What lies ahead for Ukrainians in Portugal after temporary protection expires in 2027?
Portugal is already preparing for the end of the temporary protection regime for Ukrainians, which is set to expire in March 2027. Although the status has been automatically extended for now, discussions within the EU about transitioning to other forms of legal residency are intensifying. Learn more about the options for staying in Portugal after the temporary protection ends and what steps you should take now.
Temporary protection for Ukrainians in European Union countries has been officially extended until March 4, 2027. This means that, for now, there is no need to submit new applications or go through a renewal process—the status remains valid automatically. However, European institutions are already openly discussing the next phase: a gradual transition out of the temporary protection regime and the transfer of individuals to other legal grounds for residence.
For Ukrainians in Portugal, this matter should not be put off “until later.” Immigration procedures in the country often go through the AIMA agency, which is overburdened and prone to delays, so the preparation process may take significantly longer than expected.
In fact, once temporary protection ends, most people will face three main scenarios: applying for a residence visa based on income, legalizing their status through employment, or obtaining status through investment. Each of these paths has its own requirements, financial criteria, and risks, so it’s worth choosing the best option as early as 2026.
The most realistic option for many is the D7 visa
For Ukrainians who do not depend on employment in Portugal, the D7 visa remains one of the clearest paths after temporary protection ends. This is a residence visa suitable for people with passive or regular income, allowing them to legally reside in the country.
This option is most often chosen by retirees, as well as those who receive stable income from abroad. For example, from property rentals, dividends, royalties, or other sources that do not require permanent employment in Portugal.
In 2026, the financial requirements for this visa are tied to the minimum wage, which is 920 euros per month. This amount is used as the baseline for proving sufficient means of support. Additional multipliers apply for families: approximately 50% of the base amount for a second adult and about 30% for a child.
To apply for a D7 visa, you must prepare the standard set of documents required for a national visa. This typically includes:
1. International passport
2. Proof of stable income
3. Lease agreement or other proof of housing in Portugal
4. Health insurance
5. Financial documents (bank statements, proof of income sources)
After receiving the visa, the applicant enters Portugal and applies for a residence permit upon arrival.
It is important to understand that the D7 visa is specifically designed for those who live off passive or, in a sense, “non-active” income. If a person works remotely, has freelance contracts, or earns active income from professional activities, it makes more sense under current conditions to consider a different option—the D8 visa, which is specifically designed for remote professionals.
If you have a job in Portugal – the route via an employment contract
For Ukrainians who are already working in Portugal or plan to find a job in the country, the most logical path after the expiration of temporary protection is to apply for a residence visa based on employment.
This option is suitable for those who have integrated into the local labor market or have a realistic chance of securing a contract with a Portuguese employer. In this case, it is not income per se that plays a key role, but rather formal employment.
To apply for such a visa, you typically need to confirm your intention to work or proof of employment. This can include:
– A signed employment contract
– An official job offer
– A letter of interest from the employer
For certain professions, additional documents may also be required—for example, diplomas or professional certifications if the activity is regulated.
After receiving the visa, the person enters Portugal and completes the process of obtaining a residence permit once there. This route is often simpler for those who are already officially employed, as it allows them to logically extend their stay in the country without changing their field of work.
Sometimes the Job Seeker Visa is considered as an alternative. However, in practice, this option cannot yet be considered a mainstream solution: the relevant program is not yet fully available through consulates and requires further regulation. Therefore, it is currently premature to rely on it as the primary scenario after 2027.
The D8 visa – a separate path for freelancers and remote workers
The D8 is a residency visa for those who work remotely for foreign companies or clients. This is one of the most realistic scenarios for Ukrainians after 2027 if their income is not tied to a Portuguese employer.
This option is suitable for those who earn an active income: working in IT, design, marketing, education, media, consulting, or as an independent contractor. Unlike the D7, what matters here is earned income, not passive income.
Who can apply?
D8 is suitable for people who:
– Work remotely
– Receive income from abroad
– Can confirm regular payments
– Have a residence in Portugal
– Are willing to go through the standard national visa procedure
A simple rule: if you live in Portugal but work for a foreign company or clients—this is the right option for you.
Financial requirements
The income threshold here is significantly higher than for the D7. In 2026, the benchmark is approximately 3,680 euros per month (four times the country’s minimum wage).
Important: income is calculated after taxes and social security contributions.
What documents are required?
The standard package includes:
– International passport
– Visa application form
– Proof of remote work (contracts, invoices)
– Bank statements
– Tax documents
– Health insurance
– Proof of residence
– Certificate of no criminal record
The main thing is to prove that your income is stable and comes from outside Portugal.
How does the process work?
The application process begins through the consulate or visa center. After entering the country, a residence permit is issued. This is the standard procedure for national visas.
The concept is simple:
D7 – for passive income.
D8 – for those who actually work online.
The Golden Visa exists, but this route is not for everyone
Another option is the so-called “Golden Visa” (ARI). It involves obtaining a residence permit through investment, but following changes in recent years, this path has become significantly less accessible.
Purchasing real estate is no longer the primary basis for new applications. Currently, the key options are as follows:
– Investments in funds – starting at 500,000 euros
– Investments in scientific projects
– Job creation
– Investments in culture or heritage preservation
The main advantage of this status is the minimal residency requirements. You do not need to live in Portugal permanently to maintain residency.
But for most Ukrainians, this option remains largely theoretical. The reason is simple: the high entry threshold and significant costs associated with the application process itself.
What should you do right now?
Although the temporary protection is set to expire in March 2027, you shouldn’t put off preparing. The EU is already encouraging countries to transition people to other forms of legal residency, and automatic renewal of this status after the deadline is not guaranteed.
In practical terms, this means it’s best to start preparing as early as 2026.
First and foremost, you should decide on your path:
– Passive income → D7
– Working in Portugal → work visa
– Remote work → D8
Next, you need to gradually prepare your documents. For most options, the following are key:
– Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, invoices)
– Sources of income
– Housing in Portugal
– Tax documents
If you plan to go the employment route, it’s important to secure a contract or at least an official offer from an employer in advance.
Separately, you should take care of the basics, without which it is difficult to complete any procedures in the country. First and foremost is the tax number (NIF), which is required to open a bank account, rent housing, and for most official actions in Portugal.
The main idea is simple: the sooner you start preparing, the better your chances of smoothly transitioning to your new status without stress or the risk of losing your legal residency.
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