Securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal offers a gateway to a serene European lifestyle, granting visa-free access to 172 countries, including all EU countries. ​Catering to retirees, families, professionals, and investors alike, Portugal presents a variety of visa pathways each leading to PR. In this guide, we discuss each of these visa options and how they will lead you toward PR in Portugal.
We will detail the key requirements for each visa, including associated residency obligations. Lastly, we will step-by-step requirements to gain PR in Portugal, and how to maintain your status once you’ve obtained PR.
Why Consider PR in Portugal?
- High Quality of Life: Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most livable countries in Europe.
- Relatively Low Costs: Compared to many other Western European nations, living expenses (including housing and groceries) are more affordable.
- Favorable Climate: Enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year in certain regions, mild winters, and comfortable summers.
- Clear Path to Citizenship: Portugal allows you to apply for citizenship after 5 years of legal residency, which is shorter than in many EU countries.
Portugal offers a variety of visas, each suited to different lifestyles and financial situations. All of these can lead to PR and, eventually, citizenship. Here are the following visas that lead to PR in Portugal:
Golden Visa (Residency by Investment)
Who It’s For:
The Portuguese Golden Visa is designed for high-net-worth investors seeking a flexible residency option with minimal stay requirements. This visa allows individuals to obtain Portuguese residency by making a qualifying investment in the country.
Key Features:
- Invest at least €500,000 (USD 525,000) in a venture capital or private equity fund.
- Donate €250,000 (USD 262,000) to cultural/artistic projects.
- Support scientific research with a €500,000 (USD 525,000) contribution.
- Create 10 jobs in Portugal (no fixed minimum investment, but you must fund the business).
Recent Changes to Portuguese Golden Visa:
- As of October 2023, real estate investments and large capital transfers (€1.5 million deposits) are no longer eligible for the Golden Visa.
Visa Stay Requirement in Portugal:
- Golden Visa holders are only required to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal, making it one of the most flexible residency programs in Europe.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal
- After 5 years of Golden Visa residency, investors can apply for Permanent Residency or Portuguese citizenship.
At Next Generation Equity, we provide end-to-end support for individuals aiming to secure a Golden Visa in Portugal. From making the right investment to fulfilling all legal requirements and eventually obtaining permanent residency and citizenship, we will help you each step of the way.
Click here to find out more about the Portuguese Golden Visa.
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
Who It’s For:
The D7 visa is suitable for retirees and financially independent individuals who earn a stable passive income from pensions, rental properties, dividends, or interest. This visa is ideal for those who do not need to work and can support themselves while living in Portugal.
Financial Requirement:
- Must show regular passive income that meets or exceeds Portugal’s minimum wage (€9,840/USD 10,348).
- Additional financial requirements for dependents:
- Spouse/partner: 50% of the main applicant’s required income (~€4,920/USD 5200 per year).
- Dependent child: 30% of the main applicant’s required income (~€2,952/USD 3100 per year).
- Income sources must be verifiable through bank statements, pension letters, rental agreements, investment statements, or dividend records covering at least 6 months.
Visa Stay Requirement in Portugal:
- D7 visa holders must spend at least 6 months per year in Portugal (or 8 months non-consecutively) to maintain their residency permit.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal
- After 5 years of continuous legal residency, D7 visa holders can apply for Permanent Residency or Portuguese citizenship.
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Who It’s For:
The D8 visa is suitable for remote workers, digital entrepreneurs, and freelancers who earn active income from clients or employers outside Portugal. This visa is ideal for professionals who can work remotely and want to live in Portugal while continuing to work for foreign companies or their own businesses.
Financial Requirement:
- 4× Portugal’s minimum monthly wage, equally at least €3,000 (USD 3,154) per month), to be proven through bank statements or contracts.
- Proof of income must be provided through bank statements, work contracts, or tax returns covering the last 3–6 months.
Visa Stay Requirement in Portugal:
- Digital nomads must spend at least 6 months per year in Portugal (or 8 months non-consecutively) to maintain their residency permit.
- Working for a Portuguese company is not allowed under this visa. Income must come from foreign sources.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal
- After 5 years of continuous legal residency, D8 visa holders can apply for Permanent Residency or Portuguese citizenship.
D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)
Who It’s For:
The D2 visa is suitable for business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent service providers looking to establish and operate a business in Portugal. This visa is ideal for individuals who want to start a company, expand an existing business, or invest in a Portuguese enterprise.
