Portugal residency made easy: new rules and step-by-step process

Portugal residence permit overview

The Portugal residence permit is a legal document that allows foreigners to live in the country for more than 90 days. It grants more than just the right to remain: it provides legal residency, enables visa-free travel across the 29 Schengen countries, including Portugal, and allows access to services such as healthcare, education, and in many cases, employment.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU, non-EEA country or Switzerland, and you plan to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit.

Pathways to residency

There are 13 recognised grounds on which third-country nationals can apply for a residence permit. Each pathway is designed for a specific purpose:

1. Investment.
2. Сooperation with Portuguese universities.
3. Employment.
4. Entrepreneurship.
5. Highly qualified work.
6. Remote work.
7. Living in Portugal on independent means.
8. Seasonal work.
9. Education.
10. Family reunification.
11. Religious activities.
12. Judicial, administrative or cultural exchange.
13. Asylum.
14. Volunteering.

Depending on the route chosen, a residence permit may or may not lead to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.

Stay requirements

Most residents are expected to spend at least 8 months per year in Portugal to maintain their permit’s validity. This requirement ensures that the residency reflects a genuine link to the country and continued integration.

However, there is one notable exception: Golden Visa holders need only spend 7 days per year in Portugal to retain their status. This minimal requirement is a key feature of the investment route and one reason it is attractive to international applicants who prefer flexibility.

Living in Portugal means enjoying a high quality of life in a secure, modern country. It’s a destination that appeals equally to families looking for stability and to investors seeking growth and asset protection.

1. Fast track to citizenship

Portugal offers one of the EU’s quickest paths to citizenship. After just 5 years of legal residency, it’s possible to apply for a Portuguese passport — unlocking full EU citizenship and visa-free travel to 175 countries.

2. Unrestricted mobility and EU market access

Portuguese residents enjoy unrestricted travel across all 29 Schengen countries and access to the EU single market. They can open bank accounts, invest, and conduct business across all 27 EU member states under harmonised rules.

3. Thriving business landscape

Portugal combines low corporate taxes with a dynamic startup culture. The corporate tax rate stands at 21% on the mainland, 20% in Madeira, and 16.8% in the Azores. 

Economic indicators are strong: in 2024, the EU’s real GDP grew by 1%, while Portugal surpassed the average with a stronger 1.9% growth.

Lisbon and Porto have emerged as leading tech hubs, supported by competitive costs and a highly educated, multilingual workforce. According to the Financial Times, Portugal ranks as the 6th top startup hub in Europe.

4. Investor-friendly regulations

Portugal continues to attract foreign investors, thanks to a steady rise in investment projects and pro-business reforms. Over the past 5 years, the country has seen a 40% increase in foreign direct investment, strengthening its position as Europe’s 7th most dynamic market.

The newly introduced IFICI+ tax regime further boosts Portugal’s appeal. It offers a 20% flat income tax for eligible individuals, and in some cases, 0% tax on capital gains and dividends — incentives that can last up to 10 years.

5. Mild climate and stunning natural beauty

Portugal enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually. The Atlantic coastline offers scenic beaches, with swimming possible from May to September — or nearly year-round in Madeira. Winters are mild, and most homes don’t require central heating.

6. High levels of safety and security 

Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe. It placed 9th for safety and security in the Expat Insider 2024 survey, with most respondents saying they feel safe walking or cycling in daily life. They also highlight low crime rates, effective policing, a politically stable environment, and freedom of expression.

7. Modern, high-quality healthcare system 

Foreign residents with a permit can access the national healthcare system, which provides free or low-cost treatment at public hospitals and clinics. The country is known for its strong preventative care, modern facilities, and high vaccination coverage. 

Life expectancy remains among the highest in Europe — 82.9 years.

8. Strong and accessible education system 

Children with residence permits can attend public kindergartens and schools. Portugal is also home to top international institutions like St Julian’s British School and Carlucci American International School. Education outcomes are high: 100% of children complete primary school. 

As for higher education, 5 Portuguese universities rank among the world’s top 500.

9.Welcoming, multicultural society 

Portugal is known for its warmth and hospitality — 73% of expats describe locals as friendly, well above the global average. Newcomers often find it easy to integrate, thanks to open social interactions and a relaxed pace of life. 

While Portuguese is relatively easy to pick up, many residents speak English fluently, especially in urban areas, making daily life smooth for non-speakers.

