The Schengen Area is a territory composed of 27 European countries that have abolished border controls among themselves, allowing for the free movement of people within this area. It was established based on the Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985 in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg. The primary objective of the Schengen Area is to promote integration and cooperation among member countries, facilitating travel and trade within the region.
Citizens of Schengen Area member countries have the freedom to travel, work, and live in any member country without the need for special formalities. It is not necessary to present a passport or visa, but only a valid identification document. Since border controls have been removed among member countries, there is no longer customs bureaucracy, such as passport checks, when crossing borders between member countries.
It is important to note that not all European Union countries are part of the Schengen Area, and not all Schengen Area countries are members of the European Union.
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. Having a residence visa or being a Portuguese citizen allows you to enjoy the benefits of this agreement. We will discuss further in this article.
Which are the Schengen Area Countries?
Currently, the Schengen Area includes the majority of EU countries, with the exception of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania. However, both Bulgaria and Romania are actively working towards joining the Area and have already implemented many Schengen rules. Croatia became the most recent member state to join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. It’s worth noting that non-EU states such as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein have also become part of the Schengen Area.
Today, there is a total of 27 countries that are part of the Schengen Area. They are: Austria, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Benefits of the Schengen Area: Free Movement, Travel, and Trade
The Schengen Area offers several benefits to member countries and citizens of these roles who can take advantage of free movement within the area. They follow:
- Free movement of people: Citizens can travel between the nations belonging to the agreement without the need for a passport or visa, only with the presentation of a valid identity document.
- Stimulus to tourism: The abolition of border controls brings convenience to tourists, eliminating the need for visas or other customs bureaucracies.
- Stimulating trade and business: The free movement of people also boosts trade and business between member countries of the Schengen Area. The removal of border controls also brings practicality to commercial exchange, business cooperation and participation in conferences, fairs and events, strengthening economic relations between countries.
- European integration and cooperation: The Schengen Area symbolizes European integration and cooperation, promoting unity among member countries and strengthening ties between them. This contributes to the development of a shared European identity, as well as fostering peace, stability and mutual understanding.
- One of the most relevant benefits of the Schengen Area is the possibility to live, live and work in any of the member countries. Especially in times when the new work dynamics have embraced the remote modality, the freedom to live and work in different countries offers significant flexibility. From a corporate point of view, this is a huge advantage for both citizens of member countries and companies.
Do you want to become a citizen of the Schengen Area or enjoy its benefits?
The benefits of the Schengen Area, such as the free movement of people and the absence of border controls, are extended to all individuals who have the right to enter the space. This entry can be made through, for example, a tourist visa (if required for your country), which allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for a limited period.
For longer stays or residency purposes, there are different options available, such as student visas, work visas or residence permits.
Portugal offers several types of long-term and residency visas. One of them, very popular in recent years, is the so-called Golden Visa, or Golden Visa. Also, Portugal recently created the Digital Nomad visa, for for remote workers, another interesting way to live and work in Portugal.
The Golden Visa Program in Portugal has emerged as a highly coveted residency by investment program globally since its inception in 2012. Designed to foster foreign investment, the program has already drawn over 7 billion euros in investments to Portugal. Notably, one of its primary advantages is that Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area. Therefore, individuals who hold a Golden Visa can reap the benefits of residing, working, and studying in Portugal, as well as enjoying unrestricted mobility within the Schengen Area. This makes the Golden Visa Program an appealing and expedient pathway to secure residency authorization in a European Union member state.
The digital nomad visa in Portugal is a document specifically created for professionals from other countries who work remotely in their careers. Tis visa offers opportunities for individuals to work and reside in Portugal while operating remotely.
Portugal offers other types of residence and work visas. To learn more, please contact us. We can provide you with referrals to immigration lawyers who specialize in this area to guide you.
Planning a relocation to Portugal?
If you’re interested in learning more about the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa or taking the next steps to apply, CAP International is here to assist you. As a trusted full-service global brokerage firm specializing in luxury real estate in Portugal, we have established strong connections with reputable lawyers who are well-versed in immigration and visa matters. Our team can provide you with referrals to trusted legal professionals who can guide you through the visa application process, ensuring that you have the necessary support and expertise to navigate this important step. Contact us today and have a chat with now via WhatsApp. Click here to start the conversation now via WhatsApp (Bruna Barros).
Check out also our unique and complete guide about moving to Portugal