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Pakistan to Portugal 2024: Guide to an EU Citizenship!

Turning Dreams into Reality: Learn from Mistakes, Embrace Help – A Guide to Pursuing Your Goals Fearlessly.


Pakistan to Portugal in 2024

Portugal's immigration is overseen by AIMA, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. Their immigration laws align with those of various EU members. Pakistani residents meeting specific criteria can move to Portugal for work, study, family reunification, or retirement. Portugal, as outlined in its UN migration governance profile, provides favorable access to residency, welfare, and educational services.


Types of Visas in Portugal:

Portugal welcomes visitors with a range of visa options, catering to various needs and durations. Here's a breakdown of the diverse visa types:


Schengen Visa (Short Stay Visa):

  • Duration: Up to 90 days within any 180 days.

  • Purpose: Business, vacation, family visits, temporary employment, and more.

  • Application: Apply at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in Pakistan 15 days to six months before travel.

  • Cost: €80, with a discounted rate of €40 for children aged 6 to 12.

Note: Exemptions apply to children under six, students, recent graduates, teachers on academic trips, researchers, and nonprofit event representatives under 25.


Temporary Stay Visa:

  • Duration: Up to a year, allowing multiple entries.

  • Requirement: Intended for stays over 90 days but less than a year.

  • Application: Submit to the Portuguese embassy or consulate in Pakistan.

  • Decision Time: Portugal's immigration authorities decide 30 days before the travel date.

  • Cost: €75.


Long-Term Visa (Residency Visa):

  • Duration: Beyond a year, requiring a residency permit through SEF (Portugal Immigration Service).

  • Application: Apply 60 days before the travel date.

  • Cost: €90.


Golden Visa Program:

  • Purpose: Attracting foreign investment into Portugal.

  • Eligibility: Non-EU investors, including Pakistanis.

  • Requirements: Choose from options such as real estate purchase, capital transfer, fund investment, company establishment, or SME investment.

  • Process: Managed by SEF; requires evidence of investment, a Portuguese bank account, Tax Identification Number (NIF), health insurance, and more.

Applying for a Portugal Residence Visa from Pakistan:

  • Submission: Long-term Visa applications in person at the Portugal Embassy in Islamabad.

  • Fee: €90 per residence visa application.

  • Review: The embassy evaluates your application, considering all required documentation before making a decision.

Long-term (Resident Visas) in Portugal: Unveiling the Freelancer/Self-Employed Residency Program under Article 89.2


Key Features of the Freelancer/Self-Employed Residency Program:

Legal Foundation: Rooted in Article 89.2, this program aligns with Portugal's commitment to fostering a diverse and entrepreneurial community.

For Whom: Specifically designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals aspiring to make Portugal their home.


Application Process: Navigate the application process by the legal framework outlined in Article 89.2. This may involve submission to the relevant Portuguese authorities, demonstrating your intent to contribute to the local economy.

Benefits: Enjoy the perks of long-term residency, including access to services, integration into the vibrant Portuguese community, and the opportunity to pursue your professional endeavors with flexibility.

Legal Compliance: Stay informed about the legal requirements and obligations associated with this residency category, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition.


Under the law, Obtaining temporary residence requires a few steps


Foreign nationals entering the country from another Member State through an uncontrolled border are required to report this fact to AIMA (Portugal Immigration Department). Foreign citizens of third-country nationality are required to file an entry declaration within three business days after entering Portugal. According to articles 14 and 16 of Act 23/2007 of July 4th, as amended.



Step 2. Generate tax identity (NIF Number):


NIF number is a unique identifier in Portugal issued by the Finance and Taxation department for correspondents who are not only taxpayers but are also involved in other business activities such as contracts, opening bank accounts, sales, and purchases, as well as obtaining any registration and resident status, among other things.


Get your NIF number today

To receive a NIF number, you must present a valid ID document (Citizen’s Card or Passport) and a fiscal representative’s declaration either in person or through another person with

power of attorney at the Finance department.

