Portugal Visas From New Zealand
Portugal’s visa requirements can be straightforward with the right information and assistance. New Zealanders, whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, understanding the visa process is your first step.
Talk to our immigration advisers at IAS for expert guidance if you need more information regarding a Portugal visa for New Zealand citizens, the costs, requirements, and routes to Portugal citizenship or permanent residency. Call us today on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or message us online.
Is There a Portugal Visa Requirement For Citizens Of New Zealand?
New Zealand citizens benefit from a visa-free agreement with Portugal, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 90 days within 180 days without a Portugal Schengen visa. For stays exceeding 90 days or for specific purposes like work or study, obtaining an appropriate Portugal visa is obligatory.
In the context of employment, a Portugal Work visa is necessary, ensuring that the individual is legally compliant to engage in work activities in the country. If a New Zealand citizen is transiting through Portugal to another destination, obtaining a Transit visa is required.
Moreover, there are Long-Stay visas available that provide pathways towards Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency. After residing in Portugal, successfully renewing the residence permit for a maximum period of five years, and ensuring all other criteria are met, individuals can apply for Portugal citizenship or permanent residency, navigating through a defined legal and administrative process.
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Portugal Visa Types For Citizens Of New Zealand
If you’re from New Zealand and want to stay in Portugal for a long time, you’ll need the right visa. Different visas are available for various reasons, like working or studying, and some can even help you stay in Portugal for up to 5 years or become a permanent resident. Let’s look at some of these visa types and what you need to do to get them.
Portugal Golden Visa for New Zealand Citizens
The Portugal Golden Visa, officially termed the Residence Permit Programme, is a viable route for New Zealand citizens who are contemplating an investment in Portugal. This visa serves as a gateway not only to Portugal but also facilitates access to the entire Schengen zone and the European Union, thereby broadening your horizons for travel and business within Europe.
This visa program, initiated by the Portuguese government, seeks to draw foreign investors to the nation, thereby enhancing Portugal’s economic growth. Investors are obligated to sustain their investment for a minimum span of 5 years and are required to stay in Portugal for 7 days per year, accumulating to 35 days across the 5 years.
Investors can opt for various investment methods, such as funding research organisations, establishing a business that creates employment opportunities, or acquiring an existing business, among others. After sticking to the Portugal Golden Visa requirements and maintaining the investment for 5 years, investors can explore eligibility for Portugal citizenship or permanent residency, with the noteworthy aspect being the minimal physical stay requirement of 7 days per year over the 5 years.
Eligibility and Investment Options
New Zealand citizens aiming to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa must stick to several eligibility criteria, which include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being a non-EU country national
- Maintaining a clean criminal record
- Possessing a NIF (Tax Identification Number) and a Portuguese bank account
- Making a minimum investment of €250,000 in Portugal
- Owning the investment funds
- Committing to maintaining the investment for 5 years
- Having approximately €30,000 for medical health insurance during your stay in Portugal
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, investors must engage in one of the following investment activities:
- Invest in a property valued at least €280,000
- Create 10 permanent jobs
- Make a capital transfer of at least €250,000
- Purchase a property valued at least €500,000
- Invest €400,000 in a property in a low-density area
- Make an investment of €350,000 in a Portuguese urban regeneration area
- Make a capital transfer of €500,000 or higher into scientific or technological research
- Invest a minimum of €500,000 into creating a commercial company or into reinforcing the share capital of an existing commercial company
Requirements for Portugal Golden Visa
To apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, New Zealand citizens must:
- Provide 2 passport-size photographs that conform to Portuguese visa photo standards
- Present a valid international passport with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 10 years after issue and an additional 3 months post-departure from Portugal
- Submit the Portugal Golden Visa form, available and submittable via their E-visa portal
- An affidavit confirming the investment has been maintained for five years
- Proof of at least €30,000 as medical health insurance
- You must have received payment from the Portuguese ARI portal
- Proof of a clean criminal record obtained within the last 3 months
- Please provide any additional documentation related to the investment in Portugal
Processing Time
The Portugal Golden Visa typically takes about 12 to 18 months to process.
Fees
New Zealand applicants are required to pay an application fee of €5,325 for the Portugal Golden Visa and €2,663 for its renewal. Additionally, a visa processing fee of €533 is applicable, with the same amount payable for renewal. Dependents joining the primary applicant in Portugal will be subject to a fee of €83, with the same amount applicable for renewal.
