# Baseflow Help Center Welcome to the Baseflow Help Center! Take a look at the menu on the left hand side for guides on personal residencies, visas, passports, and more. Don't see what you are looking for? Reach out to to speak directly with our team. # Setting up on Baseflow How to get started ## How much does it cost? $99/mo paid annually which includes the documents, the cost of government filings, and one year of fiscal representation. You’ll be responsible for paying your taxes and fees for other services you use. At the end of that year, your fiscal representation will automatically be renewed. You may cancel this service after you become a tax resident and update your address with the tax office. ## Can I change any details after I've submitted the application? We can edit your details if we haven't filed any documentation with the government yet. In case we have already filed the documents, then this might be slightly tricky to get done and we can't promise anything. However, please reach out to us as soon as you wish to change any detail and we'll try our best to have the changes made. ## How can I cancel my Baseflow process? If you’d like to cancel any process, reach out to the Baseflow team to ensure you’ve paid the required fees for our services and we will help delete your application. Please note that you will also have to reach out to the government on your end to dissolve the company in order to ensure you do not incur any fees in the future. ## I have more questions — who can I reach out to? You can reach us at # After submitting an application ## What happens after I sign? Once you have completed the e-sign process, we review and then file with the government. Once your filing is complete, we will prepare your dashboard and get you “relocation-ready” i.e. helping to set up your bank account, residency, etc. ## How long does it take for the whole process to be completed? From application submission to getting you relocated, it can take anywhere between three - seven business days based on how soon your file is processed by the state. Here's the expected timeline- * Application Review and Filing: 1-2 business days (mostly completed on the same day) * Return of documents from the state: 5 business days * Setting up your bank account: 1 business day post receiving the file from the state ## Does Baseflow have a set of recommended lawyers to work with to make changes? Not yet. # Taxes and reporting ## What annual reports do we need to submit? What should we do each year to submit them and how much does it cost? No annual reports are due to Baseflow, but they will be due to your country of legal and tax residency. The cost will be dependent on a number of variables, and we can connect you with a services to make tax filing easy. # Antigua and Barbuda # Process Roadmap These are the different steps you should expect along the process: 1. Submit your application via Baseflow's app 2. Get assigned to your lawyer 3. Fill out all documentation 4. Once completed, submit to lawyer. 5. once approved, pay lawyer fee and down payment 6. once approved, then pay the full amount 7. Recieve passport. 8. Visit Antigua and Barbuda in the first 5 years. # Required documents These are the different documents you'd be required to upload along the process: 1. **For each person, including children:** 1. AB1 – Citizenship Application Form 2. AB2 – Photograph and Signature Certificate 3. AB3 – Medical Certificate 4. Passport application form (Form L) 5. 8 Passport sized photographs (1 certified) 6. Passport copy (notarized) 7. *For each person whose residence is different than nationality:* Resident Stamp (Notarized) 8. Identity Card Copy (Notarized) 9. Birth Certificate 2. **For each person, *****if applicable:*** 1. Marriage Certificate 2. Divorce Certificate 3. Military record 4. Name Change Documentation 5. Other supporting documents 3. **Main applicant only:** 1. AB4 – Investment Confirmation Form 2. AB5 – Agent Form 3. Affidavit of Source of Funds 4. Professional Reference Letter 5. Bank Reference Letter 6. Utility Bill (proof of residence) 7. Affidavit of Support (for each dependent adult) 8. Confirmation Letter from the Institute of higher learning (for each dependent 18-25) 9. Supporting Documents for Source of Wealth 10. **Real estate only:** 1. Reservation Agreement with receipt of reservation fee 2. Sales/Purchase Agreement 4. **Medical Certificate: HIV (AIDS) Test Results** (for each person over 12; where the mother is included in the application, and her HIV results are negative, there is no need for an HIV test for children under 12) 5. **Police Certificate** (for each person 18 years and older; required from your place of birth and every country that you have lived in for over 6 months) # Detailed explanation of each document # FAQs # How to notarize a document # What does becoming a resident mean? An individual is considered a Portuguese tax resident and therefore has tax liabilities if: * He stays more than 183 days in the Portuguese territory, whether these days are consecutive or not in any 12-month period commencing or ending in the relevant taxable year; **or** * If staying for a shorter period, provided that he has a dwelling in the Portuguese territory leading to the presumption of holding and occupying it as a place of habitual abode. In practice, a long-term residential lease agreement or a purchase deed for the main residence. Therefore, you will be considered a Portuguese tax resident after effectively moving to Portugal, provided one of the above situations occurs. Note that you must spend NO minimum time in Portugal to be a tax resident (as you can imagine they won't say no to your taxes). However, there are minimum stay requirements associated with your residency visa if you have one. IMPORTANT: be aware that you are responsible for properly leaving your current country of residency. Get informed about potential actions you may take (ex: in Spain, you'd have to submit the so-called Modelo 030 to Hacienda and communicate you're no longer a resident to your City Hall). Baseflow does not provide these services, and you decide to contract a lawyer or not at your own risk. # Process Overview These are the different steps you should expect along the process: 1. Submit all the required information and documents during your application 2. Sign a Power of Attorney with a local lawyer 3. Receive Portuguese tax ID (NIF) 4. This will get you ready to open a bank account and buy/rent real estate 5. Get health insurance (although Portugal has one of the best healthcare systems in the world). 6. If needed, go to a Portuguese embassy/consulate to get your visa and then to the SEF once in Portugal 7. Go to your local City Hall to receive your Residency Certificate. Upload it to Baseflow 8. Get registred on the Portuguese tax authority's website 9. Get your tax residency address changed to Portugal 10. Receive the status of Portuguese resident 🎉 11. Receive NHR status (before your first tax filings) for the special tax benefits # Tax ID number (NIF) ## What is a NIF? The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your taxpayer identification number in Portugal. The NIF is an essential step when moving to Portugal, as it is required to pay taxes, get a phone contract, and, of course, open a bank account. The NIF is sometimes referred to as the Número de Contribuinte and it's issued by the Portuguese tax authority. ## How long does it take to receive my NIF? Usually, you can expect to receive your NIF in 1 week. This can take longer if the Tax Office is experiencing delays. ## What is a fiscal representation and why do I need it? In order to provide our NIF service, we connect you with a Portuguese lawyer who will be your fiscal (tax) representative and request a NIF on your behalf. 