Updated: 12 March 2025, 11:57 am
|||If you wish to visit and live in Portugal many types of visas could get you there, ranging from student visas to qualified worker visas, the Portugal Golden Visa, and others. Each visa is designed to meet the needs of a certain demographic. To make your Portugal journey easier, we’ve compiled the guide below on different Portugal visa types, their eligibility requirements, benefits, and costs.
Overview of Immigration in Portugal
Portugal is a popular destination for expats who accounted for 10% of its population in 2024. Many of them hail from Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, and Guinea-Bissau. It is also home to many expats from the UK, India, Italy, Nepal, and China. The country boasts a welcoming immigration system, whereby EU citizens are allowed to move freely and non-EU nationals are granted entry for work, study, family, or retirement if they abide by specific conditions. Portugal promises its residents safety and environmental quality, nevertheless, income and civic engagement are sometimes lacking.
Portuguese Residency: Benefits
A Portuguese residency offers a multitude of advantages which include:
Visa-free travel
A Portuguese residency allows its holder unlimited access to all countries within the EEA, EU, and Schengen states including travel, living, and work.
The Right to Work
This residency permit allows non-EU nationals the right to work in Portugal; as an employee in a company, business owner, or freelancer; while enjoying the same employment rights as Portuguese citizens.
The Right to Education
Portuguese residency holders can enroll in Portuguese public schools, universities, and vocational training institutions while enjoying the same rights to education and schooling as Portuguese nationals.
The Right to Healthcare
Portugal residents can access the Portuguese healthcare system which is free or low-cost for residents.
Family Reunification
If you are a holder of a Portuguese residency you can benefit from family reunification for your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.
Gateway to Portuguese Citizenship
If you meet certain requirements and live for five years in Portugal as a legal resident, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
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List of All the Different Portugal Visa Types & Residency Permits
1. Portugal Self-Employment Visa
Portugal Self-Employment Visa: Eligibility
To be eligible for this visa, you need to prove that you are moving to work in a Portuguese company. A contract or a written proposal with a Portuguese company is enough to apply.
Conditions to Obtain Portugal Self-Employment Visa: Requirements
- A clean criminal record
- The necessary documents related to your business in Portugal
- Registering with the tax authority
Portugal Self-Employment Visa: Benefits
- The right to live and work in Portugal.
- The right to travel within the Schengen countries.
Portugal Self-Employment Visa: Cost
- Between €50.63 and €158.15 as government fees.
2. Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal Golden Visa: Eligibility
The Portugal Golden Visa is dedicated to individuals willing to invest in the country, either by real estate acquisition, fund subscription, or capital transfer.
Conditions to Obtain Portugal Golden Visa: Requirements
- A clean criminal record
- A qualifying investment
- Paying the required fees
- Commitment to the stay requirements
Portugal Golden Visa: Benefits
- Allowing family inclusion.
- Traveling within Schengen countries with your Golden Visa.
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship after five years.
Portugal Golden Visa: Cost
A minimum investment amount of €500,000 is necessary for the Portuguese Golden Visa. A donation option of €250,000 is also available, provided it is made into artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage, arts, or culture.
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3. Retiree Visa or Passive Income Holder Visa – D7 Visa
Portugal D7 Visa: Eligibility
- Having a monthly income that is equal to the minimum wage in Portugal.
- Being a retiree or a passive income holder.
Conditions to Obtain Portugal D7 Visa: Requirements
- Sufficient funds to support yourself
- Proof that your income is passive
- Spending most of the year in Portugal (a minimum of six consecutive or eight non-consecutive months).
Portugal D7 Visa: Benefits
- Full residency rights in Portugal
- Access to the Portuguese healthcare system
- Visa-free travel to the Schengen Area of Europe
- Freedom to study, work, and start a business in Portugal
- Eligible to bring family members to live with you in Portugal
- Eligibility for the Non-Habitual Residency Scheme
- Eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years of living in Portugal
Portugal D7 Visa: Cost
- €80 – Portuguese consulate fee
- €170 – resident permit fee
- €156 – AIMA appointment fee
4. Portugal Qualified Worker Visa – D3 Visa
Portugal Qualified Worker Visa – D3 Visa: Eligibility
- Having technical skills or an exceptional qualification.
