How to Move to Portugal From Turkey

If you’re in Turkey and thinking about starting a new life abroad, Portugal is probably high on your list — and you’re far from alone. Whether it’s families looking for stability, professionals seeking better opportunities, or investors building a long-term EU plan, Portugal has become an increasingly attractive destination for Turkish citizens.

The reasons are easy to understand: safety, political stability, a calm pace of life, strong public services, EU residency rights, and a warm, welcoming culture. Add sunshine, beautiful coastlines, and a more predictable day-to-day environment, and Portugal offers something many people from Turkey are craving: a peaceful, secure, and steady life for the future.

It’s not perfect — and Portugal has its own bureaucratic challenges — but for Turkish nationals looking for stability, education options, and a European base, it remains one of the most accessible and appealing choices in the EU.

Turkish citizens are classed as third-country nationals in Portugal. This means you can visit for 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, but if you want to live, work, study, or retire in Portugal, you’ll need a residency visa.

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Below are the main visa routes available to Turkish citizens in 2026.

Visa Options for Turkish Applicants

D7 Visa — Passive Income or Retirement

The D7 remains one of the most popular visas for Turkish nationals who want to move to Portugal full-time. It’s designed for passive income — not a salary or savings — meaning:

• rental income
• dividends
• pensions
• regular investment income
• interest

Requirements (approximate):

• Monthly passive income: €920
  • +50% for spouse
  • +30% per child
• Around 12 months’ worth of savings recommended (e.g. for an individual, €3,680 X 12 or €3,680 X 12 for a couple
• 12-month rental contract or property deed normally required
• Turkish criminal record certificate
• Private travel or health insurance

You’ll apply through the Portuguese Consulate (Ankara or Istanbul) or VFS Global. After approval you’ll enter Portugal, attend biometrics, and receive a 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 more. You can apply for permanent residency after 5 years; citizenship after 10.

Important for Turkish applicants:

Even though many D7 holders do eventually get permission to work, this visa is not designed as a work visa. If your plan is to move to Portugal and find a job immediately, the D7 is usually not an ideal match.

Digital Nomad Visa — Remote Work or Freelancing

The Digital Nomad Visa (usually called the D8, sometimes the D9) is popular with Turkish software engineers, designers, and freelancers who already earn foreign income — particularly from the US, UK, EU, or Gulf countries.

Requirements (approximate):

• Monthly income: €3,680 (for an individual)
  • +50% for spouse
  • +30% per child
• Around 12 months’ worth of savings recommended (e.g. for an individual, €3,680 X 12 or €3,680 X 12 for a couple
• Remote work contract or freelance contracts with foreign clients (with permission to work from Portugal)
• Proof that all income originates outside Portugal
• Health insurance, clean record, accommodation

This is one of the best routes if you work internationally — but the income threshold is high, and many applicants underestimate it. If you’re adding family members, qualifying for this visa becomes particularly challenging.

Golden Visa — Investment Residency

Portugal’s Golden Visa may have changed over the years, but it remains one of the strongest and most flexible residency-by-investment programmes in Europe.

While other countries have tightened, restricted, or even shut down their schemes — Spain has ended theirs, Malta has tightened its requirements, and many others now require long periods of physical residence before you can even think about citizenship — Portugal’s programme continues to offer what most investors want:

• Residency in an EU country
• Minimal stay requirements (≈ seven days per year)
• A long-term path to citizenship
• The ability to maintain your business and tax residency elsewhere

For families in Turkey who want an EU “Plan B,” or for investors with substantial savings who prefer flexibility over relocation, Portugal remains one of the last truly viable options in Europe.

It’s not cheap — the fees are high, and investment minimums are significant — but compared to the alternatives, the combination of simplicity, stability, and long-term upside is hard to match.

Ideal for those who:

• Want EU residency but prefer to stay living in Turkey (or elsewhere)
• Want a European backup plan due to political or economic uncertainty
• Want future EU citizenship for children
• Don’t want to change tax residency
• Want flexibility (7 days per year stay requirement)

Investment Options (Post-2023):

Even with the citizenship timeline extended to 10 years, Turkish applicants still view this as one of Europe’s most flexible investment routes.

