Europe · EU · Schengen
Portugal Residency
The most established European residency routes — the investment-based Golden Visa and the passive-income D7 visa — both leading to permanent residency and eventually EU citizenship.
- Permit term
- 2 + 3 + 3 years
- Schengen access
- Visa-free
- Minimum stay
- 7 days per year (Golden Visa)
- Path to citizenship
- 5 years
- EU citizenship
- Achievable
About the program
Portugal offers some of Europe’s most sought-after residency routes. The Golden Visa, now focused on qualifying investment funds, scientific research, arts, and culture, unlocks residency in a full EU member state. The D7 (passive-income) visa suits retirees, remote workers, and anyone with stable income from outside Portugal.
Both routes lead to permanent residency at 5 years and to Portuguese citizenship — and therefore EU citizenship — upon passing a basic language test and fulfilling the legal residence requirement.
Available routes
Ways to obtain Portugal residency.
Pick the path that fits your profile — investment, work, family, or lifestyle.
Route
Golden Visa — qualifying funds
Investment of €500,000 in an approved Portuguese investment fund.
Route
Golden Visa — research & culture
Investments supporting Portuguese scientific research, arts, or heritage.
Route
D7 passive income
Stable passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends) above minimum thresholds.
Route
Digital nomad (D8)
Remote work visa for professionals earning from outside Portugal.
Key benefits
What you actually get.
EU residency
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
Path to EU citizenship
Portuguese citizenship achievable after 5 years of legal residence.
Minimum physical stay
Golden Visa requires just 7 days per year on average.
Family inclusion
Spouse, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents included.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
- Non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen
- Clean criminal record
- Qualifying investment or stable income above thresholds
- Valid private health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Required documents
What we will need from you.
- Passport and biometric photographs
- Proof of funds or income
- Investment contracts and bank statements (Golden Visa)
- Portuguese NIF (tax number) and bank account
- Health insurance policy
- Criminal record certificates
- Proof of accommodation
How it works
Step by step, from first call to permit.
- 01
Consultation
Select the right Portuguese residency route.
- 02
Prerequisites
Open Portuguese bank account and obtain NIF.
- 03
Investment or income setup
Place investment or document qualifying income.
- 04
Application
File with SEF/AIMA with certified documents.
- 05
Biometrics
In-person biometrics in Portugal.
- 06
Permit issued
Residence card delivered.
Common questions
About Portugal residency.
- Yes — the program continues, though real-estate routes were removed in 2023. Investment funds, research, and cultural heritage remain active qualifying routes.
Other programs
Explore more residency options.
Ready to plan your Portugal residency?
A free consultation to identify the right route and prepare a realistic timeline.