The Easiest Portugal Residency Visas (Ranked + Explained)

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens looking for a new life — whether that’s retirees seeking sunshine, remote workers craving lifestyle balance, families wanting safety, or Brits and others simply trying to regain a foothold in the EU.

And the reason is simple: Portugal offers residency visas for a wide range of situations.
You don’t need to be wealthy.
You don’t need to buy property.
You just need to match the visa to your circumstances — whether that’s passive income, remote work, a business, a job offer, or investment.

However, it’s also true that Portugal has been adjusting its immigration rules in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, the resident population grew by more than 270,000 people — one of the largest increases in modern history. Unsurprisingly, this led to pressure on housing, public services, and the immigration system itself.

As a result, by late 2025:

• Citizenship eligibility is currently 3,680
• Family reunification and some job-seeker routes tightened
• The government began placing more emphasis on demonstrating ties to Portugal (culture, community, or integration)

But here’s the key point:

The major residency routes are still very much open.

• The D7 Visa for retirees and passive income earners remains one of Europe’s most accessible residency pathways.
• The Digital Nomad Visa continues to welcome remote workers and freelancers.
• And the Golden Visa remains unchanged since real estate was removed in 2023.

And importantly: After 5 years, you can still apply for Permanent Residency — which offers stability, long-term rights, and even makes living elsewhere in the EU easier.

So yes — moving to Portugal is still very possible. Below, we’ll rank the residency visas from easiest to most complex — and help you determine which one fits your situation best.

Portugal Residency Visas Ranked From Easiest to Hardest

We also include options for EU/EEA/and Swiss citizens and their family members (e.g. spouse or dependent children)

D7 Visa (Passive Income / Retirees / Landlords)

The D7 is ranked #1 because it is realistically achievable for a large number of non-EU citizens — especially people from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and similar countries where pensions, Social Security, and rental income are typically high enough to meet the requirements.

The income requirements are low, the documentation is straightforward, and many people already meet the criteria — especially retirees and homeowners in higher-income countries. If you can show steady passive income, the D7 is one of the most attainable ways to move to Europe.

Who the D7 Works Best For

• Retirees receiving pension or US Social Security
• People who own rental properties (even just one)
• Dividend or share investors
• Authors, artists, musicians receiving royalties

Income Requirements (as of 2026)

Savings Requirement

Usually at least 12 months of income, shown in bank statements:

• Single: €11,040
• Couple: €16,560

Why This Visa Is So Accessible

Many people already meet the income threshold without realizing it.

Examples:

• A UK state pension + a small private pension = enough
• US Social Security Retirement alone often meets the requirement
• Renting out a home in Toronto, Seattle, Sydney, London, etc., often exceeds the income threshold on its own

You don’t need to sell your home — you can rent it out and use the rental income.

If you don’t currently have passive income, there are workarounds:

• Convert savings into an annuity
• Move savings into a high-interest account and demonstrate recurring interest
• Rent out a second room, basement, ADU, or investment property

Read more about the D7

Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers & Freelancers)

The Digital Nomad Visa is ranked #2 because although the income requirement is much higher than the D7, remote work has become much more common, especially since the pandemic. Many people from higher-income countries can qualify — but it is definitely not as accessible as the D7.

This visa (often called the D8 and sometimes the D9) is for people who work remotely for a non-Portuguese company or freelance for non-Portuguese clients. In other words, your income must come from outside Portugal.

The income requirement is 4× Portugal’s minimum wage, which makes it one of the highest digital nomad thresholds in Europe — even higher than Spain’s Golden Visa requirement in some cases. However, many countries don’t offer a digital nomad visa, and Portugal does — making it possible for working-age people to move to an EU country.

Income Requirements (as of 2026)

So yes — if you’re applying as a couple or family, the numbers add up quickly.

Who This Visa Works Best For

People from countries with higher average salaries (US, Canada, Ireland, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong) tend to qualify most easily. People from lower-income markets may struggle unless they are in globally competitive fields like software engineering or finance.

