Which Visa Do You Need?

Complete guide to Portuguese visas for UK, US and international citizens. D7, Digital Nomad, Golden Visa and more explained simply.

Understanding the Portuguese Visa system

Portugal offers several visa types depending on your situation. Choosing the right one matters enormously. Getting this wrong causes delays, wasted money and frustration. Getting it right makes everything smoother.

The main visa categories for people moving to Portugal are:

  • D7 Passive Income Visa
  • D2 Entrepreneur Visa
  • Digital Nomad Visa
  • D3 Highly Qualified Worker Visa
  • Golden Visa
  • Student Visa
  • Family Reunification Visa

Each has different requirements, costs and timelines. Let me explain each one clearly.

D7 Passive Income Visa

Who Is It For?

The D7 visa suits people with regular passive income who want to live in Portugal without working locally.

This is the most popular visa for:

  • Retirees with pensions

  • People with rental income

  • Those with investment dividends

  • Anyone with reliable income that does not require active work in Portugal

It is sometimes called the Retirement Visa, although you do not need to be retired to qualify.

Requirements

You must prove you have sufficient passive income to support yourself without working in Portugal.

The minimum income requirement is based on the Portuguese minimum wage, currently around €870 per month for a single applicant. Add 50% for a spouse and 30% for each child.

In practice, most consulates expect to see higher income than the bare minimum. Showing €1,200 to €1,500 monthly puts you in a stronger position.

You also need:

  • Valid passport with at least six months remaining

  • Clean criminal record certificate from your home country (apostilled)

  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property ownership)

  • Portuguese health insurance or proof of access to healthcare

  • Bank statements showing regular income for the past 12 months

  • NIF (Portuguese tax number)

  • Completed application form

Timeline

The D7 visa application happens in two stages.

First, you apply at the Portuguese consulate in your home country. This takes anywhere from two weeks to three months depending on the consulate. Some are faster than others.

Once approved, you receive a temporary visa valid for four months. You must travel to Portugal within this period.

After arriving, you book an appointment with AIMA (formerly SEF) to receive your residency permit. This is where delays currently happen. Waiting times of six to twelve months or more are common in 2026.

Is This Visa Right for You?

The D7 suits you if:

  • You have reliable passive income (pensions, investments, rental income)

  • You do not need to work actively

  • You want a straightforward path to residency

  • You can wait out the current processing delays

  • You plan to live in Portugal as your main home

D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Who Is It For?

The D2 visa suits people who want to start or invest in a business in Portugal.

This includes:

  • Entrepreneurs launching new businesses

  • Freelancers offering services

  • Investors buying into existing companies

  • Self-employed professionals

  • Consultants and contractors

Requirements

You must demonstrate a viable business plan and show you have funds to support yourself and the business.

Unlike the D7, there is no fixed income threshold. Instead, you must convince the consulate your business makes sense.

Required documents typically include:

  • Detailed business plan

  • Proof of investment funds or capital

  • Evidence of relevant qualifications or experience

  • Portuguese company formation documents (if already established)

  • Proof of accommodation

  • Health insurance

  • Criminal record certificate

  • NIF

Timeline

Similar to the D7. Consulate application first, then AIMA appointment after arrival.

Business visa applications sometimes take longer because consulates scrutinise business plans more carefully.

Is This Visa Right for You?

The D2 suits you if:

  • You have a genuine business idea for Portugal

  • You have capital to invest

  • You want to be self-employed

  • You understand Portuguese business obligations

  • You are prepared for ongoing accounting and tax requirements

 

 

Digital Nomad Visa

Who Is It For?

Launched in late 2022, the Digital Nomad Visa targets remote workers employed by companies outside Portugal.

This suits:

  • Remote employees working for foreign companies

  • Freelancers with international clients

  • Contractors working across time zones

  • Anyone earning from abroad while living in Portugal

The key distinction from D7 is that you are actively working, just not for a Portuguese employer.

Requirements

You must earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage. In 2026, this means approximately €3,480 monthly gross income.

This is significantly higher than the D7 threshold.

You also need:

  • Employment contract or client contracts proving remote work

  • Tax residency in another country for the previous year

  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal

  • Health insurance

  • Criminal record certificate

  • NIF

Timeline

Processing times vary as this visa is still relatively new. Expect similar timelines to D7 at consulate stage.

AIMA appointment delays apply equally.

Is This Visa Right for You?

The Digital Nomad Visa suits you if:

  • You work remotely for non-Portuguese clients or employers

  • You earn significantly above the minimum threshold

  • You want legal status while continuing your career

  • You understand and accept Portuguese tax residency implications

  • Your employer or clients accept you working from Portugal

D3 Highly Qualified Worker Visa

Who Is It For?

The D3 visa is for skilled professionals taking employment with Portuguese companies.

This includes:

  • Tech workers

  • Scientists and researchers

  • Senior managers

  • Specialists in high-demand fields

  • Academics

Your Portuguese employer usually sponsors this visa.

Requirements

You need a job offer from a Portuguese company and qualifications matching the role.

