How to choose between Portugal D3, D7, D8, Golden Visa and EU Blue Card: expert tips

The Portugal D3 Visa is designed for non-EU, non-EEA and Swiss nationals engaged in teaching, research, cultural or other highly qualified work[2]. The D3 Visa is divided into the HQA Visa, based on direct employment with a Portuguese host, and the Global Talent Program, based on a structured collaboration with a Portuguese university[3].

Employment vs. university collaboration route

The employment route under the HQA visa relies on a Portuguese employer hiring the applicant into a senior or specialised role[4]. Application must be supported by one of the following:

• signed contract;
• formal promise of employment stating title, duties, salary, location, and start date.

Senior hires, tech leads, executives, and specialised professionals choose an employment path. It’s straightforward, role-driven, and suited for those looking to join an established organisation.

The university route under the Global Talent Program is based on a hosting agreement with a recognised institution[5]. Files include a university Letter of Commitment and a concise project plan covering goals, timeline, tasks, and resources.

Current partners include institutions such as Coimbra, Évora, Algarve, Beira Interior, ISTEC, and NOVA Medical School. This track suits candidates whose stay is tied to a defined academic or research project.

Eligibility criteria and financial requirement

Applicants are considered highly qualified if they hold both:

• ISCED 6+ degree — bachelor’s, master’s, PhD; 
• and 3—5 years of specialised experience evidencing equivalent expertise, aligned with AIMA’s Tech Visa standards[6].

The programme fee is €170,000, covering legal and residence services for 5 years for the main applicant plus up to three dependants. Each additional dependent from the 5th onward adds €5,000.

Family inclusion

Eligible family members under the Portugal D3 visa are:

• spouse or registered partner;
• children under 18;
• dependent full-time students under 26.

Family members may work in Portugal, in employment or self-employment, without needing any additional work authorisation.

Portugal’s D3 and Golden Visa serve different ambitions: one rewards talent, the other welcomes capital. The D3 visa is built for professionals making a mark through work, research, or innovation. 

The Portugal Golden Visa, by contrast, grants residency through investment — most often in regulated funds or cultural initiatives.

What each route is built on

The D3 visa is grounded in activity. It’s about what the applicant brings to Portugal: a job contract, a research project, a founder-led initiative. The application reflects the individual’s expertise and the role or partnership that connects them to Portugal’s economy, science, or education sectors.

The Golden Visa is all about financial contribution. It allows individuals to secure Portuguese residency through investments[7]. The most common choices today are:

• regulated venture capital funds with a minimum threshold of €500,000;
• cultural support initiatives starting at €250,000.

No job or local involvement is needed — just proof that the funds are in place and legally sourced.

Costs and control

Both visas involve significant expenses, but the way funds are handled is very different.

The D3 route costs €170,000, spread across three milestones:

1. €20,000 is the first non-refundable onboarding payment.
2. €75,000 is due once the appointment with Portuguese immigration is secured, and is refundable if the application is denied. 
3. €75,000 is paid when the residence card is issued and may be refunded if renewal is refused in year 2.

The Golden Visa minimum investment is €250,000. It is made in full at the beginning and held for at least 5 years. There’s no refund mechanism if the applicant withdraws, but returns under the fund route are possible — ranging from 2 to 20% annually depending on the fund.

Flexibility of presence

Both visas support international mobility, but through different mechanisms. D3 offers legal exemptions tied to professional engagement. The Golden Visa offers minimal stay by design.

The D3 visa usually implies active participation in the country’s economy or knowledge sector, but may build in flexibility for those whose work takes them abroad.

If the applicant is engaged in recognised professional, academic, or cultural activity outside Portugal, they may be exempt from the usual stay requirement. This means they can legally maintain their residence status without living in the country for half a year.

The Golden Visa, by comparison, is even more hands-off. It requires just 7 days of presence per year in Portugal. There’s no link to professional activity, no need to justify absences, and no obligation to maintain a host relationship. It only comes with the need to maintain investments.

