Portugal is the preferred EU gateway for Arabs. With flexible visas for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and retirees, affordable living costs, warm climate, and a clear path to EU citizenship — Portugal is the ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality European life.
EUR 760
Min D7 Income/mo
EUR 3,500
Min D8 Income/mo
5
Years to EU Citizenship
27
EU Countries Access
Live in Portugal on retirement income, investments, rental income, or savings. Minimum passive income of EUR 760/month (Portuguese minimum wage). No age limit. Path to permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 5 years of PR. One of the most popular visas for MENA retirees.
Work remotely from Portugal for non-Portuguese clients/employers. Minimum income EUR 3,500/month (4x minimum wage). Enjoy European lifestyle while keeping your current remote job. Popular among tech professionals and freelancers from the Gulf region.
Start a business or freelance in Portugal. Requires a viable business plan, proof of funds, and NIF (Portuguese tax number). No minimum investment amount. Access to EU market of 450M+ consumers. Portugal's startup ecosystem is thriving, especially in Lisbon.
Employment visa with a Portuguese employer. The employer handles most paperwork through IEFP (Portuguese employment agency). Growing tech sector means strong demand for software engineers, data scientists, and digital marketers, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
Enter Portugal for 120 days to find employment. Once you secure a job, convert to a D1 work visa without leaving the country. Requires proof of funds for your stay and accommodation. A unique option for those who want to explore opportunities on the ground.
AIMA (replaced SEF in 2023) handles all residence permits. Process: apply for visa at consulate → enter Portugal → book AIMA appointment → attend biometrics → receive residence card. Current timeline: 2-6 months.
A NIF (tax number) is essential for opening bank accounts, renting, and signing contracts. Non-residents need a fiscal representative (EUR 150-300). Can be obtained online before arrival or in person at a tax office (Financas). This should be your first step.
Portuguese residency grants: free Schengen travel (26 countries), public healthcare access, free education, and EU citizenship path after 5 years. Portuguese citizenship = right to work and live in any of 27 EU countries. Portuguese language only required for citizenship (A2 level).
Detailed guides covering consulates, NIF procedures, and health insurance for each country
Occupations in critical shortage in Portugal with salaries and visa requirements
EUR 45,000/yr
EUR 35,000/yr
EUR 50,000/yr
EUR 48,000/yr
EUR 28,000/yr
EUR 60,000/yr
EUR 32,000/yr
EUR 35,000/yr
No, Portuguese language is NOT required for initial visa applications (D7, D8, D2, D1). English is widely spoken in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. However, basic Portuguese (A2 level) is required for permanent residence after 5 years, and citizenship requires A2 level. Many Arabic speakers find Portuguese relatively approachable due to some shared Arabic loanwords from the Moorish period.
The D7 (Passive Income) visa allows you to live in Portugal if you have regular passive income — retirement pensions, investment dividends, rental income, or savings. Minimum income is EUR 760/month (Portuguese minimum wage). It's perfect for retirees, investors, and anyone with steady income streams. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence, and Portuguese citizenship after another 5 years.
A NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) is required for nearly everything in Portugal — bank accounts, renting, signing contracts. Non-residents can get a NIF by visiting a local tax office (Financas) with their passport, or through a fiscal representative (required for non-EU residents). Some online services can arrange a NIF remotely before you arrive. Cost: free at the tax office, EUR 150-300 through an agent.
With a Portuguese residence permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area (26 countries) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, you cannot work in other EU countries without separate authorization. After obtaining Portuguese citizenship (available after 5 years of permanent residence), you gain full EU work rights in all 27 member states.
Portugal is significantly cheaper than Gulf cities like Dubai or Riyadh. Lisbon average: 1BR city center EUR 900-1,200/month rent, groceries EUR 250-350/month, dining out EUR 10-15/meal. Porto and smaller cities are 20-30% cheaper. However, salaries are also lower (average EUR 1,500-2,000/month). The D7 and D8 visas let you bring Gulf-level income to Portugal's lower costs.
AIMA (Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo) replaced the former SEF in 2023. The process: 1) Apply for a visa at the Portuguese consulate in your country, 2) Enter Portugal, 3) Schedule an AIMA appointment for your residence permit, 4) Attend biometrics appointment, 5) Receive your residence card. Current processing times are 2-6 months. Appointments can be booked online.