Portugal

As of February 2026, Portuguese passport holders can enter 172 countries visa-free, with all the EU states, the UK and Japan on the list. That is one of the reasons why investors from all over the world consider obtaining a passport of Portugal. Learn more about visa-free destinations and paths to becoming a Portuguese passport holder.

Eymi Castro

In 2024, the number of Americans living in Portugal increased by 36%, reaching over 19,000\[1\]. For those applying for the Portugal Golden Visa or other residency visas, a Roth IRA can be a powerful funding tool. If the account holder qualifies, withdrawals are tax-free in the US and not taxed in Portugal either. This unique advantage makes the Roth IRA especially appealing for financing a move.

Albert Ioffe

Portugal has quietly become one of the world’s favourite places to settle. In the Expat Insider Survey 2025, it ranks 9th globally among most popular countries of residence for foreigners\[1\]. The real challenge is not whether to choose Portugal, but how to become a resident. The D3 visa for highly qualified workers is entering the scene with a 100% approval rate. How does it differ from the EU Blue Card for professionals? And when is it smarter to choose the D7 route for freelancers or the D8 for remote workers? This guide breaks down the differences so each goal can be matched to the right status.

Célia Castilho

Portugal offers one of the most flexible tax systems in Europe, where the real burden depends on headline rates, residency status, available deductions, and access to international tax treaties.  With the IFICI regime offering a 20% flat tax for certain professionals and Madeira’s corporate rate set at just 5%, smart planning can make a big difference. In practice, many end up paying less than the standard tax brackets would suggest. For those applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa, D7 visa, or Digital Nomad visa, it’s important to know how income is taxed and how to avoid being taxed twice.

Albert Ioffe

Higher education and years of experience can open the door to a new professional setting and even long-term settlement in Portugal. The Global Talent Program, known as part of the D3 visa route, offers both career mobility and long-term residence in the EU. Learn all the nuances and benefits of the D3 visa for highly-qualified workers.

Célia Castilho

Wealthy individuals can get a Portugal Golden Visa if they purchase units of investment funds worth a minimum of €500,000. The holding period is at least 5 years.  The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence permit granted in exchange for contributing to the country's economy. It allows the applicant's entire family to live and work in the EU and, after 5 years, to apply for citizenship.   But how does investing in funds under the Golden Visa program actually work? What are the key benefits, and how can you choose the right fund? Let’s explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Eymi Castro

When considering obtaining residency through investment in funds, Hungary and Portugal stand out as two of the most popular destinations.  Hungary offers a more affordable entry point with a €250,000 investment, while Portugal requires at least €500,000. However, the decision goes beyond just the cost — each country presents unique terms, benefits, and risks.  This article compares the investment options in both countries, analysing the terms and conditions, costs, yields, and potential risks to help you determine the best choice for securing your residency.

Albert Ioffe

Approximately 10,000 Americans now reside in Portugal, and this number continues to rise. Key reasons for moving to Portugal include the country's relatively low cost of living, mild climate, low crime rate, and favorable visa options. The Portugal Golden Visa is particularly appealing to wealthy US citizens seeking European residency. It offers an opportunity to diversify investments and enjoy a new lifestyle in a safe and stable country. In this article, you’ll learn how to qualify for the Golden Visa and explore the benefits it provides to US citizens.

Eymi Castro

Buying a property in Portugal is a profitable investment and an opportunity to ensure a “safe haven” in a peaceful EU country.  The median price per square meter in Portugal is €2,733. However, a luxury villa on the coast is worth about €1,000,000 or even more. Learn what kind of property to buy in Portugal and whether such a purchase is a path to becoming a Portuguese resident.

Elena Ruda

Financially independent non-EU citizens looking to live in Europe have a compelling option in the Portugal D7 Visa — also known as the Passive Income Visa. This visa allows individuals with a stable income from abroad to apply for legal residency in Portugal, starting with a visa and leading to a residence permit. To qualify, applicants must show an annual income of at least €11,040, along with proof of accommodation and other supporting documents. Is this the right path for you? In this article, you'll learn how the D7 Visa works, what it takes to qualify, and why it’s become a popular choice for high-net-worth individuals and retirees.