Speed and reliability

The D3 visa is currently the fastest Portuguese residence route. The entire process takes around 4 months, based on Immigrant Invest’s track record. 

The key reason for this speed is that D3 residency is granted directly by AIMA, without first requiring a national D-type visa through a consulate abroad. Once the application is approved, the applicant travels to Portugal for biometrics and residence card issuance.

In the university-structured D3 Global Talent Program, applications have so far reached a 100% approval rate. This track is built in close coordination with AIMA, so once the agreement with the partner university is signed, the case is pre-aligned with AIMA’s criteria and moves through a vetted pathway.

The Golden Visa follows a much slower path, although it also doesn’t require an entry visa. Investment-based applications are now part of a large administrative backlog: AIMA has publicly acknowledged more than 45,000 pending cases[8]. 

The average Golden Visa processing time in Portugal reached 40.6 months. With Immigrant Invest, the total obtaining time takes at least 12 months.

Family eligibility

Both the D3 and Golden Visa offer clear family pathways, but the structure and timing of how family members are included vary.

With the Golden Visa, the application is submitted as a single family file. The main applicant, spouse, children under 26, and dependent parents can all be included from the outset. This makes the process streamlined for families applying together.

The D3 visa takes a sequential approach. First, the main applicant applies and obtains residence status. Once that’s granted, family reunification can be initiated for a spouse or registered partner, as well as children under 26. Parents are not eligible under the D3 family reunification route.

The D7 and Digital Nomad visas are lifestyle-driven options, ideal for those with offshore income or remote work setups. The D3 visa is designed for professionals with a clear role or project in Portugal.

Remote founders can start with D7, but later shift toward Portugal-based activity for family or long-term plans. In those cases, a D3 structured through a university can offer a better fit. But if the income remains fully offshore and there’s no local engagement, D7 or Digital Nomad may still be the natural choice — provided the presence rules and tax exposure are acceptable.

What the visas are based on

Both the D7 and Digital Nomad visas are tied to income, but the type, amount, and proof required vary. In both cases, the income is linked to minimum thresholds based on Portugal’s national minimum wage, which is €920 per month in 2026.

Applicants are also expected to maintain a Portuguese bank deposit covering at least one year of income — €11,040 in 2026.

The Portugal D7 visa is designed for those with passive, stable income, such as pensions, dividends, royalties, or rental yields. The minimum required sum is based on household size:

• main applicant: €920 per month;
• spouse or dependent parent: 50% — €460 per month;
• dependent child: 30% — €276 per month.

The Portugal Digital Nomad visa is for remote employees or freelancers with contracts from foreign companies. Applicants must earn four times the national minimum wage, or €3,680 per month in 2026.

Digital Nomads don’t need to show additional income for family members, but the bank deposit requirement increases: by 50% for a spouse or parent, and 30% for each child.

The Portugal D3 visa does not set a fixed income threshold. What matters is the value of the applicant’s role or project. If there is a salary involved, it should meet the national standard for highly qualified professionals — typically 1.5× the minimum wage or more, though this can vary depending on the role and sector.

Work rights and professional access

The D3 visa gives full access to Portugal’s job market from the start. It’s designed for professionals taking on roles in business, academia, or research.

D7 and Digital Nomad holders, on the other hand, are expected to remain financially independent or tied to non-Portuguese income. While informal remote work is tolerated, taking up local employment may require switching residence types. However, freelancers and digital nomads are allowed to conduct business in Portugal.

All three visas allow spouses to apply for reunification. Once granted, they are allowed to work in Portugal, regardless of whether the principal applicant does.

Application and time spent in Portugal

D7 and Digital Nomad visas require consistent time on the ground: absences cannot exceed 6 consecutive months or 8 months total during the residence permit validity. There is no built-in flexibility, and long absences can put the status at risk.

