Have you ever wondered – Are there age limits for moving to Portugal? You are not alone. Portugal’s open arms are always ready to welcome residents of all ages. This pleasant country is equipped with a vibrant culture, beautiful landscape, and a cozy pace of life. Here, you’ll find many different ways to move to the country, irrespective of age.
Are you a retiree seeking a peaceful environment, a family longing for adventure, or even a working professional wanting to grow and excel? Portugal has something for you. However, even as there are no age limits in Portugal, you need to be sure of what your residency root of choice offers to you. Plus, there are always age restrictions or preferences that can influence your path to residency. So, are there age limits for moving to Portugal?
Let’s dig in.
Demystifying Age Restrictions: Are There Age Limits For Moving To Portugal?
Generally, there is no age limit for moving to Portugal. You can move to Portugal whether you are a working professional, a retiree, or a baby. As we said before, different age groups have specific advantages.
Golden Years
If you are advanced in age or you are a retiree, the best visa options for you in Portugal are either the Golden visa program or the D7 visa. Picking any of these visa options, here are the benefits to look out for in Portugal.
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Tax exemption
As a retiree, you will benefit so much from the NHR program. Which gives tax breaks on foreign-sourced pensions. Meaning if you are residing in Portugal and receiving a pension from another country, you won’t pay tax if you are on the NHR program. Besides, you can also be excluded from paying certain taxes, from your Portuguese income.
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Affordable healthcare
As you are advanced in age, you need to have access to the best healthcare. This you will get in Portugal. And the interesting part is that the healthcare system in Portugal is very affordable. Most things you need will be paid out of pocket though. That said, the Portuguese healthcare system prioritizes preventive instead of curative services offering you tons of access to the right physician at the health center level. Read this article to find out more about Portugal’s healthcare system.
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Tranquil lifestyle
Portugal has a more relaxed pace of life when compared to most other countries. Its serenity is one thing you will love as a retiree. Interestingly, you can go to the beautiful beaches around to relax and have a sunbath. Besides, its vibrant culture and towns are filled with lovely art that will keep seducing you into exploring them. Oh! What a great place to retire.
Moving to School in Portugal
So are there age limits for moving to Portugal as a student? No there are not. But you should note that there is a maximum age when moving with your kids to Portugal and this varies from one visa option to the next. First, the Golden visa stipulates your financially dependent kids cannot be above 26 years old. The D7 has a shorter age limit of 21 years old.
You can move to Portugal to access its preschools, high schools, and Universities. It would also interest you to know that Portugal has one of the highest-quality education systems in the world. Plus, many international schools offer a mixture of curricula giving you many options to pick from. Moving with kids to Portugal means that they can look forward to solid foundations in subjects like Portuguese, mathematics, science, English, and history.
Again, the Portuguese educational system is flexible and gives you the will to make choices on the type of school your children will attend. That said, public schools are the most popular option you will find and they offer free, quality education. However, most expats moving to Portugal prefer international and private schools because of their more diverse curricula. Other reasons to move with your family to Portugal include:
Cultural Immersion
Portugal has a rich history and vibrant culture, and these are visible through astonishing museums, historical sites, and amazing traditional festivals. Your family and friends would love to visit these amazing locations. Plus, the country is filled with many adventures. This ranges from stunning coastlines and charming beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, and exploring. Besides that, you will encounter breathtaking natural parks where you can hike, ride bikes, and even have opportunities to connect with nature.
Safe Environment
If you check global safety indexes, you will find out that Portugal steadily ranks high. This means that there is a low crime rate in the country. So, it’s one of the best places in the world to raise children. This combined with the incredibly affordable healthcare system, you can rest easy that your family has the best.
Working Professionals
Generally, you can work in Portugal across most industries for up to 70 years. But there’s no official maximum age limit. Nevertheless, the legal retirement age in Portugal is 66 years and 4 months. Regardless, some occupations also benefit from a lower retirement age. A good example is airline pilots and air traffic controllers. Also, the minimum age for a variety of occupations is 16 years, but minors must demonstrate that they can fulfill specific roles where they apply. So, if you’re between the ages of 16 and 70 years, you can always apply to a variety of job positions across boards. But it’s also vital to remember that certain positions and organizations may have preferences depending on your qualifications and years of experience.
