It is aimed at subordinate employees or self-employed workers who work remotely for natural or legal persons located outside Portugal, with the income being obtained abroad. The legalisation process begins with obtaining a residence visa, also known as a D8 visa, which is intended to allow its holder to enter Portugal in order to apply for a residence permit.
The application for a residence visa for the pursuit of a professional activity carried out remotely shall be accompanied, inter alia, by the following documents:
Step 1 – Visa application
The residence visa must be requested at the Portuguese Consulate of the country of residence or citizenship.
The visa issued entitles the holder to 2 entries into Portugal and is valid for 120 days, during which time the holder must travel to Portugal.
Step 2 – Application for a residence permit
After entering Portugal, the Applicant will have to make an interview with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), to collect biometric data (photograph, fingerprints and signature).
Step 3 – Residence card issuance
After the interview, the residence card will be sent to the Applicant’s address in Portugal.
Note: the estimated time to complete the whole process will depend on many factors, but on average it will be around 8-9 months between the time of applying for the visa and receiving the residence card.
The residence card is valid for 2 years. At the end of these 2 years, it is possible to renew it for an additional period of 3 years. At the end of the 5 years the applicant may choose to apply for a permanent residence permit or Portuguese nationality.
Lamares, Capela & Associados provides its services to national and international individuals and companies.
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