1. **Requesting the NIF with the Portuguese tax office**: one of our lawyers will submit a NIF request on your behalf. This is a one-time service and after you receive your NIF you will not need it again. 2. **Fiscal Representation**: In order for our lawyers to request a NIF on your behalf, they must be elected as your fiscal representative in Portugal. This is done by signing a limited Power of Attorney which is provided to you after you place your order. As your fiscal representative, our lawyers can request a NIF on your behalf and has the responsibility of ensuring that you receive any notices from the tax office. A fiscal representative is able to offer other legal services as well, but the services included with Baseflow's fiscal representation are limited to acquiring a NIF and forwarding any messages from the Portuguese tax office. Once you elect a fiscal representative, the only way to remove that person's responsibilities is by assigning a new fiscal representative. For our customers, that usually means assigning themselves as the fiscal representative after they move to Portugal. We include 12 months of fiscal representation when our customers order a NIF. You will need to hold a valid NIF if you plan to engage in any of the activities listed below: * purchase or sell properties * inherit Portuguese goods and assets * get a bank account in Portugal * apply for credit, including mortgage * pay taxes and contributions * be legally hired in Portugal and receive an official income * study * receive social security and other benefits in Portugal * get a driving license \ Having a valid NIF is a requirement that applies to both resident and non-resident individuals. There is no general timeframe for requesting your NIF and authorities do not foresee any penalty for not holding one. However, if you plan to stay in Portugal for more than 180 days, engage in any official business, or be legally employed you should obtain a Portuguese tax number first. ## Required documentation In order for us to request your NIF, we need two documents: 1. Valid passport (or National ID card for EU citizens). We support *all* nationalities for our NIF service. 2. Proof of address: this can be any document that serves as proof of residential address outside of Portugal (P.O. boxes are not accepted). Any of the following documents are acceptable: * Driver's license: * Must be valid (i.e. not expired) * Provide photos of both the front and back * First page of bank statement: * Issued within the past 3 months * Bank balance and transaction details may be blacked out * Utility bill: * Issued within the past 3 months Also make sure that: 1. Your name matches your passport or ID card. Your full **First name and surname** must match your passport exactly. 2. The address provided: 1. Must be a residential address outside of Portugal 2. P.O. boxes or business addresses are not accepted 3. Must match the "Residential Address" submitted in the intake form 4. Provide a translation if the document is not written in English # Opening a bank account While expats aren’t legally required to have a Portuguese bank account, opening one will make it easier to pay taxes, get paid by a Portuguese company, and establish permanent residency. ## What do I need to open a bank account? Foreigners may open a bank account in Portugal, either as a resident or a non-resident. Non-resident accounts require more documentation and can have more restrictions than a resident account, but this is an option if you don’t have an address in Portugal yet. Gather up the following documents: valid photo ID (passport), proof of address (a utility bill), proof of employment (a payslip or work contract), and your NIF number. If you’re opening a non-resident bank account, bring proof of your foreign address. It’s best to bring several different documents for each category if you can, such as a utility bill and an official letter from a government agency, just to be on the safe side. ## How to open a bank account? We recommend you use N26, as you will be able to open a Portuguese bank account online from anywhere in the world. N26 is a German neo-bank that will provide you with a Portuguese IBAN. 1. Go to this website: [https://get.n26.com/](https://get.n26.com/?ch=homepage3\&lang=en) 2. Select **Portugal** as your Country of Residence 3. Provide a phone number – it doesn't have to be Portuguese 4. Provide a Portuguese address: if you don't have one yet, we recommend you use Anytime Mailbox to get a Postal Mailbox (you have a discount as a Baseflow user). This is where you will receive your N26 debit card. 5. Finish the process and KYC. As an alternative, you can use Atlantico.eu, a Portuguese neo-bank that allows you to open a bank from anywhere in the world, but charges a monthly fee. # Residency Certificate You will need to have an EU certificate, that you will need to obtain in the City Hall from the place where you will reside in Portugal. There are a few things you'll be asked for when registering yourself as a resident in Portugal: a taxpayer number (NIF), a Portuguese bank account, and an official address. # Visa for non-EU citizens As a non-EU citizen (outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland), if you wish to visit Portugal for a longer period of time, you must obtain a visa prior to entry if you come from a country with a visa requirement for entering Portugal. Visa application can be submitted by: * Applicant himself * For minors (only parents or legal guardians). If you are not sure whether you require a visa to visit Portugal, please contact the Embassy. For most Baseflow users, it will be a D7 Visa. The issue of national visas is discretionary and depends on the examination of each individual case, including the purpose of the visit. # D7 Visa explained The national minimum wage of Portugal determines the minimum financial requirements for your D7 Visa applications. [As of January 2022, the Council of Ministers approved an increase of the minimum wage from €665 to €705](https://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/gc22/comunicacao/noticia?i=salario-minimo-sobe-para-705-euros-mensais). Therefore, you'll need to have a minimum of €705 per month for 12 months - the minimum means of substance for your D7 Visa equal €8 460 per year. * The main applicant will need €8 460 per year; * Second adult and additional adults 50% of minimum monthly salary (a total of €4 230 per year); * Children and young people under 18 years of age and non-minor dependent children 30% of minimum monthly salary (total of €2 538 per year). * You must not have a criminal conviction that would carry a one-year jail sentence or more in Portugal. After five years of holding a