Conditions to Obtain A Portugal Qualified Worker Visa – D3 Visa: Requirements
- A one-year employment contract or an employment offer.
- Annual compensation of at least 1,5 times the national average gross annual salary.
- Having high professional qualifications in regulated professions.
- Having high professional qualifications appropriate to the activity or sector.
Portugal Qualified Worker Visa – D3 Visa: Benefits
- Free entry and travel around the 26-country Schengen Area
- Potential for family reunion in Portugal for immediate relatives
- Eligibility for citizenship or permanent residency in Portugal after five years
- Rights to public services including healthcare and education
- EU citizenship for your children born after a D3 visa holder resides legally for a minimum of 1 year in Portugal
Portugal Qualified Worker Visa – D3 Visa: Cost
- €90 for the D3 Visa application
- €85 for the residence permit
5. Portugal Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs – D2 Visa
Portugal Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs – D2 Visa: Eligibility
- An entrepreneur looking to achieve your startup business goals.
Conditions to Obtain A Portugal Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs – D2 Visa: Requirements
- Proving you have an established business that operates in Portugal or the financial means to do so
- Sufficient funds to support yourself
- A solid business plan
Portugal Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs – D2 Visa: Benefits
- The right to establish a business, work as an independent professional and live in Portugal.
- Enter and circulate freely within the Schengen Area.
- Family reunification in Portugal for partners, children, parents, or siblings dependent on either partner.
- Applying for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime with specific conditions.
- Applying for permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal with specific conditions.
- Rights to public services including healthcare and education.
Portugal Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs – D2 Visa: Cost
- Between €50.63 and €158.15 as government fees
6. Portugal Tech Visa
Portugal Tech Visa: Eligibility
- Companies with headquarters or permanent offices in Portugal
- Having a talent and wanting to apply for a tech company
Conditions to Obtain A Portugal Tech Visa: Requirements
- A job offer from a certified tech company in Portugal
- A salary that meets the criteria
Portugal Tech Visa: Benefits
- Simplified procedures for companies
- Fast-track work visa issuance for employees
- Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area
- Applying for Portugal’s non-EU family reunification and exceptional treatment for dependent family members
Portugal Tech Visa: Cost
- €90 as Visa application fee
- €240 as residence permit fee (with residence visa)
- €430 as residence permit fee (without residence visa)
- €240 as residence permit renewal fee
Who Needs Portuguese Visas?
| Category | Requirements for Portugal Visa |
| EU/EFTA Citizens | – Permitted to stay in Portugal for three months to start a business or look for employment. – Citizens in the Schengen region can enter Portugal with an ID. – Must apply for a registration certificate if staying longer than three months. |
| Non-EU/EFTA Citizens | – Must acquire a visa to stay in Portugal for less than three months unless the country has a bilateral agreement with Portugal. – Must acquire a long-term national visa if staying for more than three months before traveling to Portugal. |
Ways to Obtain a Long-term Residence Visa to Portugal
Employment, study, passive income, family reunification, or business investments are among the eligibility criteria that allow expats to obtain a long-term residency in Portugal.
- Employment: Those who work for a Portuguese company can apply for a D1 or D3 visa, depending on their circumstances.
- Remote work: Foreign company employees, freelancers, and self-employed remote workers can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.
- Business initiatives: Entrepreneurs who wish to invest in a business in Portugal can apply for a Startup Visa for innovative projects or a D2 Visa for other types of businesses.
- Study and research: International students and researchers who have an offer to study or conduct research in Portugal, can apply for a residence visa.
- Family reunification: Close family members of Portuguese citizens and residents can apply.
- Professional training, internship, or volunteer work: Those who are conducting unpaid internships, training, or volunteer work can apply for a special visa.
