Originally published at: Moving to Portugal on D7 Visa: Rental Contract | Go VisaFree
D7 Visa is a popular route to move to Portugal. Giving you the right to reside in Portugal, D7 has been very popular with digital nomads, freelancers, and retirees.
One important step of acquiring a D7 Visa is the rental contract. If you want to move to Portugal with a D7 Visa, you’ll need to show your contract to the authorities. In this article, we’re going to lead you through the process, how you can get your rental contract, and how you can move to Portugal on a D7 visa.
First, let’s quickly go through the rental market in Portugal.
Buying a House VS Renting a House
Many Portuguese people live in their own houses. According to statistics, 75 percent of the residents own their homes. So, if you haven’t already decided how you’ll sort out accommodation, note that buying a house in Portugal is another option, too.
If you’ve decided to go with the rental option, you’ll be fine finding a long-term rental in major cities like Lisbon or Porto. However, if you’re looking for a place in coastal regions, you may find it difficult to find long-term rentals. In these places, short-term rentals are the norm, and you’ll be expected to pay a lot more. If you have the budget, going with the purchase acquisition may be better for you.
Finding a Rental Property in Portugal
As with most countries, finding a rental property in Portugal is mostly done through local real estate agents. The real estate scene in Portugal is home to luxury villas, studio flats, and other types of properties.
If you’re going to rent a property in a resort location, such as Algarve, note that most properties you’ll view are going to be furnished. In Lisbon or Porto, be prepared for unfurnished houses.
If you’re not working with an agent and doing your search and speaking to the landlord directly, don’t commit your funds without signing a contract.
Average Rental Costs In Portugal
The average rent in Portugal varies greatly. According to the figures we’ve collected from Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in central Lisbon will cost around €800, while outside the center it’s around €600. The monthly rent for a three-bedroom one will vary between €1,000- €1,600.
Rents for apartments in Faro, the Algarve region, will start from €480 and can go up to €1,000.
Typically, rent doesn’t include gas and electricity.
Finding A Property For Your D7 Visa Application
The application process for Portugal D7 Visa starts at the embassy in your own country. So, you’ll need to find the property and prove that you have a long-term accommodation arrangement in Portugal.
If you’ve already bought a house, you’re good to go. You can submit a copy of the deed. However, if you’re going to go with the rental option, you’ll need to find a property. Here are some options if you haven’t found a property yet.
Invitation Letter From a Friend
Getting an invitation letter from a friend who already lives in Portugal is an option. This letter is called “Term of Responsibility”, Termo de Responsabilidade. This letter will help you to get your approval. Once you get your approval and move to Portugal, you can start looking for an apartment for yourself.
Airbnb Option
Airbnb has been an acceptable accommodation method for many years. However, most consulates don’t accept Airbnb contracts anymore. So, please before proceeding, double-check the situation at the nearest consulate.
However, you can ask an Airbnb host, if they would agree to make a long-term rental contract with you, rather than a standard Airbnb lease.
Rent a House Through Virtual Viewing
Virtual viewings are becoming more and more popular for rental properties. Thanks to technology, you can see houses via virtual viewings, and rent your house before traveling to Portugal to make an application in your home country.
Alternative: Portugal Golden Visa Through Property Acquisition
If you’re planning to live in Portugal and have sufficient funds, Portugal Golden Visa through real estate purchase can be another option for you. Same as D7 Visa, Portugal Golden Visa also grants you the rights to stay in Portugal, travel freely within Schengen Zone, and become eligible for Portuguese citizenship after five years. Plus, you don’t have to meet a stay requirement as you’d do with a D7 Visa.
Conclusion
Either as a retiree, a digital nomad, or a freelancer, you’re going to enjoy what Portugal has to offer. If you’re going to take the D7 route, we strongly advise you to work with legal professionals.