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Latin Americans can move to Portugal by applying for a residency visa and then applying for a residency permit upon arrival in Portugal. Needed documents include a passport, recent photo, and a health insurance policy. Expats can secure medical coverage through a private international provider.
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Are you moving to Portugal soon? Need help figuring out where to live, what job to apply for, what to expect the culture to be like, and how to navigate the healthcare system?
This Pacific Prime article will walk you through each of those topics and more! By the end, you’ll be feeling much more informed about how to approach your upcoming move.
How to Apply for a Visa in Portugal as a Latin American
Latin American citizens moving to Portugal should apply for a visa through the following steps:
- Choose the Right Visa Type
Common visa types include the D7 Visa (for retirees or those with passive income), D2 Visa (for entrepreneurs or freelancers), and D1 Work Visa (for those with a job offer). Students can apply for a Study Visa if accepted into a Portuguese institution. - Gather Required Documents
Visa applicants typically need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, proof of income or employment, health insurance, and two recent passport-size photos, to name a few. - Apply at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy
Submit your application at the nearest Portuguese consulate in your home country. Some embassies require appointments booked online, so check their website for instructions. - Attend the Visa Interview (if required)
You may be asked to attend an interview to clarify your purpose of stay, financial means, or ties to your home country. - Wait for Approval
Visa processing typically takes 30–60 days, though this can vary. Once approved, you’ll receive a temporary visa valid for travel to Portugal. - Register with SEF After Arrival in Portugal
After arriving in Portugal, you must schedule an appointment with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to apply for a residence permit. This converts your visa into a long-term legal stay.
Some Latin American countries, especially Portuguese-speaking ones like Brazil, may benefit from bilateral agreements that simplify the process: always check your country’s specific rules with the Portuguese consulate.
Read about visa fees here.
Types of Visas for Latin American Citizens in Portugal
Latin American citizens moving to Portugal may qualify for the temporary stay visa, work visa, study visa, familiar visa, residency visa, or the health visa, to name a few. It is essential that visa applicants apply for the correct visa that matches their purpose for entering the country.
Here’s a list of the types of visas in Portugal:
- Temporary Stay Visa: Allows entry and stay in Portugal for less than a year. Temporary stay visas are valid during the entire stay and allow for multiple entries.
- Residency Visa: Allows two entries and is valid for a period of four months. During that time, the holder of a residency visa is required to apply for a residency permit.
- Job Seeker Visa: Entitles its holder to enter and remain only in Portugal for the purpose of looking for a job. The job seeker visa authorizes its holder to carry out a subordinated work activity until the visa expires or until the residence permit is granted.
- Work Visa: Temporary stay visa for independent work, highly qualified activities, remote work, amateur sports, seasonal work, and more.
- Study Visa: Temporary stay visa for periods of over three months for study programs, student exchange, training, unpaid internship, volunteer work purposes, as well as commitments pursuant to international agreements or conventions.
- Professional Training, Internship, or Volunteer Work Visa: Temporary stay for workers being trained professionally in their field, taking education courses, or participating in study abroad programs or volunteer work opportunities.
- Health Visa: Temporary stay visa for medical treatment purposes or for accompanying a family member undergoing medical treatment purposes.
- Youth Mobility Visa: Temporary stay visa for periods of over three months for student exchange, training, unpaid internship, study programs, volunteer work purposes, as well as commitments pursuant to international agreements or conventions.
- Retiree Visa: Temporary stay visa for periods of over three months, in exceptional and duly justified cases, for people living on their own income.
- Religious Visa: Temporary stay visa for periods of over three months, in exceptional and duly justified cases, for religious training within a religious congregation or recognized institution.
- Familiar Visa: Temporary stay visa for accompanying a family member holding temporary stay visa.
How to Become a Portuguese Citizen
Latin American citizens have several pathways to Portuguese citizenship through a five-year residency-based naturalization or citizenship through descent, marriage, or Sephardic Jewish ancestry. These can be streamlined for Latin Americans due to shared language, culture, and historical ties.
Here’s an overview of the most common routes to Portugal citizenship:
- Residency-Based Naturalization: Most Latin Americans apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization after legally living in Portugal for five years. To qualify, you must:
- Hold a valid residence permit during that time
- Have no serious criminal record
- Demonstrate basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level)
- Show integration into Portuguese society (e.g., work, taxes, community ties)
- Citizenship Through Lusophone Ties (CPLP Nations): If you’re from a Portuguese-speaking country like Brazil, Angola, or Mozambique, you may benefit from special agreements under the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
- Citizenship by Descent: If you have a Portuguese parent or grandparent, you may be eligible to apply directly for citizenship. This has no residency requirement.
- Citizenship Through Marriage or Civil Union: If you marry a Portuguese citizen or are in a legal civil partnership, you can apply after three years of marriage/union. There is no minimum residency required, but must show connection to Portugal.