It is now a trend to see skilled professionals from various parts of the world moving to Portugal. The main reason for this is Portugal’s thriving economy and charming lifestyle. So, you can take advantage of some visa options, to join this amazing trend of working professionals.
Regardless, the working professional has numerous visa options.
The traditional work visa option
As a working professional, the main route you can use to move to Portugal is through a work visa and residence permit. Now, this is how it works: a company or organization in Portugal will give you a job offer. Your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf. The work permit will allow you to live and work in Portugal for one to two years, with the possibility of renewal. However, to apply for permanent residency, it will take you at least 5 years.
EU Blue Card (for Highly Qualified Professionals):
If you are a highly qualified professional or possess a highly sought-after skill, with a relevant university degree or extensive experience (of not less than 5 years), you can use the fast route. This is where the EU Blue Card becomes very effective because it offers you a faster route. Firstly, you’ll need a work contract with a salary that is at least 1.5 times larger than the national average salary. The good thing about this visa is that it grants you residence for one to four years and allows you to work in Portugal and other EU countries.
Portugal D8 Remote Visa
If you are an independent contractor or freelancer, the Portugal long-term Remote visa is also a great option. This visa is valid for one year, and renewable for up to five years. However, the income requirements and how consistent you’ve been for up to 3 years in terms of worldwide income will matter in getting approved for this visa.
Job Seeker Visa
As a working professional, it’s also possible to move to Portugal without having a job yet. The Job seeker visa is open to specific countries. This visa allows you to stay for up to 180 days in Portugal, looking for a job that can get you to stay permanently. If you are lucky to get a job within the 180-day time frame, then you can proceed to get a work visa alongside a residence permit.
Your Finances are Super Important to Move to Portugal
So, now we’ve answered the question – are there age limits for moving to Portugal? The short answer, there’s no age limit. However, there are financial limits for each residency visa. So you need to make sure you meet the financial requirements for the visa options you pick. As a general rule of thumb, we also recommend that you check up and meet Portugal’s minimum wage and have that saved up for up to 12 months. This further convinces the authorities that you can care for yourself in Portugal. Check out our 12-steps article on how to prepare for your move to Portugal.
Conclusion
So, are there age limits for moving to Portugal? No, Portugal has no age limits. Portugal welcomes residents of all ages with open arms, offering a vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed pace of life. Whether you are a retiree, a working professional, or a family, Portugal provides various visa options tailored to your needs, making it an ideal destination for individuals of all ages to pursue their dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Age Limits for Moving to Portugal
What are the new rules for residency in Portugal?
Generally, there aren’t any major rules for Portugal residency in 2024. However, Portugal’s golden visa has undergone some changes with restrictions on purchasing a home in exchange for residency. Now you can only invest in Portugal’s golden visa by investing in job creation, and other aspects of the Portuguese economy.
How hard is it to move to Portugal from the UK?
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, UK citizens likely need a visa to move to Portugal for longer than three months. The difficulty depends on your reason for moving (work, retirement, etc.).
Can a UK pensioner live in Portugal?
Yes, UK pensioners can live in Portugal. Portugal offers a non-lucrative visa option for those with a sufficient income source (like a pension) to support themselves without working. Depending on the kind of funds you have available, you can pick the Portuguese D7 passive income visa or the golden visa program.
Can I retire in Portugal without a golden visa?
Yes, you can retire to Portugal without a golden visa. The popular option here is the Portuguese D7 passive income visa which requires that you prove you have regular income that’s passive and can support you in Portugal.
How much money do you need to retire in Portugal?
The amount needed for retirement in Portugal depends on your lifestyle. However, Portugal has a relatively low cost of living compared to many European countries. Estimates suggest a minimum of €1,000 to €2,000 per month could maintain a normal life just above minimum wage living standards.
What is the age limit to work in Portugal?
Portugal doesn’t have a mandatory retirement age. You can continue working as long as you meet the qualifications for a specific job. However, work visa requirements might have age limitations. For instance, the minimum working age is 16 and most jobs allow you to work up to 70 years. You should also consider your career options and trajectory looks like before moving to Portugal.