Application Process
- Identify and finalise your investment strategy in Portugal
- Initiate legal and financial consultations to ensure compliance with investment requirements
- Compile all necessary documents, ensuring they correspond to the guidelines
- Apply online and pay the relevant fees
- Implement the chosen investment strategy, ensuring it aligns with Golden Visa requirements
- Complete all financial transactions and obtain proof of investment
- Once approved, receive your Golden Visa residency card
- Ensure keeping to all visa requirements, including minimum stay, during the investment period
Portugal D7 Visa for New Zealand Citizens
The Portugal D7 Visa, informally known as the retirement or passive income visa, provides a pathway for New Zealand citizens and other non-EU nationals to reside in Portugal, leveraging a stable passive income or retirement funds. This visa not only grants the privilege to immerse oneself in the rich Portuguese lifestyle without the obligation of employment but also serves as a key to the broader travel and residential opportunities within the Schengen zone.
The D7 Visa can potentially lead towards permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal, subject to commitment to specific requirements, such as maintaining a clean criminal record and forging ties within the Portuguese community.
New Zealand citizens can utilise the Portugal digital nomad visa to stay for 60 months, provided they can demonstrate a yearly income of €7K and proof of independent business or self-employment. Furthermore, citizens from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have the liberty to visit Portugal for up to 90 days without a specific visa. For stays extending beyond 90 days, an appropriate visa catering to a longer stay will be required.
Eligibility and Income Requirements
To be eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa, New Zealand citizens must stick to several criteria, including:
- You are a non-EU national and a legal resident of New Zealand
- Should have a stable, regular income that can support living in Portugal
- Must have a clean criminal record
- Should have health insurance valid in Portugal
- Should have a NIF (Portuguese Tax Number) and a Portuguese bank account
- Should demonstrate financial independence and provide documentation of accommodations in Portugal
Income requirements are as follows:
- The lead applicant must earn a minimum of €7,200 per year
- Dependent applicants, such as a spouse, must meet a minimum annual requirement of €3,600
- For dependent children, a minimum of €2,160 per year is required
Application Requirements
To apply for the Portugal D7 Visa, New Zealand citizens must:
- Submit the D7 Visa application form
- Present a 10-year valid international passport, with 3 months’ validity post-Portugal departure
- Include two recent passport-sized photographs
- Validate health coverage via a medical insurance policy
- Provide a recent police clearance certificate
- Offer a lease agreement or real estate title documents
- If applicable, submit proof of kinship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
- Showcase a Portuguese bank statement
- Provide proof of passive income and adequate accommodation
- Include a declaration outlining your residency intentions in Portugal
Processing Time
The Portugal D7 Visa typically takes about 4 to 6 months to process, but this is subject to individual circumstances, as well as the consulate’s workload.
Fees
The Portugal D7 Visa comes with specific fees and financial requirements. The processing fee for the visa is €83, while the fee for a resident permit stands at €72. Applicants should also be aware of a €75 fee for a temporary visa application and a €90 fee for a residence permit. Furthermore, applicants must secure valid travel insurance that encompasses necessary medical expenses.
Application Process
- Assemble all required documents, ensuring they meet the specified criteria
- Submit the initial application and pay the associated fees
- Formalise your Portuguese residency and establish your financial stability in the country
- Ensure all funds are transferred, and financial requirements are continuously met
- Upon receiving approval, your Portugal D7 Visa will be issued
Portugal Study Visa for New Zealand Citizens
The Portugal Study Visa provides a gateway for New Zealand citizens and other non-EU nationals to immerse themselves in Portugal’s rich educational and cultural environment. This visa not only facilitates academic pursuits but also opens up avenues for further opportunities in Portugal, provided compliance with legal stay durations and commitment to academic regulations are ensured. While citizens from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can explore Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days, academic pursuits or stays beyond this period necessitate a Study Visa. Students, during their academic journey in Portugal, have the liberty to explore part-time work opportunities according to the guidelines set by the Portuguese authorities. Moreover, post-study, various visa categories and employment opportunities can be explored, subject to meeting eligibility and requirements.
