Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for foreigner nationals seeking residency in Europe, and with good reason. However, it may not easy to determine the best way to obtain residency in Portugal. 

This guide walks you through the best residency routes available in 2026 and helps you understand which one might suit you best.

Portugal Citizenship Law Update 2025

On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved proposed amendments to the Nationality Law and the immigration framework, following their initial presentation by the government on June 23, 2025. This development marks a major step forward in Portugal’s ongoing legislative reform process.

The proposal aims to extend the minimum residency period for citizenship from five to ten years, or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals, and to revise how residency time is calculated—starting from the issuance of the first residence permit rather than the date the application was submitted.

The bill is not yet in effect, as it still requires Presidential review. The President may approve, veto, or refer the legislation to the Constitutional Court, and the final version could still be modified before promulgation.

Portugal D7 Visa

The D7 Visa Portugal, also popular as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa, was introduce in 2007 by the Portuguese government, allowing non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to apply for temporary residency in Portugal.

As of 2026, retirees and individuals with a minimum regular minimum passive income of €920 per month can apply for the Portugal D7 Visa. This income can include pensions, real estate, royalties, dividends, financial investment, or intellectual property.

Additionally to be eligible for D7 Visa in Portugal you must have sufficient means to reside in Portugal for one year, which is equivalent to €11,040, plus you need to add 50% of this amount for your partner and 30% for each dependent child.

This Visa is valid for a period of two years and can renew for additional three-year period. After 5 years you have the option to apply for a permanent residence permit or Citizenship.

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, was introduces in October 2022 by the Portuguese government. Also allowing non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to apply for temporary residency in Portugal while working remotely from Portugal.

As a financial requirement for the Portugal Remote Worker Visa, you must demonstrate an average monthly income of € 3,680 from your professional activity in the previous three months, which is comparable to four minimum monthly salary in Portugal in 2026.

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa has two different routes:

Temporary Stay Visa Route

The Temporary Stay Visa is perfect if you don’t want to apply for permanent residency, but you would like to stay in Portugal for an extend period. The Temporary Stay Visa is valid for one year and can extend for another two years.

This temporary stay visa will grant you multiple entries into the country allowing you to travel outside Portugal and experience other European countries.

Residence Permit Route

The Residency Visa is a good solution if you want to stay in Portugal for more than one year. Please note that your Temporary Resident Visa it is only valid for four months. And within this period you need apply for a Permanent Residency Permit.

The permanent residence permit is valid for a period of two years and can renew for additional three-year period. After 5 years you have the option to apply for a permanent residence permit or Citizenship.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa—Portugal’s Residency-By-Investment Program—offers residency and a path to citizenship for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment. After the changes introduced on October 7, 2023, these are the current eligible investment routes:

Investment Funds

A minimum of €500,000 in qualified investment or venture capital funds with a maturity of at least five years, and with at least 60% of the investment applied to Portuguese companies.

Business Investment

At least €500,000 to create a new company with five permanent jobs, or to reinforce the capital of an existing company, creating or maintaining at least five permanent positions (or ten total jobs, with five permanent) for a minimum of three years.

Scientific Research

A capital transfer of €500,000 or more into research activities carried out by accredited public or private institutions. Investments in low-density areas benefit from a 20% reduction.

Cultural Heritage Support

A donation of at least €250,000 to cultural or artistic projects, or to heritage restoration through public bodies or approved private foundations. Low-density areas qualify for a 20% reduction.

Job Creation

Incorporating a company that creates at least ten jobs. Investments in low-density areas receive a 20% discount.

D2 Visa Portugal

The D2 Visa Portugal is a type of long-stay visa for Portugal that is specifically designs for entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in Portugal. The visa allows non-European Union citizens to stay in Portugal for up to 4 months and after applying for the resident permit. The D2 visa is also known as the “Entrepreneur Visa”.

The D2 visa is issued to individuals who wish to invest in a Portuguese company or start their own business in Portugal. The Portuguese government launches this visa in 2018 as part of its efforts to attract foreign investment and promote entrepreneurship in the country.

The main requirements for the business visa are quite soft because you can open your company in any sector and you don’t need to get any approval form a Portuguese incubator.

