Portugal Immigration Requirements: 2025 Full Guide

If you’ve set your sights on immigrating to Portugal for retirement or work, there are a few things you need to know about how Portugal’s immigration policy system works for foreign citizens. Similar to other EU countries, it’s relatively simple to relocate to this beautiful country – if you have the correct visa and the necessary information.

Portugal immigration involves obtaining the appropriate visa and residence permit based on the intended length and purpose of stay. Some nationalities may not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Longer stays necessitate applying for a residence permit, with options like the D2, D7, D8, or the Portugal Golden Visa.

In this article, we’ll explain the various types of Portuguese visas you can apply for, help you decide which option will be better suited to your circumstances, and uncover the visa options if you want to move to Portugal temporarily as a digital nomad or long-stay resident.

In this article, we’ll cover how to immigrate to Portugal in 2025 and the following:

• Who needs a visa to immigrate to Portugal?
• Four categories of Portuguese visas
• The five best Portuguese visas
• Portuguese immigration requirements
• Portuguese language requirements

Who needs a visa to immigrate to Portugal?

Any non-European Union citizen can legally immigrate to Portugal if they have an appropriate visa and a residency permit, unless their country has a special agreement with Portugal.

Visas are processed by the Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, and VFS Global in your country of residence, while residency visas are issued by the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) through Immigration and Border Services.

The first step for non-EU nationals immigrating to Portugal is to apply for a visa that aligns with their circumstances and goals. Some visa options available include the Portuguese Golden Visa for investors, the D8 Visa for Digital Nomads, and the Portugal D7 Visa for passive income earners. Once the visa is approved, foreigners can legally enter Portugal.

The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have international agreements with Portugal, allowing nationals to enter and stay in Portugal for 90 days within six months without needing a visa. However, non-EU nationals who want to stay longer than three months must apply for a long-term visa.

After arriving in Portugal, the next step is to apply for a temporary residence permit, allowing you to live there. After residing legally in Portugal for five years, you can apply for a permanent residency permit and Portuguese citizenship.

However, EU nationals can enter Portugal simply by showing their identity cards. However, they must request a registration certificate if they intend to stay longer than three months. After five years of living in Portugal, European citizens can obtain a permanent residence certificate.

Required documents for non-EU citizens to obtain a Portuguese residency visa

• A valid passport with a validity of at least three months beyond your intended stay
• Two passport-sized photos
• Completed visa application form
• Valid travel insurance coverage
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay
• Clear criminal record
• Supporting documents to verify your visa application
• Alternatively, a Portuguese citizen or resident can sign a term of responsibility on your behalf

The Four Main Categories of Portugal Visas

Portugal visa entry requirements depend on your situation and citizenship. AIMA issues either a temporary stay visa or a long-term residency visa. Below are the main categories of Portuguese visas.

Schengen Visa

The Schengen short-stay or temporary stay visa is the most commonly issued tourist visa and is perfect for those who want to explore Portugal while having the freedom to move within Europe’s Schengen area. This temporary visa allows for a stay of 90 days within six months.

To be eligible, you must submit the necessary supporting documents and demonstrate that you have sufficient means of subsistence to support yourself during your visit to the Schengen region.

Depending on your situation, you might also need to consider a residence permit if you plan to stay beyond the short-term limits or a different Visa type based on your travel purpose.

There are several types of Schengen Visas:

• Airport Transit Visa (Visa A): This permits transit within the Schengen area of an airport from one flight to another. Unless exempted, this visa is required for passengers who change flights at the Schengen state and country airports.
• Transit and Short–Term Stay Visa (Visa C): This visa is issued for transit and short-term stays in the Schengen region, valid for 90 days within a six-month period. The most common types of short-stay visas include the Portuguese tourist visa and the business visa.
• Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) Visas: This is a special short-stay visa allowing travel to only one Schengen state or other Schengen states as specified beforehand.

Temporary stay visa

The Portugal temporary stay visa allows for a four-month stay with multiple entries. This visa is granted for various situations:

• Receiving medical treatment
• Accompanying a family member undergoing medical treatment
• Transferring workers between countries within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to provide services or professional training
• Temporary employment or self-employment
• Conducting scientific research or teaching at a higher education institution
• Pursuing sports activities

Portuguese residency visa

The Portugal residency visa is for individuals aiming to stay in Portugal longer. It is granted after arriving in Portugal for several purposes, including:

• Employed work
• Self-employment or entrepreneurial activities
• Scientific research or teaching
• Study, student exchange, internship, or voluntary service
• Higher education programs (for students already residing in Portugal who want to further their studies)
• Family reunification
• Pensioners and people with an income

This visa allows multiple entries to other Schengen countries. Upon entering Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit, regardless of the type of Portuguese residency visa you receive. Visas such as the Portugal Golden Visa, the D8, and the Passive Income Visa all pertain to this category.