temporary residency permit, you can apply for both permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship through naturalization. Other benefits include: * Visa-free travel to the entire Schengen area for up to 90 days out of every 180 days. * Thanks to the fast and easy application process, you can obtain Portuguese residency for your family in as little as 4 - 5 months. * Gain access to the [National Health Service Care](https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/healthcare-foreigners-portugal/%5Btext%5D\(link\)) * Gain access to protection from the Portuguese Law and Legal System * Enjoy a preferential tax rate with the Portuguese Non-Habitual Residency ([NHR](https://www.lisbob.net/en/blog/nhr-status-portugal-non-habitual-resident-tax-guide)) Program. * Conduct any professional activity as an independent professional * Conduct any professional activity as an independent professional * Gain access to the [National Education Service](http://www.eunec.eu/member/cne-portugal), [schools](https://world-schools.com/best-international-schools-in-portugal/), and [vocational training in Portugal](https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/publications/4191) * Apply for citizenship after 5 years. * If you have a residency for 1 year your newborn babies can become [Portuguese citizens](https://www.henleyglobal.com/citizenship-investment/portugal). #### The D7 Visa Is A 2-Part Application When applying for your Portugal D7 Visa, you'll technically be applying for a visa as well as a residence permit. But, don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. In short, you'll first apply for a Portugal Residence Visa (known as the D7 visa). Afterward, you'll need to travel to Portugal and apply for a Residence Permit at The Immigration And Border Services (SEF). #### Portugal D7 Visa Fees The cost regarding legal fees is relatively low. You can expect to pay the following amount at the Portuguese Embassy: * For your D7 Visa application, you can expect to pay €75 * For your Residence Permit, you can expect to pay €90 #### Can I Apply For My Portugal D7 Visa While I'm In Portugal? No. You'll need to apply for your Residence Visa (the D7 Visa) within your home country. After receiving your D7 Visa, you need to travel to Portugal to apply for your Temporary Residence Permit. #### Can I Apply For My Portugal D7 Visa From Outside The US? You must be physically present in the US when applying for any visa categories or residency visa for Portugal through the VFS Portugal Visa Application Center in the United States. However, you can visit Portugal to get the necessary documents. An example would be obtaining a NIF number, opening a Portuguese bank account, and signing a lease. #### Who Can Apply For The D7 Visa? Although the D7 visa is known as a Retirement Visa, anyone can apply for it. As long as you are above the age of 18, eligible, and meet the visa requirements, the program is open to you no matter your country of origin. #### How Long Is The D7 Visa Valid For? Once your application is successful, your D7 visa is valid for 4 months. However, note that you need to apply for your D7 temporary residency permit (in Portugal) within these 4 months. #### When Should I Start My Portugal D7 Visa Application? The earliest you can apply for a D7 visa is 6 months before your planned departure to Portugal. This is because FBI background checks required for the D7 visa are only valid for 6 months. We recommend applying as early as possible as this will leave you enough time to gather all the required visa documents and get familiar with the application process. #### How Long Does It Take To Complete The Entire Portugal D7 Visa Application Process? Because the Portugal D7 Visa is a 2-part visa application, you'll be spending some time obtaining your residency in Portugal. You'll first need to apply for your Portugal Residence Visa within your home country. The processing time for the Portugal Residence Visa is generally around 60 days depending on your application. This does not include the time it takes to gather all the required documents or correct any mistakes you may have made during the application process (incorrect information on the visa application form or missing documents). Once you arrive in Portugal, you'll need to schedule an appointment at SEF for your temporary residency permit. Depending on the SEF office location, you may have to wait up to 120 days to get an appointment. # General Visa Requirements For The D7 Visa #### You’ll Need A Portuguese NIF (Tax number) Baseflow will get you a [Portuguese tax number](/portugal/tax-id-number-nif). It can be done remotely by a power of attorney without you entering Portugal. Without a Portuguese tax number, you can't carry out any fiscal activities in the country. #### You’ll Need A Portuguese Bank Account Once you have a NIF, you can [open a Portuguese bank account remotely](/portugal/opening-a-bank-account). Single applicants must ensure they have a minimum of €7 000 deposited in their bank account. Married couples are required to have a minimum amount of €10 500+ deposited into their bank account. To open a bank account, we recommend using Revolut or Atlantico.eu #### You’ll Need To Prove Financial Self-Sufficiency To obtain a Portuguese residency visa, you will need to prove that you are financially stable and can provide for yourself (and your spouse if relevant) while staying in Portugal. The Portuguese immigration authorities will request that you provide all relevant documents (recurring income, or significant savings, or a combination of the two) as proof. More on income requirements are below. #### You’ll Need To Provide Proof Of Accommodation You are required to secure adequate accommodation before you travel to Portugal. Although you do not need to buy property, you need to have a long-term rental lease (minimum 12 months). #### You Must Have Full Health Insurance The primary applicant, including any dependents, must have comprehensive EU-wide health insurance. Take note that the medical cover must be paid for in advance (12 months). Each applicant must have a minimum medical insurance worth €30 000. #### You Must Have Clean Criminal Record Without a clean criminal record, your application will be unsuccessful. Ensure that you obtain your criminal record from your home country in time before you start the application process. #### You Must Meet The Minimum Stay Requirement When staying in Portugal, you'll need to meet the minimum stay requirements to keep your residency status. * **Initial Residency Permit** - At least 16 months per 2 - year period (being absent for more than 6 consecutive months could lead to your permit being revoked) * **Subsequent Residency Permit** - At least 28 months per 3 - year period (being absent for more than 6 consecutive months could lead to your permit being revoked) * **Permanent Residency Permit** - At least 30 months per 5 - year period (being absent for more than 24 consecutive months could lead to your permit being revoked) # Passive Income Requirements For your D7 Visa application to be successful, you need to provide proof of your financial stability. Your passive income must be able to support you fully, without you relying on your salary