- Passive income: Foreigners with stable passive income can apply for the D7 Visa.
How to Get Citizenship After Residency in Portugal
You must reside in Portugal for at least five years and demonstrate basic proficiency in Portuguese before applying for citizenship. Below are the steps to follow:
- Download the application from the official government website then fill it.
- Pay a fee of €250 online by bank card or cheque.
- Collect the required documents: a copy of your birth certificate with an apostille from a Portuguese consulate, proof of Portuguese language proficiency, a request for citizenship, and a certificate of no criminal record from the country of birth.
- Submit the documents at an IRN counter personally or by mail.
- Wait for the decision which typically takes about a year.
- Receive approval and the citizen ID card.
How to Choose the Right Portuguese Visa
When deciding which Portuguese visa to apply for, several factors will influence your choice. The duration of your stay is important, whether it’s for a short visit, temporary stay, or long-term residency. The purpose of your visit—whether for tourism, work, study, or family reunification—helps determine the appropriate visa category. Your nationality will also affect the specific visa requirements. Additionally, your personal circumstances, such as your financial situation, employment status, and long-term goals, must align with the visa’s criteria.
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose | Suitable For |
| Schengen Visa (Short-Stay) | Up to 90 days | Tourism, Business | Short visits, EU citizens, Business travelers |
| Temporary Stay Visa | 91 days to 1 year | Work, Study, Medical Treatment | Temporary workers, Students, Medical patients |
| Long-Stay Visa (Residency Visa) | 1 year or more | Permanent Residence, Long-term Work, Retirement | Long-term residents, Retirees, Long-term workers |
| D7 Passive Income Visa | Long-term | Retirement, Investment | Retirees, Passive income earners |
| D8 Digital Nomad Visa | Up to 1 year, renewable | Remote Work | Digital nomads, Remote workers |
| Golden Visa | Varies | Investment | Investors, Entrepreneurs |
| Student Visa | Study duration | Education | International students |
| D6 Family Reunion Visa | Long-term | Family Reunification | Families of legal residents |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many types of Portugal visas are there?
Portugal offers various visa types, including Short-Stay (Schengen), Temporary Stay, Long-Stay (Residency), D-category visas (D2, D3, D7, D8), Golden Visa, Student Visa, and Family Reunion Visa.
2. What is the D2, D3, and D7 visa Portugal?
- D2 Visa: For entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- D3 Visa: For highly qualified professionals.
- D7 Visa: For retirees and passive income earners.
3. What is the best visa for Portugal?
The best Portugal visa depends on your purpose: a D7 Visa is for passive income earners, a D8 Visa is for digital nomads, a Golden Visa is for investors, and a D3 Visa is for skilled professionals.
4. Which Portuguese visa is the easiest?
The Schengen Visa is the easiest for short-term visits. The D7 Visa is relatively straightforward for those with passive income.
5. What is a Type C visa in Portugal?
A Type C Visa is a short-stay Schengen Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family visits.
6. How can I go to Portugal from the UAE?
You can apply for a Schengen Visa for short visits or a residency visa (D7, D8, D2, or D3) if you plan to stay for longer.
7. What is the E4 visa in Portugal?
Portugal does not have an E4 visa; you may be referring to another country’s classification.
8. Can I get a job in Portugal with an E7 visa?
Portugal does not have an E7 visa. You will need a D1 or D3 Visa for employment.
9. Can I convert my tourist visa into a work visa in Portugal?
No, you generally cannot convert a tourist visa into a work visa. You must apply for a work visa (D1/D3) from your home country.
10. How can I get a Portugal Visa easily?
To get a Portugal Visa easily, you need to meet the requirements, submit complete documents, and apply for a visa type that suits your needs and profile.
11. Which visa is best for Europe?
The Schengen Visa is best for short-term travel across 26 European countries. For long-term residence, a D Visa is needed.
12. How to get a PR in Portugal?
To get a permanent residency in Portugal, you need to live there legally for 5 years on a residency visa (such as D7, D8, D2), then apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