D2 Visa — Entrepreneur Route

The D2 is Portugal’s residency pathway for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small-to-medium business owners — and it’s one of the most appealing options for people from Turkey who want to actively build a life and income in Portugal rather than rely on passive income or remote work.

Where the D7 requires passive income and the Digital Nomad Visa requires high foreign income, the D2 is about creating a working business inside Portugal. For the right applicant, it can be an excellent fit. But it also comes with more scrutiny than many expect.

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Who the D2 Visa Is For

The D2 route works best for people who:

• Already run a successful business in Turkey and want to expand to Portugal
• Wish to relocate a service-based business (consulting, design, tech, etc.)
• Want to open a new business
• Have startup capital and a clear plan

What Portuguese Authorities Want to See

A good application typically includes:

• A clear, realistic business plan tailored specifically to Portugal
• Market research showing the business fills a genuine need
• Evidence that you have sufficient startup capital
• A plan for how you will support yourself financially
• Potential for job creation (not mandatory, but very helpful)

The D2 is not the easiest visa. But success depends on preparation. A rushed, vague business plan will fail. A strong, credible plan — backed by realistic finances — can lead to long-term residency, stability, and eventually, citizenship for the whole family.

If you’re entrepreneurial and ready to build something real, the D2 remains one of Portugal’s strongest, most future-focused residency routes.

D1 & D3 Work Visas

Portugal offers two main employment visas: the D1 (general employment) & the D3 (highly skilled employment).

D1: Standard Work Visa

The D1 visa applies when you have a standard, full-time employment contract with a Portuguese employer. Requirements usually include:

• A signed job offer or work contract
• A salary at or above the national minimum wage (currently €920)
• Registration with Portuguese social security (handled by the employer)

This is where many Turkish applicants face disappointment. Portugal’s salaries are:

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• low by EU standards
• often not enough to support a family
• difficult for newcomers without Portuguese

The biggest challenge isn’t paperwork — it’s getting an employer to hire and sponsor you before you arrive.

D3: Highly Qualified Professionals

The D3 is Portugal’s work visa for highly skilled roles, including jobs that fall under the EU Blue Card scheme. This visa gives faster processing, more stability, and a smoother long-term path toward EU mobility.

To qualify, you typically need:

• A job offer in a highly qualified field
• A salary of at least 1.5× the minimum wage (€1,380)
• Relevant degrees, certifications, or proven expertise
• A role classified as “high value” or “specialised”

Good for:

• Engineers
• IT specialists
• Academics
• Doctors & nurses
• Researchers

Again, the biggest challenge with this visa is not necessarily qualifying for the visa — but getting a job offer in the first place. And while you will be paid above minimum wage, it’s important to factor in the cost of living, particularly if you are moving to somewhere like Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve.

Reasons to Move to Portugal from Turkey

The following are some of the main reasons people in Turkey consider immigrating to Portugal — along with a few realities worth being aware of.

Safety

Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, with very low levels of violent crime. For many people coming from Turkey, especially families with children or retirees, this sense of everyday safety and calm is one of the biggest draws. You don’t need to obsess over security, neighbourhoods, or late-night travel in the same way you might in larger, more hectic cities.

Family Reunification

Portugal’s family reunification rules make it possible to bring close family members such as a spouse/partner and dependent children, once the main applicant has residency and meets income and accommodation requirements.

For Turkish families, where staying close to parents, partners, and children is a core value, this is a major plus: you don’t have to choose between building a life in Portugal and maintaining family unity.

Healthcare

Portugal, like most EU countries, has a tax-funded public healthcare system (SNS) that residents can access once registered. Alongside this is a strong private healthcare sector, which you can use via health insurance or by paying out of pocket.

