Most affordable
D7 Visa — a passive income of €920 a month
Updated on June 25, 2026
Portugal residency
Wealthy foreigners can obtain Portugal residency as investors, highly qualified professionals, digital nomads or financially independent individuals.
Benefits of getting a Portugal residence card include living by the ocean, doing business in Europe, travelling visa-free around the Schengen area, and optimising taxes.
After 10 years of residence in Portugal, foreigners may apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship. A Portuguese passport grants its holders visa-free access to 172 countries and the freedom to live indefinitely in any EU member state.
Portugal residence permit programs
Portugal Golden Visa
Golden Visa
€250,000+
Investments
12+ months
Time required
Portugal D7 Visa
D7 Visa
€11,040+, yearly income
Investments
6+ months
Time required
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa
€3,680+, monthly income
Investments
6+ months
Time required
Portugal Global Talent Visa
Global Talent Visa
€170,000+
Investments
4+ months
Time required
What are the differences between the residency visas in Portugal?
Investors can secure a Portuguese residence visa by making qualifying investments in the country’s economy through the Golden Visa program. The D7 Visa is tailored for retirees and individuals with passive income, allowing them to settle in Portugal without the need to work.
The Digital Nomad Visa caters specifically to remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Portugal. Lastly, the Global Talent Visa targets highly skilled professionals who enter into a partnership agreement with a Portuguese university.
Portugal residency options comparison
Golden Visa and Global Talent Visa holders are not required to live in Portugal permanently but must ensure the timely renewal of their residence permits. Both visas are attractive options for those who want to maintain their primary residence in another country while benefiting from Portugal’s residency advantages.
In contrast, the D7 and Digital Nomad visas offer more affordable residency options but come with a requirement to reside in Portugal.
All these residency visas offer a pathway to Portuguese citizenship after 10 years of legal residence, provided the applicant meets the requirements, including basic knowledge of the Portuguese language and proof of integration into the country.
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7 benefits of a residence permit in Portugal
1
Moving to Portugal or creating a ‘safe haven’
A residence permit in Portugal allows moving to the country. Residents can come to Portugal anytime, even if the borders are closed to foreigners.
A residence permit in Portugal allows moving to the country. Residents can come to Portugal anytime, even if the borders are closed to foreigners.
2
Travelling to the Schengen Area visa-free
Portugal residence card holders can visit the Schengen states visa-free and stay there for 90 days out of 180. Time spent in Portugal doesn’t count.
Portugal residence card holders can visit the Schengen states visa-free and stay there for 90 days out of 180. Time spent in Portugal doesn’t count.
3
Doing business in Portugal
An investment visa in Portugal, D7 and Global Talent visas allow its holders to start a business in Portugal or open a branch of their international business in the country.
An investment visa in Portugal, D7 and Global Talent visas allow its holders to start a business in Portugal or open a branch of their international business in the country.
4
Access to European-quality education and healthcare
Children get access to education in Portuguese schools and universities.
All the family members can be treated in clinics in Portugal or other EU states without a visa.
Children get access to education in Portuguese schools and universities.
All the family members can be treated in clinics in Portugal or other EU states without a visa.
5
Prospects for obtaining citizenship
After 10 years of residence, foreigners can apply for Portugal citizenship by naturalisation. Children born in Portugal qualify for citizenship by birth if their parents have held residency for at least 5 years.
After 10 years of residence, foreigners can apply for Portugal citizenship by naturalisation. Children born in Portugal qualify for citizenship by birth if their parents have held residency for at least 5 years.
6
Safety
Portugal is among the most peaceful countries, ranking 7th out of 163 in the Global Peace Index [1]Global Peace Index map by Vision Humanity. Around 90% of expats in Portugal highlight they feel safe in the country and can openly express themselves[2]Expat Insider Report 2023 by InterNations.
Portugal is among the most peaceful countries, ranking 7th out of 163 in the Global Peace Index [1]Global Peace Index map by Vision Humanity. Around 90% of expats in Portugal highlight they feel safe in the country and can openly express themselves[2]Expat Insider Report 2023 by InterNations.
7
High quality of life
Expat Insider Survey shows that foreigners have been satisfied with their quality of life in Portugal for the past 10 years. They enjoy culture, a warm climate, rich nature, various leisure options, and good air quality.
Expat Insider Survey shows that foreigners have been satisfied with their quality of life in Portugal for the past 10 years. They enjoy culture, a warm climate, rich nature, various leisure options, and good air quality.
Why investors trust Immigrant Invest
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of citizenship and residence by investment programs of the EU countries and the Caribbean. The company has offices in 11 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 when the documents are submitted.
