Population
10.4 million
Capital
Lisbon
Languages
Portuguese
💰Cost & Practicalities
🏥Living Conditions
🛂Immigration
Visas & Immigration
View all🇵🇹Citizenship
Portuguese citizenship through naturalization requires legal residence for 5 years (proposed change to 10 years pending Constitutional Court review as of late 2025). Must demonstrate A2 level Portuguese language proficiency via CIPLE exam or 150-hour accredited course. No criminal record and sufficient ties to Portugal. Dual citizenship generally allowed. Portuguese citizenship grants EU citizenship with full rights to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU. Processing time 1-2 years. CPLP (Portuguese-speaking countries) and EU nationals may have reduced residence requirements.
💼D1 Work Visa
The D1 visa is for non-EU/EEA citizens with a job offer from a Portuguese employer. Requires signed employment contract with a registered Portuguese company. Employer may need to demonstrate the position couldn't be filled by Portuguese/EU nationals (labour market test via IEFP). Initial 4-month visa allows entry to apply for 2-year residence permit with AIMA. Full work rights and access to social security. Family reunification possible after permit obtained. Path to permanent residency after 5 years.
⭐D3 Highly Qualified
The D3 visa targets highly qualified professionals including researchers, academics, engineers, tech workers, and executives. Also includes the Tech Visa program for workers at certified Portuguese tech companies (startups and innovation firms). Can lead to EU Blue Card eligibility after 18 months. Requires higher education degree (3+ years) or 5+ years professional experience. Minimum salary threshold approximately €21,030/year (1.5x average salary). No labour market test required. Green Route processing can fast-track to 20 days for certain sectors.
💰D7 Passive Income
The D7 visa (also known as the Passive Income or Retirement Visa) is designed for individuals with stable passive income sources such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or investment returns. No need to work or invest in Portugal. Requires proof of at least €920/month passive income (Portugal's minimum wage as of January 2026) plus €11,040 in savings. Must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first two years. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship eligibility. Family members can be included with additional income requirements (+50% for spouse, +30% per child).
💻D8 Digital Nomad
The D8 Digital Nomad Visa (officially the Remote Work Visa) launched in late 2022 specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs earning income from outside Portugal. Requires proof of at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately €3,480/month as of 2026) in remote income. Available as temporary stay visa (1 year) or residence visa (4 months leading to 2-year permit). Can be extended for up to 5 years. Provides Schengen travel rights and path to permanent residency.
🔵EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals, harmonized across EU member states. In Portugal, requires higher education degree (3+ years) or 5+ years professional experience, plus employment contract for at least 1 year with minimum salary of €21,030/year (2025). No labour market test in Portugal. Initial 2-year permit, renewable for 3 years. After 18 months, can transfer to work in another EU country. Equal treatment with Portuguese nationals for working conditions, social security, healthcare.
👨👩👧👦Family Reunification
Family reunification allows residence permit holders to bring eligible family members to Portugal. Eligible family members include spouse/partner, minor children, dependent adult children, and dependent parents. Sponsor must demonstrate adequate housing and financial means (income requirements increase per family member). Family members receive residence permits matching the sponsor's duration. Can work in Portugal. Application through Portuguese consulate or AIMA if family member already in Portugal.
🏆Golden Visa
Portugal's Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program for non-EU nationals. IMPORTANT: Real estate investment no longer qualifies as of 2023. Current qualifying investments include: €500,000 in approved investment funds, €250,000+ donation to cultural/arts/heritage projects, €500,000 in scientific research, or creating 10+ jobs. Minimal stay requirement of only 7 days in year one and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods. Includes family members. Path to citizenship after 5 years (proposed change to 10 years pending). Processing time 8-12 months.
🎓Student Visa
The student visa (D4) allows non-EU nationals to study at Portuguese educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter from accredited institution, proof of financial means (minimum wage equivalent), health insurance, and accommodation. Valid for duration of studies. Can work up to 20 hours/week during studies. After completing degree, can apply for job seeker visa or transition to work visa. Portuguese universities offer many English-taught programs. Tuition fees for non-EU students typically €3,000-7,000/year at public universities.
Expat Life
View allCost of Living
Portugal offers one of Western Europe's lowest costs of living, though Lisbon and Porto have become significantly more expensive due to tourism and expat demand. Smaller cities offer much better value.
Healthcare
Portugal has a universal public healthcare system (SNS) accessible to legal residents, plus good private options. Quality is generally good with minimal out-of-pocket costs once registered.
Housing
The Portuguese housing market has tightened significantly, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Competition is fierce in city centers, but options exist outside the main cities at much lower prices.
Banking
Opening a Portuguese bank account is essential for residency and daily life. Most banks welcome foreign residents, though the process requires specific documentation including a NIF.
Remote Work
Portugal has positioned itself as a top destination for remote workers with the D8 digital nomad visa, excellent coworking infrastructure, and fast internet. Lisbon and Porto have thriving digital nomad communities.
Taxes
Portugal taxes residents on worldwide income with progressive rates up to 48%. The popular NHR tax regime ended for new applicants in 2024, replaced by limited IFICI. Understanding tax residency rules is essential.
Transportation
Portugal has good public transport in major cities with affordable monthly passes. Outside cities, a car becomes useful. The country is well-connected by train and has good road infrastructure.
Language
Portuguese is essential for full integration, though English is widely spoken in Lisbon, Porto, and tourist areas. A2 level Portuguese is required for citizenship. Learning the language opens doors socially and professionally.
Safety
Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, consistently ranking in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. Violent crime is rare; petty theft in tourist areas is the main concern.
Expat Community
Portugal has a large and growing expat community, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Finding your community is easy through online groups, meetups, and the welcoming Portuguese culture.
Climate & Weather
Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Mild winters and warm summers make it one of Europe's most pleasant climates. Weather varies between coastal areas, interior, and islands.
Food & Dining
Portuguese cuisine is hearty, fresh, and affordable. Seafood is exceptional, wine is world-class and cheap, and the pastry culture is legendary. Dining out is a pleasure at all budgets.
Culture & Lifestyle
Portuguese culture blends warmth, tradition, and a relaxed pace of life. Family is central, meals are social occasions, and the concept of "saudade" (melancholic longing) runs deep. Expect late dinners, long lunches, and genuine hospitality.
Guides & Articles
View allQuestions
View allWhat are the real costs of living in Lisbon as an expat in 2026?
What is the difference between the D7 and D8 visa in Portugal?
Is the NHR tax regime still available for new applicants in Portugal?
Can I get Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, or has the law changed?
How do I get a NIF (tax number) in Portugal before I move there?