Portugal work visa

Whether you need a Portugal work visa depends on your nationality and the length of your employment. For non-EU nationals, the following national visa options are available:

• Short-Term Work Visa: This visa applies to work contracts lasting less than six months and is available to both employees and self-employed workers. It can be extended for up to a year.
• Long-Term Portugal Online Worker Visa: This is necessary for non-EU nationals with long-term work contracts in Portugal. It is classified as a type D Schengen Visa, allowing visa-free travel across the Schengen zone.

The 5 Best Portuguese Visas in 2025

If you’re a non-EU citizen looking to acquire long-term residency in Portugal, several Portugal visa programs are available, which we detail below.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa is a five-year residency-by-investment program aimed at non-EU nationals. Since its inception in 2012, it has become one of the most prominent investment schemes available for those looking to acquire a residence permit.

The Golden Visa program is particularly attractive to Americans, who benefit from Portugal’s lower cost of living compared to major US cities like New York and San Francisco. Also, Portugal’s economy and favorable tax incentives for foreign income make it desirable to live in.

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must:

• Maintain a clean criminal record. Legal consultation is recommended if necessary.
• Be a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national.
• Invest at least €250,000, with several Portugal Golden Visa investment fund options available.
• Spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal, totaling 14 days during each 2 years of the residence permit’s validity.

The Golden Visa application process involves submitting necessary documents and undergoing an assessment by Portuguese immigration and border services. Successful applicants and their families receive a Portugal residence permit, allowing them to live, work, and study in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen states. Family reunification is also possible, allowing family members to be included in the visa application.

Foreign residents can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after maintaining the investment for five years and complying with Portuguese law. Following Brexit, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals and can apply for the Golden Visa. This provides a pathway to Portuguese residency and potentially citizenship, allowing UK citizens to maintain ties with the European Union.

D2 Startup Visa

The Startup Visa is open to non-EU residents or people not residing in the Schengen area. This visa is for entrepreneurs who want to attract investments to Portugal. Applicants can either have an existing business they wish to expand to Portugal or a new project they intend to create within the country. To qualify for the D2 Visa Portugal, entrepreneurs must have their business approved by the IAPMEI body before applying for a startup visa.

D7 Visa

The Portugal D7 Visa is an attractive visa that allows non-EU citizens to get Portuguese residency, provided they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Portugal. This is perhaps the best route to immigration with a zero-investment pathway for expats.

Also known as the Passive Income visa, the D7 is geared toward retirees, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Portugal and enjoy the country’s high quality of life without committing to a major economic investment. However, you’re required to have a passive income that meets regulations.

The D7 Visa can then be renewed and turned into a permanent residence permit after five years. After five years of holding the D7 Visa, you can also request Portuguese nationality, provided you fulfill the other requirements stipulated by Portuguese nationality law.

D8 Visa – Digital Nomad Visa Program

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the D8 Visa, was introduced by the Portuguese government in 2022. This visa is specifically designed for digital nomads, including freelancers, remote employees, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs who wish to acquire a residence permit and live and work in Portugal.

Eligibility for the Digital Nomad Visa includes:

• Non-EU nationals: The visa is available to foreign citizens who do not belong to the European Union.
• Income requirements: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income, at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage.
• Residential property: You must rent or purchase residential property in Portugal, providing proof through a rental agreement or property ownership documentation.

The D8 Visa allows for multiple entries into Portugal and provides the opportunity to apply for a residence permit. The residency permit can be extended for up to five years. For those intending to stay for less than a year, the temporary stay visa may be a suitable option – offering a maximum validity of one year.

With the Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers can enjoy the benefits of living in Portugal, with the flexibility to renew their residency status as needed. This visa ensures that digital nomads have the means of subsistence to support themselves during their stay within Portuguese territory.

To qualify, you will need to make four times Portugal’s minimum wage or more, which totals €3,480.00 per month.

Portugal Tech Visa

The Portuguese government introduced the D3 Visa Portugal (Tech Visa) to attract highly qualified tech talent to Portugal. Nationals from countries outside the Schengen Area can apply, provided they meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must be a third-country national who does not reside in the European Union.
• All tax obligations must be fulfilled.
• The applicant must have a clean criminal record and be at least 18 years old at the time of the Portugal visa application.
• The applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level 6 according to ISCED 2011, or level 5 (tertiary-level education) with five years of experience in specialized technical functions.
• The applicant must hold proficiency in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish appropriate to the functions/duties to be performed.