Eymi Castro

The Portugal D7 Visa appeals to foreigners with its accessible requirements. A monthly income of at least €920 is enough to obtain the visa, followed by a residence permit. However, an important detail is often overlooked: only passive income qualifies, meaning salaries and freelance payments do not count. As an alternative, Portugal offers the Digital Nomad Visa, which does not require passive income. Instead, applicants qualify based on remote work earnings if they can demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,680. In 2023, Digital Nomad Visas were issued to 2,460 foreigners.

Vladlena Baranova

Portuguese taxpayers are issued with a unique nine-digit number, Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). It is also referred to as Número de Contribuinte, the contribution number. NIF is often required even for simple everyday transactions. We explain why you need this individual tax identification number even if you are not planning to move to Portugal and pay taxes there.

Vladlena Baranova

An immigration agent is a consulting company that helps clients obtain residency, permanent residency, or second citizenship in another country. The field attracts many fraudsters and unreliable agents. To avoid losing money, protect one’s peace of mind, and successfully obtain a Portuguese residence permit, it is essential to choose lawyers carefully.  In this article, we explain the key criteria to look at before making a decision.

Célia Castilho

The cost of higher education in Portugal is the most affordable in the European Union. At the same time, four Portuguese universities were included in the top 500 in the world in terms of education quality and in the top 300 in terms of employability, according to the QS World University Ranking.

Eymi Castro

For most of our clients, their children's future is the main issue. Therefore, it is crucial for those who plan to get a Portugal residence permit to determine where their children will study in advance. Sometimes this can be the deciding factor for moving.

Eymi Castro

Foreigners planning to visit or move to Portugal can choose from four visa types, depending on the duration of their stay. Short-term visas include the Schengen, temporary stay, and Job Seeker visas. Residence visas, such as the Startup and D7 Visa, allow for longer stays. Learn if you need a visa for Portugal and which type suits your situation.

Eymi Castro

Entrepreneurs may apply for a Portugal D2 Visa if they start or buy a business there. The visa allows one to get a residence permit and all its benefits, such as the right to live in Portugal and the opportunity to travel visa‑free to other Schengen countries. The usual obtaining period for the D2 Visa is about 3+ months. Requirements for businesses are quite soft: applicants may open companies in any sector and don’t have to get approval from Portuguese business incubators. These facts make the D2 Visa one of the most attractive ways to immigrate to Portugal.

Eymi Castro

Choosing a school is one of the decisive factors for families with children when moving to Portugal. First, parents pay attention to the school's prestige, cost, and study language. Here is a guide on the best Portuguese schools. Learn how to enrol a child in a school, how much it costs and how to study for free.

Eymi Castro

In 2023, children born to foreign mothers made up 22% of all newborns in Portugal. This is nearly 19,000 babies — the highest number in the country’s history. Foreigners choose Portugal for childbirth and living due to the high level of healthcare, climate, safety, and education in European schools and universities. Children of foreigners are eligible for Portugal citizenship under certain conditions. For example, if the parents obtained a residence permit by investment and lived in the country for a year.

Eymi Castro

Portugal offers 13 legal pathways to residency — from employment, entrepreneurship, and education to family reunification, volunteering, and humanitarian grounds.  For investors, the Golden Visa remains a standout route, with options starting at €250,000. Digital nomads and financially independent individuals can also secure legal residency. This guide breaks down all available residency options and highlights the key advantages of making Portugal home.

Alina Mishurenko

If you have a stable passive income, sufficient savings, and are ready to rent or buy property in the EU, you may qualify for a financially independent person visa. This type of a residence permit is designed for living, not working. Since the income must come from abroad, it cannot be used to build a local career. In this guide, we’ll explore who qualifies for financially independent residency, how to apply, and how to choose the most suitable country for long-term relocation.

Albert Ioffe

The Portugal Golden Visa is obtained by investing at least €250,000, allowing holders to travel within the Schengen Area visa-free, move to Portugal, and claim EU citizenship. This guide discloses the Portugal Golden Visa’s cost, benefits, investment options, and application process.

Eymi Castro

Portugal's Golden Visa Program allows investors to relocate to the EU. However, living in Portugal permanently is not required for investors, nor is proficiency in Portuguese. Cosmopolitans holding Portuguese residence permits can travel without visas to other Schengen countries and open accounts in EU banks. Additionally, they can qualify for citizenship 5 years after applying for a Golden Visa. Let’s explore all the perks of being a resident of Portugal and how much it costs to become one as an investor.