D3 Highly-Qualified Worker Visa

D3 Visa Portugal Portugal is also known as the “Highly-Qualified Worker” visa. This visa is designed for non-European Union citizens who have high qualifications and extensive experience in a particular field. With this visa, the visa holder and their family can enter Portugal for work purposes and establish residence. 

According to Portuguese Law on Foreigners, highly qualified work implies “the exercise of an activity that requires specialize technical skills of an exceptional nature or an adequate qualification for the respective exercise of the function”. 

The European Commission considers that the highly qualified activity is that exercised by professionals falling into either of two groups:

  • Management positions:as executives, officers and legislators; senior public administration officers, company directors; administrative and commercial managers; service and similar managers;
  • Experts in intellectual and scientific activities: such as engineers and scientists, teachers, health professionals, business professionals, information and communication technology specialists, cultural professionals and legal experts.

D4 Student Visa

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who plan to study in Portugal for a period of more than 90 days are required to obtain a Portuguese Student Visa. This visa allows the holder to enter and remain in Portugal for the purpose of studying.

To apply for a Portuguese student visa, applicants must have already been accept into a recognizes educational institution in Portugal and must provide proof of enrollment or acceptance. 

They must also provide evidence of sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses in Portugal and have adequate health insurance coverage. Additionally, once in Portugal, students may be required to apply for a residence permit within 90 days of arrival.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are not required to obtain a Portuguese student visa but must register with the relevant authorities upon arrival in Portugal if their course of study is longer than 90 days.

D6 Family Reunification Visa

Non-EU/EEA individuals who has a residence permit in Portugal are entitled to apply for the D6 Family Reunification Visa and their family members who are already in Portugal or who will be joining in Portugal. 

Family reunification visa can be requested in AIMA (former SEF) at the same time as the main visa application, or after received the visa. The following is the list of family members that may qualify for family reunification visa:

  • Spouse or partner.
  • Children under 18 years of age or incapacitated children of the couple or of one of their spouses/partners.
  • Children over 18 years of age who are dependent on you or your spouse which means that they are single and studying.
  • Parents or your spouse/partner’s parents if they are dependent on you.
  • Minor siblings.

D1 Work Visa

Non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizens intending to work in Portugal must apply for a Portugal D1 Work Visa. To be eligible, you must first secure a job in Portugal. 

If your job lasts longer than three months, your employer must apply for a Portuguese work permit (Autorização de Trabalho) with the Portuguese Labor Authorities.

Once the work permit or job contract is approved, non-EU nationals must apply for a Portuguese work visa if their employment lasts less than six months. If they plan to work in Portugal for the long-term, they must apply for a residence permit, which will depend based on their employment.

After residing in Portugal for five years, individuals can apply for Portuguese permanent residence. 

Start-Up Visa Portugal

The Startup Visa is a residence visa for entrepreneurs that is offered through IAPMEI  and it is designed to attract investment, talent, and innovative capacity to Portugal.

Entrepreneurs who are eager to establish an innovative company will have swift access to a residence visa that permits them to launch or relocate their startup in Portugal, regardless of their geographical location.

In order to apply for the Startup Visa and secure a residence and work visa in Portugal, global entrepreneurs must meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate a clear intention to develop innovative goods and services;
  • Establish or transfer companies primarily focused on technology and knowledge;
  • Display the potential to generate skilled employment opportunities;
  • Demonstrate the ability to achieve a yearly turnover of over €325,000 and/or have assets worth over €325,000 five years after the incubation period.

Job Seeker Visa

As of October 22, 2025, the Portugal Job Seeker Visa is now restricted to highly qualified professionals.

Applicants must demonstrate a highly qualified professional background, confirming that the individual holds a university or technical degree and possesses at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in their field of expertise.

Job Seeker visa holders can obtain a work visa and residence permit, potentially leading to permanent residency in Portugal. In case they find a job in Portugal, they may apply for a residence permit to continue working. The job seeker visa is valid for 120 days and can be renewed for an additional 60 days.

Please note the Portugal Job Seeker is a single-entry visa.

Benefits of the Portugal Residency Permit

Mobility

The Portuguese residency permit allows you visa-free entry and circulation through the Schengen Area.

Live, Work, Study

Once you become a resident in Portugal you are entitled to conduct any professional activity as an independent professional and you gain access to the National Education Service, schools, and vocational training.