Family Reunification Visa

Also known as the Family Reunification Visa, the D6 Visa Portugal allows family members of foreign nationals who are legally residing in Portugal to join them.

If you have come to Portugal on another visa, like the D7 Visa or the D2 Visa, or have settled status as an EU citizen, you can apply for a D6 to bring your accompanying family member.

Visa applications for the family regrouping can only be made by someone who holds a Portuguese residence permit and is already legally living in the country.

The process may require the Portuguese visa holder to demonstrate the relationship, prove they have the financial means to support the family members and meet other eligibility criteria.

Portugal Immigration Requirements

According to Portugal’s immigration policy, when applying for a visa, you must submit a visa application form to the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Ensure you download the Portuguese visa application form specific to the Schengen region.

Visa processing time for Portugal can range from two weeks to two to three months, so start your application process early.

Documents required for a Portugal visa include:

• Two passport photos
• Your passport and copies of previous visas
• A copy of your return ticket reservation (depending on nationality)
• Travel insurance for the Schengen Area
• A cover letter detailing the purpose of your visit and itinerary
• Flight dates and times
• Accommodation plans for your stay
• Sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
• Proof of civil status
• Proof of economic status to prove means of subsistence

Additional documentation may be required based on the nature of your visit to the Portuguese territory. For instance, if you are a student, provide proof of enrolment at a Portuguese institution.

What are the requirements for Portugal citizenship by naturalization?

Foreign nationals can obtain Portuguese citizenship through naturalization after residing in Portugal for more than five years. The first step in this process is to secure a permanent residence permit. Once you have this, you can pursue Portuguese citizenship, which also grants you European Union citizenship and access to an EU passport.

The steps to achieve this are outlined below:

1. Obtain a Portugal permanent residence permit

If you’re from a non-EU/EFTA country and have been living in Portugal for five years, you may be eligible to apply for Portuguese permanent residence. To qualify, you need to demonstrate that you’ve been legally residing in Portugal throughout this period.

Here’s what you need to know about the Portugal permanent residency requirements, including all documents required:

• Valid Residence Visa: Ensure your residence visa is current and valid.
• Passport or Travel ID: A valid passport or travel ID is required.
• Passport Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos are needed for identification purposes.
• Financial Stability: Show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself.
• Accommodation: Documentation proving you have a place to live in Portugal.
• Travel Insurance with Medical Treatment Coverage: Insurance that includes medical treatment is necessary.
• Criminal Record Certificate: A certificate showing that you have a clean criminal record.
• Enrollment in Social Security: Obtain a Social Security Number (NISS) to show your registration in Portugal’s social security system.
• Evidence of Tax Status: You will need a NIF (tax number) to demonstrate your tax status.
• Proof of Legal and Uninterrupted Residence: Evidence of continuous legal residency in Portugal for the past five years.
• Portuguese Proficiency: Provide a certificate of qualification or proof from a language assessment center to show basic proficiency in Portuguese.

Please note that additional immigration requirements may apply. By meeting these requirements, you can secure your status as a permanent resident in Portugal and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

2. Get your Portuguese citizenship and passport

In case you have legally resided in Portugal for five years through one of the abovementioned visas, you’re allowed to request Portuguese citizenship through the naturalization route. You must first obtain a long-term residence permit. Then, you can apply for Portuguese nationality and obtain a Portuguese passport.

For those applying through the Portugal Golden Visa program, citizenship may be possible after five years, provided that applicants maintain their investment and meet the program’s residency requirements.

When being granted European Union citizenship, you’ll have the same rights and privileges associated with being a Portuguese national, including the ability to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union.

Is dual citizenship allowed in Portugal?

Yes, Portugal does permit dual citizenship, so you can hold Portuguese citizenship alongside that of your home country. However, it’s important to verify the dual citizenship policies of your country of origin to ensure that acquiring Portuguese citizenship won’t affect your existing citizenship status.

If both Portugal and your home country allow dual citizenship, you can enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of both nations without any issues.

Portuguese Language Requirements

Passing a basic language test is required for citizenship applicants from countries where Portuguese isn’t the main language. However, for applicants from former Portuguese colonies (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and others), a Portuguese test may not be necessary.

While proficiency can be proven in several ways, the most popular is the A2 Portuguese language exam, which results in the CIPLE (Certificado de Português Língua Estrangeira). This exam assesses applicants’ proficiency in Portuguese as a foreign language.

