The national citizens of other member states of the European Union, as well as other European countries, can live and work in Portugal without having to acquire any type of specific visa for that effect.

Citizens of non-member countries of the EU need a specific visa whenever planning on staying for more than 90 days, to work or study in Portugal. Visas should be applied for at the Consulate or in the Portuguese Embassy of the locale of residency.

Necessary documents:

• Form and two photographs;
• Copy of passport;
• Criminal record;
• Authorization for Criminal Record consultation by the SEF (model delivered by the consular office);
• Certificate of residence;
• If an investment is the reason to migrate, documents proving the constitution of the company and evidence of investment that you want to implement;
• Study of the impact of the investment to prove the importance of investment;
• Bank statement proving livelihood resources for a period of no less than 12 months, according to the decree 1563/2007 and to Law 23/2007;
  
• If there is a Portuguese partner a letter of intent on business or partnership to jointly develop the investment.

(Foreign language documents must be translated and legalized)

Note: according to each case, the consulate can always request additional documents.

The working week is 40 hours, though there is flexibility in regarding this matter. Third-party workers have the right to 22 working days of holidays and a holiday and Christmas bonus in the amount of the value earnings.

For more information visit the SEF - Aliens and Borders Service – site, the ACIME - High Commission for Immigration and Ethnic Minorities and/or the Camões Institute, IP.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs