How to Stay in Portugal For More Than 90 Days (as a non-EU citizen)

For Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians, and anyone else without an EU/EEA or Swiss passport, Portugal’s 90-days-in-180-days Schengen rule is often the first big headache. It’s fine for a short trip, but not ideal if you’re thinking about moving here— or even doing a longer “test-the-waters” stay.

The good news? You can stay longer. But the routes differ hugely in cost, commitment, tax consequences, and how much time you’re expected to spend in Portugal.

This guide walks you through your options in plain English—Portugalist style—so you know exactly what’s possible, what’s difficult, and what you should avoid.

Option 1: Stick to the Schengen 90/180 Rule

If you just want to spend time in Portugal without becoming a resident, you can rely on the standard Schengen visa-free allowance: 90 days inside any rolling 180-day window.

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What does “rolling 180 days” actually mean?

This is where people get confused.

Think of it like this:

• Look at any day you’re in Portugal.
• Now look backward 180 days.
• Inside that window, you cannot have spent more than 90 days in the Schengen Area (not just Portugal).

It’s not “90 days, leave once, and reset.” It’s constantly recalculated.

This is why many travelers accidentally overstay. Unfortunately, there can be serious consequences for overstaying: this includes fines, deportation, and an entry ban for a set period, ranging from 1 to 10 years.

Use visa-day calculators (seriously)

These rolling windows confuse almost everyone, so use a Schengen day calculator (Google “Schengen calculator” or use the European Commission’s version).
It’s worth running a few hypothetical scenarios so you feel how the rolling window works.

Example: How to spend 180 days per year in Portugal (legally)

• Stay 90 days
• Leave for 90 days
• Return for 90 more days

Your “break” doesn’t need to be in your home country—you could go to somewhere like:

• Ireland (EU but not Schengen)
• The UK

It’s not ideal, but it’s the simplest legal option as it doesn’t involve trying to get an extension of apply for residency.

Option 2: Apply for a Schengen Extension

Yes, you can request an extension beyond 90 days. No, it is not guaranteed.

Portugal grants extensions primarily for:

• Medical emergencies
• Serious personal or family circumstances
• Unforeseen events (flight cancellations, illness, etc.)

However—some Portugalist readers report being given extensions simply because they asked. This is absolutely not the official rule, but it has happened.

Who handles extensions?

AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) — previously SEF.

But a warning…

Getting through to AIMA is difficult to the point where it’s almost impossible. Phone lines are often overwhelmed, and appointments are limited. If you’re going to attempt an extension, start early and be patient.

Option 3: Apply for the Portugal Golden Visa

(A low-stay residency visa option)

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If your main priority is maximum flexibility, the Golden Visa remains the easiest residency path because:

• You only need to spend 7 days (on average) per year in Portugal
• You can keep living and working elsewhere
• You can still work toward Portuguese permanent residency and—eventually—citizenship

Yes, you can spend more than 90 days in a row in Portugal. You would just need to keep it under the 183-day limit, which normally triggers tax residency, and avoid making your primary home in Portugal.

That is, of course, assuming you only want to spend more time in Portugal. Should you wish to, you’re welcome to spend as much as 365 days per year in Portugal.

Golden Visa Investment Routes

• Investment Funds: €500,000
• Arts & Culture Donation: €250,000 (€200,000 in some areas)
• Scientific Research Investment: €500,000
• Business investment creating 5 jobs: €500,000
• Business creating 10 jobs: No minimum investment

Property is no longer eligible.

Despite political debates, the Golden Visa continues to be the best “Plan B residency” for those who cannot commit to living in Portugal (or anywhere else in the EU) full-time.

Option 4: Apply for a Residency Visa

If you want to live in Portugal—or stay for longer than 90 days—then you need residency. Here are the two most common visas.

The D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

Perfect for:

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• Retirees
• Those with rental income
• Anyone with reliable passive or semi-passive income (such as dividends or royalties)

Financial Requirements

Main applicant: €920 per month per month
Spouse: +50%
Child: +30%

Approximate Monthly Requirements Table (2026)

As well as regular passive income, you will also need sufficient savings. Typically this is calculated as your required passive income (e.g. €920 for an individual or €1,380 for a couple) X 12.

There isn’t an exact calculation: some submit with more, some with less.

The Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers and freelancers with active income from outside Portugal.

Minimum income (2026):

Main applicant: €3,680 per month
Spouse: +50%
Child: +30%

These aren’t the only residency visas. A longer list of residency visas can be found here.

How Much Time Must You Actually Spend in Portugal?

Although your goal may be to spend more time in Portugal, some people find the physical stay requirements too much.

Conclusion: Which Option Is Right for You?

If your priority is:

• Flexibility → Golden Visa
• Affordability → D7 or Digital Nomad Visa
• Short-term testing → Stay within the Schengen limits

Portugal gives you multiple paths—but the rules can be confusing. If in doubt, speak with an immigration lawyer and use visa-day calculators to avoid accidental overstays.