The Portugal D7 Visa and Golden Visa are two extremely popular schemes that help foreigners move to and settle in Portugal.
The D7 Visa and the Golden Visa are both residency-by-investment routes in Portugal but differ in requirements.
The D7 Visa targets retirees or individuals with passive income, while the Golden Visa is for investors making qualifying contributions (such as cultural or fund investments). Both lead to permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
The article provides essential information and highlights the key differences between the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa, including:
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government announced plans to amend the Nationality Law and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals have passed the plenary vote on October 28, 2025, which marks a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are an increase in the residence requirement for nationality from five years to ten years – seven years for nationals of CPLP and EU countries – and a change to how residency time is calculated, so that the clock would start when residency is issued rather than when the application is submitted.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review. At that stage, the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including any transitional provisions or possible grandfathering rules, but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
About the D7 Visa and Golden Visa Portugal
What is the Portugal D7 Visa?
Portugal D7 Visa, often called the Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa, provides a pathway for non-EU nationals to legally reside in Portugal by meeting a minimum passive income requirement.
On January 1st, 2025, the minimum income rose from €820 to €870.00 per month. Targeted at contractors, retirees, and individuals with consistent passive income streams, the D7 Visa allows applicants to leverage various income sources.
Eligible funds can include pensions, financial investments, rental income, and earnings from intellectual property, among others.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
Portuguese Golden Visa program, officially known as the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, was established in 2012 to attract foreign investment and enhance Portugal’s appeal to non-EU nationals. This initiative allows individuals to obtain residency through various qualifying investments.
Similarities between the D7 Visa and Golden Visa Portugal
The D7 and Golden Visas for Portugal cater to different needs and financial situations. The D7 Visa is for individuals with passive income, like retirees, who plan to live in Portugal long-term.
The Golden Visa is an investment-based program that offers residency for those making a significant investment in Portugal, with less stringent stay requirements. Some of the key advantages that both programs offer include:
Permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship: After five years of legal residency in Portugal, you may become eligible for either permanent residency or citizenship, allowing you to obtain a Portuguese passport.
Family reunification: The Portugal Golden Visa and the D7 Visa allow your dependent family to be included in the application and have the same opportunities in a safe and stable country.
Free movement within the Schengen Area: The D7 visa, along with Portugal’s Golden Visa, provides a unique opportunity for non-EU nationals to relocate to Portugal. Once you obtain either of these visas, you gain the ability to enter and travel freely throughout the 29 different countries of the Schengen Area without the need for an additional visa.
Residency rights and access to services: Obtaining a temporary residency permit will allow you and your family to benefit from a range of essential services, such as access to the Portuguese state healthcare system.
No active business involvement: The Portugal D7 Visa and the Golden Visa do not require individuals to establish or manage a business in Portugal.
Differences Between the D7 Visa and Golden Visa in Portugal
1. Required time spent in Portugal
A major difference between the D7 and the Golden Visa is the stay requirement.
How much time you would like to spend physically in Portugal may be the deciding factor.
Portugal D7 Visa: You can’t be absent from the country for more than six consecutive months or eight interpolated months for the duration of the visa.
Portugal Golden Visa: You must spend seven days in Portugal in the first year and then 14 days in the subsequent years.
2. Income requirements
The two visas also significantly differ regarding income requirements and capital investment pathways. For the Portugal D7 Visa, you will not be required to invest in Portugal, but you must show proof of stable passive income. This stable passive income can be from movable property, rental income, real estate, intellectual property, or financial investments. The requirements for the D7 Retirement Visa are as follows:
- Earn a monthly passive income of at least €870.00 (this can be foreign income and can come from pensions, transferable equity, property rental, intellectual property, or financial equity)
However, applications may be denied if you just meet the minimum passive income requirement. Demonstrating passive income of at least twice the minimum requirement is safer. The Portuguese Consulate accepts a combination of salary, pension and benefits, and investments, including new real estate income. Your passive monthly income must be consistent and marked or documented in your bank account and financial statements to qualify. Investment options for the Golden Visa include:
- Fund subscription: Contribute to a Golden Visa investment fund, such as a venture capital or private equity fund, worth at least €500,000
- Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national heritage with a donation of at least €250,000 or €200,000 in a low-density area
- Scientific research: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000
- Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
- Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (5 of them permanent)
3. Application processes
The Portugal D7 Visa application process is more complex than the Golden Visa.