Eligibility and Academic Prerequisites
To qualify for the Portugal student visa, candidates must:
- Be a non-EU national and a legal resident of New Zealand
- Obtain a letter of acceptance from a Portuguese academic institution
- Demonstrate financial stability to support living in Portugal
- Secure health insurance that is valid in Portugal
- Maintain a clean criminal record
- Provide documentation confirming accommodation in Portugal
- Validate a minimum monthly financial capacity of EUR 665 or $790
Application Requirements
Embarking on the application journey for a Portugal study visa entails:
- Ensuring your passport is valid and has a minimum of two blank pages for visa stamping
- Accurately completing the student visa application form
- Including recent photographs, adhering to specified standards
- Demonstrating financial sufficiency to support your stay in Portugal
- Presenting a formal acceptance letter from your chosen educational institution in Portugal
- Verifying the payment of tuition fees.
- Securing valid travel health insurance for your stay
- Detailing your travel itinerary, which outlines your planned travel route
- Providing a copy of your Schengen travel health insurance policy, ensuring coverage during your stay
Processing Time
The Portugal Study Visa typically takes about 60 days to process.
Fees
The Portugal Study Visa comes with specific fees. The processing fee for a short-stay student visa is €75, while the fee for a long-stay student visa is €90. Financial stability is crucial, and students must demonstrate they have the means to support themselves during their stay in Portugal without becoming a burden on the state. Furthermore, students must secure valid travel insurance that encompasses necessary medical expenses.
Application Process
- Secure acceptance from a Portuguese educational institution and organise your financial means to meet visa requirements
- Explore and potentially secure your living arrangements in Portugal
- Gather all required documents and submit the initial application, paying the associated fees
- While the visa is being processed, finalise your academic and living preparations in Portugal
- Upon receiving approval, your Portugal Study Visa will be issued
Portugal Work Visas for New Zealand Citizens
The Portugal Work Visa, a gateway for New Zealand citizens and other non-EU nationals, enables engagement in employment within Portugal. This visa not only facilitates employment in Portugal but also unlocks access to the Schengen zone, offering expansive travel and work opportunities across Europe.
The Work Visa can also serve as a stepping stone towards achieving permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal, subject to certain requirements, such as maintaining a clean criminal record and establishing professional and community ties within Portugal.
New Zealand citizens can visit Portugal for up to 90 days without a specific visa. For employment or stays extending beyond 90 days, a work visa or another suitable visa category will be required. Furthermore, New Zealand citizens can apply for a long-term work visa within Portugal within 90 days of arrival, while all other non-EU nationals must apply in advance of travelling to Portugal.
Eligibility and Employment Prerequisites
To qualify for a work visa in Portugal, applicants must meet certain criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Maintain a clean criminal history
- Possess an employment contract or engage in self-employment activities in Portugal
- Complete and submit the visa application accurately
- Present a valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Provide a letter or other documentation from the employer confirming the purpose of the visit
- Submit tax statements from the employing company
- Validate that no suitable EEA/EU/Swiss citizen was available for the position
- Confirm registration with Portugal’s Social Security
Application Documentation
Applicants for a work visa in Portugal must submit several documents:
- A valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages
- Passport-size photographs, compliant with Schengen Visa picture guidelines
- A legitimate job offer or work contract from a Portuguese employer
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a residential address or hotel reservation
- Evidence of sufficient funds for self-sustenance during the stay
- Criminal record documents from the current country of residence
- Authorisation for the SEF to access Portuguese criminal records
- For the duration of your stay, you must provide proof of health insurance
Processing Time
The Portugal Work Visa typically takes about 1 to 3 months to process, but this varies in accordance with the consulate’s workload. The SEF can take up to 60 days to process the work permit application, and the Embassy can take two to three months to issue an entry visa.
Fees
The Portugal Work Visa comes with specific fees and financial requirements. The processing fee for the visa is €83, while the fee for a resident permit stands at €72. Applicants should also be aware of a €75 fee for a temporary visa application and a €90 fee for a residence permit. Financial stability is crucial, and applicants must secure valid travel insurance that encompasses necessary medical expenses. Additional fees include €90 for the entry visa issued by the Portuguese Embassy and €72 to receive the residence permit for work from the SEF.
Application Process
- Obtain a job offer from a Portuguese employer
- Visit Portugal to understand living and working conditions, if possible
- Complete and submit the work visa application form to the Portuguese consulate
- Attach all required documents, pay the application fee and attend visa interview
- Allow Portuguese authorities to verify employment details with your employer
- Ensure financial stability and finalise accommodation in Portugal
- Upon visa approval, plan and execute your relocation to Portugal
- Register locally upon arrival and commence your employment.
How Can I Obtain A Portugal Permanent Residence As a Citizen Of New Zealand?
