Compare Visa & Residency Options

Illustration of a hand holding a rubber stamp marking a document with the word "APPROVED". The document has lines indicating text and a light yellowish color. The background is a light teal color.
Written by / Last updated on December 4, 2024

So you want to move to Portugal? Fantastic! Let’s see which visas and residency permits you could qualify for (Note: you may qualify for more than one and this is just a broad overview).

I have an EU/EEA/Swiss Passport (or my partner does)

The flag of the European Union is depicted with a blue background and a circle of twelve yellow, five-pointed stars in the center. The stars are evenly spaced and represent unity and solidarity among the member countries.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can easily move to Portugal (see here) and they can bring certain non-EU/EEA/Swiss family members with them (see here). 

I receive a pension/social security

Three elderly women walk along a beach shoreline on a sunny day. They are casually dressed in light jackets and pants, and they seem to be enjoying their time together. The ocean waves gently touch their bare feet, and the background features greenery and distant trees.

There’s a visa called the D7 that’s aimed at those with a passive income, such as income from a pension or social security.

As of 2025:

  • An individual needs at least €870 per month to qualify.
  • A couple would need an additional 50% (+ €435).
  • For each dependent child, add 30% (or + €261).

I own one or more rental properties

A modern, open-concept living and dining area with a large window allowing ample natural light. The room features a dining table with black chairs, a cozy beige sectional sofa with red cushions reminiscent of Portugal's vibrant aesthetic, and a light-colored rug on hardwood flooring.

Landlords can also qualify for the D7 visa. 

As of 2025:

  • An individual needs at least €870 per month to qualify.
  • A couple would need an additional 50% (+ €435).
  • For each dependent child, add 30% (or + €261).

I have income from investments

If you have income from investments or royalties from projects, you may be able to qualify for the D7 as well.

As of 2025:

  • An individual needs at least €870 per month to qualify.
  • A couple would need an additional 50% (+ €435).
  • For each dependent child, add 30% (or + €261).

I have a remote job

A person wearing a hat is sitting on a lounge chair at the beach, using a laptop with a blank white screen. The background shows sandy ground, and the person's legs are propped up. The perspective is over-the-shoulder, focusing on the laptop and keyboard.

Portugal has a visa for remote workers or freelancers called the Digital Nomad Visa. 

As of 2025:

  • An individual needs at least €3,480 per month to qualify. 
  • A couple would need an additional 50% or + €1,740
  • For any dependent children, add 30% of the original amount (+ €1,044).

(This amount is very high, and some people have successfully applied with less.)

I have freelancing income

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.

Freelancers can also qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa.

As of 2025

  • An individual needs at least €3,480 per month to qualify. 
  • A couple would need an additional €1,740 or 50% more.
  • For any dependent children, add 30% of the original amount (+ €1,044).

(This amount is very high, and some people have successfully applied with less.)

I have €500,000 savings or more

A hand is shown inserting a coin into a pink piggy bank against a light blue background. The image emphasizes the act of saving money.

Portugal has a golden visa, which you can get in return for investing in Portugal (or donating as little as €250k, if you’re feeling generous!).

As of 2025, the most common route is to invest €500k or more in a qualifying fund, such as a venture capital fund (some companies have schemes that enable you to apply for less).

Aside from being suitable for those with savings, the biggest selling point of this visa is that you only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal. This is perfect for those that want residency in Portugal but still want to live elsewhere, work elsewhere, or travel the world — at least in the short-term.

(If you’re planning to move to Portugal full-time, and qualify for another visa (like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa) it probably makes sense to apply for one of those instead. This is because this visa has higher fees and a longer processing time.

I am looking for a job in Portugal

Five professionally dressed individuals sitting on chairs in a waiting area, each holding folders of different colors: orange, yellow, green, and blue. They appear to be waiting for an interview or meeting. The group includes two men and three women.

If you also have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport, moving to Portugal for work is fairly straightforward. If you don’t speak Portuguese, the biggest challenge will be finding a suitable job.

If you’re from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, Portugal does have a D1 and D3 visa, among other work-related visas.

However, it can be difficult to find companies that are willing to hire people from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.

I want to start a business in Portugal

A man with a beard and glasses is standing on a balcony, leaning over a wooden table while working on a laptop. He is wearing a red and blue checkered shirt. The background shows a building in daylight.

Portugal has several entrepreneurial visas, including a general entrepreneurial visa (the D2) and specific visas aimed at industries like the tech sector.

However, most lawyers will recommend you apply for another visa (like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa) if you’re able to qualify for one of those (e.g. you also have a pension or a remote job).

This is because the person reviewing your application is given “discretionary powers” to reject your application if they believe your business won’t work or won’t benefit the Portuguese economy and society.

I have a Portuguese Parent/grandparent

An elderly Portuguese man and woman smile while standing on a narrow street lined with buildings. The woman wears a green headscarf, glasses, and a black cardigan over a white blouse. The man wears a brown cap, glasses, and a green striped polo shirt, with his arm around her shoulders.

If you’re not a Portuguese citizen yourself, but you have a parent or grandparent that is, then you may be able to apply for citizenship through them.

This can take a few years (2+), so if your goal is to move to Portugal straight away, it’s a good idea to look at other visas as well.

However, if time is on your hands, you could submit a citizenship application now which will make moving to Portugal later much easier.

We're Here to Help!

Have a question about moving to Portugal?

Since 2016, we've helped thousands of people move to Portugal. We'd love to help you too!

Get in touch to arrange a free consultation today.

Contact Us