Eymi Castro

The Portugal education system consists of three stages — primary, secondary and higher schooling. Kindergartens and nurseries are not required but are in great demand among locals and expats. What are the advantages of studying in Portugal? How can a foreigner enter a local university and enrol a child in a school or kindergarten?

Eymi Castro

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is intended to provide residency to non-EU citizens who work remotely and earn at least €3,680 a month. It takes up to 60 days to obtain this visa. Once a person gets their Digital Nomad Visa, they can move to Portugal and apply for 1- or 2-year residency.

Eymi Castro

US citizens can reap many benefits from moving to Portugal, such as an affordable healthcare system and relatively low costs while maintaining a high standard of living. They can also enjoy life in the mountains or by the ocean. After the recent presidential election in the USA, interest from Americans in Portugal visas and residence permits has increased considerably. A residence permit is required to move to Portugal, and a US citizen can obtain it in several ways. If you don’t have a significant purpose for relocation, like a job offer, the Golden Visa or the D7 visa may be the best choice.

Eymi Castro

The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) in Portugal is a special tax status for new residents. Its owners are exempt from paying taxes on global income in Portugal for 10 years. The income earned in Portugal is taxed at a flat rate of 20%. From January 1st, 2024, the NHR tax regime was discontinued. However, if a foreigner was granted the status earlier, they will still enjoy the perks. Let's discuss who still qualifies for the NHR status after its end and the main benefits.

Eymi Castro

Relocation to Portugal offers many advantages: a pleasant climate, beautiful beaches along the Atlantic, mountains nearby, a low crime rate, and a relatively low cost of living. The country is also known for its friendly locals and rich cultural heritage. However, challenges like the language barrier and bureaucracy may arise. In this article, you will learn all the good and bad things about living in Portugal.

Eymi Castro

Portugal has closed its popular Non-Habitual Resident, or NHR, special tax regime and introduced a new framework in 2025: the IFICI tax regime, unofficially known as NHR 2.0.  In this expert guide, we explain the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, required documents, and key differences between the NHR and IFICI regimes.

Albert Ioffe

More than 150 banks operate in Portugal. They provide financial services to individuals and businesses. Unlike most EU countries, where third-country citizens are likely to be denied opening an account, Portuguese banks are more favourable to non-residents. The average rates on consumer loans in Portuguese banks are 3.9% per annum and on mortgages — 3.3%. A new car can be bought on credit at 5%, and a used car at 11.8%. Learn how the Portuguese banking system works, which banks are the best, and how a foreigner can open a current account or take a mortgage to buy a house.

Eymi Castro

Portugal is one of the most amazing destinations for expats in Western Europe. It has a warm climate, excellent ecology, rich culture, a stable economy, and high-quality medicine and education. Learn about all benefits of life in Portugal and costs of living in the country.

Eymi Castro

Portugal offers a residency by investment program known as the Golden Visa, but it does not automatically grant citizenship. However, after holding residency for 5 years, individuals may become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation. Portuguese citizens enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as visa-free access to more than 170 countries, a high quality of life at relatively low prices, a warm climate, comfortable conditions for expats, and a high safety level.

Eymi Castro

The Portugal Golden Visa was launched in 2012. It provides a pathway to residency — and eventually citizenship — for non-EU investors, including Australian citizens. The Golden Visa offers various investment options, from supporting cultural heritage to business ventures. The minimum investment is €250,000. This guide explains how Australians can qualify for and benefit from the Golden Visa in Portugal.

Eymi Castro

The Portugal D7 Visa offers a legal residence route for financially independent individuals who wish to live in Portugal without the need for employment or significant capital investment. Applicants may rely on passive income such as pensions, rental earnings, or dividends. The D7 Visa allows visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and provides a clear pathway to permanent residence and eventual Portuguese citizenship after 5 years. Below are the main advantages that make the D7 Visa one of the most attractive residency options in Europe.

Célia Castilho

With a Portugal permanent residence card, you can live, work and do business there. It is optional to live in Portugal to maintain the status. You can apply for permanent residence after five years of holding a residence permit, subject to several requirements. Learn how to get permanent residency in Portugal and what this status provides.

