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When people begin researching the immigration process for Portugal, they often come across a lot of information about visas. However, it’s important to clarify that if you plan to relocate to Portugal for the long term, you won’t be holding a visa for the entire duration of your stay.
Understanding the Immigration Process: In the long-term immigration process for Portugal, you will obtain two key documents: a Residence Visa and a Residence Permit.
1. Residence Visa: This is the first step toward gaining permission to live in Portugal. To start this process, you will want to submit an application for a visa at the Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence. Once approved, the visa is valid for four months, allowing you to enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit.
2. Residence Permit: After arriving in Portugal, you’ll need to attend an interview with AIMA (Portugal’s immigration office) to submit your biometric data and finalize the process. Upon completion, you’ll receive a residence permit card within 90 working days.
In most cases, residence permits depend on the approval of a visa. For example, D2, D7, and Digital Nomad permits do not offer visa exemptions. This means you cannot apply for these permits from within Portugal; you must first obtain a Portuguese residence visa in your home country.
That being said, it is essential to recognize that these are two interconnected processes; however, they entail distinct procedures that aim to secure different documents, each with its own specific purpose. The visa serves merely as an entry document, while the residence permit grants you the legal right to live in Portugal.
Remember: The approval of your visa marks the beginning of your immigration process, but your immigration process is not complete until you’ve received your residence permit.
For more information about the immigration process to Portugal, don’t hesitate to contact us.
📧 acosta@ac-immigrationlaw.com
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