The D3 visa follows the same limits but is more flexible. If the holder works or does research for a Portuguese institution while abroad, they may keep their residency even with long stays outside Portugal.

D3 is also more attractive in terms of process. Unlike standard D-type visas, it does not require an entry visa from a consulate first; the application starts directly with AIMA.

The EU Blue Card is ideal for non-EU citizens with a high salary and a fixed job offer[10]. The D3 visa is more flexible — allowing academic, research, or employment-based routes. For some founders or researchers, D3 can turn out to be more achievable and faster.

Salary and eligibility

For the EU Blue Card in Portugal, the application must meet several formal conditions. In practical terms, authorities look for:

• binding job offer or employment contract for a highly qualified position in Portugal, normally lasting at least 12 months;
• gross salary that meets Portugal’s Blue Card threshold, set at 1.5 times the national average salary, or 1.2 times for officially recognised shortage occupations;
• higher‑education degree, or proof of high‑level professional experience for unregulated roles, typically at least 5 years.

Minimum threshold for the EU Blue Card in Portugal is €1,750 per month in 2026.

The D3 route does not rely on a single fixed salary threshold. Instead, it is assessed through the quality of the highly qualified activity itself, supported by a contract or hosted project. Where salary exists, it is read in context of the role rather than against a rigid Blue Card benchmark.

Application and timelines

The Blue Card process is employer-led. Once a job offer is secured, the applicant must go through the standard consulate and AIMA route, which can take 5 to 7 months depending on the case.

The D3 visa is often faster. Residence cards can be issued within 4—5 months, with no need to apply for a separate consular visa beforehand.

Presence and mobility

Blue Card holders must spend most of their time in Portugal. Absences cannot exceed 6 consecutive months or 8 months total during the validity of the residence permit. While short-term travel within the Schengen Area is allowed, the real benefit of the Blue Card lies in long-term mobility.

After 18 months of legal residence in Portugal with a Blue Card, the holder gains access to simplified relocation to another EU country — applying directly for a new Blue Card there without needing to return home. This right is exclusive to Blue Card holders and only activates after 18 continuous months of residence in the first EU country.

The D3 visa does not offer this EU-wide settlement mobility. It is designed for long-term residence in Portugal. However, it remains suitable for internationally active professionals, as it allows reasonable time abroad when the applicant’s work continues under a Portuguese entity.

Beyond the basics, many applicants have more personal or strategic goals when choosing their visa. Here’s how Portugal’s main residence options align with real-life priorities:

1. Building EU residency without interrupting a global lifestyle → Golden Visa.
2. Gaining EU status while developing a startup idea → D3 visa.
3. Living in Portugal while working fully online for foreign clients or employers → Digital Nomad visa.
4. Moving for family reasons while still working remotely → D3 visa.
5. Relocating on a budget, with no large upfront investment → D7 visa.
6. Seeking faster, more predictable residency processing → D3 visa.
7. Planning to move between EU countries later → EU Blue Card.
8. Combining professional engagement in Portugal with freedom to work globally → D3 visa.

Any Portuguese residence visa opens the door to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship 5 years after that.

Most Portugal residence routes ask for a similar core package of papers, then add visa-specific evidence on top. Fees depend on the residence route chosen.

Basic list of documents

For D3, D7, Digital Nomad, Golden Visa, and EU Blue Card, applicants usually prepare:

1. Valid passport.
2. Completed visa or residence application forms.
3. Recent biometric photos.
4. Criminal record certificate from the country of residence.
5. Proof of legal stay in the country where the application is filed.
6. Health insurance or proof of coverage in Portugal.
7. Proof of accommodation in Portugal — rental contract, property deed, or hosting statement.
8. Portuguese taxpayer number.
9. Proof of payment of state fees.

All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised and translated into English. 