income. Although there is no minimum requirement for your net worth, Portuguese immigrant authorities may ask that you submit proof of your additional savings. **Passive income that is considered eligible includes:** * Pension * Real estate * Transferable equity * Royalties * Intellectual property * Earnings from long term, fixed-rate financial investment * Dividends are accepted, provided that you do not work for the company * Interest from adequate savings Applications with savings alone and no other form of income are less likely to be accepted, even if you have hundreds of thousands in savings. There are exceptions, and it may depend a little on the consulate you apply through, your age, and pure luck, but overall this is a more challenging route than having a regular, steady income. What almost all of these forms of income have in common is that they are a type of income that’s stable and regularly paid out. A pension is probably the most common example of this, as dividends could fluctuate or a tenant may not pay their rent, and this is probably why the Portuguese government has focused on attracting pensioners. But basically, the aim of this visa is to find people that have their own source of stable income – from a pension to a salary from a job in another country – which allows the person to live in Portugal and that’s unlikely to dry up and mean they need assistance from the Portuguese state. For your application to be approved, you need to satisfy the minimum passive income requirements. We recommend treating this as an absolute minimum requirement. #### Passive Income Requirements For Single Applicants Single applicants need to generate and provide proof of a passive derived income of at least €705 per month or €8 460 per year. #### Passive Income Requirements For Married Couples When applying for the D7 Visa as a married couple, the minimum passive income required for a dependent adult is 50%. An additional €352,5 per month is required for the dependent adult. This equals a total of €4 230 per year for your spouse. So, for yourself and your spouse (or dependant adult), you'll need a total of €12 690 per year. #### Passive Income Requirements For Dependent Children The minimum passive income required for children under 18 equals €211,5 per month or a yearly amount of €2 538. This amount is equivalent to around 30% of the primary applicant's total required passive income. #### Passive Income Requirements For Elderly Parents Applicants who have financially dependent parents can apply for their parent's dependency residency status. Applicants must house and support them fully (meaning you or your spouse's parents have to live with you). You can only apply after you have moved and settled. # Required Documents For The D7 Visa Application Process It's important that you make copies of all the required documents. Also, some of these documents will be required once you arrive in Portugal. Therefore, ensure that all your documents are translated to Portuguese. #### 1 - The D7 Visa Application Form When you apply for the Portugal D7 Visa, you'll need to [complete the *National Visa* application form](https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/formulario_visto_nacional_en.pdf). While filling in your application form, ensure that the information you provide is correct. If not, your application might be rejected. A quick tip would be to double-check all the information you provide with the relevant documents you need to collect. For example, your personal information must be the same as the information on your passport. #### 2 - Your Valid Passport You must present a valid passport or government-issued travel document). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the D7 Visa you're applying for. It's recommended that your passport be valid for at least 2 years when you apply for your D7 Visa. This will leave you enough time to get your D7 Visa, enjoy your stay in Portugal, and renew your passport if necessary. **Remember, you'll need to present copies of your main passport page and get it notarized**. #### 3 - 2 Passport Sized Photographs Ensure that your passport photos [meet the following requirements](https://www.cgiistanbul.gov.in/docs/1536053062ICAO%20Guidelines%20on%20Passport%20Photographs.pdf). #### 4 - Proof Of Regular Income Or Passive Income Known As Proof Of Sufficient Funds To qualify for the Portugal D7 Visa, you'll need to meet the minimum income requirements: * For the **lead applicant**, you'll need to present a minimum amount of €8 460 per year. * For **dependent applicants (like a spouse)**, you'll need to present a minimum amount of €4 230 per year (each). * For any **dependent children,** you might have, you'll need to present a minimum of €2 538 per year child. Keep in mind that even though this is the minimum required amount, it may be insufficient. **Our experts recommend you present more**. * Lead applicants should present around €10,000 - €12,000/year, * Dependant applicants should present around €5,000/year, * Dependant children should present €2,500/year. #### 5 - Proof Of Accommodation When applying for a Portugal D7 Visa, you're applying for a temporary residency permit. Meaning, you'll need to prove to authorities where you'll be staying in Portugal. The best option is to present a rental agreement or proof that you've purchased a property in Portugal. **If you plan to live with a family member**, you'll need to submit an official invitation letter from the host. The host must attach a copy of their ID to the form, sign it, and get it notarized in Portugal. Keep in mind that you need to submit a rental agreement that covers 12 months. You always have the option to travel to Portugal before applying for your D7 Visa. This allows you to find adequate accommodation before starting your application. If you're a US citizen, you can travel to Portugal without applying for a Tourist Visa. #### 6 - Proof of your current Legal Residency You'll need to provide a copy of a valid document that proves your legal residency. If you have any other relevant document that proves your legal residency in your home country, you may submit that. #### 7 - Get a Criminal Record Certificate from your home country This process will be different for each country. For example, for US citizens there are 3 ways you can get your FBI Criminal Record Certificate. **Option 1 - Get It Electronically** * Step 1 - Follow this [link](https://www.edo.cjis.gov/) * Step 2 - Once you've opened the provided link, you'll need to follow the given instructions. To obtain your FBI Criminal Record, you'll need to submit your fingerprints. So, if you decide to send a request electronically, you can visit any one of the [participating US Post Office's](https://www.edo.cjis.gov/#/org/USPS) and submit your fingerprints electronically from there. In the case where you decide not to submit your fingerprints electronically, you can mail your completed fingerprint card. You can find the address within the confirmation email you received. You'll also need to mail the confirmation email you received during your electronic request. Only once all your information has been received by authorities will your electronic request be processed. **Option 2 - Get It Via