Healthcare in Portugal

Being a resident in the country you gain access to the Portugal Healthcare System, and also to the public healthcare called SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) and covers primary and secondary healthcare needs.

Path to Citizenship

After five years of legal residency, you may apply for permanent residency or to citizenship. However, in this case you’ll have to pass a Portuguese language test.

Family Reunion

You can bring your family to join you in Portugal, whether they’re already here or planning to move later. Family reunification generally covers your spouse or long-term partner, your children under 18, and any adult children who are single, studying, and financially dependent on you. It can also include your or your partner’s parents if they rely on your support, as well as your minor siblings.

Portugal Residency Application Process

Step 1: NIF and Bank Account

To apply for the D7 Visa, you need to obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) and open a bank account in Portugal. To obtain a NIF, you can apply online or in person at a tax office in Portugal. Opening a bank account can be done remotely.

Step 2: Secure your Accommodation

Another one of Portugal D7 Visa requirements is you need to demonstrate that you have a proof of accommodation in Portugal. This can be in the form of a rental agreement signed at least for one year or proof of property ownership.

Step 3: Visa Travel Insurance

At this stage, you’ll need to secure valid travel insurance that meets Portugal’s visa requirements. This policy must provide medical coverage for your entire stay until your residency permit is issued, and it should include emergency treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Step 4: Submit your Visa Application

To apply for the D7 Portugal Residency Visa, you need to submit your application at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy, VFS Global or similar in your home country but never in Portugal. You will need to provide several documents, including your passport, proof of income, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation.

Step 5: Apply for a resident permit in Portugal

Once you arrive in Portugal, you will need to apply for a resident permit at the The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). This will allow you to stay in Portugal for the duration of your visa.

Portugal Residency Visa Processing Time

Residency Visa Processing Time

Required Documents For Portuguese Residency

The Portuguese residence visa requires the following documents, but depending of the Portuguese consulate or embassy or VFS it might be required some additional documentation.

  • Application Form
  • Your Valid Passport
  • Two recent passport-size photos
  • Criminal Record certificate
  • Transport documentation (return ticket)
  • Valid travel insurance, including medical coverage and repatriation
  • Documentary evidence of having accommodation in Portugal
  • Proof of sufficient means as stipulated by law
  • Declaration with the reasons for requesting Portuguese Residency

Cost of the Portugal Residency Visa

The cost of the visa is relatively low and varies depending on the consulate where you apply, but for a single applicant you may expect to pay:

  • €80 for your entry visa application at the Consulate in your home country
  • €170 to submit and receive your resident permit from the AIMA in Portugal

You should have to consider some additional costs regarding flight tickets, travel insurance, relocation services, accommodation, paperwork including translations or documents apostille.

Why Choose Portugal Residency Advisors For Your Immigration Visa

Local Expertise

We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.

Honest Guidance

We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.

All-in-One Solution

One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.

Seamless Process

Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can apply for a residence permit for employment purposes if you have a job offer or if you are transferred by a company to Portugal. The employer usually plays a crucial role in the application process.

The requirements vary depending on the type of residency you are applying for. However, common requirements include a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

Yes, non-EU citizens can apply for residency in Portugal through various routes, such as the Golden Visa program, employment, study, or family reunification. Each route has its own specific requirements.

Benefits of obtaining residency in Portugal include visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to healthcare and education, the ability to work and do business, and eligibility for citizenship after a certain period.

Yes, depending on the type of residency you obtain, you can often bring your immediate family members, including spouses, children, and dependent parents, to Portugal.

Yes, if you have a valid residence permit for employment purposes, you are allowed to work in Portugal. However, specific work permit requirements may apply depending on your occupation and employment situation.

Yes, it is possible to obtain Portuguese citizenship through residency. Generally, you must hold a valid residency permit for five years, demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language, and pass a language test.

No, there is no specific language requirements. Only to apply for the citizenship you will need to pass a language test.

No, the real estate option of the Golden Visa Program eliminated by the Portuguese authorities.

Yes, you can obtain residency in Portugal by starting a business or investing in an existing one. The requirements and investment thresholds vary depending on the type of business and the number of jobs created.

Residency permits in Portugal must be renewed periodically. The renewal process typically involves submitting updated documentation, such as proof of continued residence, employment, or financial means.

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