- Citizenship for Sephardic Jewish Descendants: Some Latin Americans with Sephardic ancestry were previously eligible under a special law, but Portugal has tightened this policy. It now requires stronger proof of connection to the Portuguese Jewish community.
Once you meet the requirements, you can submit your application to the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais (Portuguese Civil Registry). Be sure to include all supporting documents, including proof of legal stay, language certificate, and criminal background checks
It is common for the wait time to range from six months to over a year before citizenship is granted.
Emigrants Adjusting to Portugal Culture and Traditions
Portugal’s lifestyle and culture tends to be more relaxed than Latin American culture, and the cost of living in Portugal tends to be more affordable than cities such as Buenos Aires or Mexico City. Also, even though Portuguese is a shared language, new residents may need to adjust to the accent.
It can take time to adjust to Portuguese traditions and language differences, but the shared familiarity between Portugal and Latin America can make the transition fairly smooth. Let’s talk about a few topics emigrating expats may encounter.
Lifestyle and Cultural Differences in Portugal
Portugal shares cultural ties with Latin America through language, religion, and a warm social atmosphere, but daily life tends to be more calm, structured, and low-key. Portuguese people value simplicity, quietness, and modesty, and the pace of life is slower than in many Latin American cities.
While family is central in both regions, social interactions in Portugal may feel more reserved at first. Public spaces are clean and safe, and work-life balance is important, especially outside Lisbon and Porto.
Traditions like fado music, religious festivals, and local markets reflect a deep-rooted cultural pride.
Language Differences in Portugal
Portuguese is the official language in both Portugal and several Latin American countries like Brazil, but the European and Latin American variants differ in accent, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
In Portugal, the language tends to be spoken more quickly and with a closed pronunciation, which can be challenging at first for Latin American Portuguese speakers. Differences in formal and informal address are also more strictly observed in Portugal.
While mutual understanding is possible, especially in writing, spoken communication may require adjustment for full fluency.
Climate and Geography Differences in Portugal
Portugal has a temperate Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers, especially in the south. This can feel familiar to Latin Americans from similar coastal or subtropical areas, though the seasonal variation may surprise those from consistently warm regions.
Portugal’s geography includes long Atlantic coastlines, rolling hills, and historic cities, which differ from the dramatic natural landscapes and tropical zones common in Latin America. The country’s small size makes travel between regions easy, and each area offers distinct scenery and charm.
Cost of Living Differences in Portugal
Portugal is one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe and is often cheaper than cities like São Paulo, Buenos Aires, or Mexico City. Housing, transportation, and food are relatively low-cost, especially outside Lisbon. Public healthcare and education are accessible and subsidized.
That said, wages in Portugal are also lower than in many Latin American countries, so expats should plan their budgets carefully. For many Latin Americans, Portugal offers a balance between European standards of living and financial accessibility.
Common Jobs for Latin Americans Moving to Portugal
IT consultants, software engineers, tourism and hospitality providers, web developers, sales representatives, customer support agents, interpreters, and translators are just a few jobs Latin Americans can find when they move to Portugal.
The most popular jobs in Portugal for expats are:
- IT center work
- Hotel and resort managers
- Hospitality employees
- Dining
- Retail
- Customer service
How Emigrants Can Access Portugal’s Healthcare System
Latin American emigrants to Portugal can seek healthcare services by first establishing care through a family health unit (Unidades de Saúde Familiar). These units provide regular check-ups, preventive services, and management of chronic illnesses. If advanced treatment is needed, visit a hospital.
Public hospitals in Portugal meet the basic standards of care, but they often have longer wait times and limited resources. Private hospitals, on the other hand, have more modern equipment, more resources, and a greater doctor-to-patient ratio, meaning it’s faster to get in for an appointment.
Expats living in Portugal tend to supplement the employee public social security program in Portugal with a private international health insurance plan. These plans make private facilities more affordable and manageable since the public insurance program can’t quite cover the cost.
Read more about how Portugal’s healthcare system works here.
Emergency Services
Latin American expats living in Portugal who have a serious medical emergency should call 112, Portugal’s national emergency number, for an ambulance, police, or fire assistance. Expats can go directly to the hospital emergency department (Serviço de Urgência) at public hospitals 24/7.
Care is provided regardless of your immigration or insurance status, but non-residents may be billed unless they have:
- A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or
- Portuguese residency or
- Private insurance that covers emergency care
Public emergency services are generally high quality but may involve long wait times depending on the severity of your condition.
Expats with private health insurance can access private hospitals or urgent care centers (Clínica de Atendimento Permanente) which often have shorter wait times and English-speaking staff. If you’re not insured, you can still be treated, but you’ll need to pay out of pocket.
Best Private Insurance Companies for Expats in Portugal
Allianz Care, AXA, NOW Health International, and Cigna Global are the best private international health insurance companies for Latin American expats living in Portugal. Learn about each company and their outstanding qualities below.
