Living by the ocean, doing business in Europe, travelling visa-free around the Schengen area, and optimising taxes are the benefits you may enjoy if you get a Portugal residence card.
Wealthy foreigners may obtain Portugal residency as investors, highly qualified professionals, digital nomads or financially independent individuals. Each type of residence permit has its own conditions: requirements for the applicants, procedure and obtaining time.
After five years of residence in Portugal, you may apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship. A Portugal passport allows you to visit 172 countries visa-free and stay in EU states without time limits.
What are the differences between the residency visas in Portugal?
Moving to Portugal. Investors, financially independent persons and entrepreneurs get the same rights with the Portugal residency visa, but their obligations differ.
Portugal investment residency allows you to enjoy all the benefits without moving to the country. HQA, D7 and Digital Nomad residency visas in Portugal oblige their holders to spend 8+ months a year there.
Investments. To obtain Portugal residency by investment, one must invest €250,000+ in the country’s economy.
The D7, Digital Nomad, and HQA visas do not necessitate investment; however, applicants should demonstrate the ability to secure housing in Portugal and have funds to live there for a year. Additionally, they are required to exhibit a consistent monthly income, as follows:
for the D7 visa, a passive income of at least €820 per month;
for the HQA visa, a salary of at least €1,900 per month;
for the Digital Nomad visa, an income of at least €3,280 per month.
The validity period of a residency permit is 2 years. This applies to permits received by investment or after HQA, Digital Nomad or D7 visas.
7 days to 8 months a yearLiving in Portugal to maintain residency
2 yearsResidence permit validity period
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Get expert advice from Immigrant Invest. We will consider your tasks and wonders to help you choose the most suitable option.
Vladlena Baranova, Lawyer, AML Compliance officer, certified CAMS specialist
A residence permit in Portugal allows moving to the country. After obtaining a residence permit through the D7, HQA, or Digital Nomad visas, individuals are required to reside in Portugal for a minimum of 16 months within a span of 2 years.
Investors don’t have to move to Portugal; they can create a safe haven there. They may come to Portugal anytime, even if the borders are closed to foreigners.
Travelling to the Schengen Area visa-free
Portugal residence card holders may visit the Schengen states visa-free and stay there for 90 days out of 180. Time spent in Portugal doesn’t count.
Doing business in Portugal
A long-term residence permit holder can start a business in Portugal or open a branch of their international business in the country.
Access to European-quality education and healthcare
Investor’s family members may get a residence permit in Portugal, too.
Children get access to education in Portuguese schools and universities. The diplomas are recognised in the other EU countries.
All the family members get an opportunity to be treated in clinics in Portugal or other EU states without a visa.
Applying for citizenship after 5 years
After five years of residence, you may apply for Portugal citizenship by naturalisation. You’ll need to pass an exam on the A2 level of Portuguese to get a passport.
A Portugal passport opens visa-free entry to 172 countries, including the EU states, the US, The UK and Australia.
Portugal allows its citizens to have dual citizenship, so there’s no need to refuse other passports.
Why investors trust Immigrant Invest
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of citizenship and residence by investment programs of the Caribbean and the EU countries. We have been in business since 2006, and 500 investors have obtained a residence permit with our assistance.
The company has offices in eight countries, including Portugal. We support investors at each step: we analyse the situation, help choose a suitable residency program, offer real estate objects and accompany the investors at the documents’ submission.
As a result of our individual approach, 99% of our clients’ applications are approved, and this is the highest ratio in our field.
500+ investorsObtained Portugal residence with the help of Immigrant Invest
Terms of obtaining a Portugal residence card
An investor can obtain a Portugal residence visa by contributing to a cultural heritage preservice project, purchasing investment fund units, and other investments in the country’s economy. A Portugal investment visa holder doesn’t have to live in Portugal permanently; they just need to renew their residence permits in time.
The D7, Digital Nomad, and HQA visas are more affordable than Portugal investment residency. However, they require residing in the country.
Terms
Portugal residence permit by investment
D7 visa and a residence permit
HQA visa and a residence permit
Digital Nomad Visa and a residence permit
Required investment
€250,000+
Required investment
—
Required investment
—
Required investment
—
Required investment
Required income
—
Required income
€820+ in monthly passive income
Required income
€1,900+ in monthly salary in Portugal
Required income
€3,280+ in monthly income outside Portugal
Required income
Required savings
€250,000+
Required savings
€9,840+
Required savings
—
Required savings
€9,840+
Required savings
Obtaining time
8 to 10 months
Obtaining time
4+ months
Obtaining time
4+ months
Obtaining time
4+ months
Obtaining time
The validity period of a residence permit
2 + 2 + 2 years
The validity period of a residence permit
2 + 3 years
The validity period of a residence permit
2 + 3 years
The validity period of a residence permit
2 + 3 years
The validity period of a residence permit
Portugal residency by investment
The Portugal residency by investment program was launched in 2012, and since then, more than 30,000 people have got their residence permits.
Investors may choose one of four options to invest:
€250,000 — in cultural heritage;
€500,000 — in scientific projects;
€500,000 — in a local business;
€500,000 — in investment fund shares.
An investor’s spouse, children under 26, and parents can be included in the application. The investment amount doesn’t depend on family composition.
Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship without living in the country. It’s enough for them to spend seven days a year in Portugal to maintain their residency status.
Portugal D7 visa for financially independent persons
Portugal D7 visa is available for foreigners with passive income in another country enough to live in Portugal. Dividends, interest, royalties, pension, and rental income are suitable.
