This country, with its delicate climate, high standards of live, and friendly community, can indeed be a great place that so many expats would love to live in. For non-EU citizens, the two most popular ways to get to Portugal are the D7 visa and the HQA (Highly Qualified Activity) visa. Below one can find a comparison of these visas regarding benefits and application procedure to help you make a choice.
Short overview of D7 Visa Portugal
D7 is one of the special visas for non-EU/EEA nationals having stable income. This type of visa is convenient for any person living in retirement whose pension is enough to live comfortably in Portugal, without necessity to work in the country.
Eligibility Criteria for the D7 Visa
• The main applicant must have at least €760 per month as a minimum income
An additional €380 per month for each adult family member.
• An extra €228 a month for each dependent child
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• Comprehensive medical insurance
Benefits of the D7 Visa
1. Legal Residence: Grants an individual the right to live in Portugal enjoying excellent climatic and cultural conditions.
2. Permanent residency and citizenship pathway: Within five years, you will obtain permanent or Portuguese citizenship that offers visa-free travel possibility inside the Schengen Area and many other countries.
3. Family Reunification: is allowed for dependent relatives, such as spouses or children.
4. Medical Attention: It gives access to the Portuguese public system of health care.
Short HQA Visa Portugal Overview
The HQA visa focuses on highly qualified professionals and self-employed workers, attracting the kinds of skills that will produce a positive impact for the economic and technological growth of Portugal.
Eligibility Criteria for HQA Visa
• Qualifications or experience, in an sector that is demanded
• Job offer or contract from an entity based in Portugal.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• Comprehensive health insurance
Benefits of the Portugal HQA Visa
1. Work Authorization: Immediate employment upon arrival is allowed.
2. Fast-Track Application: The processing is faster compared to most others, specifically with regard to visas.
3. Professional Networks: Access to professional networks in Portugal, which can expand career prospects.
4. Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship after five years.
5. Family Reunification: Allows the legal relocation of family members.
Differences Between D7 Visa and HQA Visa
1. Target Audience:
• D7 Visa: Perfect for retirees and passive income earners.
• HQA Visa: It is perfect for highly-qualified professionals and businessmen.
2. Income Requirements:
• D7 Visa: This requires proof of steady passive income.
• HQA visa: In this case, a job offer or contract is required in a high-demand sector.
3. Work authorization:
• D7 Visa: It does not require working; instead, it just needs some forms of passive income.
• HQA Visa: Obtains immediate employment authorization upon admission.
4. Application Processing Time:
• D7 Visa: The standard processing time may vary between 30 to 60 days.
• HQA Visa: In most cases, processing is faster because it involves bulk orders for skilled labor.
5. Advantages:
• Both visas show unlimited possibilities of getting permanent residence, leading to citizenship, family reunion, and the development of health care in Portugal.
Steps on How to Apply for Each residency
For D7 documents required for the application include: 1. A valid passport; 2. Proof of stable income; 3. Rental or property ownership documentation in Portugal; 4. Comprehensive health insurance; 5. Completed visa application form; 6. Police clearance certificate.
2. Application Submission: Submit all your documents to the Portuguese consulate in your country.
3. Processing Time: Normally 30 to 60 days.
4. Visa and Move: Following approval, move to Portugal and register with the local authorities to get a residence permit with temporary status.
Steps of Applying for HQA VisaÂ
- Preparation of Documents: You will be required to provide a valid passport, proof of qualifications or experience in the job, followed by a job offer or contract from a Portuguese company, proof of accommodation, wishing comprehensive health insurance, and a duly completed visa application form.
- Application Filing: File the documents with the Portuguese Consulate or through your employer.
- Processing Time: On average, it is faster than the D7 visa.
- Visa and Moving: If your application gets approved, move to Portugal and register at your local town hall. Conclusion There are great opportunities opened up by the D7 Visa and the HQA Visa for the residence of non-EU nationals in Portugal. The D7 visa is best for retirees and passive income holders. HQA fits perfectly with highly trained specialists and other businesspeople who want to work and add value to Portugal’s economy. Knowing what makes a particular visa different and more advantageous will help you make a decision that can set a good start for your new life in Portugal.
