Visa Options for Non-EU Citizens Seeking Residency in Portugal
Portugal has become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for lifestyle migration, especially among non-EU nationals seeking a stable, scenic, and tax-efficient place to reside. Whether your clients are looking to relocate permanently, invest strategically, or retire in luxury, Portugal offers several visa pathways to legal residency.
Here’s a concise guide to the primary visa options available to non-EU citizens considering a move to Portugal.
1. D7 Visa – For Passive Income and Retirees
The D7 Visa is ideal for individuals with a stable passive income stream—such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or intellectual property rights.
Key requirements:
Minimum income of approx. €820/month for a single applicant (though realistically, a higher income is expected for approval).
Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
No need to invest; this visa is about financial self-sufficiency.
Perfect for: Retirees, remote earners, and those with reliable non-salaried income who value Portugal’s calm lifestyle and safety.
2. D8 Visa – The Digital Nomad Visa
Launched recently, the D8 caters to location-independent professionals and entrepreneurs who work remotely for clients or employers outside Portugal.
Key requirements:
Monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (currently around €3,280).
Proof of foreign employment or freelance contracts.
Portuguese address and private health insurance.
Perfect for: High-earning remote professionals seeking European residency while maintaining global freedom.
3. Golden Visa – Investment-Based Residency (Non-Real Estate Routes)
As of 2023, the real estate route under the Golden Visa program has been suspended. However, the program continues with other qualifying investments.
Eligible options include:
A minimum €500,000 investment in a Portuguese investment fund.
Donation of €250,000+ to cultural preservation or scientific research.
Creation of jobs or capital transfer to a Portuguese company.
Advantages:
Minimum stay requirement of just 7 days/year.
Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.
Perfect for: Investors wanting EU access and long-term optionality with minimal relocation pressure.
4. D2 Visa – For Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals
The D2 Visa is designed for individuals who want to start or run a business in Portugal, or who operate as independent professionals.
Key requirements:
A viable business plan and proof of sufficient capital to sustain the business.
Proof of qualifications and/or relevant experience.
Accommodation and financial means to support personal living expenses.
Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, boutique service providers, consultants, and creatives looking to anchor their business within the EU.
5. Family Reunification
Non-EU residents in Portugal may bring family members through the Family Reunification Visa, which covers spouses, children, and sometimes dependent parents.
Conditions:
The primary visa holder must show sufficient income and housing for the family unit.
The process is generally smooth once the main residency is established.
Perfect for: Those wanting to relocate as a family unit without separate visa processes for each member.
Portugal’s residency visa pathways are diverse and well-structured to attract individuals who value quality of life, safety, and strategic positioning within Europe. Whether your clients are investors, retirees, or mobile entrepreneurs, there is a compliant, secure route to residency that aligns with their lifestyle and financial goals.
At A1 ALGARVE LUXURY REAL ESTATE™, we work closely with leading immigration advisors and legal specialists to ensure our clients transition seamlessly—not only into their new home but into a new chapter of life.
