Visas in Portugal
Moving to Portugal starts with understanding which visa best suits your plans. Whether you are looking for short-term residency, starting a business, retiring, or working remotely, Portugal offers several visa pathways designed for different lifestyles.
Overview
The D8 Visa allows remote workers and freelancers from outside the EU to live in Portugal while working for employers or clients abroad.
Key requirements include:
- Proof of remote employment or self-employment with foreign clients.
- Minimum monthly income of about four times the Portuguese minimum wage (€3,480 in 2025).
- Valid health insurance.
- Clean criminal record.
- A valid passport (minimum six months beyond stay).
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- The D8 Visa is typically issued for one year and can be renewed, making it a great choice for those who want to experience life in Portugal while working remotely.
Golden Visa Program
The Golden Visa has long been one of the most popular residency routes for investors. However, since October 2023, real estate and capital transfer investments are no longer eligible. Current qualifying options include:
- Creating at least 10 permanent jobs.
- Investing a minimum of €500,000 in research activities at public or private institutions.
- Investing at least €250,000 in artistic production or cultural heritage projects through public entities or cultural associations.
- Investing €500,000 or more in Portuguese non-real estate collective investment funds (with a minimum maturity of five years and at least 60% of funds directed towards Portuguese companies).
- Establishing a company in Portugal with a €500,000 investment that creates five permanent jobs, or increasing the share capital of an existing company while creating or maintaining at least ten jobs (five permanent) for a minimum of three years.
- Golden Visas are valid for two years and renewable. They require only seven days of stay per year in Portugal. After five years, holders can apply for permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship.
D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)
The D2 Visa is designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed professionals who want to start or manage a business in Portugal.
- Applicants must establish or invest in a company in Portugal, or work independently.
- Self-employed professionals must demonstrate earnings equal to at least Portugal’s minimum monthly wage.
- Requires a minimum stay of four months per year in Portugal, with some flexibility to spend up to six consecutive months or eight months total abroad each year.
D7 Visa (Passive Income or Retirement Visa)
The D7 Visa, often called the passive income visa, is ideal for retirees or anyone with steady income from pensions, rental properties, dividends, or savings.
- Applicants must show sufficient income to cover living costs, set at €820 per month in 2024 and rising to €870 in 2025.
- For a spouse or partner, an additional 50% of the minimum salary is required, and for each dependent child, an additional 30%.
- Requires at least six months of residency in Portugal each year.
- Initially valid for two years, renewable for additional two-year periods.
- Proof of accommodation is required, typically through property ownership or a one-year rental contract.
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
The D8 Visa allows remote workers and freelancers from outside the EU to live in Portugal while working for employers or clients abroad.
Key requirements include:
- Proof of remote employment or self-employment with foreign clients.
- Minimum monthly income of about four times the Portuguese minimum wage (€3,480 in 2025).
- Valid health insurance.
- Clean criminal record.
- A valid passport (minimum six months beyond stay).
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- The D8 Visa is typically issued for one year and can be renewed, making it a great choice for those who want to experience life in Portugal while working remotely.
Making Your Move
Choosing the right visa is a big step, and having the right guidance makes all the difference.
At QP Savills, we work with trusted legal and relocation partners who can advise on the best route for your situation.
Contact us to be connected with our network of experts who can help you navigate the process with confidence.