Why It’s Ranked #2

• Harder than the D7 due to the income threshold
• But more people qualify for remote work than passive income
• And it’s much easier than finding a sponsoring employer in Portugal (D1/D3)

If you:

• Already work remotely
• Earn well above the minimum
• And have long-term income stability

…then the D8 is a straightforward way to move to Portugal.

Read more about the Digital Nomad Visa

Golden Visa (Investors)

The Golden Visa is ranked #3 because while most people cannot meet the investment amount, it becomes one of the easiest and most flexible residency pathways if you do have the funds. Unlike the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa, the Golden Visa does not require you to live in Portugal full-time: just an average of seven days per year. However, if you wish to, you can spend the full 365 days in Portugal.

It is, in many ways, the opposite of the other visas.

If you:

• Don’t want to move to Portugal right now
• Want a backup plan / Plan B in the EU
• Have a high-paying job you don’t want to leave
• Want to give your family future EU rights
• Want to keep your current tax residence

Then the Golden Visa offers exactly that.

It’s likely that Portugal’s Golden Visa will continue to be popular. While some countries offer a faster path to citizenship and some even allow you to invest in real estate, Portugal is one of the few that only has minimal physical stay requirements.

Minimum Investment (Post-2023 Rules)

Best For

• High earners who don’t want to leave their job yet
• People planning a future international move
• People who want EU mobility without relocation
• Those diversifying savings or investment portfolios
• Those who want to spend more than the 90 days the Schengen Visa allows (but don’t want to live here full-time)

Why It’s Ranked #3

• Hard if you don’t have €250k–€500k but easy if you do
• Requires almost no time in Portugal
• Does not require you to become a tax resident

Read more about the Golden Visa

D2 Visa (Entrepreneurs & Business Owners)

The D2 is ranked #4 because it is genuinely one of the easier entrepreneurial visas in Europe — but it requires strategy, clarity, and a business that makes sense in Portugal. There is no minimum investment and no requirement to hire staff immediately, which already puts it ahead of similar visas in other EU countries. There’s also more flexibility if you need to spend time outside of Portugal for business purposes — not as much as the Golden Visa but more than the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa.

It’s accessible to:

• Small business owners
• Freelancers or consultants
• Solo entrepreneurs
• Online business owners relocating their business base
• People buying or continuing an existing Portuguese business

You do not need venture capital, employees on day one, or a big startup plan. However — you do need to show a real, viable business that can financially support you (and any dependents) in Portugal.

Why This Visa Is Attractive

• No fixed minimum startup cost
• Portugal’s cost of living and wages are lower, so your business doesn’t need to produce a high income to sustain you
• Portugal is actively trying to attract entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners

In short: It’s financially accessible.

But Here’s the Catch

This is not a “just say you’re starting a business and get approved” visa. The D2 is subjective. A real human being at AIMA (or the consulate) looks at your application and asks:

Does this business make sense?
Will it realistically support this person?
Does it benefit Portugal in some way — even indirectly?

With the D7, you either have passive income or you don’t. With the D8, you either meet the salary threshold or you don’t. The D2 requires persuasion.

Why It’s Ranked #4

• More flexible than most business visas in Europe
• Low financial threshold
• But approval depends on how persuasive your business case is

If you like the idea of working for yourself, and especially if you have entrepreneurial experience, the D2 can be a very strong option for moving to Portugal.

Read more about the D2

D1 Visa (General Employment Visa)

The D1 visa is ranked #5 because, on paper, it’s one of the simplest visas: If you have a job offer from a Portuguese employer, you can move to Portugal and work.

There are no skill-level requirements and no need to be in a “highly qualified” profession like with the D3. Teachers, hospitality staff, office administrators, tradespeople, technicians, service workers — all can qualify.

Does This Mean the D1 Is Only for Low-Skilled Work? No. The D1 is simply the visa for any job that doesn’t require a higher academic qualification.

