa, also known as the Short Stay Visa, allows Pakistani citizens to stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Portugal or other Schengen Area countries. This visa is ideal for short-term visits, tourism, and business trips. The application process requires Pakistani citizens to apply at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in Pakistan.
One of the significant advantages of the Schengen Visa is its validity for multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 90 days within every 180-day period. Also, the visa fee is fairly reasonable. For adults, the fee is €80, while children from 6 to 12 years old pay €40. And for children under six years of age visiting family, the visa is free.
Long-term Residency: The Portuguese National Visa
If you’re planning to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, the Portuguese National Visa is your best bet. This visa is designed for various purposes, such as:
- work
- study
- family reunification
- retirement
When applying for this visa, Pakistani citizens must provide detailed information about the purpose of their visa request and attach supporting documents.
The Portuguese National Visa is a stepping stone to longer-term residency. With this visa, you can apply for a Portugal residence visa or temporary stay permit, opening up a world of opportunities and benefits. It’s important to remember that, like the Schengen visa, the Portuguese National Visa has its own specific requirements and procedures.
The Golden Visa Program: Pathway to Residency
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Another viable and appealing option for Pakistani citizens interested in moving to Portugal is the Portugal Golden Visa. This program offers Pakistani investors a route to permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal through various investment channels, including:
- Real estate investment
- Capital transfer
- Job creation
- Research and development activities
Qualifying investments for the Portuguese Golden Visa Program include fund investments of €500,000, the creation of 10 full-time jobs, capital transfers for scientific research, cultural heritage contributions, or boosting shares in Portuguese companies. To qualify for permanent residency or citizenship, investors must retain their investment for a minimum of 5 years and are required to stay in Portugal for a minimum of 7 days per year, totaling 35 days within the 5 years.
The Golden Visa Program is a strategic investment that offers a clear pathway to residency and potential citizenship through the golden visa process.
Steps to Acquire a Residence Visa from Pakistan
Once you’ve decided on the type of visa you require, the next step is to acquire it. Pakistani citizens must submit their visa application for a temporary stay or long-term visa at the Portuguese Embassy or consulate in Pakistan. Upon arrival in Portugal, you need to register your presence with the SEF within three working days, unless you already have a residence permit or authorization for a stay over 6 months.
For residency purposes, you need to provide proof of health insurance and regular income. You can demonstrate your financial stability by transferring private capital to Portuguese banks or by showing income at least equivalent to the minimum monthly wage of your country of origin. Visa applications bear a cost of around $88, and the permanent residence fee is $240; there may also be an additional fee of around $88 for the residence permit application. It’s important to note that the processing time for residency visas and residency permits may take up to 10 working days.
Documentation Checklist
The documentation required for a visa application can be quite extensive. For a Portugal National Long-Term Visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Passport copy
- Proof of your current living or working situation
- Travel insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Return ticket
- Proof of financial resources.
For a Portuguese residence permit application, it is necessary to provide two color photographs, a valid passport, evidence of accommodation, financial means, and a criminal record from the origin country and any country where you have lived for over a year since turning 16. Also, depending on the type of residence permit, additional evidence may be needed, such as proof of family relationships, study or employment, health insurance, and Portuguese language proficiency.
Application Submission and Fees
Submitting your visa application is a critical step in your journey to Portugal. Applications must be submitted in person, with Schengen visas submitted at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in Pakistan and national visas via an external service provider, Gerry’s.
The fees associated with the visa application process vary depending on the type of visa. A general application fee of 80 euros is required for Schengen visa applications; children aged between 6 and 12 pay a reduced fee of 40 euros. National visa fees are 90 euros for a residence visa and 75 euros for a temporary stay visa.
Bear in mind that you may incur additional expenses not covered by the visa application fee, such as notary, translation, and postal services.
Setting Up Your New Life: Banking and Healthcare
Once you’ve secured your visa, it’s time to focus on setting up your new life in Portugal. Two key aspects of this process are banking and healthcare. Portugal has a number of local banks, including:
- Caixa Geral de Depositos
- Banco de Portugal
- Millennium BCP
- Novobanco
International banks like Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, Barclays, and BBVA also provide banking services in Portugal.