Obtaining permanent residency in Portugal as a citizen of New Zealand involves a series of steps and following specific requirements. Here’s an overview of the general pathway and the application process for a permanent residency permit in Portugal:
Temporary Residency Permit in Portugal
A Temporary Residency Permit in Portugal is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for two additional periods of two years each. To apply, individuals must present a valid passport, demonstrate a stable source of income, and have health insurance and accommodation in Portugal. It’s crucial to note that there are various types of temporary residency permits, each tailored for different purposes such as work, entrepreneurship, or study, and each comes with its own set of additional requirements.
Permanent Residency Permit in Portugal
Eligibility for a Permanent Residency Permit in Portugal is established after maintaining legal residency in the country for five consecutive years. Applicants must demonstrate a stable income, possess health insurance, and have secure accommodation in Portugal. Additionally, a basic proficiency in the Portuguese language is required. Securing a permanent residency permit not only facilitates a long-term stay in Portugal but also grants access to various social and tax benefits and, after one additional year, opens the pathway to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Application Process
- Secure legal residency in Portugal for five consecutive years, according to minimum stay requirements.
- Ensure a stable income, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation, and continuous enrollment in Portuguese Social Security, along with valid health insurance.
- Demonstrate basic proficiency in the Portuguese language, typically at an A2 level.
- Submit necessary documents, including passport and proof of income, either directly to the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) or online and pay applicable fees.
- Attend an appointment at the SEF office for biometric data collection.
- Upon approval, the permanent residency card, valid for 10 years and renewable, will be issued and sent to your Portuguese address.
- After six years of legal residency, consider applying for Portuguese citizenship, subject to additional requirements like a citizenship test.
How Can I Obtain Portugal Citizenship As a Citizen Of New Zealand?
Portuguese citizenship can be an attractive prospect for New Zealand citizens, offering them an array of benefits like the freedom to live, work, and travel throughout the European Union. The process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship involves several steps and sticking to specific eligibility criteria.
Eligibility and Requirements
- You need to have legally resided in Portugal for at least six years, whether through employment, investment, or family reunification.
- Demonstrating a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, usually at the A2 level, is essential. This can be proven through a certified language test.
- Applicants must have a clean criminal record in Portugal and in the countries where they have resided in the past.
- This might include having a basic understanding of Portuguese life, culture, and history.
- Ensure that all periods of residency in Portugal have been legal and that you have followed the conditions of your visa or residency permit.
Application Process
- Gather all necessary documents, such as your passport, residency cards, language proficiency proof, and criminal record checks.
- Submit the citizenship application to the Portuguese authorities, either in Portugal or at a consulate abroad.
- The authorities will review your application, which may involve checks on your background and the validity of your documents.
- Upon approval, you may be asked to provide additional documentation or take a citizenship oath.
How Can IAS Help?
Getting Portuguese citizenship is a complex process, but with the right guidance, it becomes significantly easier. The Immigration Advice Service is adept at providing comprehensive immigration advice, ensuring that you are well informed and prepared for your citizenship application. Our seasoned immigration lawyers can provide invaluable insights into the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and application process, ensuring you understand every step of your journey towards Portuguese citizenship.
Let IAS guide you through every step of the process if you are considering becoming a Portuguese citizen. Contact us today at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or message us online, for expert advice tailored to your unique circumstances and navigate your immigration journey with confidence and clarity.
Last modified on October 9th, 2023 at 11:32 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand passport holders can travel to many countries without a visa for short stays, including members of the European Union, Schengen Area countries, and others. The duration of visa-free stays can vary between countries.
Citizens from non-EU/EEA countries and non-Schengen Area countries typically require a visa for Portugal, especially for stays longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism or business.
Ensuring you meet all the eligibility criteria, have all the required documentation, and follow the application process correctly will streamline the Portugal visa application process. Consulting with an IAS immigration specialist can also facilitate a smoother application process.
The cost of a Portuguese visa can vary depending on the type and duration of the visa. Short-stay portugal Schengen visa application typically cost €80, while national visas for longer stays €90 fees.
Yes, Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa obtained from any Schengen Area member country allows travel to Portugal and other Schengen countries.
Portugal has made some changes because of coronavirus. Now, people coming to Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira do not need to show a negative COVID test. They also don’t need to show a COVID-EU digital certificate or any proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID from other countries that Portugal accepts.
Nationals from non-Schengen Area countries may require a Schengen visa to enter Portugal for short stays. The exact requirements can depend on the traveller’s nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.