Portugal has become one of the most popular European destinations for Indian professionals. Affordable by Western European standards, English-friendly in urban areas, a clear path to EU citizenship in 5 years, and a growing Indian community in Lisbon and Porto. But the process from India has specific challenges that generic Portugal guides miss.
Your Visa Options
D7 — Passive Income / Remote Work Visa
The most versatile option. You need to demonstrate regular income of roughly €760/month (~₹68,000) for the primary applicant. This can come from remote employment, freelancing, pensions, rental income, or investments. Indian tech professionals working remotely for US or European companies routinely use the D7. Total application cost from India: approximately ₹1.5–2 lakh including visa fees, apostille, translation, and insurance.
D8 — Digital Nomad Visa
Higher threshold: approximately €3,040/month (~₹2.7 lakh). Specifically for remote workers with non-Portuguese employers. If you earn well above the threshold, the D8 provides cleaner documentation. If you're closer to the minimum, the D7 gives more flexibility.
Study Route
Portugal's universities charge international students €3,000–7,000/year for master's programmes — dramatically less than the UK, US, or Australia. Living costs outside Lisbon run €600–900/month. A 2-year master's can cost ₹10–15 lakh total compared to ₹25–40 lakh in the UK, and student time counts toward the 5-year citizenship requirement. This is genuinely undervalued.
India has Portuguese consulates in New Delhi and Goa. Wait times for visa appointments in New Delhi can be 4–8 weeks. All documents must be apostilled (India joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2023, making this easier) and translated into Portuguese by a certified translator (₹1,500–3,000 per document). Start the process 4–6 months before your intended move.
Money: LRS and Currency
India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme allows up to USD 250,000/year for emigration and related purposes. Since October 2023, a 20% Tax Collected at Source applies on remittances above ₹7 lakh/year (refundable when you file your Indian tax return, but a cash flow hit). Opening a Portuguese bank account from India is nearly impossible — most expats bring enough euros for 2–3 months and open a local account after getting their NIF (tax number).
Cost of Living in INR
In cities like Braga, Aveiro, or Coimbra, a one-bedroom apartment costs €400–600/month (₹36,000–54,000). Groceries for one person run €200–300/month (₹18,000–27,000). A comfortable single life outside Lisbon costs €900–1,200/month (₹80,000–1,07,000). Lisbon requires €1,500–2,000/month (₹1.35–1.8 lakh) — still cheaper than central Mumbai with European healthcare and infrastructure.
India-Specific Requirements
Police Clearance Certificate: From the Passport Seva Kendra, 1–3 weeks processing. Must be apostilled by the MEA and translated. Health insurance: Indian policies generally aren't accepted — expect €40–80/month from SafetyWing, Allianz Care, or Cigna Global. Tax: You remain an Indian tax resident until 182+ days outside India. India-Portugal DTAA prevents double taxation, but plan for filing in both countries during your first year.
The 5-Year Citizenship Path
Portugal offers one of Europe's fastest naturalisations: 5 years of legal residence, basic Portuguese (A2 level), and clean criminal record. India's OCI framework means you'd maintain connection to India after acquiring Portuguese — and EU — citizenship, giving you the right to live and work in any of 27 EU countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indians move to Portugal easily?
Portugal is one of the more accessible European destinations for Indians, with multiple visa pathways: the D8 Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers (€3,400+/month), the D7 for passive income earners (€760+/month), Tech Visa for startups, and standard work permits with employer sponsorship. Processing takes 2–4 months through the Portuguese consulate in India.
How much does it cost to move to Portugal from India?
Budget €5,000–8,000 for initial setup: visa fees (~€180), flights (€400–700), first month's rent + deposit (€1,500–2,500 in Lisbon), SEF registration, NIF tax number, and living expenses while settling in. Monthly costs outside Lisbon run €800–1,200 for a single person.
Is Portugal good for Indian IT professionals?
Excellent. Lisbon and Porto have growing tech scenes with companies like Farfetch, OutSystems, and many startups actively hiring. The Tech Visa programme fast-tracks work permits for certified companies. Salaries are lower than Germany or UK (€30,000–50,000 for mid-level), but cost of living and quality of life often compensate.
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