NIF is issued instantaneously at the time of the request, with a standard report indicating the period during which you will receive your final taxpayer’s card


Step 3: Confirmation letter for accommodation in Portugal:


The Junta de Freguesia is the administrative body of each municipality in Portugal that provides the Function for Legislation of Address Confirmation after a valid local proof of residence or reference has been requested on behalf of two citizens.

The correspondent address is required (with supporting documentation) to receive correspondence from Portuguese public and private institutions.

Step 4: Company registration in Portugal or register as a Freelancer:


To open/form a company in Portugal, the applicant must be physically present in the country or employ a legal representative with a power of attorney.


Compliance with documents such as a Passport, the preparation of an article of association, and registration for legal office space or virtual office space.


Within 15 days of the company’s formation in Portugal, it must open a bank account and report to tax and financial authorities in Portugal.


The type of company in Portugal depends on the nature of business and common companies as per LDA (Limitada).

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To the establishment with 1 euro or 5,000 euros as the identity’s capital payment. All shareholders are required to contribute to the capital, and their liability is limited to the amount of their contribution.


The management is ensured by a director appointed in the general meeting by the shareholders under the supreme authority in the Portuguese LDA




Freelancers and independent professionals must also report their work nature and annual revenue to Portugal’s tax authorities


Step 5: Obtaining Social Security Number (NISS):


Any expat/employee/individual who wishes to work in Portugal is required to acquire a Social Security number. The number issued by the Segurança Social Institute for Social Security.


To apply for and obtain a Portuguese NISS social security number, you must submit a copy of the employer-certified employment contract. If the contracting firm intends to hire a foreign national, it may issue a promise contract.


Freelancers and self-employed individuals can request a social security number without a job offer.

The competent authority issues a NISS number within 90 days of submitting the required worker admission application to Portugal’s social department.


Step 6: Work agreement and taxes:


The employment contracts are governed by Portuguese labor law in Portugal (articles 273– 275). The minimum working age is 16 years from the age of 50 years, and a person can obtain a job without having completed school.




There are various kinds of employment contracts. The Portuguese government raised the monthly minimum wage from €760 to €820 in 2024.


The employee’s tax obligation includes income tax and social security deductions from the

employer’s salary or paid over.


Contributions from employees and employers are as follows:

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– The employer contributes up to 23.75%

– Employee contributes up to 11.00%

– Total gross contribution is 34.75%


Value-added tax, also known as VAT, is levied at a standard rate of 23% in Portugal.

It is required when selling goods or services. Regulations drafted by the European Union serve as the foundation for the rules.

Step 7: SEF ENTRY (Residence Permit Request):


The application is submitted through the electronic platform (known as SAPA Portal), and the application is submitted in person on a standard form signed by the applicant or their legal representative along with the application fee and the following supporting documents:


  • Legal proof of entry into Portuguese territory.

  • Evidence of sufficient subsistence (income or funds).

  • Extract of criminal record from the country of origin for more than one year.

  • Proof of adequate accommodation (Junta).

  • Confirmation of Social Security registration by the Junta unless an employment contract has been promised.

  • Documentation proving tax authority registration, tax payments, and salary.

  • Contract of employment or document issued according to article 89.2

Step 7. Wait for an email from SEF:

After submitting documents for the manifesto of interest on the SAPA Portal, the portal will generate your MI number, allowing you to live and work in Portugal.


Step 8: Visit the SEF office for fingerprinting:


After applying, the SEF assessment enables the user to schedule an appointment with the SEF Bureau through the SAPA Portal. The user may select a desired location, date, and time. SEF may request an interview or additional paperwork.


Step 9: Delivery of residence card:

Junta de Freguesia will mail temporary residence cards to the address listed on your JUNTA certificate, which is issued by Junta de Freguesia.


Contact us today or book an online appointment for Consultation.




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