Portugal Visas

Visa options, requirements, and timelines for Canadian professionals moving to Portugal.

D7 Passive Income Visa

For individuals with stable passive income (pensions, investments, rental income, remote work). Grants residency and a path to permanent residency and citizenship.

Requirements

•Proof of passive income (~€760+/month minimum wage threshold)
•Clean criminal record
•Health insurance valid in Portugal
•Proof of accommodation in Portugal

Processing Time:2–4 months processing

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Launched in 2022 for remote workers employed by or contracting with companies outside Portugal. Requires income at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage.

Requirements

•Minimum income of ~€3,040/month (4x minimum wage)
•Employment or contract with a non-Portuguese company
•Clean criminal record
•Health insurance valid in Portugal

Processing Time:2–3 months processing

Startup Visa

For entrepreneurs looking to launch an innovative startup in Portugal. Requires endorsement from a certified incubator.

Requirements

•Innovative business plan
•Endorsement letter from a certified Portuguese incubator
•Sufficient funds to support yourself (€5,000+ in savings)
•Clean criminal record

Processing Time:2–4 months processing

Tech Visa

Fast-track work visa for highly skilled professionals hired by certified Portuguese tech companies.

Requirements

•Job offer from a Tech Visa-certified company
•Relevant qualifications or experience in tech
•Clean criminal record
•Company must be IAPMEI-certified

Processing Time:1–2 months processing (fast-track)

Tax Overview

Tax implications for Portugal

Income Tax Rate

14.5% → 48% (standard progressive); NHR/IFICI: 20% flat for eligible income

Portugal's standard income tax ranges from 14.5% to 48%. The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime offered a 20% flat rate on Portuguese-sourced qualifying income for new tax residents, with exemptions on most foreign income for 10 years. Note: NHR was reformed in 2024 — the new IFICI regime targets researchers and professionals in specific sectors. Canada-Portugal tax treaty is in force.

✓NHR reformed in 2024 — new IFICI regime for qualifying professionals
✓Foreign pension income may be taxed at 10% under transitional NHR rules
✓No wealth tax
✓Capital gains on crypto taxed at 28% (held < 1 year)
✓Canada-Portugal tax treaty prevents double taxation
✓Must file Canadian departure return when leaving Canada

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