Taxes in Portugal for Expats

If you spend 183 days or more in Portugal within a single calendar year, you will be considered a Portuguese tax resident and will need to pay taxes in Portugal. This is an important aspect to be aware of when moving to the country.

The primary tax you need to understand is personal income tax, which applies to the earnings of both Portuguese residents and non-residents who generate income in Portugal. Taxes are typically deducted automatically from pay slips; however, you are still required to complete an annual tax return.

This tax return involves calculating your taxable income, applying the appropriate tax rates, and accounting for any legal deductions such as education or health-related expenses.

Income Tax Rates and Filing

The Individual Income Tax (IRS) in Portugal is calculated based on your income and is charged at rates ranging from 13% to 48% for the year 2025:

• Employment Income
• Self-Employment Income
• Investment Income
• Rental Income from properties located in Portugal
• Capital Gains from selling properties, assets, or shares
• Pensions received in Portugal, including private pension plans

While IRS is calculated individually, couples and civil partnerships have the option to file jointly. In this case, tax is assessed on the total taxable income of the household members.

Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) Program

Since 2009, many expatriates in Portugal have benefited from the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program, which has provided significant tax advantages. However, the NHR program ended on January 1, 2024. However, the NHR program ended on January 1, 2024. Individuals who met specific criteria could still apply for the program until March 31, 2025, but that option is no longer available.

The NHR scheme has been succeeded by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), which you can discover more about in our article, Portugal’s New NHR in 2025: A Guide to the NHR 2.0 (IFICI).

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Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal's Immigration

What are the different ways to immigrate to Portugal in 2025?

Immigrate to Portugal in 2025 through options like the D7 Passive Income Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa, Tech Visa for skilled workers, or family reunification. Each path requires specific financial, professional, or residency qualifications set by AIMA.

How can I immigrate to Portugal from the US?

Immigrate to Portugal from the US by applying for a D7 Passive Income Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or a Golden Visa. Each visa requires proof of income, accommodation, and a clean criminal record. U.S. citizens can stay 90 days visa-free, but residency visas are needed for long-term stays.

What are the general requirements to immigrate to Portugal?

To immigrate to Portugal, you generally need a valid passport, proof of sufficient income, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and accommodation in Portugal. Additional documents depend on visa type, such as the D7, Golden Visa, or Work Visa, each with specific financial or professional criteria.

What are the income requirements for immigrating to Portugal?

Income requirements for immigrating to Portugal vary by visa type. The D7 Visa requires at least €870 per month (Portugal’s minimum wage) for the main applicant. Digital Nomad Visas require four times the minimum wage, around €3,480 monthly. Additional amounts apply for dependents.

Is Portugal easy to immigrate to in 2025?

Portugal is considered one of the easier EU countries to immigrate to in 2025 due to multiple visa options like the Digital Nomad Visa, low income thresholds, and a high acceptance rate. However, applicants must meet all documentation and financial requirements for approval.

What are the new Portugal immigration rules after Brexit?

After Brexit, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals when immigrating to Portugal. They must apply for residency visas like the D7, Digital Nomad, or Golden Visa. UK nationals no longer have automatic EU rights and must meet all financial, documentation, and residency requirements set by SEF.

Do I need to speak Portuguese to immigrate to Portugal?

You do not need to speak Portuguese to immigrate to Portugal, but language skills help with integration and are required for permanent residency or citizenship. Most visa applications, like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa, do not require Portuguese proficiency for initial approval.

Can I bring my family when I immigrate to Portugal?

You can bring your family when immigrating to Portugal through family reunification. Most visas, including the D7 and Digital Nomad Visa, allow spouses and dependents to join the main applicant. You must show additional income for each family member and provide proof of relationship and accommodation.

How long does Portugal's immigration process take?

Portugal’s immigration process typically takes 3 to 6 months. This includes visa approval, arrival, SEF appointment scheduling, and residence permit issuance. Delays may occur due to document verification, SEF backlogs, or missing information, so preparing complete and accurate paperwork is essential.

What are the benefits of immigrating to Portugal?

Benefits of immigrating to Portugal include a low cost of living, high-quality healthcare, visa-free Schengen travel, access to EU residency rights, and a path to citizenship after five years. Portugal also offers a safe environment, mild climate, and welcoming expat communities across major cities.

Do you need social security when immigrating to Portugal?

You don’t need Portuguese social security to immigrate initially, but it becomes necessary once you begin working or running a business. For residence permits like the D7 Visa, proof of private income and health insurance is enough. Social security registration is mandatory for tax residents.