10. Family-friendly lifestyle 

Portugal’s mild climate and relaxed pace encourage families to spend more time outdoors — hiking forested hills, sailing along the Atlantic coast, or enjoying slow weekends in historic town squares.

The country also offers access to world-class entertainment. Families can enjoy concerts by international performers, top-division football matches, and major events like the NOS Alive music festival or the Lisbon & Sintra Film Festival.

Many high-net-worth individuals choose to live in premium coastal resorts designed with families in mind. These developments often include “soft programming” tailored for teenagers, such as professional surf coaching, archaeology workshops, and language or tech camps.

General Portugal residency requirements

To qualify for any Portuguese residence permit, applicants must meet several standard criteria:

• have a clean criminal record;

• provide proof of legal accommodation in Portugal;

• obtain a D-type visa;

• demonstrate sufficient means of subsistence — typically equal to the national minimum wage, €870 per month, or the IAS benchmark, €523 per month, depending on the visa type.

Golden Visa requirements 

Golden Visa applicants must be at least 18 years old and use funds originating from outside Portugal. There is no minimum income requirement, but the investment capital must come from a legal source and be clearly documented.

Immediate family members may be included in a Golden Visa application:

• spouse — same-sex couples included; 

• children under 18;

• children aged between 18 and 26 — unmarried, financially dependent on the investor, registered at the same address as the main applicant, and enrolled in a university;

• parents — over 65 or financially dependent on the investor.

Applicants for a Golden Visa are not required to have accommodation in Portugal.

The validity of a residence permit in Portugal depends on the grounds on which it is granted. While most permits are issued for 1 or 2 years initially, the renewal periods vary significantly — from annual extensions for students to multi-year terms for passive income holders or remote workers.

Understanding these differences is essential for long-term planning, especially if you intend to maintain legal residence, apply for permanent residency, or eventually pursue Portuguese citizenship.

Portuguese residence permit renewal

To renew a Portuguese residence permit, applicants must continue meeting the same requirements as for their initial application. This includes maintaining valid accommodation, proving sufficient financial means, holding health insurance, and presenting a clean criminal record. They must also continue to meet the core eligibility conditions — such as ongoing employment, active studies, or maintaining their investment.

In addition, the minimum stay requirement applies: Golden Visa holders must spend at least 7 days per year in Portugal. For other residents holding a standard 2-year temporary residence permit, absences from Portugal must not exceed 6 consecutive months or a total of 8 months within the 24-month period, whether in a row or separately.

1. Plan B 

The Portugal Golden Visa gives investors the freedom to live in the country or stay abroad for most of the year. With just 7 days of annual presence required, it suits those with global commitments. 

At the same time, it offers a reliable safety net: in times of uncertainty, holders retain the guaranteed right to enter, live, work, and study in Portugal, even when borders are closed to tourists.

2. Citizenship without moving to Portugal 

Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out because the 7-day-per-year minimum stay applies not only to maintaining residency but also toward citizenship eligibility. This means investors don’t need to relocate or live full-time in Portugal to qualify. 

Other residents are required to spend at least 8 months per year in Portugal.

3. No need for a D visa 

Most Portugal residence permits require applicants to first secure a national long-stay visa D before entering the country — a process involving extensive paperwork, long wait times, and consulate appointments. 

The Golden Visa bypasses this entirely. Eligible applicants can enter Portugal on a Schengen short-stay visa or visa-free, depending on nationality.

4. Ease of family inclusion 

The Golden Visa allows for the inclusion of close family members — spouses, dependent children, and parents — under a single application. This simplifies administration and ensures the entire family enjoys the same residency rights. Golden Visa applicants along with their family members are not required to pass any integration exams.

For those applying under other residency categories, family reunification follows stricter rules. 

If relatives are already in Portugal, their legal residence must be verified. If they are abroad, the resident may apply for reunification only after 2 years of living in the country. Once reunited, family members are required to take part in an integration program, including Portuguese language and civic studies.

5. Investment returns 

Unlike most residency routes, the Golden Visa allows capital to work while securing legal status. Investment funds under the program yield 2—20% annually. Dividends are paid quarterly or annually, and fund terms — usually 5 to 12 years — align well with Golden Visa requirements. 

Investors can exit through fund redemption, resale, or maturity payouts.

Investors can apply for a Portuguese Golden Visa through Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, AIMA on their own. But this carries high risks: documents must be notarised and apostilled without errors, investments must meet strict criteria, and communication is often in Portuguese legal language.

To avoid refusal and protect your investment, it is strongly recommended to work with a qualified lawyer who will ensure compliance and handle the application correctly.