If you’re used to Turkey’s mix of public and private care, Portugal will feel familiar:

• You can use the public system for most needs at low cost.
• You can use private clinics and hospitals for faster appointments, more choice, or English-speaking doctors.

Most new arrivals start with private health insurance (also required for most visas), then combine public and private once they’re fully resident.

Cost of Living

Whether Portugal is “cheaper” than Turkey depends a lot on your situation.

• If you earn in euros or another strong currency and live outside Lisbon, Cascais, or the most expensive parts of the Algarve, Portugal can feel very affordable.
• If you rely on a Portuguese salary, you may find life tight, especially in the big cities.
• If your income remains in Turkish lira, Portugal will feel significantly more expensive, particularly for rent, cars, and imported goods.

In general:

• Housing is cheaper than in many Western European capitals, but Lisbon, Cascais, and parts of the Algarve are no longer “cheap.”
• Groceries, local produce, and eating out in more ordinary (non-tourist) places are reasonable.
• Cars, fuel, and electricity are expensive.

The sweet spot for many Turkish families is often a medium-sized city or inland/coastal town outside the main hotspots.

Quality of Life

Portugal is known for its high quality of life:

• Mild climate (though summers can still be very hot in the interior)
• Slower, more relaxed daily rhythm
• Strong focus on family and community
• Good food, coffee, and a lot of everyday social life outdoors

In that sense, there are familiarities with Turkey: family is central, long meals are normal, and people enjoy talking rather than rushing.

However, it’s worth noting:

• Portuguese salaries are relatively low.
• Many people work long hours to make ends meet.
• The “slow pace” you enjoy on holiday is the same pace you’ll deal with at the bank, AIMA, or the town hall.

If you’re prepared for that trade-off, the lifestyle benefits can be huge.

Weather

Portugal’s weather is generally mild and pleasant:

• Summers are hot, especially inland, but coastal breezes and the Atlantic keep many areas more bearable than the most intense heat in parts of Turkey.
• Winters are short and relatively mild, but houses are often poorly insulated, so indoor cold and damp can be a surprise.

If you’re used to Turkey’s climate, much of Portugal will feel familiar, just with cooler winters and more Atlantic wind and rain in the north and along the west coast.

Attainable Visas (With Realistic Expectations)

Portugal is often seen as one of the more accessible EU countries for residency, but it’s important to be realistic:

• D7 visa (passive income) – Designed for pensions, rental income, and other passive income. The basic requirement is around €920 per month (for the main applicant) as of 2026, plus extra for family members and usually 6–12 months of savings.
  • Savings alone are usually not enough.
  • It’s not meant as a work visa, even if many later get the right to work.
• Digital nomad visa – Aimed at remote workers with foreign income. The income threshold is high (about 4× minimum wage), which can be challenging compared to typical incomes in Turkey, but achievable for some IT and remote professionals.
• D2 entrepreneur visa – Possible if you have a credible business plan and capital. There is significant scrutiny of the business, and “paper companies” or vague ideas are unlikely to succeed.
• Golden Visa – Requires a substantial investment (for example, €500,000 into qualifying investment funds, or €250,000+ cultural donations). For those who can afford it, the big advantage is minimal stay requirements (roughly seven days a year) and a long-term EU “Plan B” for the family.

Compared with other EU countries, Portugal’s routes can be more flexible, but they’re not “easy visas” and should be approached with proper planning.

Citizenship and EU Access

One of Portugal’s biggest attractions is the possibility of gaining EU citizenship in the long term.

• After holding legal residency for 10 years and meeting language and other requirements, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship via naturalisation (previously this was five years, but current discussions and rules point to a 10-year timeline for most people).
• You’ll need to demonstrate at least A2 level Portuguese, which is achievable with consistent study, especially if you live and interact in Portuguese daily. However, it will still require some study.

For Turkish citizens who want their children to have EU opportunities in the future, this long-term path is often a key reason to choose Portugal over other destinations.

English & Portuguese

English is widely spoken in:

• Lisbon and Porto
• The Algarve
• Many tourist-heavy areas

But for real integration, work opportunities, public sector interactions, and friendships beyond the international community, Portuguese is essential.

