In accordance to article 58 of the Law no. 23/2007, of 4th of July and of Article 24 of the Regulamentary Decree no. 2/2013 of 18th of March, retired citizens from third countries (outside the European Union) who wish to live in Portugal may apply for a residence visa for retired foreign citizens, before the Portuguese Consulate in their country of residence.
The visa application can be made in person at the competent Portuguese Consulate or online, through the electronic address of the Portuguese Communities Portal.
In addition to the required documentation, common to any type of visa, it is mandatory that the applicants lodge a document proving the monthly amount received as a retirement. Moreover, the applicants must prove that they have sufficient means to secure their subsistence, which are calculated by reference to the minimum monthly salary in Portugal (currently of €557,00 per month and € 6,684.00 per year).
This type of residence visa is issued for a period of 4 months and during that period, the holder of the same is entitled to apply in Portugal, before the Immigration and Border Services (SEF) the respective residency permit.
In fact, this type of residence visa proves to be an alternative to the Golden Visa Program for foreign citizens who are retired, as it does not require the realization of an investment in Portugal for obtaining a residence permit.