So in terms of eligibility, the D1 is very open.

However, the challenge isn’t the visa — it’s getting the job.

Why the D1 Is Difficult to Secure

There are two major hurdles:

1. Employers must prove they couldn’t hire someone from Portugal or the EU

This is a legal requirement across the EU, not just Portugal. Because the EU is so large, unless your role is quite specialized, it can be difficult for employers to justify hiring someone from outside the EU — especially if there are local candidates available.

2. Hiring a non-EU employee requires extra admin and cost

For an employer, hiring someone on the D1 means:

• Extra paperwork
• A longer hiring timeline
• Sometimes additional taxes or HR compliance steps

Portugal also has one of the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe, so employers are typically cost-conscious. This means the employer must really want you specifically.

Why It’s Ranked #5

• Easy eligibility (no degree or specialist requirement)
• Hard to convince an employer to sponsor
• Employer must prove EU recruitment failed
• Portuguese language is often needed

Read more about the D1

D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Professionals)

The D3 is ranked #6 because although it offers a very clear path to residency, it only applies to specific types of skilled jobs — and most people simply won’t fit the criteria. If your work requires specialized training, licensing, or academic qualifications, this may be your route. If not, the D1 is the better fit.

This visa is commonly used by:

• Software engineers & developers
• Doctors, nurses, dentists, and medical specialists
• University lecturers, researchers, and academics
• Architects, engineers, and technical professionals
• Finance, data science, and corporate specialists

If the job you’re being hired for is considered “high-skilled” in the Portuguese labor classification system, it may qualify.

Why This Visa Exists

Portugal — like many countries — has shortages in certain professional fields. The D3 is designed to fill skilled labor gaps, while the D1 covers all other employment types.

Key Requirements

You need:

1. A job offer or contract from a Portuguese employer
2. In a role classified as “highly qualified”
3. With a salary above minimum wage levels

Salary Requirement

At least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS). As of 2026, the minimum wage in Portugal is €920 per month. This amounts to €1,380.

This makes it slightly harder to qualify than the D1 (where the only requirement is the minimum wage) and amounts to €920 per month.

The Real Challenge

Just like the D1, the hard part is not the visa — it’s:

• Finding a Portuguese employer willing to sponsor
• Proving your role qualifies as “highly skilled”
• Often needing Portuguese language, depending on the industry
• Competing with EU candidates first

There is no central list of companies willing to hire from abroad — which means these roles are typically landed through:

• Referrals
• Industry networking
• Internal transfers
• Recruitment in shortage areas (e.g., hospitals, engineering firms, research institutions)

Why It’s Ranked #6

• Only works for specific fields
• Higher salary requirement
• Requires finding an employer willing to handle sponsorship
• Often requires some Portuguese

Read more about the D3 Visa

D5 Visa (If You’re Already Studying in Europe)

The D5 is ranked #7 because it’s extremely straightforward if you already meet one condition: You are currently studying at a university in another EU/EEA country and want to transfer your studies to Portugal.

If you are not already studying in Europe, this visa likely does not apply to you — and you can skip ahead to the D4.

But if you are already enrolled in a European university, the D5 can be one of the smoothest and fastest ways to move to Portugal legally.

D4 Visa (Students)

The D4 is ranked #8 because it is often one of the easiest visas to be approved for — but it does not guarantee the ability to stay in Portugal after you finish studying. It’s a temporary residency pathway, not a full settlement route by itself.

The main requirement is simple: Be accepted into a Portuguese university or long-term study program.

If you have a place on a degree, master’s, PhD, or other qualifying education program, you can generally secure the D4.

Why It’s Relatively Easy to Access

• Portuguese universities are known for being more affordable than those in the US/UK
• Many programs accept international students
• You don’t always need to speak Portuguese to apply

The Biggest Challenge: Language

Most degree programs in Portugal are taught in Portuguese.
There are English-taught programs, especially at:

• NOVA (Lisbon)
• University of Porto
• University of Coimbra
• Católica
• Minho / Aveiro in some departments

But the selection is:

• Limited
• More competitive
• Often at the Master’s level rather than Bachelor’s

If you don’t already speak Portuguese, you may need a prep year or language program, or choose from the smaller pool of English-taught courses.