In terms of healthcare, foreign nationals legally resident in Portugal, with a residence permit, can obtain a National Health Service (SNS) user number to access medical assistance at public SNS units. To have healthcare costs covered by the SNS, individuals must provide:
- Identification
- Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
- Full address in Portugal
- Valid residence permit
Opening a Bank Account in Portugal
Opening a bank account in Portugal is a relatively straightforward process. The Portuguese residency permit allows non-EU nationals to obtain a NIF, which is necessary for various legal and financial activities, including opening a bank account.
To open a bank account, you’ll need to collect the necessary documents, which typically include proof of identity, a Portuguese tax number (NIF), and proof of address. The bank account application can be completed online or in person, and an initial deposit might be required to activate the account.
Whether you choose a local or international bank, having a Portuguese bank account will significantly ease your daily transactions and financial management.
Health Insurance Requirements
Private health insurance in Portugal is essential for expats as it:
- Covers medical costs that are not included in the public healthcare system
- Reduces waiting times for medical services
- Provides access to a wider range of healthcare providers
Healthcare is a crucial aspect of settling in a new country.
To access healthcare services, expats must register with a local health center, find a family physician through the SNS (National Health Service) and get a health card. Despite public healthcare being available at a low cost for nationals and permanent residents, private insurance is recommended for expats until they gain full SNS coverage.
Generally, health insurance plans from providers like Cigna Global are popular among expats due to their comprehensive coverage and flexible plan designs.
Securing Accommodation in Portugal
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Securing accommodation is one of the most significant steps in the relocation process. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, Portugal’s vibrant real estate market offers a variety of options. Foreigners can buy and invest in real estate in Portugal, with the average house price being €1,187 a square meter for houses and €1,243 for flats.
If you’re interested in getting a mortgage, both residents and non-residents are eligible to apply for one from Portuguese banks. The variable mortgage rates start at 3.3% per year, which are based on a 30% loan-to-value ratio. Whether you’re looking for a modern apartment in Lisbon or a charming villa in the Algarve, the Portuguese housing market caters to a diverse range of preferences and budgets.
Rental Market Insights
Renting is a popular choice for many people moving to Portugal, especially in the initial stages. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon’s city center is around EUR 1,250 per month. Outside the city center, the same apartment would typically cost around EUR 800 per month.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Lisbon is slightly higher than in most other cities, so budgeting for rent and overall expenses is an essential part of the planning process. Working with a local real estate agent can help you navigate the rental market effectively and find a place that suits your needs and budget.
Understanding Property Tax
Understanding property taxes in Portugal is crucial if you’re planning to buy property. The annual municipal property tax (IMI) in Portugal ranges from 0.3% to 0.8%, potentially differing for low-valued properties or those undergoing rehabilitation.
When transferring property, an owner is subject to the Municipal Property Transfer Tax (IMT), which varies between 0% and 8%, and an additional stamp duty at a standard rate of 0.8%.
Additionally, there’s the wealth tax, or Additional to Municipal Property Tax (AIMI), applied to the combined rateable values of all Portuguese urban properties an individual or corporate entity owns, with rates ranging from 0.7% to 1.5% for higher-value properties.
While taxes can be complex, understanding them is vital for a tax resident to avoid any surprises down the line.
Employment Prospects for Pakistani Expats
Finding employment is a key consideration for many expats. Portugal’s economy is on the rise, with a 57.4% employment rate, and will rank among the top ten worldwide for quality of life in 2023. High-demand sectors for workers include the IT field, online businesses, and tourism.
The customer service and technical support sectors are particularly in demand, and Portuguese fluency is not essential for these roles. IT and sales positions, especially in Lisbon’s burgeoning startup scene, offer salaries ranging from $1,200 to $2,000. If employment is your primary reason for moving to Portugal, securing an employment agreement is crucial due to the risks, like unexpected termination.
Temporary Stay vs. Permanent Residence
When considering your move to Portugal, it’s important to understand the differences between a temporary stay and a permanent residence. Temporary stay visas allow for short-term stays, while permanent residence offers broader rights and benefits after five years of residency.
Temporary stay visas cater to work, study, and other purposes, while for permanent residence, applicants must meet criteria such as a five-year stay and no major criminal convictions. Golden Visa holders can apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years, and a temporary residence permit is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods.