Before initiating the application process at a Portuguese Consulate in your home country or directly with AIMA, you must first acquire your Portuguese tax number (NIF), open a Portuguese bank account, and arrange accommodation in Portugal.
Once the visa is granted for four months, the applicant must travel to Portugal to apply for the initial residence permit.
In contrast, obtaining the Golden Visa is simpler, as investors are not obligated to provide proof of accommodation or a rental property. The application can be submitted following the completion of the necessary investment, and the entire procedure can be conducted remotely through AIMA’s Golden Visa portal.
However, applicants are advised to choose a Portugal-based representative to help them get a Portugal NIF number and open a Portuguese bank account.
4. Fees: D7 vs Golden Visa Portugal
For the D7 Visa, government fees range from €45 to €300. In contrast, the Golden Visa typically involves higher fees due to its investment requirements and processing costs.
There are also renewal charges and legal expenses for both visa programs. If you choose the D7 Visa route, your primary costs include purchasing or renting property, relocating, and moving your belongings.
These expenses can add up, making it important to budget accordingly when planning your transition to Portugal.
With the Portugal Golden Visa, the primary cost is the investment itself.
Additionally, you should factor in application and processing fees, which are €6,045 and €605, respectively. It’s important to note that for both the D7 and Golden Visa programs, fees increase with each family member included in your application.
Remember that the fees and requirements mentioned are subject to change, so it’s advisable to verify the latest information before starting your D7 Visa or Golden Visa application.
| D7 Visa | Golden Visa | |
| Investment | Not required | Minimum €250,000 |
| Proof of income | €820 per month | Not required |
| Proof of accommodation | Required | Not required |
| Application time | 4+ months | 8+ months |
| Time in country | 16 months total within two years, or 18 months consecutively | Seven days a year |
| Family reunification | Yes | Yes |
| Application fee | €90 per family member | €605 per family member |
| Fee for residence cards | €155 per family member | €6,045 per family member |
Switching From D7 to Portugal Golden Visa
Applicants can switch from the D7 Visa to the Portugal Golden Visa. If things don’t go according to plan, D7 visa holders who are unable to meet the stay requirement risk having their visas revoked.
Therefore, it’s important to ensure that when you apply for the D7 Visa, you present your application with financial security records to support yourself in Portugal. You can switch from the D7 Visa to the Portugal Golden Visa if you are ready and willing to invest in a qualifying program.
Portuguese Citizenship Through the D7 or Golden Visa
You can obtain Portuguese citizenship through both the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa. Your initial visa is intended to establish a pathway toward residency in Portugal under both schemes.
After five years of legal residency, holders of the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship, along with the benefits of possessing a European passport.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
D7 Visa vs Golden Visa in Portugal: Which one is right for me?
The D7 and Golden Visa offer benefits like residency and travel in Portugal and the Schengen area.
The D7 Visa is ideal for those seeking immediate and permanent relocation to Portugal, leading to citizenship or permanent residency.
In contrast, the Golden Visa is suitable for individuals wanting to secure residency without full-time relocation, allowing them to prepare for permanent residency or citizenship before moving.
Portugal D7 Visa suitability
- Your passive income remains stable and consistent.
- Your intention is primarily to reside in Portugal.
- You prefer not to commit to significant investments immediately.
Portugal Golden Visa suitability
- You seek a robust contingency plan for the future.
- Maintaining your primary residence elsewhere is necessary.
- You’re prepared to make a substantial initial investment in Portugal.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
