Emigration to Portugal: how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

Every year, Portugal becomes more accessible to Ukrainians, offering opportunities for work, study and a relatively high standard of living. However, moving to this southern country requires a considered approach, knowledge of current requirements and preparation of the relevant documents. Find out what types of visas are required for relocation, how to legalise your status in Portugal, and what steps you need to take to obtain a work permit

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Emigrating to Portugal opens doors for Ukrainians not only for tourism or stays under temporary protection programmes, but also for a stable life and new prospects. A comfortable climate, rich culture and European support system make the country a popular choice among Ukrainians seeking a new home abroad. However, each stage, from choosing the type of visa to obtaining a residence permit, requires careful preparation and knowledge of the intricacies of local legislation. We explain how Ukrainians can move to Portugal, what visa options are available, how to legalise their stay, and what opportunities await Ukrainians who choose Portugal as their place of residence.

Main visa options for emigration to Portugal

Emigrating to Portugal from Ukraine in 2025 requires obtaining a specific visa depending on the purpose of the move. Each type of visa provides different rights for employment, study or permanent residence. In the context of emigration, we are talking about studying, working, doing business or family reunification in Portugal.

Student visa to Portugal

Studying in Portugal for Ukrainians requires a student visa. This permit allows students to live in the country during the academic year and can be extended for longer programmes. The application procedure requires:

1. A valid passport (or travel document)

2. Confirmation of enrolment at an educational institution.

3. Proof of funds to cover living and tuition expenses (or a document confirming the availability of a scholarship).

4. Certificate of proficiency in the language of instruction (depending on university requirements).

5. Application form for a student visa to Portugal.

6. Two recent passport-size photos.

7. Medical insurance in Portugal for the duration of your stay.

Work visa for Portugal

Working in Portugal for Ukrainians involves several programmes for qualified specialists who want to work in the country. To obtain a work visa, Ukrainians must have:

1. A valid passport

2. A job offer from a Portuguese employer.

3. 2 passport-sized photos (in accordance with the rules for travelling in the Schengen area).

4. Proof of sufficient financial means.

5. Certificate of no criminal record from your country of residence.

6. Document authorising SEF to check your criminal record in Portugal.

7. Document confirming your place of residence in Portugal.

8. Valid medical insurance policy.

Medical insurance in Portugal for Ukrainians can be obtained in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Business visa to Portugal

If the purpose of your move is to start your own business or make investments, then a business visa to Portugal is available for this. This type of visa involves investing in the Portuguese economy, creating jobs or expanding your own business.

Digital nomad visa in Portugal (D8)

One interesting option for those who work remotely or are freelancers is the digital nomad visa in Portugal. It is also known as a D8 visa and is designed specifically for people who earn income outside Portugal. This visa allows you to live and work in the country, giving you access to its benefits and high quality of life.

Family reunification visa in Portugal (D6)

The right to family reunification is a fundamental right that Portugal guarantees to foreign citizens who legally reside in its territory and have a valid residence permit (Autorização de Residência, AR). The visa that allows family members to move to the resident is called Visto de Residência para Efeitos de Reagrupamento Familiar, or D6 visa.

Applying for this visa is a two-step process that requires close cooperation between the resident in Portugal (the inviting party) and their family members abroad (the applicants).

First, the resident living in Portugal and holding a residence permit (AR) must submit an application for recognition of the right to family reunification to AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, which replaced SEF).

Once approval has been received from AIMA, family members abroad can apply for a D6 visa at the Portuguese consulate or an authorised visa centre in their country of residence.

You can get advice on applying for a visa to Portugal right now on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Legalisation of stay: obtaining a work permit in Portugal

Ukrainians who wish to work in Portugal must obtain a work permit, which is issued together with a work visa. Certain categories of workers, such as qualified specialists or those working for a company with Portuguese investment, may have advantages in the application process. However, tourists who have arrived on a tourist visa are not entitled to work.

Legalisation of stay: residence permit in Portugal for Ukrainians

Obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit (residence permit in Portugal) is a key step in legalising your stay in Portugal for Ukrainians who wish to remain here for a long time. After obtaining an entry visa, you must apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit:

1. A temporary residence permit (Temporary Residence Permit) allows you to stay in the country for up to 1 year with the possibility of extension.

2. A permanent residence permit (Permanent Residence Permit) is available after 5 years of residence as a temporary resident.

Basic documents for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal

Current legislation requires the following documents for emigration to Portugal:

1. Valid passport.

2. Two recent photographs of the person.

3. Application form (when applying for a residence visa for the first time).

4. Valid residence visa (visa for 3-4 months before applying for a permit).

5. Proof of sufficient funds.

6. Proof of residence.

7. Medical insurance or confirmation that he/she is covered by the National Health Service.

8. Family certificate (if available).

9. Certificate of no criminal record.

10. Parental consent (for minors).

11. Employment contract (obtaining a residence permit on the basis of a work visa).

12. Letter of acceptance from a university (obtaining a residence permit on the basis of a student visa).

13. Tuition fees (obtaining a residence permit on the basis of a student visa).

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Moving to Portugal with your family

Ukrainians can move to Portugal if they have a work or student visa and wish to bring their relatives with them. Each family member must submit a separate application for the appropriate type of visa. The conditions are as follows:

1. Visas for each family member.

2. Children can obtain a study permit if one of their parents has a work or student visa.

3. Spouses can obtain a work permit if permitted by the terms of the programme.

How much will it cost to live in Portugal in 2025 – read our special article to find out. Learn all about the cost of travel and medical services, how much you should budget for food, and housing prices in Portugal in 2025.

Please note! If you are travelling to Portugal in your own car, you must remember that compulsory insurance is required, without which entry into EU countries will be impossible. Visit Ukraine offers a quick and convenient way to obtain Green Card insurance. Before travelling by car, you should also find out about traffic regulations and the cost of toll roads in Portugal.

Each stage of preparing to emigrate to Portugal requires careful analysis and specific actions that are not always within the competence of ordinary citizens. Visit Ukraine recommends contacting immigration lawyers who will help with the documents for travelling abroad and will also take care of the entire process of submitting them to various authorities and obtaining the relevant decisions.

Reminder! We have previously published detailed instructions on how expats can open a bank account in Portugal.

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