1. Allianz Care
Allianz Care is the international branch of Allianz, offering strong, reliable coverage with access to private hospitals across Portugal and Europe.
Their plans Care Pro, Care Plus, and Care Prime cater to a wide range of needs from basic to premium care.
Allianz is known for excellent customer service, direct billing arrangements, and extensive multilingual support.
2. AXA
AXA is a globally recognized insurer with strong brand trust and wide coverage across Portugal and Europe, making it a popular choice for expats and digital nomads.
Their international health plans include Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, and Prestige levels, with options for inpatient, outpatient, and maternity care.
AXA stands out for its direct billing arrangements with top private hospitals, multilingual support, and extensive add-on options to personalize coverage.
Now Health International is known for its fast digital service, clear communication, and modern, expat-friendly approach to international health insurance.
Its plans—such as SimpleCare, WorldCare Essential, and WorldCare Advance—offer scalable options depending on your needs and budget, with great tools for managing claims online.
What makes Now Health unique is its focus on digital convenience, speedy claims turnaround, and transparent pricing ideal for tech-savvy expats in Portugal.
4. Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a well-known international insurer offering flexible, modular plans ideal for expats in Portugal.
Their coverage is customizable through three core levels—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—with optional add-ons like outpatient care and vision/dental.
What sets Cigna apart is its wide global network, fast claims processing, and English-speaking customer service tailored to expats.
For a more comprehensive guide, read our list of the top 10 insurance companies for expats that cover Portugal.
15 Best Places for Latin Americans to Live in Portugal
Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Portimão are among the best places for Latin Americans to live in Portugal. Each has their own unique charm, attractions, history, and culture to explore.
Latin Americans moving to Portugal will want to consider our list of the 15 best places to live in Portugal:
- Lisbon: Portugal’s capital is famous for its historic neighborhoods, tram-lined hills, and vibrant blend of tradition and modern culture.
- Porto: Known for its port wine, Porto offers a colorful riverside district and stunning views over the Douro River.
- Braga: One of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga is renowned for its baroque churches and deep-rooted religious heritage.
- Aveiro: Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is known for its canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and art nouveau architecture.
- Coimbra: Famous for its prestigious university, Coimbra is a city steeped in academic tradition and medieval charm.
- Portimão: Portimão is a coastal city known for its lively marina, golden beaches, and seafood cuisine, especially grilled sardines.
- Funchal on Madeira Island: The capital of Madeira is known for its lush landscapes, botanical gardens, and world-famous New Year’s fireworks.
- Chaves: Chaves is a historic town famous for its Roman bridge, thermal springs, and fortress walls.
- Setúbal: Known for its fresh seafood, nearby Arrábida natural park, and access to dolphin-watching along the Sado River, Setúbal is a favorite destination for expats and travelers.
- Cascais: Cascais is a stylish seaside town famous for its beaches, luxury resorts, and relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.
- Évora: Évora, A UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Roman temple, whitewashed houses, and well-preserved medieval architecture, offers a stunning, immersive experience.
- Viseu: Viseu is a central Portuguese city known for its peaceful atmosphere, wine culture, and historic granite buildings.
- Nazaré: World-famous for its giant waves, Nazaré is a top destination for big-wave surfing.
- Tomar: Tomar is known for the Convent of Christ, a former Knights Templar stronghold and a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.
- Tavira: A picturesque town in the Algarve, Tavira is famous for its blend of Moorish architecture, salt pans, and tranquil beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expats move to Portugal without a job?
Expats can move to Portugal without a job if they apply for a D7 visa, or a Passive Income or Retirement Visa, that allows them to stay legally while not working. This is designed for people who have stable, regular income from sources like pensions, savings, rental properties, or investments.
How much income do I need to move to Portugal?
Those applying for D7 visas in Portugal need a stable passive income of at least €870/month (USD $1K) from sources like pensions, rent, dividends, royalties, or savings. Couples need €1,305/month (USD $1.5K), plus €261/child (USD $300). Digital nomad D8/D2 visa holders need €3,480/month (USD $4K).
Does U.S. Medicare work in Portugal?
Portugal does not accept U.S. Medicare coverage for medical services. If you’re a U.S. citizen moving to or living in Portugal, you’ll need to obtain separate health coverage from private international health insurance, portuguese public healthcare access, or a local private health insurance plan.
Conclusion
We’ve reviewed a number of topics that will help Latin Americans in their move to Portugal from visa applications and job searching to lifestyle differences and how to access healthcare.
If you’ve found value in the article, we highly recommend reading our articles How to Move to Portugal From the USA and Best Cities in Portugal for Expats.
Pacific Prime is an international health insurance broker with over 20 years of experience helping expats secure health and travel insurance. If you’d like our experienced support and advice finding your health insurance coverage, contact our team online or over the phone at 1-800-868-1451.
You can begin comparing health insurance plans and quotes right away with our database of over 50,000 health plans! You won’t want to miss out on this resource. Happy travels!
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content – no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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