Mail** * Step 1 - [Fill Out The Application Form](https://forms.fbi.gov/identity-history-summary-checks-review) While filling out the application form, ensure that the details you provide are correct. If there are more than 2 applicants, each applicant must fill out and sign their own form. In addition, you'll need to include your complete mailing address, phone number, and email address. After filling out the form, you'll receive your results via the US Postal Service. * Step 2 - Get Your Fingerprints You can [download this form and provide your fingerprints](https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/fd-1164-identity-history-summary-request-110120.pdf/view) on it. It's worth mentioning that you can't provide previous fingerprint cards. Furthermore, the [fingerprints you present must be eligible](https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/fingerprints-and-other-biometrics/recording-legible-fingerprints). Therefore, it's recommended that you find a fingerprint technician to help you. * Step 3 - Make The Required Payment You have 2 payment options: **1:** Make a credit card payment [using the credit card payment form](https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/idhsc-credit-card-payment-form.pdf/view). Note that you'll submit the form with your other documents that will be mailed to the appropriate address. **2:** Prepare a money order or certified check of $18 payable to the US Treasury. Double-check that you've signed where you're supposed to. * Step 4 - Check That You Have All The Required Documents You'll be mailing all the documents mentioned above to the appropriate address. Before you do this, ensure that you have [all the required documents](https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/identity-history-summary-request-checklist.pdf/view). * Step 5 - Mail All Your Documents You'll need to mail all the documents you've collected to the following address: FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306 * Step 6 - Wait For Response Once you've completed all the steps, you'll need to wait for feedback. You'll receive feedback by First-Class Mail via the US Postal Service. **Option 3 - Get Your FBI Criminal Record Using An** [**FBI Approved Channeler**](https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/list-of-fbi-approved-channelers-for-departmental-order-submissions) An FBI Approved Channeler is a third-party option you can use to get your FBI Criminal Record. The service provided by these private businesses is similar to the FBI submission procedures. #### 8 - Request For Criminal Record Enquiry By The Immigration And Border Services Once you're in Portugal (after a successful application), SEF will check your criminal background. You can sign and present the form provided in the [link](https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/schengen/formularios/aut_consulta_rc.pdf). #### 9 - Proof Of Valid Health Coverage You'll need to present a valid travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage. Your medical insurance must be valid in Portugal. We recommend your insurance provide minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid for your entire stay. Furthermore, it must cover all medical costs that may occur during your stay, such as - repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment, or death. Once you have received your residency in Portugal, you can choose to get one of the many private medical insurances provided in Portugal. #### 10 - A Cover Letter Which Indicates The Reason For Your Request You'll need to submit a letter that specifies the reason for your application. In addition, it must include all your relevant details, the date, and your signature. Your cover letter should include the following: * Your personal details * Why you're requesting a temporary residency permit for Portugal * Your ties to Portugal, such as family or friends residing there, owning property, having a bank account in Portugal (and the amount in that account), or the name of your landlord * Where do you plan to stay in Portugal * The type of accommodation you've acquired * How do you intend to get money for daily living expenses into Portugal Baseflow will get a cover letter generated for you, and you will be able to download it from your dashboard. Alternatively, you can write your own. #### Writing The Perfect Cover Letter For Your Portuguese National Type D7 Visa. The Portuguese National Type D7 Cover Letter features all the important information that you want to communicate to the Portuguese Embassy or consulate. It should list and explain every document that you’re submitting. Each applicant needs to include their own personal cover letter. The cover letter can be as brief as one paragraph, or as long as two pages. There is no preferred letter length. The cover letter must be signed and dated by the applicant. When applying as a family, each and every family member must have their own personalized cover letter, which has been signed and dated by them. This is extremely important. When the embassy or consulate reviews applications, the first thing they do is to check the cover letter. The consulate would like to know and understand the intentions of the applicant wanting to relocate to Portugal. **What should be included in the statement?** * A description of yourself, such as profession, education, and if you are retired. * Your reason for settling in Portugal. Examples could be: Standard of living in Portugal, communal safety, affordable rent and properties, cost of living, or climate to name a few. * Your ties to Portugal, such as family or friends residing in Portugal. If you own a property or plan to purchase a property in Portugal. * If you have a lease, then you should provide your address in the cover letter and any information related to your accommodation such as contracts. * How you intend to support yourself for daily living expenses in Portugal. You can show this, by providing your passive income accounts, bank statements, or any other proof of acceptable income as discussed earlier in this post. * Provide a summary of your financial documents. For example: bank statements in the USA, any investments, pension, mortgage, etc. In this section, you can also include your NIF number and your Portuguese bank account. #### A Few Additional Things You Need To know The documents mentioned above are the primary documents you'll need to provide during your D7 Visa application. However, in rare cases, you might be asked to present a few additional documents. These requests can include: * A Flight Itinerary In some cases, you might be asked to prove that you intend to travel to Portugal for your temporary residency permit. It's essential that Portugal is your first port of entry. There, your passport will be stamped by border control. Once you're in Portugal, you'll need to attend your interview at SEF. SEF will want to see proof that you entered Portugal first, intending to attend your Residence Permit appointment. * A Reference In Portugal San Francisco and Washington, DC sometimes request you to submit a reference letter from a reference in Portugal. Your reference can be a landlord, a lawyer, a family member, a person with power of attorney, a friend, a real estate agent, etc. The important thing is that your reference is an EU national or has permanent residency in Portugal. The reference letter should include the reference's name, phone number, and citizenship (include a copy of the person's national ID or residence card). Additional documents you'll need to submit if you're traveling with your spouse and children. * A Marriage Certificate If you plan to bring along your spouse with you, you'll need to provide a marriage certificate. Remember to get it notarized and translated. Keep the original and translated copy with you. * A Birth Certificate If you plan to bring along a dependent minor, you'll need to present a birth certificate. As with the marriage certificate, it's better to get it notarized and translated for when you need it in Portugal.