Investment pathways

The Portugal Golden Visa program offers 5 core investment pathways for residency:

1. €500,000 — purchase of investment fund units;
2. €250,000 — support for cultural projects;
3. €500,000 — investment in scientific research activities;
4. €500,000 — capital injection into a new or existing business, creating of at least 5 jobs;
5. Starting a company in Portugal that generates a minimum of 10 jobs.

Fund route popularity

Purchasing investment fund units has become the leading Golden Visa route, with investor interest growing significantly — from just 7 approvals in 2019 to 352 in 2023. In that year alone, total investment through funds reached €125 million.

These funds typically yield annual returns ranging from 2 to 20%, with dividends paid quarterly or annually. Their built-in diversification — spanning sectors, asset classes, and geographies — helps mitigate risk and adds stability, particularly during periods of market volatility.

After the mandatory 5-year holding period, investors have several exit strategies. Most funds allow participants to resell units to incoming investors, redeem shares through the fund, or hold until maturity for full capital repayment.

Portugal’s fund-based Golden Visa pathway is both flexible and transparent, supported by a broad selection of qualified funds. By comparison, Hungary currently offers just two eligible funds, and Greece does not disclose fund options publicly until after an investor submits a formal request.

Record approvals in 2024

Portugal issued a record 4,987 Golden Visas in 2024, a 72% jump from the previous year and eclipsing the prior high of 4,029 in 2017, according to data from the immigration authority Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum of Portugal, AIMA.

Clearing the backlog 

By early 2025, roughly 55,000 applications remained pending. To tackle this, AIMA has digitised its workflow, now processing about 6,000 cases per day across all migration categories — although 15% of appointment slots still go unused.

Applicants’ nationality 

Chinese investors continue to top the Golden Visa list, followed by applicants from Brazil, Turkey, and South Africa. Notably, North American and British nationals increasingly prefer the investment-fund route over direct property or business options.

Core document requirements

All applicants must submit:

• passport — at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay;

• 2 recent colour passport-size photos;

• health insurance;

• proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as rental contract, property deed, or hotel reservation;

• evidence of means of subsistence, such as bank statements, payslips, pension statements, scholarship award, or proof of investment.

Route-specific additions 

Depending on the chosen pathway, you may also need:

• D7 Visa — proof of regular foreign income sources;

• Digital Nomad Visa — evidence that income originates outside Portugal;

• Family reunification — marriage or birth certificates, translated and apostilled;

• D2 Startup Visa — business plan and incubator partnership confirmation;

• D4 Student Visa — official acceptance or enrolment letter.

Golden Visa supplements 

Investment-based applicants should also provide proof of investment, along with tax identification number from the investor’s home country, Portuguese tax number, and certificate from the fund manager — in case of purchasing investment fund units.

Eligibility

To become a Portuguese citizen by naturalisation , applicants must reside legally in Portugal for at least 5 years with a valid residence or permanent residence permit. They must also have no criminal record and pass a Portuguese language test at the A2 level or higher.

Shorter residence period for some categories 

Certain applicants may be eligible to apply sooner. 

Spouses of Portuguese citizens can apply after 3 years of marriage or registered partnership, provided they can demonstrate an effective connection to the country. 

Descendants of Sephardic Jews with Portuguese roots may also apply after 3 years of residence if they can prove cultural or historical ties to Portugal.

Application process and cost 

The standard government fee is €250. 

After approval, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the Portuguese Republic. The process typically takes around 7 months, but the full timeline — from submission to receiving a national ID card — may extend to 1 year.

Dual citizenship allowed

Portugal recognises dual nationality, so applicants do not have to give up their existing citizenship when becoming Portuguese.

1. There are 13 pathways to Portuguese residency, including investment, employment, entrepreneurship, passive income, remote work, seasonal work, education, highly qualified work, family reunification, asylum, religious service, and volunteering.

2. Among these, the Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most popular routes. While the minimum investment threshold starts at €250,000, the most in-demand option — investing in Portuguese fund units — requires €500,000.

3. Portugal Golden Visa holders benefit from one of the most flexible residence rules in Europe: just 7 days of physical presence per year. In contrast, most other residents must spend at least 8 months annually in the country to maintain their status.

4. Portugal residents enjoy visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen countries, along with access to public healthcare, free education, employment opportunities, and the ability to start or run a business.

5. Portuguese citizenship becomes available after 5 years of legal residence, unlocking the rights of an EU passport.