Eymi Castro

Portugal is a very attractive country for relocation, with a lot of options to obtain a residence permit. Among them are the D7 Passive Income Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa. A key distinction between the two visas is the holders’ tax residency status. The D7 visa holders have to live in Portugal; thus, they become tax residents. Meanwhile, the Golden Visa does not require its holders to reside in the country. In this article, we explain the differences between the programs and how they can help you become a resident and potentially a citizen of Portugal.

Eymi Castro

The Portugal D7 Visa is an opportunity for US citizens seeking residency in one of the EU's most welcoming countries. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum passive income of $900 per month. This visa allows Americans to live in Portugal without employment, making it ideal for retirees and financially independent individuals. Learn more about the benefits of the Portugal D7 Visa, the application process, and how to transition to permanent residency or citizenship.

Eymi Castro

Portugal’s government tends to attract foreign talents and investment to the country, and that’s why innovators are welcomed there. So, if you have a prospective startup idea, you may apply for residency in Portugal. Entrepreneurs must submit detailed business plans and find approved Portuguese incubators to accelerate their projects. After that, they apply for a Startup Visa and a 2-year residence permit. Read on to find out the requirements for applicants and businesses under the Portugal Startup Visa program.

Eymi Castro

Portugal is confidently among the European countries most attractive to investors from all over the world. Some of them consider the Pyrenean country as a place to relax or an opportunity to invest in real estate. And many seek to open a business in Portugal. We figure out whether it is profitable and what advantages the presence of your own company in Portugal provides.

Vladlena Baranova

Each of the ways of obtaining Portugal residency has its own characteristics and advantages. The choice depends on the specific situation, budget and goals of the applicant. A Portugal "golden visa" by investment in the economy can be obtained in a few months and is the quickest path to a free and secure life in Europe.

Eymi Castro

In Portugal, there are both mandatory and optional types of insurance. Obligatory insurance includes public healthcare and social security systems. These are available to citizens and legal residents of the country and are supported through taxation. Aside from that, car owners are obliged to have at least basic coverage for each of their cars. And homeowners must protect their properties with housing insurance.

Eymi Castro

Both Spanish and Portuguese Golden Visas are quite attractive investment programs. They offer the opportunity to travel to the Schengen countries visa-free and get European residency not only for an investor but for family members. It takes less time to obtain Spain residency by investment, while the Portugal Golden Visa program implies a faster way to EU citizenship. Depending on your priority, one of these programs may be more advantageous in your particular case.

Albert Ioffe

Portugal is one of the most picturesque places in Europe, with a developed economy, high safety level, and a warm climate. Tourists like Portugal for the people’s friendliness, the leisurely rhythm, respect for traditions and the beauty of cities. Foreigners can obtain a Portugal residence permit by investment and settle with their families in any region of the country. What are the top cities in Portugal and the benefits of a Portugal residence permit?

Eymi Castro

Residence permit cards under the Portugal Golden Visa program must be renewed every 2 years. To apply for a new card, the program’s participants must keep the investment and spend at least 14 days in the country. Let’s discuss the procedure, timing and fees for the Portugal Golden Visa renewal.

Eymi Castro

Many clients of Immigrant Invest wonder which city in Europe is the best and safest place to invest. According to PwC, one of the most promising European cities in terms of investment is Lisbon — the Portuguese capital.

Elena Ruda

Buying a residential property is the most popular option of the Portugal Golden Visa Program: it is chosen by 90% of investors. Learn how to buy an apartment or a villa in Portugal to participate in the investment program and obtain a residence permit.

Elena Ruda

Portugal attracts senior foreigners from around the globe with a low cost of living, safety, developed infrastructure, sunny weather, and high healthcare quality. The Portugal Retirement Visa offers two routes to move to Portugal, while the D7 Visa requires proof of a passive income outside of Portugal. Also, retirees can invest at least €250,000 to participate in the Portugal Golden Visa Program to get residence permits. Learn why Portugal is considered retirement heaven and how to get residency there.

Eymi Castro

Highly qualified professionals may apply for a Portugal HQA Visa if they find a job there. After that, they get a 2-year residence permit with the right to live and work there. Managers, IT specialists, engineers, doctors, and scientists may choose this path of immigration to Portugal. Let’s observe the conditions for obtaining the visa, its benefits and alternatives.

Eymi Castro