As a result of our individual approach, 99% of our clients’ applications are approved—a success rate that stands as the highest in our industry.
Immigrant Invest holds an IMC Membership Certificate, demonstrating its commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards in the investment migration industry. This certification from the Investment Migration Council verifies the company’s expertise, compliance with global regulations, and dedication to transparency.
Portugal residency options
Portugal residency by investment
Investors may choose one out of five 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.
- in opening a company with at least 10 jobs.
The program allows investors to include their spouse, children under 26, and parents in the application, with the investment amount remaining unchanged regardless of family size.
Investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship without the need for permanent residence. Maintaining their residency status requires spending just seven days a year in Portugal.
€250,000+
Investment amount
12+ months
Obtaining period
Portugal D7 Visa for financially independent persons
The Portugal D7 visa is designed for foreigners with passive income from abroad sufficient to support living in Portugal. To apply, they must meet the following criteria:
- prove eligible income sources such as dividends, interest, royalties, pensions, and rental income;
- confirm the availability of income;
- rent or purchase a residential property in Portugal.
Family members, including a spouse, children under 21, and parents, can also obtain residence permits. The required income increases by 50% for an adult and by 30% for a child.
The D7 visa is initially issued for four months, during which the applicant must travel to Portugal and apply for a 2-year residence permit. Residents must spend at least 16 months over two years in Portugal to keep their status.
€920 a month
Minimum income
6+ months
Obtaining period
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa provides remote workers and freelancers with the opportunity to obtain residency in Portugal. Non-EU citizens with a monthly income of over €3,680 and savings of at least €11,040 are eligible for the visa.
The visa also extends residency rights to family members, including the applicant’s spouse, children under 30, and parents.
A residence permit under this program is issued for two years. To renew it, digital nomads must spend more than 183 days per year living in Portugal.
€3,680 a month
Minimum income
6+ months
Obtaining period
Portugal Global Talent Visa for highly qualified professionals
The Global Talent Visa is intended for highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry experts who can contribute to Portugal’s academic landscape.
Applicants secure an agreement with a Portuguese university or research institution. The partnership format is flexible: lectures, mentoring, and webinars.
Family members, including the applicant’s spouse, children, and parents, are also eligible for residency under this visa.
€170,000
Fees
4+ months
Obtaining period
Which Portugal investment visa might suit you the best?
Cosmopolitans can choose from different types of Portugal residency visas based on their goals and needs. Immigrant Invest lawyers will help you select the option that suits you best.
With flexible partnership
Global Talent Visa — government fees of €170,000
For remote workers
Digital Nomad Visa — a stable income of €3,480 a month
Minimal responsibilities
Golden Visa — no requirement to do business, live in Portugal, own or rent property
Path to Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship
Portuguese residents can apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years and for citizenship after 10 years of living in the country.
Permanent residency is valid for life but the card needs to be reissued every 5 years. It is mandatory to live in the country to get permanent status.
Citizenship is also valid indefinitely; applicants are required to live in Portugal, prove their knowledge of Portuguese at the A2 level and integration in the country.
A Portuguese passport allows individuals to live in any EU country and enjoy visa-free travel to 172 destinations, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Citizenship also enables participation in elections and holding public office. Moreover, Portugal permits dual citizenship, so applicants can retain their original nationality.
Golden Visa holders are not required to permanently reside in Portugal to maintain their residency. However, they must fulfil the minimal physical presence requirement of staying in the country for 7 days per year.
Client testimonials
These investors have already got residence permits in Portugal with the help of Immigrant Invest.
Blog
We share expert commentaries in the blog: learn more about news and changes in residence permit by investment programs, the nuances of starting a business, how to choose a university, and life in Portugal.
Permanent Residency
How to move to Portugal for permanent residency: all possible ways
Portugal does not grant permanent residence by investment. To obtain permanent status or citizenship, foreigners live in Portugal for 5 years with a residence permit. Residence permit cards are issued for 2 years and can be extended for 3 more years. To prolong a residence permit obtained, say, after a D7 visa, one needs to live in Portugal for at least 8 months a year. However, Golden Visa holders can spend 7 days a year in Portugal to be able to renew their residence permit and later apply for permanent residency.
Residence permit
Ways to enter and stay in Portugal: visas and residence permits
Residence permit
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds: Complete Guide 2026
Residence permit
How much does it cost to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal?
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- 1.
Global Peace Index map by Vision Humanity
- 2.
Expat Insider Report 2023 by InterNations