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Portugal is a stable and safe country, with mild weather and a long line of beautiful beaches. All of these attributes are enough to make any South African tempted to pack their bags and move to Europe’s Westernmost point. However, there is one major draw that closed the deal to thousands of investors from the Republic of South Africa: Portugal’s Residency by Investment Programmes.
Why Are South Africans Deciding to Emigrate?
Before we get into “why Portugal”, let’s first touch point on a much more pressing question, which is: why not South Africa anymore?
Despite being a beautiful country, with amazing nature and great weather, South Africa lacks in a few aspects, with some weighing in heavier than others, depending on each person’s goals, wishes and lifestyle. In general lines, the majority of South Africans who decided to live abroad, did so because they wished to live in places that offer greater stability both political and financial. Also, many were seeking lower violence rates while others wanted to be closer to bigger, northern markets.
In some cases, all these dimensions merge, culminating in an urgent need for a move. Luckily, countries like Portugal stand out as a solid alternative, offering an upgraded life and an easy path to relocation, through the Golden Visa and the D2 Visa, two great Residency by Investment programs that open the doors of Europe to South African citizens.
<< Invest in Portugal and start your relocation process with us >>
Portugal: The Perfect Place for South African Expats Seeking European Residency
According to the Portuguese Strategy and Studies Office, 10,421 South Africans were living in Portugal in 2021, when the last population census data were collected, which proves that the country is highly attractive for citizens from the RSA. The reasons are many and they often interpolate, as you will be able to reflect on after taking a look at the ones we have highlighted below.
Easy Relocation and Adaptation
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First and foremost, Portugal has some of the best Residency by Investment programmes in Europe, which makes the relocation process smooth and even potentially profitable. After 5 years, you can request permanent residency or citizenship, which will grant access to the 3rd most powerful passport in the world.
Upgraded Living
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One important aspect that is a major draw to South Africans is that Portugal offers great infrastructure and support for citizens and residents. The educational and health systems are heavily subsidised by the government offering quality services at little or no cost. The business sector is also solid, with great opportunities in the tourism, startup and real estate sectors, among others.
Also, being located in Europe is extremely strategic and rewarding. Travelling is made easy when you are at the intersection of Africa, the Americas and the Middle East, with great connectivity to the whole world. Besides that, you can enter visa-free to all of the other 28 European countries within the Schengen Zone and stay there for 90 days within a 180-day period, which is great for both business and leisure purposes.
Peace of Mind
As part of Europe and the Eurozone, Portugal offers amazing tranquillity for its residents, in many different ways. On the one hand, the country has great stability, with a growing tourism sector and a strong real estate market. In fact, Portugal and its neighbour Spain were responsible for 50% of all euro growth in the last quarter of 2024, according to JP Morgan.
Then, there is personal and family safety. Portugal is the 7th safest country in the whole world, according to the Global Peace Index, which evaluates not only crime rates but also the incidence of terrorist attacks as well as relations with neighbouring countries.
Residency by Investment Programmes
Now, the cherry on the top. Portugal is not only a great place to live, but also it is within reach, through some of the best Residency by Investment programmes in Europe. With that, the relocation process can be smooth and even potentially profitable. This is such an important aspect, that it deserves a closer look.
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The Popular Portugal Golden Visa
One of the most popular Residency by Investment programmes in Europe, the Portugal Golden Visa offers a few pathways toward residency:
- €500,000 Investment in Funds or Venture Capital Funds
- Creation of 10 jobs
- €500,000 Capital Transfer to Scientific Research
- €250,000 donation to the Arts & Culture
- €500,000 in funding a company that creates 5 permanent job posts
The Portugal Golden Visa is a great gateway for South Africans looking into moving to Portugal, as it allows for its holders to live, work and study in the country and also for the main applicant to include a spouse, children and dependent parents. To keep your permit, you need to be in the country for at least 7 days in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent two-year periods, either consecutively or intermittently in both cases.
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D2, the Business Visa
Another straightforward pathway to obtaining a residency permit in Portugal is through the D2 Visa. In this case, applicants are required to open a business in Portugal or branch out of an existing one which also allows them to live, work and study in the country. A spouse can be added to the application and family reunification is unlocked after 5 years.
