For a number of years, Portugal has seen the economic benefits of offering access to live, work and invest within its borders.
From retirees to digital nomads, entrepreneurs to investors, there is a visa option which will suit – whether it’s a short-term stay or a pathway to citizenship.
We take a look at the most popular visas and the criteria required for each.
Golden Visa in Portugal
If there is one visa to ‘rule them all’ in Portugal, it is surely the Golden Visa. It offers unbridled access to the Schengen region, limited requirements to physically be in Portugal, and offers a clear pathway to obtaining citizenship.
Officially known as the ‘Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI)’, the Golden Visa has soared in popularity among international investors which see it as an ideal platform for accessing the EU while retaining all-important global mobility.
It is a residency-by-investment option.
Launched in 2012, the programme has attracted billions in foreign investment, revitalised the economy, and continues to be one of the world’s most compelling options for high-net-worth-individuals (HNWI).
Applicants for the Golden Visa must generally pledge a minimum investment of €500,000 in a regulated and approved alternative investment fund.
These funds must have a minimum maturity of five years and 60% of their investments must be in companies headquartered in Portugal.
Successful applicants can then qualify for residency with stays of just seven days a year to maintain the permit. Dependents – including parents – can also be included on the application.
There is also the option of donating €250,000 towards a cultural heritage project using the Cultural Production Golden Visa. There is also an Artistic Production Golden Visa for investment.
As of February 2026, after five years, applicants may apply for Portuguese citizenship, one of the fastest timelines in Europe.
As a Portuguese citizen, you benefit from one of the most powerful visa-free passports in the world.
The ultimate aim for most Golden Visa investors is to secure freedom of movement throughout the 29 European Schengen region countries and dual citizenship for your family and qualifying dependants.
Tax responsibilities in Portugal are only triggered if you spend more than 183 days a year in the country.
What are the criteria for a Golden Visa in Portugal?
- You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
- You must be able to invest €500,000 for a minimum five-year term into an alternative, and approved, alternative investment fund. Proof of this investment, made personally, will be required. Other options include similar investments which create at least 10 full-time jobs in Portugal/capital investment of €500,000 into scientific research/investment of €500,000 into creating a commercial company which creates at least five permanent jobs in Portugal.
- You will need a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) and a bank account in Portugal.
D7 Visa – or Retirement Visa for Portugal
A popular route for those seeking to live in Portugal with a reliance on passive income – such as a pension – is the D7 visa.
Often referred to as the ‘retirement visa’ or the ‘passive income visa’ it is open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to live in Portugal and provides a residency route.
The visa requires a significant commitment to living in the country to qualify.
It also applies to those whose income includes dividends, certain investment income and rental income.
To ensure you meet the minimum income requirements, you need to be able to demonstrate a passive income which at least matches the Portuguese minimum wage. As of February 2026, that stands at €920 a month – or €11,040 a year.
The D7 visa provides successful applicants with a residence permit in Portugal for two years, initially, which can then be renewed for two years successively.
As of February 2026, after five years, you can apply for citizenship.
Under the D7 visa, holders also have the option of 'family reunification' where family members will be granted a residence visa that is valid for one year. You will, however, need to demonstrate additional income for your spouse or each dependent child. This equates to an extra 50% for your spouse and additional 30% for each dependent child.
What is the criteria for a D7 visa in Portugal?
- You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
- You need to be able to demonstrate the minimum passive income highlighted above.
- You will also need to have at least one year’s income in a bank account – so the equivalent of €11,040 for the applicant – and more is recommended. This will increase if dependents are to join you.
- You will need to demonstrate a minimum 12-month rental agreement for property in Portugal – or property deeds for a home you own in the country.
- You will need comprehensive private medical insurance.
- You will need to obtain a Portugal bank account which will require obtaining Portugal Tax Number (NIF).
- You must not be absent for more than six consecutive months – or eight non-consecutive months – during your initial two-year permit period.