Additional documents for D3 visa

For the D3 Global Talent visa, applicants also need:

• higher-education diploma;
• detailed CV showing specialised experience;
• employment contract, formal job offer from a Portuguese employer, or a hosting agreement with a Portuguese university or research institution;
• project description or activity outline — for university routes;
• letters from the host confirming role, tasks, and salary or programme terms.

Documents required for D7 and Digital Nomad visas

For the D7 and Digital Nomad visas, foreigners also provide: 

• proof of sufficient income that matches the route, supported by bank statements and contracts where relevant;
• and a Portuguese bank account showing a balance that normally covers about 12 months of required funds for the household.

Golden Visa supporting documents

For the Golden Visa, investors prepare the following documents:

• proof of a qualifying investment, such as fund subscription documents or cultural and heritage support agreements;
• evidence of the legal origin of funds, such as tax returns, sale contracts, bank letters;
• bank transfer receipts showing the investment sent through a Portuguese bank;
• Portuguese bank account documentation.

EU Blue Card document package

For the EU Blue Card in Portugal, professionals provide:

• binding employment contract for highly qualified work, normally at least 12 months;
• proof that the salary meets the Blue Card threshold in Portugal;
• higher-education diploma relevant to the role;
• Portuguese recognition or professional licence — for regulated professions;
• evidence of professional experience where required, such as reference letters or employment confirmations.

HQA is a different visa. HQA is simply a structured way to package a D3 application around a project with a Portuguese host, and the residence permit is still issued on the highly qualified activity basis.

D3 requires full time living in Portugal. Long absence can cause problems, but Article 85(4) allows justified time abroad if you work, teach, or carry out activity under a Portuguese institution and keep records for renewal.

The Blue Card is always better for engineers. It depends on salary thresholds and how tightly you are tied to one employer; for some senior engineers, a D3 with a research component is both more achievable and faster.

Golden Visa is the safest path. It suits investors who prefer to rely on capital instead of activity, but it is not automatically safer and carries its own compliance checks and policy changes that need to be monitored.

D7 or Digital Nomad is always easier than D3. These routes can be simpler on the activity side, but they demand strict income and bank balance proofs and are not designed for taking a full local role in Portugal.

D3 is just another investment route. The legal basis for D3 is qualification and activity; program fees under HQA or Global Talent do not turn it into a classic investment visa like a fund based Golden Visa.

Family members cannot work in Portugal. Once family reunification is granted, spouses and adult family members may work in Portugal as employees or self-employed; a separate work permit is not needed.

1. D3 visa suits those who want Portugal to be a professional base, with a clear role, project, or university collaboration. The total cost is €170,000.
2. Golden Visa fits investors who prefer capital over activity and are ready to accept higher costs and slower processing. Minimum investment is €250,000.
3. D7 works best for financially independent people whose income comes from pensions, rent, or other passive sources, and is at least €920 per month.
4. Digital Nomad visa is built for remote workers who want to live in Portugal but keep foreign clients and employers, with a monthly income of €3,680.
5. EU Blue Card is the right tool when a high salary and classic employment contract are in place and future EU mobility is a priority.
6. All routes allow Schengen visa-free travel and lead to the same long-term outcome: a possible path to permanent residence and citizenship.

1. Source: Expat Insider Survey 2025 by Internations
2. Source: Portal de Serviços do Governo de Portugal — Visto de residência para exercício de atividade de investigação ou altamente qualificada, Law No. 23/2007, and Decree-Law 41/2023
3. Source: AIMA: Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Activity
4. Source: European Commission — Highly-qualified worker in Portugal
5. Source: European Commission — Researcher in Portugal
6. Source: IAPMEI — Requirements for Workers under the Tech Visa Programme
7. Source: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento, Art. 90.º-A
8. Source: Bloomberg — Portugal speeds up Golden Visa processing after long delaysSource: 
9. Source: Flation — Top 20 cities for digital nomads
10. Source: European Commission — EU Blue Card in Portugal