The rules for obtaining the visa are laid down in article 58 of Law №23/2007. One must confirm the availability of income and rent or purchase a residential property in Portugal to apply. An investor’s spouse, children under 21, and parents may also obtain a residence permit. The larger the family, the higher income is needed.
Visa D7 is issued for four months. At this time, the investor must visit Portugal and obtain a 2-year residence permit. This permit allows one to live, work and do business in the country.
The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers and freelancers to obtain residency in Portugal. Non-EU citizens with income over €3,280 a month and savings of at least €9,840 are eligible for the visa.
Along with the applicant, their family members can get residency too. This applies to their spouse, children under 18 and parents over 65.
Portugal HQA visa for highly qualified professionals
A Highly Qualified Activity (HQA) visa is intended for highly qualified professionals. This includes specialists in fields such as fintech, healthcare, medical technology, IT, and science, as well as top managers.
An applicant for an HQA visa must present a work contract with a Portuguese company or a written guarantee of such. Aside from that, candidates show their higher education diploma to prove their qualifications.
A spouse, children under 18, and parents over 65 get visas with the investor.
Which Portugal investment visa might suit you the best?
Cosmopolitans may choose different types of Portugal residency visas, depending on their goals and challenges. Immigrant Invest lawyers will help you to choose the most suitable one.
The most affordable — the D7 visa
Portugal D7 visa requires payment for housing and transfer of money to a bank account in Portugal. Applicants do not have to invest or do business in the country.
Maintaining a residence permit after the D7 visa costs around €20,000 a year. Most of the sum is rent and money for living in Portugal.
For those who have an employer in Portugal — the HQA visa
The visa is issued to foreigners who have an employment contract or a written promise from a Portuguese company.
The salary requirement is €1,900, which is twice as little as the requirement for Digital Nomads.
Getting residency faster — the Digital Nomad Visa
The obtaining time for the Digital Nomad Visa is about 4 months — all the time above that an applicant spends on preparations. Applications for this visa are processed quicker than for the investor visa, which may be obtained in 8—10 months.
Minimal responsibilities — the Golden Visa
Investors don’t have to do business or live in Portugal. Visiting the country, staying seven days a year, and keeping the investment is enough.
Client testimonials
These investors have already got residence permits in Portugal with the help of Immigrant Invest.
Joseph Got a Portugal Golden Visa
Thank you for helping me choose the most suitable option with minimum risk of investment loss. Now I travel freely through the Schengen zone, plan my relocation to Portugal and learn Portuguese so that I can apply for citizenship after five years.
Andrew Got a Portugal D7 Visa
I’ve rarely met such reliable and competent professionals as in Immigrant Invest.
Margo Got a Digital Nomad Visa
When I first contacted Immigrant Invest, I was aiming at the D7 visa, but after a quick consultation, I realised that the Digital Nomad Visa suits my case much better. I got my visa in four months after my first talk to the lawyers; in another three months, I was holding my residency permit. Thank you for offering a better option for me and helping me with the visa in the shortest time!
Farid Got a Portugal Golden Visa
I thought it would be nearly impossible to get a residency in another country during the pandemic. But the application process was quite smooth, and I even had an opportunity to visit Portugal to see the villa I wanted to buy. With the support of Immigrant Invest Lawyers, my family and I got residence permits. Thank you so much!
Alyssa Got a Portugal D7 Visa
Everybody told me that moving abroad would be challenging. But actually, it wasn’t, thanks to Immigrant Invest’s support! You’ve helped me with the documents and to find a perfect flat in Lisbon to rent. I’m grateful you’ve made this process so much easier!
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest in Portugal to get a residency?
If you want to get a Portugal Golden Visa, you should invest at least €250,000. The investment options include a financial contribution to a cultural heritage or a scientific project, an investment in a local business, or a purchase of fund shares.
A Highly Qualified Activity (HQA) visa can be obtained by highly skilled individuals who have an employment contract in Portugal or a written guarantee of such. The salary required for this visa is €1,900 a month.
Portugal D7 visa is a more affordable way towards residency in Portugal. An applicant confirms the availability of funds for living in Portugal and rents or buys housing. Annual costs for maintaining the status are usually about €20,000 or more.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is intended for remote workers and freelancers. To obtain this visa, one must present a monthly income of at least €3,280 and €9,840 in the savings account.
No, the only options to obtain residency by investment are contribution to a cultural heritage or scientific project, investment in a local startup, and purchase of fund shares.
The purchase of real estate was one of the options to invest under the Golden Visa program before, but it was discontinued in 2023.
The purchase of real estate will make getting other types of visas easier. For instance, having arranged accommodation in Portugal is one of the conditions for obtaining a D7 visa for financially independent individuals. Aside from that, they also need to Aside from that, they also need to prove a passive income of at least €820 from a legal source. Aside from that, they also need to prove a passive income of at least €820 from a legal source.
A Portugal residence permit by investment is available for those who purchase fund shares, invest in businesses there or support arts or research activities. The minimum investment sum is €250,000.
One needs legal support to get a residence permit, so it may be useful to turn to a consulting company. Immigrant Invest has already helped 500 families to get a Portugal Golden Visa, and we will be happy to support you on the way to residency.
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Let’s discuss the details
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
Portugal Golden Visa By investing in funds, local businesses, science or culture 
Portugal D7 Visa And a residence permit for financially independent persons 
Digital Nomad Visa For location-independent remote workers and freelancers 
Highly Qualified Activity (HQA) Visa For highly skilled professionals 
Vladlena Baranova, Lawyer, AML Compliance officer, certified CAMS specialist
Zlata Erlach, Caribbean Investment Program Expert