# Step by step Visa Application Process The application for your D7 Visa includes a 2 part process. First, you'll be applying for your Portuguese Residence Visa (known as the D7 Visa) within the US or your home country. Once your Residence Visa application is successful, you'll receive a stamp within your passport that will be valid for 120 days from the date of issue. With this stamp, you're allowed to travel to Portugal and the Schengen Area. Keep in mind that your first port of entry must be Portugal. With your Residence Visa, you can start the second step. Next, you're required to schedule an appointment at SEF for your Temporary Residency Permit. Your Temporary Residence Permit is what allows you to stay in Portugal. It will be valid for 2 years. After 2 years, you may renew your residence permit for another 3 years. Now that you know about the 2 step process, I'll walk you through it step-by-step. **A quick note for US citizens living in Massachusetts:** When applying for your Portugal D7 Visa, you'll need to apply directly with the Consulate in Boston. This is also true if you plan to apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa. #### Step 1 - Gather all Your Documents And Complete The Application Form Gathering all your documents and meeting all the visa requirements may take some time. So I recommend you start with this first. Creating a checklist with all the requirements, like getting a NIF number and opening a Portuguese bank account, can really help you keep track of things. Be patient and ensure you gather all the correct documents. Applying for the Portugal D7 Visa does take time, and you don't want to make any mistakes that can delay the process. As soon as you've collected all the required documents, you can fill out [your Portugal D7 Visa application form](https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/formulario_visto_nacional_en.pdf). Double-check the information you provide to ensure everything is correct and accurate. #### Step 2 - Submit Your Visa Application Now that you've collected your documents and filled out your application, you can head over to your local Portuguese Embassy/Consulate to submit your visa application. You'll need to [book an appointment](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/prt/book-an-appointment) to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’. Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment. If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group. You'll also need to make the required payment for your visa application. You can expect to pay around €75 for your Temporary Visa (D7) application and €90 for your Residence Permit. Keep in mind that these amounts are subject to change. The D7 Visa fee payment should be with a cashier's check or money order made to the "Embassy of Portugal." You’ll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person. This is [what happens at the Visa Application Centre](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/prt/attend-centre/what-happens-at-centre). While submitting your documents, Embassy officials may request that you leave your passport with them. The reason for this is that they can attach your new visa to your passport (if your application is successful). You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting. You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service. After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have your passport returned to you by courier for an additional fee. Collecting your passport in person: bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of Government identification. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your passport; they will need to present a letter of authorization signed by you, bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre, and their Government identification. Please check with the Visa Application Centre at opening times for the options available to collect your documents. #### Step 3 - Receive Your D7 Visa If your visa application is successful, the respective Portuguese Embassy will inform you via email or mail. This can take anywhere between 60 - 90 days. Once your feedback is favorable, the Embassy will attach your new *Temporary Residency Visa* to your passport. After you receive feedback, you can collect your passport between Monday and Friday at the Embassy. When you collect your passport, remember to bring along your receipt and a copy of your ID. **Quick tip:** Always check that the details on your new visa are correct. If it's incorrect, you may not be allowed to pass border control and will most likely be sent back to your home country. #### Step 4 - Travel To Portugal To Attend Your SEF Appointment You're officially done with the first step. Once you receive your new visa, you're allowed to travel to Portugal for 4 months (120 days). You'll need to travel to Portugal and schedule an appointment at *Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteir* (SEF) during this time. Usually, if you've indicated your intended travel date, the Embassy will schedule an appointment at SEF for you. This can be found on your new passport under *"appointment"*. Your SEF appointment will appear as a *URL*. You can enter this URL within your browser to find the details of your appointment. If you don't have a scheduled appointment, you'll need to schedule one [using the SEF portal](https://www.sef.pt/pt/Pages/homepage.aspx). Again, it's important to schedule your appointment at the SEF bureau closest to your residence. [Here, you'll find the different SEF bureaus](https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/balcoes-atendimento/) where you can schedule your appointment. In some cases, when you schedule your own SEF appointment, you'll only find an appointment that is scheduled well past the expiry date of your D7 Visa. Don't worry! You'll still be able to attend your SEF appointment and get your Residence Permit. While scheduling your appointment, always request a confirmation email from SEF. The confirmation email will effectively extend your D7 visa. I recommend printing this email and keeping it with your passport. With this printed email, you'll be allowed to travel to Portugal even if your visa has expired. #### Step 5 - Attend Your SEF Appointment Your SEF appointment will take around 20 minutes to complete. As a rule of thumb, be overly prepared for your appointment. Bring along all the