Thinking of making Portugal your second (or first!) home? Whether you’re an investor, retiree, or remote worker, there’s a visa that could open the door—literally. But each comes with its own path, perks, and pitfalls.
Here’s how the Golden Visa, D7, and D8 stack up in 2025.
🥇 1. The Golden Visa – For Investors Seeking Strategic EU Access
Best for:
High-net-worth individuals who want EU access and a path to citizenship without making Portugal their primary residence. It’s ideal for those looking to diversify their portfolio through non-real estate investments in Portugal.
💸 How to Qualify:
- Venture Capital Fund Investment: A capital transfer of €500,000 or more for the acquisition of participation units in qualifying venture capital or investment funds (excluding real estate-related funds) that invest in Portuguese companies.
- Arts or Cultural Heritage Investment/Donation: A donation of at least €250,000 for artistic production or the reconstruction/maintenance of national cultural heritage, through approved public or private entities.
- Scientific Research: A contribution of at least €500,000 to science or technology research conducted by public or private scientific institutions that are part of the national scientific and technological system.
- Job Creation: Creation and maintenance of a minimum of ten new permanent jobs in Portugal.
- Share Capital and Job Creation: Incorporation of a commercial company in Portugal or reinforcement of an existing company’s share capital with an investment of €500,000, combined with creating five new permanent jobs or maintaining ten jobs (five of which must be permanent) for at least three years.
🕰️ Residency Requirement:
- Only around 7 days per year in Portugal (averaged over the duration of the permit).
✅ Perks:
- Path to citizenship in 5 years.
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
- Ability to include direct family members (spouse, dependent children, dependent parents).
- Maintain your current lifestyle while gaining EU residency rights.
- Strong option for busy professionals, business owners, or frequent travelers not seeking to immediately relocate.
⚠️ Consider This:
- No more real estate: Direct real estate investment and large capital transfers (€1,500,000+) are no longer eligible for new applications as of October 2023. This includes residential real estate purchases in low-density areas and investments in real estate-related funds.
- High entry point for most investment routes.
- Application processing can still be slow and requires diligence.
- Requires commitment to maintaining the investment for the duration of the residency period.
💼 2. The D7 Visa – For Retirees and Passive Income Earners
Best for: Retirees, landlords, and people with steady passive income (e.g., dividends, royalties, rental income).
💸 How to Qualify:
- Show stable passive income: around €870/month for the main applicant
- Add ~30% for a spouse and ~50% per dependent child
🧾 Required Documents:
- NIF (Portuguese tax number)
- Portuguese bank account
- Proof of income
- Lease or property ownership in Portugal
- Background check & health insurance
🕰️ Residency Requirement:
- Must live in Portugal most of the year
- Minimum 183 days per year
✅ Perks:
- Access to Portuguese public healthcare
- Residency card renewable every 2 years
- Citizenship path in 5 years
⚠️ Consider This:
- You must actually move
- Income must be passive—not earned through work
💻 3. The D8 Visa – For Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
Best for: Freelancers, remote employees, or business owners who earn online.
💸 How to Qualify:
- Proof of remote work or self-employment outside Portugal
- Must earn 4x Portuguese minimum wage (around €3,480/month in 2025)
🧾 Required Documents:
- Employment or business contracts
- NIF & Portuguese bank account
- Lease or property in Portugal
- Background check & health insurance
🕰️ Residency Requirement:
- Must live in Portugal full-time
✅ Perks:
- Fast-track visa tailored for the global remote workforce
- Great option for location-independent professionals
- Access to public services and EU travel
⚠️ Consider This:
- Higher income threshold than the D7
- Still relatively new—expect some bureaucracy bumps
🧠 Which One Should You Choose?
| Criteria | Golden Visa | D7 Visa | D8 Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Investors | Retirees / Passive Income | Remote Workers / Freelancers |
| Residency Required | 7 days/year | 183+ days/year | 183+ days/year |
| Min. Income/Investment | €250K–€500K+ investment | ~€870+/mo passive income | ~€3,480+/mo earned income |
| Work Allowed? | Not applicable | Not allowed (officially) | Yes, remote only |
| Path to Citizenship | Yes (5 years) | Yes (5 years) | Yes (5 years) |
| Family Reunification | Yes | Yes | Yes |
🧭 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all.
- If you’re financially ready and want flexibility without a full move—Golden Visa is your best friend.
- If you’re retiring or have passive income and want to embrace the Portuguese lifestyle—D7 is the classic choice.
- If you’re a remote worker or freelancer living the laptop life—D8 was made for you.
Still not sure? That’s where we come in. We’ve lived this journey—and we’re here to connect you with trusted legal experts, agents, and advisors who can make the process smooth.
Let’s chat: Contact us at USAtoPortugalRealEstate.com