Financial Requirements

To qualify, you must show:

• Accommodation in Portugal
• Financial means to support yourself during your studies (typically €920+/month equivalent)

This is where many applicants are surprised. You might have been able to attend university in your home country without proving financial means — but for the D4, Portugal requires explicit proof.

Additionally:

• Scholarships or student loans from your home country may not transfer
• You may need to demonstrate personal savings or support from a parent/sponsor

Right to Work

Once you receive your residence permit, you can work while studying — part-time or full-time, depending on the program. However, the job market often requires Portuguese, so part-time work isn’t guaranteed. Also, the minimum wage in Portugal is low but the cost of living in places with universities (e.g. Lisbon or Porto) is rapidly increasing.

Staying After Graduation

Time spent on the D4 does count toward:

• Permanent Residency (after 5 years) and eventually
• Citizenship – 3,680

However — the D4 does not let you stay after your studies unless you switch to another visa, usually:

• D1 Work Visa (if you find a job), or
• D3 (if the job is considered highly qualified)

This means the D4 is best if your long-term plan includes integrating into the job market in Portugal.

Why It’s Ranked #8

• Easy to be accepted if enrolled in a program
• Affordable education
• Time counts toward residency
• Most university programs are in Portuguese
• Must prove financial means, even if not needed at home
• Not a long-term solution on its own

Read more about the D4 Visa

D6 Visa (Family Reunification)

The D6 is ranked #9 because it is one of the easiest visas to secure — but only if you already have a qualifying family member living legally in Portugal. If you don’t have a spouse, partner, parent, or child with legal residency here, this visa does not apply to you.

But if you do — this is one of the most straightforward residency pathways available.

Note: if the family member who’s already resident in Portugal is an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you should use the Article 15 route instead.

Read more about the D6 Visa

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens (and Their Family Members)

If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, good news — you do not need a visa.
You can move to Portugal freely and simply register locally:

1. After 90 days (or earlier in some towns), go to your local câmara municipal
2. Apply for the CRUE (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia)
3. Bring:
   • Passport or EU ID
   • Proof of Portuguese address

Family Members (spouse/partner, dependent children, dependent parents) can also register — they do this through AIMA under EU family reunification rules (known as “Article 15“).

Read more about moving to Portugal as an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

Conclusion: Portugal Is Still One of the Most Accessible Paths Into the EU

Despite recent immigration tightening and the longer timeline for citizenship, Portugal remains one of the most attainable residency destinations in Europe for non-EU citizens.

Compared to other EU countries:

• The D7 Visa is still far more accessible than Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, especially for retirees and anyone with rental or dividend income.
• The Digital Nomad Visa, while financially demanding, offers a path that many countries do not — residency based on remote work.
• The D2 Entrepreneur Visa doesn’t require a minimum investment.
• Portugal is one of the only EU countries that still has a Golden Visa that leads to residency and eventual citizenship with minimal stay requirements.
• The Student (D4/D5) visas count toward permanent residency and citizenship, which is not true everywhere in Europe.

In other words: there are multiple valid, realistic ways in. The important thing is matching your situation to the right pathway.

And if you don’t qualify right now, the question becomes: How can you position yourself to qualify?

Some examples:

What makes Portugal unique is flexibility. There isn’t just one way to move — there are several, each designed for a different life situation.

So if Portugal aligns with your values — safety, climate, stability, affordability, lifestyle — then your next step is simply:

1. Choose the visa that matches your current situation, or
2. Begin planning to qualify for it.

Portugal may have changed — but it is still open, still welcoming, and still one of the most realistic ways to build a life in Europe.

And if your dream is to create a life here?

It’s absolutely achievable.
You just need the right pathway.