The employer handles much of the paperwork, making this simpler than self-sponsored visas.

Requirements include:

  • Employment contract with Portuguese company

  • Proof of qualifications (degrees, certifications)

  • Criminal record certificate

  • Health insurance (often provided by employer)

  • NIF

Timeline

Employer sponsorship often speeds up processing. Some applications complete within weeks.

Is This Visa Right for You?

The D3 suits you if:

  • You have a job offer from a Portuguese company

  • You have in-demand professional skills

  • You want employer support through the process

  • You are comfortable with Portuguese employment terms

 

 

Family Reunification Visa

Who Is It For?

If your spouse, parent or child already has Portuguese residency, you may qualify for Family Reunification.

This allows families to stay together legally.

Who Can Sponsor?

The family member in Portugal must:

  • Hold valid residency (not just a visa)

  • Have held residency for at least one year (in some cases)

  • Demonstrate income to support you

  • Provide adequate accommodation

Who Can Be Sponsored?

  • Spouse or registered partner

  • Minor children

  • Dependent adult children (in some circumstances)

  • Dependent parents

Requirements

You must prove the family relationship with official documents:

  • Marriage certificate (apostilled)

  • Birth certificates

  • Proof of dependency if applicable

The sponsor must provide:

  • Proof of residency status

  • Proof of income

  • Proof of accommodation

  • Evidence of relationship

Timeline

Processing varies but typically aligns with other visa categories.

Is This Visa Right for You?

Family Reunification suits you if:

  • A close family member already has Portuguese residency

  • You want to join them legally

  • You meet relationship documentation requirements

  • Your family member can demonstrate ability to support you

Golden Visa

Who Is It For?

The Golden Visa is Portugal's investment-based residency programme.

It suits wealthy individuals who want residency without living in Portugal full-time.

Current Options (2026)

Since 2022, property investment in Lisbon, Porto and most coastal areas no longer qualifies.

Remaining investment options include:

Investment Funds: Minimum €500,000 in qualifying Portuguese investment funds.

Company Capitalisation: Minimum €500,000 investment in Portuguese company share capital.

Job Creation: Create minimum 10 permanent jobs in Portugal.

Cultural Donations: Minimum €250,000 to arts, culture or heritage preservation.

Scientific Research: Minimum €500,000 contribution to research institutions.

Property in Low-Density Areas: Minimum €500,000 in interior/low-density regions only (very limited areas qualify).

Requirements

You must make a qualifying investment and maintain it for at least five years.

Background checks are thorough. Source of funds must be legitimate and fully documented.

Additional requirements:

  • Clean criminal record

  • Valid health insurance

  • Proof of investment

  • NIF

Timeline

Processing takes three to six months typically. Renewals happen every two years.

The key advantage is minimal physical presence required. You need only spend seven days per year in Portugal to maintain status (or 14 days across two years).

Is This Visa Right for You?

The Golden Visa suits you if:

  • You have significant capital to invest (€250,000-500,000+)

  • You do not want or need to live in Portugal full-time

  • You want EU residency and travel benefits

  • You have patience for a complex process

  • You understand investment risks

  • You have budget for substantial professional fees

Student Visa

Who Is It For?

The Student Visa suits international students enrolled in Portuguese educational institutions.

This includes:

  • University degree programmes

  • Language courses (minimum duration applies)

  • Research programmes

  • Vocational training

  • Exchange programmes

Requirements

You need acceptance from a recognised Portuguese institution and proof you can support yourself financially.

Documents include:

  • Acceptance letter from institution

  • Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses

  • Accommodation proof

  • Health insurance

  • Criminal record certificate

  • Parental authorisation (if minor)

Timeline

Apply well before your course starts. Three months advance is sensible.

 

Is This Visa Right for You?

The Student Visa suits you if:

  • You have genuine educational goals in Portugal

  • You are enrolled in a qualifying programme

  • You meet financial requirements

  • You plan to study as your primary activity

 

 

Current Challenges and Delays (2026)

I must be honest with you. The Portuguese immigration system is struggling.

AIMA Backlogs

AIMA, the agency that replaced SEF, has enormous backlogs.

Current reality:

  • First appointments: 6-12+ months wait

  • Renewal appointments: Similar delays

  • Some cases waiting 18+ months

  • Backlogs not improving quickly

What This Means for You

  • Plan for delays in every timeline

  • Your visa remains valid while waiting

  • Keep proof of your pending appointment

  • Do not let your appointment lapse

What You Can Do

  • Apply with complete, correct documentation first time

  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information

  • Be patient and plan around delays

  • Keep copies of everything

  • Consider professional support to avoid mistakes

  • Do not panic—you are legal while waiting

The Delays Are Not a Reason to Avoid Portugal

They are a reality to plan around. Many thousands of people navigate this successfully every year. It just takes longer than it should.

 

Before You Apply: Essential Steps

1. Obtain Your NIF

Get your Portuguese tax number before applying. Many consulates now require it.

