Are you thinking of moving to Portugal, but unsure which visa fits your situation best? At Fresh Portugal, we’ve helped thousands make the move — and in our latest episode of Fresh Talks, we break down the most accessible and popular Portuguese visa routes.
                                    
D7 Visa Portugal – The Passive Income Route
If you have stable passive income and want to enjoy Portugal’s relaxed lifestyle, the Portugal D7 visa may be your best choice. Often referred to as the passive income visa, it's ideal for retirees, or those with investment income.
To apply for the D7 visa Portugal, you’ll need:
  • Proof of regular and sufficient passive income such as (pensions, dividends, royalties and rental income (as of 2025, at least, € 870 p/month for the main applicant)
  • A Portuguese address
  • Willingness to reside in Portugal most of the year
  • Clean criminal record
D8 Visa – Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa 
The D8 visa Portugal was designed for remote workers and freelancers. If you're employed by a foreign company and want to work remotely from Portugal, this digital nomad visa is for you.
What you'll need for the remote work visa Portugal:
  • A valid remote work contract, with a monthly income of at least, € 3480 for the main applicant
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proof of having sufficient savings
  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal
 
This visa is growing fast in popularity among digital professionals and entrepreneurs.
Other Residency Visa Options 
D3 Visa – For Highly Skilled Workers
If you’re a highly qualified professional offered a job in Portugal, you can apply for a D3 visa directly in the country. It’s perfect for tech talent, engineers, and academic professionals.
D6 Visa – Family Reunification
The D6 visa Portugal is for reuniting with family members already living in Portugal legally. A similar path exists through Article 15 if you're joining a family member who is an EU citizen.
Golden Visa Portugal – Residency Through Investment
For those who prefer flexibility, the Golden Visa program is ideal. It allows residency with a minimal physical presence — just 14 days every 2 years, making it one of the best options for non-EU investors, making easier to travel and have access to other countries, especially within the Schengen Area and also allowing the inclusion of family members that receive the same residence rights as the main applicant.
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
The visa application process is similar across categories:
  1. Apply through your local Portuguese consulate or a VFS center
  2. Wait approximately 60–90 days for approval
  3. Receive a 120-day visa (allows two entries in Portugal)
  4. Attend your AIMA appointment in Portugal
  5. Convert the visa into a residence permit
 
This applies whether you're pursuing the D7 visa, D8 visa, D3, or others.
Residency Rules in Portugal (2025 Update)
Once you have your residence permit:
  • Allows you to live in Portugal legally for an initial period of 2 years, renewable for 3 more years
  • You must spend at least 8 months per year in Portugal to maintain it
  • After 5 years, you're eligible for permanent residency or citizenship
Can You Apply for a Visa Inside Portugal?
Yes, some visa categories, like the D3 visa or family reunification (D6), allow you to start the process while already in Portugal. This flexibility can be crucial for those already working with a Portuguese company or residing temporarily in the country.
Tax Residency in Portugal: What You Need to Know
If you apply for the D7, D8, or D3 visa, you must also become a tax resident in Portugal. This means:
  • Declaring worldwide income in Portugal
  • Aligning your tax status with your immigration status
 
The Golden Visa Portugal is an exception, you can remain a resident without becoming a tax resident, which is beneficial for many global investors.
After 5 Years: Your Next Steps
After five years of legal residency in Portugal, you can choose to:
  • Renew your residence permit
  • Apply for permanent residency in Portugal
  • Apply for Portuguese citizenship, which includes passing an A2 Portuguese language test or completing 150 hours of approved Portuguese language education
Ready to Move to Portugal?
Whether you’re applying for the D7, D8, Golden Visa, or a family reunification visa, Fresh Portugal can guide you through every step, from documents to appointments to local registration.