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.
Key Requirements:
- •5 years legal residence (10 years under proposed law)
- •A2 Portuguese language proficiency (CIPLE exam or course)
- •Clean criminal record
- +3 more 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.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid employment contract with Portuguese employer
- •Employer registration with Portuguese authorities
- •Passport valid for at least 6 months
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Higher education diploma (3+ years) or equivalent experience
- •Job offer in highly qualified field
- •Minimum salary of €21,030/year
- +3 more requirements
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).
Key Requirements:
- •Proof of passive income (minimum €920/month)
- •Savings of at least €11,040 (12 months of minimum wage)
- •Portuguese NIF (tax number)
- +4 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Proof of remote work income (minimum €3,480/month)
- •Employment contract or client contracts proving remote work
- •Bank statements showing at least €10,440
- +4 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Higher education diploma (3+ years) or 5+ years experience
- •Job offer for at least 1 year in Portugal
- •Minimum annual salary of €21,030
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid residence permit in Portugal
- •Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
- •Adequate accommodation for family
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Qualifying investment (funds, donation, research, or job creation)
- •Clean criminal record
- •Valid passport
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance letter from Portuguese institution
- •Proof of financial means (€920/month minimum)
- •Health insurance valid in Portugal
- +3 more requirements