You can obtain a NIF remotely using a fiscal representative, or in person at a Portuguese tax office.

[Read the NIF Guide](/nif-guide)

2. Arrange Accommodation

You need a Portuguese address for your application.

Options:

  • Rental contract (even short-term)

  • Property purchase (promissory contract counts)

  • Hotel booking (some consulates accept for initial application)

3. Gather Documents

Start collecting documents early:

  • Criminal record certificate (recent—usually within 3 months)

  • Proof of income (bank statements, pension statements)

  • Health insurance policy

  • Passport copies

  • Photographs

4. Apostilles and Translations

Foreign documents usually need:

  • Apostille (official authentication)

  • Certified Portuguese translation

This takes time. Start weeks before your application.

5. Book Consulate Appointment

Appointments at popular consulates book weeks or months ahead.

Check availability early and book as soon as you have documents ready.

How I Can Help

Visa applications involve paperwork, translations, apostilles and appointments. Getting it right matters enormously.

I offer guidance and support throughout the process:

  • Helping you understand which visa suits your situation

  • Explaining documentation requirements

  • Reviewing your application for completeness

  • Connecting you with immigration lawyers if needed

  • Answering questions as they arise

  • Providing honest assessment of your chances

I have legal professionals for complex cases. 

I can help you navigate the basics and avoid common mistakes that cause rejections and delays.

If you are considering a move to Portugal and want honest guidance, get in touch. No pressure, no obligation.

 

 

 

Useful Links

AIMA (Immigration Authority): www.aima.gov.pt Immigration authority for visas and residency

 

Portuguese Consulates Worldwide: www.portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt Find your nearest consulate

 

VFS Global Portugal: www.vfsglobal.com/portugal Visa application centres in many countries

 

Portuguese Government Visa Information: www.vistos.mne.gov.pt Official visa requirements and forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a visa after arriving in Portugal?

No. Non-EU citizens must apply at a Portuguese consulate in their home country before travelling. Arriving as a tourist and trying to switch to residency causes serious problems and is not legal.

How long does visa processing take?

Consulate processing takes two weeks to three months depending on visa type and consulate location. After arrival, AIMA appointments currently take six to twelve months or more.

Can I work while waiting for my residency permit?

This depends on your visa type. D7 holders should not work actively. Digital Nomad and D2 holders can continue their existing work. Your visa document specifies your rights.

What happens if my visa is rejected?

You can usually reapply after addressing the reasons for rejection. Common issues are incomplete documentation or insufficient income proof. Rejections are not permanent bans.

Do I need a lawyer for my visa application?

Not always. Straightforward D7 applications are manageable without legal help if you are organised and follow requirements carefully. Complex business visas, Golden Visa applications, or unusual circumstances benefit significantly from professional legal support.

Can I include my family in my application?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in most visa applications. Each family member needs their own documentation. Income requirements increase with family size.

What if my situation is complicated?

Complex situations—multiple income sources, unusual circumstances, previous visa issues—benefit from professional legal advice. I can recommend immigration lawyers experienced with British and American clients.

How much money do I need in the bank?

Beyond proving regular income, showing savings provides additional security. There is no fixed requirement, but €10,000-20,000 in savings alongside regular income strengthens applications.

Can I leave Portugal while waiting for my residency appointment?

Yes, but carefully. Keep proof of your pending appointment. Extended absences may raise questions. Short trips within the Schengen area are generally fine.

What is the difference between a visa and residency permit?

The visa is issued by the consulate and allows you to enter Portugal. The residency permit is issued by AIMA after arrival and confirms your right to live in Portugal long-term.

 

 

Costs

Expect to pay approximately:

  • Visa application fee: €90
  • Residency permit fee: €72
  • Document apostilles and translations: €100-300
  • Health insurance: €40-150 monthly
  • NIF application (if using fiscal representative): €100-200

Common mistakes

Insufficient documentation. Consulates reject applications with missing or incomplete paperwork. Check requirements twice. Then check again.

Income too low. Showing the bare minimum is risky. Demonstrating comfortable income improves approval chances significantly.

Applying too early. Your documents must be recent. Criminal records and bank statements older than three months may be rejected.

No accommodation proof. You need a Portuguese address before applying. A rental contract or signed promissory agreement works.

No NIF. Many consulates now require a Portuguese tax number before accepting applications.

Wrong type of income. Active income from remote work does not qualify for D7. That requires a Digital Nomad Visa or D2.

The path to citizenship

All residency visas can lead to Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency.

Requirements for Citizenship

  • Five years legal residency
  • A2 level Portuguese language proficiency
  • Clean criminal record
  • Genuine connection to Portugal
  • No serious immigration violations

Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship

  • EU citizenship and passport
  • Right to live and work anywhere in EU
  • Visa-free travel to most countries
  • Pass citizenship to children
  • Dual citizenship permitted (check your home country rules)

The Language Requirement

A2 Portuguese is achievable with consistent effort. You do not need to be fluent, but you must demonstrate basic conversational ability.

Tests are administered regularly. Preparation courses are available.

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