The good news: many Turks are already used to dealing with multiple languages (Turkish, English, sometimes German, Arabic, etc.), so adding Portuguese is very possible — especially with the right motivation.

Other Challenges to Be Aware Of

Living in Portugal has downsides you should factor in:

• Bureaucracy – Slow, sometimes inconsistent, often requires multiple visits and a lot of patience.
• Housing quality – Older properties can be cold, damp, and poorly insulated, especially in winter. Space heaters can be expensive to run.
• Integration – It can take time to build friendships with locals, especially if you stick to English-speaking circles and don’t learn Portuguese.

Weighing It All Up

Every country has its pros and cons. Portugal offers safety, a calmer lifestyle, EU residency, and a good environment for children — but also lower salaries, slow bureaucracy, and some practical frustrations.

For many people in Turkey, the decision comes down to this question:

Do the long-term benefits — safety, stability, EU access, and quality of life — outweigh the challenges of starting over, learning a new language, and adapting to a different system?

If the answer is yes, Portugal can be an excellent choice for your next chapter.

Where to Live

While you could live anywhere in Portugal, the following are some of the most popular places to move to.

• Lisbon: As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon offers a cosmopolitan vibe reminiscent of Istanbul but on a much smaller and more intimate scale. It is the heart of Portugal’s diverse job market, brimming with culture, business, and entertainment. However, like Istanbul, the cost of living in Lisbon, particularly for accommodation, is relatively high. This could be a significant consideration for those accustomed to the dynamic urban life of Istanbul but seeking more affordable living options.
• Porto: Known as Portugal’s “second city,” Porto provides a slightly more cost-effective lifestyle than Lisbon. Rich in history and famous for its bridges and Port wine, Porto blends urban life with traditional Portuguese charm. This makes it an appealing choice for those from Turkey seeking a mix of modernity and historical culture, similar to the balance found in cities like Izmir or Antalya. One downside of living in Porto is the wetter and damper winters, however, this is made up for by the lower cost of living and ease of access to Northern Portugal and the north of Spain.
• Algarve: Renowned for its stunning beaches and charming towns, the Algarve could remind Turkish expatriates of the coastal beauty of places like Bodrum or Antalya, but with a unique Portuguese twist. Inland areas of the Algarve offer more affordable living. The region’s primary job sectors in construction and tourism present opportunities that might resonate with those familiar with similar economic sectors in Turkey’s coastal regions.
• The Silver Coast: The Silver Coast is a rising favourite among expatriates, featuring enchanting cities like Coimbra, with its historic university, and Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal.” This region provides a tranquil lifestyle, ideal for those from Turkey seeking a blend of serene coastal living and the accessibility of urban amenities, akin to the experience in areas like the Turkish Aegean coast.

Conclusion

For many people in Turkey, the motivation to move to Portugal can be summed up in a few words: stability, safety, and a better future for their family. The combination of EU residency, a calmer pace of life, good schools, and a safer environment is extremely attractive — especially when everyday life at home feels increasingly pressured.

Portugal offers a wide range of visas, from the D7 and digital nomad visas for those with remote or passive income, to the D2 for entrepreneurs, and the Golden Visa for those who want a low-presence Plan B. But it’s important to be clear-eyed: work visas (D1/D3) are hard to secure, local salaries are low by EU standards, and the cost of living — especially in Lisbon, Cascais, and parts of the Algarve — continues to rise.

The bureaucracy can be slow, the paperwork frustrating, and the systems sometimes inconsistent. But if you can tolerate the admin and plan your finances carefully, the reward is real: a safe, friendly country where your children can grow up with EU opportunities, and where everyday life feels a little lighter and more human.

In the end, moving from Turkey to Portugal is about trade-offs. You give up some familiarity and convenience, and you take on a new language and culture. In return, you gain time, safety, and a foothold in the European Union. For many families and investors in Turkey, that’s a trade worth making.