Key Requirements:
- Solid business plan demonstrating economic viability and potential benefits to Portugal.
- Sufficient funds to launch and sustain the business (though there is no fixed minimum investment, a well-capitalized venture strengthens the application).
- Registration of a Portuguese company (LDA or SA) and a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF).
- Proof of business activities, such as initial investments, office rental agreements, client contracts, or supplier agreements.
- Partnership with a local incubator or university, particularly for innovative or tech-focused startups (optional but beneficial).
- Provide proof of financial self-sufficiency to cover personal living expenses during the initial phase of the business setup.
Visa Stay Requirement in Portugal:
- Must reside in Portugal for at least 6 months per year (or 8 months non-consecutively) to maintain residency.
- Businesses should remain active and demonstrate genuine operations—inactive or shell companies risk visa revocation at renewal.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal
- After 5 years of legal residency, D2 visa holders can apply for Permanent Residency or citizenship.
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Who It’s For:
The work visa is designed for non-EU citizens who have a job offer from a Portuguese employer and plan to work in Portugal for the long term. This visa allows you to live and work legally in Portugal.
Key Requirements:
- A valid job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese company.
- The employer must obtain approval from the Portuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) to confirm the job could not be filled by an EU citizen.
- Proof of qualifications or relevant experience for the job (academic degrees, certifications, work experience letters).
- Salary must meet the minimum wage requirement (varies by job role but typically at least the Portuguese minimum wage, which is around €870/USD 910 per month).
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property deed).
Visa Stay Requirement in Portugal:
Must live in Portugal and actively work for the employer to maintain the residence permit. Absences exceeding 6 consecutive months per year could jeopardize renewal.
Processing Time:
Typically 60 days from submission, but delays are possible depending on demand.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal
After 5 years of continuous legal employment, work visa holders can apply for Permanent Residency or citizenship.
Student Visa (D4 Visa)
The D4 visa is for international students enrolling in a full-time degree program at a recognized Portuguese university or higher education institution.
Key Requirements:
- Letter of acceptance from a Portuguese university or accredited educational institution.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your studies (e.g., self-funding, parental sponsorship, scholarship).
- Proof of paid tuition fees or scholarship confirmation.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (university housing confirmation or private rental agreement).
Work Rights:
- Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays.
- A separate work authorization from SEF (now AIMA) is required before taking up employment.
Visa Stay Requirement in Portugal:
Must remain enrolled and meet academic progress requirements to maintain residency status.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal
- Time spent on a student visa does not fully count toward PR unless the student transitions to another residence permit (e.g., work visa or entrepreneur visa).
- After completing their studies, students can apply for a Job Seeker Visa (valid for up to 6 months) to find employment and switch to a work visa.
- If a graduate secures a job with a Portuguese employer, they can transition to a work visa and begin the 5-year residency period required for PR.
Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal
Before you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal, you need to meet several key eligibility requirements:
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Legal Residence: You must have legally resided in Portugal for a minimum of five consecutive years on a temporary residence visa. This can include visas such as the Golden Visa, D7 (Passive Income Visa), D2 (Entrepreneur Visa), or a Work Visa.
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Sufficient Knowledge of Portuguese: Applicants are generally required to demonstrate basic proficiency in the Portuguese language, typically A2 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This can be proven by passing a certified language test.
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No Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record in Portugal and any other country you’ve lived in during the last five years.
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Economic Activity: You should have evidence of stable, regular income that is sufficient to support you and your family. This could include wages from employment, running a business, pensions, or income from investments.
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Social Integration: Evidence of integration into Portuguese society can be beneficial. This can be demonstrated through proof of social, cultural, or community involvement.
How to Apply for PR in Portugal
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you can proceed with the application process for permanent residency in Portugal. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare Documentation
Provide evidence of:
- Passport: A valid passport.
- Proof of Legal Residence: Documentation such as temporary residence cards or visa stamps that prove your continuous residence in Portugal for the past five years (you should not have spent more than six months outside Portugal in any given year or a total of 12 consecutive months across the entire period).
- Criminal Record Certificate: Obtain a criminal record certificate from Portugal and any other country where you have resided during the last five years.
- Proof of Income: Documents showing your financial means, which could include salary slips, tax returns, or proof of pension.
