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.
Portugal's D7 visa requires proof of passive income >= EUR 820/month (2024).
Source: AIMA/SEFThe D8 Digital Nomad visa requires minimum EUR 3,280/month income.
Source: AIMA/SEFPortugal granted over 45,000 residence permits to non-EU nationals in 2023.
Source: AIMA/SEFDetailed 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.
According to AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo — aima.gov.pt), 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. As of 2025, the minimum income requirement is €820/month (aligned with Portugal's national minimum wage, updated January 2025). After holding a D7 residence permit for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence, and Portuguese citizenship becomes available after a total of 5 years of legal residence. The D7 is ideal for retirees, remote workers with passive income, and MENA nationals seeking EU residency.
A NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal — Portuguese tax identification number) is required for nearly all legal and financial activity in Portugal: opening bank accounts, renting property, signing contracts, and applying for residence. According to the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (autoridade tributaria.gov.pt), non-EU residents must obtain a NIF through a fiscal representative — a Portuguese resident who acts as your tax contact. Many immigration lawyers and online services offer remote NIF registration before you arrive. Cost: free at a Finanças office (requires in-person visit), or €150–300 through a licensed fiscal representative or online service.
With a valid Portuguese residence permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area (26 European countries) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or short visits. However, working or residing long-term in another EU country requires separate authorization under that country's immigration rules. Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship — available after 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, as outlined in Portugal's Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade) — you gain full EU freedom of movement and work rights in all 27 EU member states. This EU citizenship pathway is one of the primary reasons MENA nationals choose Portugal.
According to Numbeo (numbeo.com) and Eurostat data for 2025, Portugal is significantly more affordable than Gulf cities. In Lisbon: average 1-bedroom city-centre apartment costs €900–1,300/month; groceries run €250–400/month; a restaurant meal costs €10–18. Porto and smaller cities are typically 20–30% cheaper than Lisbon. Portugal's national average gross salary is approximately €1,800–2,200/month. The D7 and D8 visas are particularly attractive for MENA professionals and retirees: you bring Gulf-level or international income (which may not be taxed locally under the NHR tax regime) and live at Portugal's significantly lower cost level.
AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo — aima.gov.pt) replaced the former SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in October 2023 under Law 41/2023. The residence permit process for D7/D8/D2 visa holders: 1) Apply for a national visa at the Portuguese consulate in your home country (MENA embassies in Cairo, Riyadh, Dubai, Amman, etc.); 2) Enter Portugal within the visa validity period; 3) Book an AIMA appointment online (aima.gov.pt) for your residence permit; 4) Attend your biometrics appointment with required documents; 5) Receive your Título de Residência (residence card). According to AIMA's published timelines, residence permit processing currently takes 2–6 months after the appointment.