Visas & Residency

Here’s Why I’d Choose Portugal’s Golden Visa Over Greece’s (And Here’s Why I Wouldn’t)

A quick disclosure before we start: this is opinion, not advice — and I run a site focused on Portugal, so even though I’ve tried not to be biased, there’s probably some there. That said, I have been brutally honest about the pros and cons of the Portuguese Golden Visa and whether it’s even still worth it in the past, so I think this article is fairly balanced. Here’s why I would choose Portugal’s Golden Visa over Greece’s Golden Visa: …

A person sits on a white cushion next to a turquoise swimming pool, working on a laptop. They are partially shaded by large green leaves. Two teal pillows are placed by their side, and white pebbles surround the wooden deck area.

Ask most people what it takes to move to Portugal on the digital nomad visa, and they’ll tell you the same thing: meet the income requirement and you’re in. That’s the goal everyone fixates on. Hit the threshold — €3,680 per month for the main applicant, more if you’re bringing a family — and Portugal is yours. The visa is the finish line. Clear it and you’re done. Except that’s not how it actually works. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most …

If you’re researching Portugal’s Golden Visa, one question comes up again and again: “How much time do I actually need to spend in Portugal?” Sometimes it’s framed as minimum stay requirements. Sometimes it’s how long can I be away? But really, everyone’s asking the same thing: I want the security of EU residency, but I don’t want to uproot my life to get it. The short answer is: the minimum requirement is an average of 7 days per year in …

a male and female entrepreneur in an office

If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about moving to Portugal — or simply wanting a foothold there — you’ll quickly find there’s more than one route available. The two main options are the D2 visa and the Golden Visa‘s company investment route. But depending on your situation, you might actually be better served by something else entirely. Here’s the quick version: For most entrepreneurs who want to actually build something in Portugal, the D2 is the right answer. The Golden Visa’s …

A woman sits at a table in a bright, sunlit cafe, working on a laptop. She wears a black tank top and a choker necklace. Beside her is a tall glass of iced coffee with a straw. The background shows large windows with blurred greenery outside.

The Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is one of the main residency options for American remote workers and freelancers who want to move to Portugal while continuing the work they already do for their employer or clients. In , a single applicant typically needs () per month in qualifying active income to apply, plus the required savings. If you earn your income remotely — whether through freelancing, a 1099 contractor arrangement, or a remote W-2 job — this visa can offer …

An older couple sits at a table, smiling and looking at a laptop screen. Both wear glasses; the woman is in a white polka-dot blouse, and the man is in a grey checked shirt. They seem to be working together, with papers and a notebook on the table.

The D7 visa lets Americans with passive income — such as Social Security, 401(k) or IRA distributions, or rental income — move to Portugal and live here full-time. You’ll enjoy Portugal’s beautiful beaches, lower cost of living, and safety — plus access to the universal healthcare system and affordable education. The best part? In , an individual only needs around per month to qualify (officially ). The D7 Visa Is Best For ✔ American retirees on Social Security✔ Those living …

man shrugging his shoulders against yellow background

A few years ago, this was a much easier question to answer. Portugal’s Golden Visa was one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe. You could buy a property, spend very little time in Portugal, and still work toward citizenship after five years. Now, that equation looks very different. The big issue is citizenship. Portugal’s government announced plans to increase the residency period for naturalization from five years to 10 years for most foreigners. This means more renewals, more …

The AIMA appointment usually takes place after you have moved to Portugal on your 120-day visa. In theory, it should happen within those 120 days. In practice, that does not always happen, and many people end up staying in Portugal beyond the validity of the initial visa while waiting for the appointment. Compared to the consular stage—usually the VFS appointment in your home country—this part of the process is supposed to be more of a formality. The main decision has …

If you’ve been researching Portugal’s HQA visa, there’s a good chance you were not actually looking for the HQA Visa at all. You are probably looking for a cheaper, faster alternative to Portugal’s Golden Visa. The short answer is that the HQA can be a very good option for a very select number of people. But for most people, it is not a real alternative to the Golden Visa at all. It is a different route, based on a different …

A lot of people hit the same wall. You have a remote job. Or you freelance. Or you run an online business. However you work, you decide to apply for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8)—and then you see the requirement: an average of salary of per month. That’s high! If you add a partner (+50%) or children (+30%), suddenly the numbers feel even more out of reach. And the reality is this: most people don’t qualify. Not just people from …

Here’s Why I’d Choose Portugal’s Golden Visa Over Greece’s (And Here’s Why I Wouldn’t)

Can You Move to Portugal as a Remote Worker? Yes, But it’s Not That Simple

Portugal Golden Visa Stay Requirements: How Much Time Do You Actually Need to Spend Here?

D2 Visa vs Golden Visa: Which Is Right for Entrepreneurs Moving to Portugal?

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa for Americans: What US Remote Workers Need to Know

Portugal’s D7 Visa for Americans: Social Security, Pensions and What Counts

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa Still Worth It?

Which Documents Do You Need for Your AIMA Appointment?

Portugal’s HQA Visa vs Golden Visa: Is It Really a Cheaper Alternative?

Don’t Qualify for the Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa? Here Are Your Best D8 Alternatives