D8 Visa – or Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal
The D8 visa, officially known as the ‘Temporary Residence Visa for the Exercise of Professional Activity Provided Remotely Outside the National Territory’, allows non-EU/EEA citizens with remote jobs to live and work in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal and even permanent residency after five years.
It is perhaps better known as the ‘digital nomad visa’.
Introduced in October 2022, the D8 visa enables remote workers and freelancers to establish residency by demonstrating a monthly income of at least four times the minimum salary in Portugal.
As of 2026, this stands at €920 a month. This means to qualify for a D8 visa, you would need to earn €3,680 per calendar month. It is worth noting the minimum wage is expected to rise, gradually, year-on-year and the minimum visa requirements will increase in line with it.
It also recommended you have the equivalent of one year’s worth of savings in a bank account at the equivalent of the Portugal minimum salary which, as of February 2026, would be €11,040.
It allows for multiple entries into Portugal.
There are two different forms of the visa which can be applied dependent on the applicants plans.
One offers a temporary stay visa for a year – with renewals possible. It is ideal for those wishing to test the waters of Portugal beyond the typical 90-day tourist limit.
Alternatively, there is a long-term residency variant. This offers a two-year renewable residence permit. It is ideal for those who seek Portuguese citizenship eventually.
Both visas share the same income and document requirements. The crucial difference lies in the residence permit. The long-term visa must be applied for in Portugal, with a two-year validity before renewal. With the temporary visa, this step is unnecessary.
What are the criteria for a D8 Visa in Portugal?
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You must have a demonstrably remote job (employee or self-employed) with income from entities outside Portugal.
- You must meet the minimum income requirement: €3,680 per month (as of January 1, 2026). If you have dependents you will need to demonstrate additional income – which is around 50% extra to permit entry for a spouse and an extra 30% for each dependent child.
- You must have private health insurance covering your stay in Portugal.
- You must have no criminal record and be in good health.
- You must also provide proof of accommodation – ideally of one year although six months may be acceptable. You should seek advice from the consulate if in doubt.
- You will also be required to open a Portugal bank account which will require obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
D2 Visa – or Entrepreneur Visa for Portugal
For entrepreneurs looking to gain access to Portugal there are a number of options available.
While it is worth considering the likes of both the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme alongside the IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime, an alternative is the D2 visa - often referred to as the ‘Entrepreneur visa’.
Unlike the D7 (passive income) or D8 (digital nomad) the D2 focuses on economic contribution and business viability.
It also requires a far higher physical presence in Portugal than the likes of the Golden Visa.
You cannot be away from Portugal for more than six consecutive months during the first two-year term or eight non-consecutive months. So it is not an option for those seeking global flexibility, for which the Golden Visa is a better choice.
Open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, this visa is specifically targeted at those who have already invested or intend to engage in investment activities in Portugal.
You must be able to provide a full business plan which demonstrates a clear benefit to the Portuguese economy (such as job creation or innovation) and have proof of investment or capital.
You also need to be able to demonstrate you can support yourself, personally, separate from your business venture.
This means funds in your bank equivalent to 12 months at the equivalent of the Portugal minimum wage - €11,040.
The initial visa grants you a two-year residency permit – with the ability to renew for a further three years. However, that renewal will be reliant on your business being an ongoing concern.
As of February 2026, after five years, you can apply for citizenship.
What are the criteria for a D2 visa in Portugal?
- You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
- You must be able to demonstrate a viable business plan with benefits to the Portuguese economy.
- You should be able to demonstrate that action has started in the process of forming a company in Portugal or have a contract or proposal for independent service work.
- You will need to satisfy the financial requirements outlined above. The amount required will increase if you have dependents join you. This is calculated as an addition 50% for a spouse and 30% for each dependent child. Your business will need to demonstrate sufficient profit to deliver you a salary to cover you and any dependents.
- You will need a Portugal Tax Number (NIF) and open a bank account in Portugal.
Contact Portugal Pathways to explore visa options in Portugal.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways website and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice.