- Language Proficiency Certificate: A certificate proving you have passed the A2 level Portuguese language test from a recognized institution.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance that covers you in Portugal.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Visit AIMA: Schedule an appointment with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), which has taken over the roles previously managed by the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF). You can often do this online via AIMA’s booking portal.
- Application Form: Complete the application form for permanent residency, available for download from AIMA’s official website or collectible in person at an AIMA office.
- Supporting Documents: Present all the prepared documents, keeping both originals and copies for your records.
Step 3: Attend the Interview
- Interview Process: Attend an interview at an AIMA office, where your application and supporting documents will be assessed. The interview typically evaluates your integration into Portuguese society and verifies the authenticity of your documents.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
- Application Fee: Pay the application fee required for processing your permanent residency. The fee amount can vary depending on the type of visa you have, so it’s essential to verify the current cost on the AIMA website or directly at the AIMA office.
Step 5: Approval and Receipt of PR Card
- Approval Wait Time: The processing time can vary; however, it generally takes a few months to process the PR application.
- Collection of PR Card: Once your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your Permanent Residence Card. This card is typically valid for five years and is renewable.
Step 6: Renewal
- Renewal Requirements: Keep track of the expiration date and apply for renewal of your PR card within two months of its expiry. Renewal usually requires fewer documents, primarily focusing on proving continued residence and economic activity in Portugal.
Additional Tips
- Stay Updated: Immigration policies may change; regularly check the AIMA website for the latest information.
- Seek Legal Advice: Considering the complexity of immigration procedures, consider partnering with a government-approved facilitator of residency by investment, like Next Generation Equity.
Benefits of Becoming a Permanent Resident in Portugal
Residence Stability
No need for additional visas to live, work, or study anywhere in Portugal.
Free Movement:
Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, facilitating travel across much of Europe.
Access to Healthcare
As a resident, you can access Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS), which offers comprehensive services. Children under 18 and those over 65 generally receive free healthcare, while other age groups are charged at subsidized rates. You need to register with the local council to obtain a health number (Número de Utente).
Educational Benefits
Education is free in primary and secondary public schools for children. Residents also have access to public education at EU tuition rates, which are significantly lower than rates for non-EU students.
Employment Rights
Equal treatment on the job market with rights to work, including the ability to start and run your own business without the need for employer sponsorship.
Family Reunification
Rights to bring close family members to live in Portugal.
Social Benefits
Access to social security benefits including pensions, unemployment insurance, and other social welfare programs available to residents.
Real Estate
Buy or rent properties freely.
Path to Citizenship
Eligibility to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years, offering the right to vote and a passport that grants access to numerous countries visa-free.
Get Your Golden Visa Today with Next Generation Equity
Portugal’s residency pathways cater to different income sources and life goals—from high-net-worth investors to retirees and remote workers. At Next Generation Equity, we are here to facilitate your Portuguese Golden Visa, offering end-to-end support.
With 5 years of lawful residency, you’ll not only gain the permanent residency you’ve been seeking, but you’ll also have the option to apply for full Portuguese citizenship—an incredibly valuable EU passport that opens doors across Europe and beyond.
Contact us today for a free consultation on getting permanent residence in Portugal.
FAQ’s
How Long Does it Take for a Portuguese Golden Visa to be Approved?
Golden Visa applications can take 8-12 months due to high demand and procedural backlogs.
Why Do People Choose the Portuguese Golden Visa?
The Portuguese Golden Visa not only allows for significant flexibility and minimal stay requirements throughout its duration—requiring holders to stay in Portugal for an average of just 7 days per year—but also provides a straightforward route to obtaining a Portuguese passport, which grants visa-free access to 172 countries, including all EU countries.
Do I Need to Speak Portuguese Before Applying for My First Residence Permit?
No, however, you’ll need an A2 Portuguese language certificate by the time you apply for permanent residency or citizenship (usually after 5 years).
I Work Remotely—Should I Apply for the D7 or D8 Visa?
If your income is from an active job or freelance work done remotely, the D8 (digital nomad) visa is typically the best fit. The D7 is meant for passive income (pensions, dividends, rentals).
Is it Possible to Move to Another EU country Once I Have Portuguese PR?
You can visit or stay short-term in the Schengen Area without additional visas, but to settle long-term in another EU country, you’d need to meet that country’s specific requirements. Full EU freedom of movement only comes with citizenship.
