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 five 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.
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
Terms
Golden Visa
D7 Visa
Digital Nomad Visa
Global Talent Visa
Main requirement
Investment of €250,000+
Passive income of €920+
Income of €3,680+ earned outside Portugal
Bachelor’s degree and paying €170,000 fees
Required savings
—
€11,040+
€11,040+
—
The validity period of a residence permit
2 + 2 + 2 years
2 + 3 years
2 + 3 years
5 years
Citizenship in 5 years
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mandatory residence in the country
7 days a year
1.5 years in a row or 16 months in total over 2 years
183 days a year
Flexible
Eligible family members
Spouse, children under 26, parents
Spouse, children under 21, parents
Spouse, children under 30, parents
Spouse, children, parents
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 five years of legal residence, provided the applicant meets the requirements, including basic knowledge of the Portuguese language and proof of integration into the country.
Individual consultation
Need assistance in choosing a Portugal residency type?
Get expert advice from Immigrant Invest. We will consider your tasks and wonders to help you choose the most suitable option.
A residence permit in Portugal allows moving to the country. Residents can come to Portugal anytime, even if the borders are closed to foreigners.
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.
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.
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.
Prospects for obtaining citizenship
After five 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 one year.
Safety
Portugal is among most peaceful countries, ranking 7th out of 163 in the Global Peace Index. Around 90% of expats in Portugal highlight they feel safe in the country and can openly express themselves.
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.
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 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 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.
500+ investorsObtained Portugal residence with the help of Immigrant Invest
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most affordable
D7 Visa — a passive income of €920 a month
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 or citizenship after five 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.
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!
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.
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 Global Talent Visa can be obtained by highly skilled individuals who have a partnership contract with a Portuguese university or a research institution. The government fee for this visa is €170,000.
Portugal D7 Visa is a more affordable way towards residency in Portugal. An applicant confirms the availability of funds for living in Portugal, a passive income of €920 a months, 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 €3,680 and €11,040 in the savings account.
Does Portugal offer citizenship by investment?
No, one can’t get a Portuguese passport by investment. However, wealthy foreigners may get a Portugal residence by investment and apply for citizenship after five years.
Can I get residency in Portugal if I buy a house?
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 previously, 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 prove a passive income of at least €920 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.
How much does residency cost in Portugal?
Expenses for obtaining a residence permit depend on the Portugal residency program. Golden Visa applicants need to invest at least €250,000 in the country’s economy. Digital nomads prove an income of €3,680 per month and savings of at least €11,040. D7 Visa applicants show a stable passive income of €920 per month. To qualify for a Global Talent visa for highly skilled professionals, it is necessary to establish a partnership with a Portuguese university and pay a fee of €170,000.
How can a non-EU citizen get residency in Portugal?
Portugal offers various residency options for non-EU citizens. Investors qualify for the Golden Visa, which requires investments of at least €250,000. Remote workers can opt for the Digital Nomad Visa with a required minimum income of €3,680 per month. Foreigners with a monthly passive income of €920 are eligible for a D7 Portugal Visa.
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 For investors 
Portugal D7 Visa For financially independent persons 
Digital Nomad Visa For location-independent remote workers and freelancers 
Global Talent Visa For highly skilled professionals 
Priscila Carvalho, Investment migration expert
Zlata Erlach, Investment Program Expert