required documents and copies of them (translated in Portuguese). Applying for your residency in Portugal is no easy feat. So rather be safe than sorry. You'll already have gathered most of the documents during the first step of your application. During you're appointment, you'll need to present the following documents: * [The Application Form](https://imigrante.sef.pt/wp-content/uploads/RequerimentoAR_2018.pdf) **This is not the visa application form**. This is an entirely different form that you need to fill out and sign. The form is in Portuguese. So if you have trouble filling it out, you can ask someone to help you translate it, ask a local to help you or ask authorities to help you fill it in. * 2 Recent Photographs The photos you present must be in color, recent, have a blank background, and be easily identifiable. Most SEF bureaus have photo facilities available you can use. However, to be safe, it's recommended that you bring your own photos. * Your Passport This is self-explanatory. Bring along your valid passport and copies thereof. * Your Valid Residency Visa Your Residency Visa is the visa that was attached to your passport. * Proof Of Sufficient Funds This will be the same amount as the amount stated in the required documents. For the **lead applicant**, you'll need to present a minimum amount of €7,980 per year. For **dependant applicants (like a spouse)**, you'll need to present a minimum amount of €3,990 per year (each). For any **dependant children** you might have, you'll need to present a minimum of €2,394 a year per child. It's recommended that you show more than the required amount. The documents you can provide include your most recent bank statements. It will also benefit you if these amounts are shown in your Portuguese bank account. * Proof Of Accommodation You'll need to submit a document that indicates where you'll be staying in Portugal. The best option is to present a rental agreement or proof that you've purchased a property in Portugal. **If you plan to live with a family member**, you'll need to submit an official invitation letter from the host. The host must attach a copy of their ID to the form, sign it, and get it notarized in Portugal. * Permission To Check Your Criminal Record Portuguese authorities will want to check that you have a clean criminal record from the date you've arrived in Portugal. Therefore, you'll need to [fill in and sign the appropriate application](https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/schengen/formularios/aut_consulta_rc.pdf), which permits Portuguese Police to check your record. * A Document Proving Your Tax Situation This does not refer to your tax situation in your home country. This is your Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) taht proves you’re registered with Finanças. * A Social Security Document If you don't work and don't plan to work in Portugal, you won't be registered with social security, and you won't need to submit this document. * Supporting Document That Proves You Have Medical Insurance If you have private medical insurance (this is mostly the case), you'll need to present a document that indicates you have valid medical insurance. The document is commonly a single page that includes your name, dates the policy is effective, what it covers, the amount it covers, and proof that you have paid. #### Step 6 - Get Your Portuguese Residency Permit Congratulations! You have now completed the entire application process for your new Portuguese Residence Permit. At first, the process is a bit difficult and can be tiresome at times. However, it is all worth it. Your Residence Permit will be sent to your home address or to the local post office. You can expect to wait around 2 weeks to receive it. # General Time Frame For The D7 Visa And D7 Residency Permit #### D7 Visa Time Frame We highly recommend that you find a specialist to help you acquire all the documents necessary. It will speed up the process as the specialist will know what is required and can take up to a month. The Visa application can take up to 60 days. It might take longer depending on if you have submitted the correct documents, if not, you will need to appear in person to correct any mistakes, hand in missing documents, or clarify any issues which can cause delays in your visa approval. #### D7 Residency Permit Time Frame Once you arrive in Portugal, you need to apply to SEF and start the residency permit process. The time it takes to make an appointment can vary due to the demand in certain locations. It may take up to 120 days for high-demand locations (for example, Lisbon) whereas other locations that are less popular, can take up to 15 days to schedule an appointment (the countryside).
# Non-Habitual-Resident (NHR) Special Tax Regime Additionally, and regarding the register as a Non-Habitual Resident ("NHR"), to qualify as such you must:a) Be registered as a Portuguese tax resident in the relevant year;b) Has not been considered as a Portuguese tax resident in the past five years; andc) Apply for the NHR regime until 31st march, of the year following the one when you become a tax resident.Under the NHR Regime, if your activity is considered as high added-value, you could be subject to a fixed rate of 20% of Personal Income Tax, instead of the general progressive rates which vary between 14,5% to 53%.I hereby send you the List of high added-value activities (Portaria n.º 230/2019), which lists the main codes of activities, and the "Classificação Portuguesa de Profissões" with the retrospectives subcodes as well as the explanation of each activity roles. # Proof of Address Guidelines to submit your proof of residential adddress * **Acceptable documents** 1. Driver's license (both front and back). Must be valid (i.e. not expired). 2. First page of bank statement. Issued within the past 3 months. Bank balance and transaction details may be blacked out. 3. Utility bill. Issued within the past 3 months. * **First name and surname must match your passport exactly** Example: "John Apple Smith" on passport ✅ John Apple Smith ✅ John A Smith ✅ John Smith ❌ J Smith ❌ Johnny Smith ❌ Any other variations * Provide a translation if the document is not written in English * The address on the document must match the Residential Address provided above * Text is legible * No light reflections or shadows # Guide to freelancing in Portugal Become a so-called trabalhador independente Before you start, take into account: * You won't have to pay for social security for your first year. * There's VAT exemption for those making less than €10,000 a year. * NHRs are taxed at a flat rate of 20% on their income and are exempt from paying taxes on global income. ### Steps to register as a freelancer in Portugal * First, you have to be able to legally reside and work in Portugal. If you've reached this point, Baseflow has probably handled this for you already. * You need to have a NIF and a bank account. Baseflow handles this for you too. * You must be able to log in to the tax authority’s website, known as *Portal das Financas.