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.