Legal Framework and Immigration Laws
The Service de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) oversees the legal system and immigration laws in Portugal, a member of the European Union. It’s important to note that the reporting requirements for EU and non-EU citizens differ when entering Portugal. EU citizens do not need to report their presence in Portugal after entering. However, non-EU citizens must do so.
Understanding Portugal’s legal framework and Portuguese immigration laws is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition to your new life, with the help of the Portugal immigration service.
Family Matters: Reunification and Support
Moving to a new country doesn’t mean leaving your family behind. If you have immediate family members with a valid residence permit or Portuguese citizenship, you can apply for a Family Reunification Visa. This visa allows the following family members to join the resident in Portugal:
- Spouses
- Registered civil partners
- Dependent children under 18
- Dependent first-degree relatives, such as elderly parents
The Family Reunification Visa comes with a standard fee of €90, and the processing time is typically 60 days. Once in Portugal, Family Reunification Visa holders have the right to work and study, similar to Portuguese citizens. Family members are eligible to exchange their visa for the same permanent residence permit that their relatives in Portugal currently possess after two years.
Cultural Integration and Learning Portuguese
Cultural integration and language proficiency are key to a smooth transition to life in Portugal. With around 260 million native Portuguese speakers worldwide, learning Portuguese is essential for expats to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, foster community relationships, and enhance their overall expatriate experience in Portugal.
While English proficiency is on the rise in Portugal, particularly in major cities and tourist spots, Portuguese is the preferred language for all official and most daily interactions, making its learning vital for every expat’s daily life.
Here are some facets of cultural acclimatization for expats in Portugal:
- Participating in local festivals
- Embracing the cultural concept of ‘saudade’
- Integrating into the work culture, which prioritizes personal relationships and work-life balance
Summary
We’ve covered a lot of ground, breaking down the process of moving from Pakistan to Portugal into manageable steps. From understanding visa options and the Golden Visa program to setting up banking, healthcare, and accommodation, there’s no doubt that the journey requires careful planning and preparation. However, the potential rewards—a new life in a vibrant, welcoming country rich in culture and opportunity—make it all worthwhile. By taking it one step at a time, you’re well on your way to making Portugal your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country gives Pakistani citizenship easily?
Turkey is a country that offers relatively easy and fast citizenship by investment to Pakistanis, taking around 6–8 months without the need for language or history tests. This makes it a favorable option for Pakistani citizens seeking citizenship in another country.
How can I go to Portugal from Pakistan?
To travel to Portugal from Pakistan, you will need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa at the Portuguese embassy or consulate at least 15 days before your planned trip. The visa generally costs €80.
How can I settle in Portugal from Pakistan?
To settle in Portugal from Pakistan, you can obtain a Portugal Residence Permit through options such as the Portugal Residence Visa or the Portugal Golden Visa, which require an investment in Portugal and maintaining it for at least 5 years. Good luck with your move!
Can I get a job in Portugal from Pakistan?
If you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you need to apply for a visa to obtain a work permit in Portugal. Pakistani citizens can apply for a national long-term visa for work purposes to work in Portugal. Good luck with your job search!
What are the main visa options for Pakistani citizens moving to Portugal?
If you're a Pakistani citizen moving to Portugal, your main visa options include applying for a Schengen visa for short stays or a Portuguese National Visa for longer durations, based on the purpose of your travel. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
About Movingto
Movingto is a leading immigration law firm that specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the complex process of relocating to Portugal. With a team of experienced lawyers and immigration experts, Movingto.io provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Why Choose Movingto?
- Expertise and Experience: Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of Portuguese immigration law and years of experience assisting clients with various visa applications, including the D7 Visa, Golden Visa, Startup Visa, and Family Reunion Visa.
- Personalized Approach: We understand that every client's situation is different. Our lawyers take the time to listen to your goals and provide personalized advice and guidance throughout the process.
- Comprehensive Support: Movingto.io offers a comprehensive range of services beyond legal advice, including assistance with document preparation, property search, and relocation planning.
- Competitive Fees: We offer competitive fees and transparent pricing so that you know exactly what to expect.
- Exceptional Client Service: Our team is committed to providing exceptional client service. We are responsive, attentive, and always available to answer your questions.
Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking to establish a business in Portugal, a retiree looking to enjoy the country's favorable tax regime, or a family seeking to reunite in Portugal, Movingto.io is here to guide you every step of the way.
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