* You'll be able to get your credentials from on the Baseflow app. * You'll need a social security number (NISS). Baseflow handles this, but it can take a few months to obtain your social security number, depending on the government office. * You can then register as a freelancer, either online or at a tax office near you. If you do this online in the *Portal das Financas*, search for “beginning of activity”, “Services > Activity > Beginning of Activity”, and then “deliver the certificate”. This will include the service you provide which for most freelancers falls under Article 151 of the CIRS, the date of the beginning of your activity, the amount you estimate you will earn between January to December (for VAT exemption), and your IBAN. * You will then also need to choose your accounting regiment: simplified or organized. * The simplified regiment is the default one you get from the tax authority where you do not need an accountant. You can only have this regiment if you make less than €200,000 a year. This regiment allows you to pay taxes on 75% of your overall income and the remaining 25% is offset with expense receipts. **We recommend this option.** * Under the organized regiment, you are obligated to have an accountant. In this regime, all your expenses count, not just 25%, and your accountant takes care of social security and tax payment. This regiment is like a freelancer being an actual company in a way with added costs such as accounting and you will need complex tax files. Baseflow does not yet offer this service, but we're looking forward to integrate it in the future. * You have now officially “opened activity”, a process that allows you to bill and send invoices to your clients through *recibos verdes* which we will address later. This will inform the tax authority about your income. # Green Receipts Invoice System What are Recibos Verdes in Portugal? *Recibos verdes* means green receipts or invoices. This is the way freelancers officially invoice clients and declare income for tax and social security. You need these *recibos verdes* to know how much you must pay monthly for social security and how much you must pay for income tax (IRS). After you have successfully registered as a freelancer and have access to your *Portal das Financias* (tax platform online), you can start issuing *recibos verdes*. ### How to Invoice Clients Using Recibos Verdes 1. Go to the *Portal das Financas* and log in with your NIF and password. 2. Under services, pick “Faturas e Recibos Verdes” and then “Emitir”. 3. You will then choose between a “Fatura ou Fatura-Recibo” which is the classic recibo verde and a “Recibo” (this is a receipt if you have already sent the bill and want to confirm you received the money). 4. You then choose the service or activity you provided and the date of the service. 5. Insert the client’s Portuguese tax number known as NIF. If your client is not in Portugal, select their country first and then fill in their tax number. 6. Under the “Importância recebida a título de:” you can choose “pagamento dos bens ou dos services” (payment of goods and services). This field just asks why you are charging your client. 7. Then describe the service in the “Descricao” box. 8. Insert the value in “Valor Base”. 9. Select the VAT (IVA) regiment under the field “Regime de IVA”. This is either exempt or normal, we will address this later on. 10. Under the “Base de Incidencia em IRS” choose “isento” (exempt) if you did not make more than €10,000 or choose 100% if you made more than that a year. 11. The “Imposto de Selo” (tax stamp) is usually 0. 12. Then just click the blue “Emitir” button, print the document, sign it, and send it to your client! All done! # Freelancing under NHR Those who work in Portugal (freelance or regular employment) under the NHR tax regime only pay a 20% flat rate on personal income tax (IRS). To be considered “high value”, the job must be related to activities of scientific, artistic, or technical character. Considering the general tax rate for those making over €25,076 is 37% and for those making over €39,968 is 45%, this is an astronomical tax benefit. You will also not pay any tax on dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains, rental income from real estate outside Portugal, and income from employment in another country. These will be paid in the source country if your country has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with the country. These benefits only last 10 years. # Income Tax for Freelancers In Portugal, self-employment income is classed as category B for income tax (IRS). You will have to submit your annual IRS declaration between April 1 and June 30 of the year after. However, you do not have to pay your IRS only once a year. Using the “retencao da fonte”, your can pay your IRS in “installments”. You can also deduct business expenses such as the rent of your office and utility bills, which will not be calculated in your taxable income. However, there are limits to this. Expenses for travel and entertaining clients can only be deducted if they amount to less than 10% of your overall income. If you work from home, you can claim expenses up to 25% of your overall income. Freelancers can also take advantage of the simplified regime where they pay income tax on 75% of their overall income and the remaining 25% is offset with expense receipts. If you make over €200,000 you aren’t eligible for the simplified regime. # VAT (IVA) as a Freelancer in Portugal In Portugal, there are two situations for freelances concerning VAT: regime normal (normal regime) and regime de isencao (exemption regime). To be exempt from paying VAT or IVA, you must not have a turnover of more than €12,500 on taxable goods and services. If you need to charge your clients IVA, then you must send a declaration every three months to the tax authorities online. The VAT rate is 23% in mainland Portugal, 18% in the Azores, and 22% in Madeira. # Social Security Contribution as a Freelancer in Portugal Freelancers under the simplified regime (which is the most common) pay 21.4% to social security on 75% of their income. You must pay this yourself between the 10th and 20th of the following month. #### You are exempt from paying social security in your first 12 months as a freelancer in Portugal. Social security in Portugal is a system that assures basic rights to citizens. Contributing to social security is mandatory and guarantees the following benefits: unemployment allowance, retirement pension, sickness benefit, parental allowance, and more. # For Spanish residents What to do to stop being a legal and tax resident in Spain (after you move to Portugal) There are some steps that you should take after you move to Portugal to let the Spanish government agencies know that you are no longer living there and, therefore, you're not a tax resident. First, you have to go email a Spanish embassy in your new country. In Portugal, you can email the Spanish Embassy in Lisbon at You just need to send them: * Formulario de inscripción como Residente con foto incluida * Formulario PERE/CERA * Copia del DNI y/o pasaporte * Justificante de dirección: certificado CRUE, atestado de residencia de la freguesia o factura de algún servicio doméstico. You'll find all these documents on your Baseflow dashboard. Second, you must send the Modelo 030 to denominate your new place to receive fiscal notifications. You can do this on the only portal of Hacienda.