The D2 Visa offers:
- EU Residency
- Visa-Free to the EU Schengen Zone
- Low Physical Presence Required
- Spouse Inclusion
- Pathway to EU Citizenship
<<Portugal Homes will give specific guidance through this programme and has business opportunities that qualify from 155,000€ spread over 5 years >>
D7 Visa for Passive Income
The D7 Visa is known as the retirement Visa, but in reality, it’s focused on non-EU individuals with a passive income. If you have steady revenue from rental properties or dividends in South Africa, for example, you can apply for a D7, as long as the income surpasses the minimum wage in force in Portugal, times 12 – since the idea is to guarantee that you have enough money to live in Portugal for at least 1 year. This option also allows for family inclusion, but that will add 50% of the minimum wage in force in Portugal for adults and 30% for minors, also times 12.
Note that, in this case, you will have to necessarily live in Portugal for over 183 days, which will make you a tax resident, leading to a worldwide income tax being levied.
Best Places to Live in Portugal as a South African
The Oeiras-Cascais Line
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In the southwest of Lisbon, just a few minutes from Portugal’s capital, you find the perfect blend of coastal and city living. If you wish to stay right next to Lisbon’s city centre, Oeiras will combine proximity with great waterside views. If you keep moving west, you find Estoril and then Cascais, two amazing beach towns with a charm of their own, with upscaled properties and first-world amenities, including an iconic Casino and professional golf courses.
<< Check All Our Properties in Oeiras >>
The Silver Coast
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Another shoreside area that South Africans are bound to love is the Silver Coast, which is located in central Portugal, between the two biggest cities in the country: Lisbon and Porto. More precisely, it goes from Santa Cruz all the way to Esmoriz, featuring charming beaches and fishing towns. This is a great spot for coastal living, without the big crowds of the south.
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<< Check All Our Properties in the Silver Coast >>
The Algarve
It’s not a coincidence that the Algarve is one of the most popular destinations not only in Portugal but also in Europe. It has stunning beaches, charming city centres and amazing properties, as well as the best weather and the warmest waters in the country. It allures thousands of tourists and new residents every year with its unique lifestyle, that resembles the daily life in some of South Africa’s cities.
<< Check All Our Properties in the Algarve >>
Ready to move? Portugal Homes is here to help.
Did you get here because you are a South African searching for improved quality of life, global mobility and peace of mind? Know that Portugal Homes is the best place you could have landed, second only to Portugal, of course. We specialise in in opening Portuguese doors, finding you the perfect property, in the spot that best suits your life goals. We can also advise on the best pathways toward a residency by investment permit and even help you with sorting out bureaucracy before and after you get here.
Simply reach out to us and find out by yourself why Portugal truly is the perfect destination for South African investors.
FAQs
How to immigrate to Portugal from South Africa?
Immigrating to Portugal from South Africa has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a high quality of life, political stability, and access to European markets. Portugal offers several visa pathways, including attractive Residency by Investment (RBI) programmes such as the Golden Visa and the D2 Visa, which are particularly well-suited to South African nationals.
Is It Difficult to Migrate to Portugal?
Migrating to Portugal is generally considered easier compared to many other European countries, particularly due to its welcoming immigration policies and Residency by Investment (RBI) programmes. They offer straightforward pathways to residency and permit family inclusion or reunification, making the process smooth for those moving with dependents.
Can South Africans Buy Property in Portugal?
Yes, South Africans can buy property in Portugal, and the process is relatively straightforward and welcoming to international buyers. In fact, Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for South African investors looking to purchase property in Europe, thanks to its strong market and favourable residency options.
Can I Live in Portugal with a South African Passport?
Yes, you can live in Portugal with a South African passport. The country offers several visa options that make it relatively easy to obtain residency, especially for families, investors, retirees, and entrepreneurs and, after 5 years, it’s also possible to apply for citizenship and obtain the Portuguese passport.
Can I Retire to Portugal from South Africa?
Yes, retiring to Portugal from South Africa is not only possible but also an increasingly popular choice, thanks to Portugal’s reputation as one of Europe’s best retirement destinations. With its mild climate, affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and welcoming atmosphere, Portugal offers an ideal setting for South African retirees seeking a relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle.
For South Africans looking to retire in Portugal, the D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa) is often the best option. It’s designed for individuals who have a stable income, such as a pension, rental income, or investments.
Which Residency by Investment Programme in Portugal is the Best for South Africans?
The best residency programme in Portugal for South Africans will depend on your personal goals and financial situation. If you aim to secure residency through investment with minimal stay requirements, the Golden Visa is an excellent choice, offering residency for you and your family in exchange for a qualifying investment (e.g., €500,000 in funds). On the other hand, if you wish to open a business or invest in a company, the D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa) is well-suited, granting residency based on business creation or investment plans. For retirees or individuals with a stable passive income (such as a pension or rental income), the D7 Visa is often the most affordable and straightforward option. Reach out to Portugal Homes so we can advise on which option is the best for you.