Eymi Castro

Portugal offers a residency by investment 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 by naturalisation. Portuguese citizens enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as visa-free access to over 170 countries, a high quality of life at relatively low prices, a warm climate, comfortable conditions for expats, and a high safety level.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spain ranks 10th worldwide by the number of expatriates, attracting them with its high quality of life, strong economy, and top cities for foreigners to settle in. This country offers everything, from various business opportunities and a multifaceted cultural scene to a slow pace of life and tranquil evenings spent with friends. Immerse yourself in this guide and discover why so many people love calling Spain their new home.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Portugal is known for its high living standards. However, food, medical services and education prices are lower than in neighbouring European countries. The monthly minimum wage in Portugal is €760. The sum is enough to cover basic needs, including food, housing, utilities, transportation and clothing. The average salary in Portugal is €1,200 per month. Compare the cost of living in different Portuguese cities, and learn about taxes, banking fees, quality of medicine and education, and various pros and cons of residing in Portugal.

Portugal is often considered a prime destination for UK citizens due to its coastal lifestyle and abundant sunshine—something that British nationals often miss throughout the year, even in the warmest counties such as Cornwall or Kent. One of the easiest ways to move abroad is to participate in the Portugal Golden Visa program. With a Portugal Golden Visa, a UK national has the right to work, study, and live in any EU and EEA country. Additionally, the Golden Visa holder can apply for permanent residence and, later on, Portuguese citizenship.

The Portugal healthcare system consists of 238 hospitals, 127 of which are private. Most hospitals provide services to patients in Portuguese and English. Free treatment in Portugal is available to all residents who contribute to the Social Security Fund and pregnant women, children and pensioners. Learn more about the features of Portuguese medicine and how to get quality treatment in the country.

An increase in the minimum wage in Spain changes the income thresholds for digital nomad visa applicants. Amy Castro, investment immigration expert at Immigrant Invest, explains which Spanish residence permits are affected by the minimum wage increase and how to calculate the minimum income.

Alessandro Palombo, the co-founder and CEO of Unbound Fund, brought up on X that possessing Bitcoin valued at €500,000 through the Unbound Fund might make one eligible for residency in Portugal. Here’s what is currently known about the proposal—and what Portugal Golden Visa options are actually available.

Following the enactment of the controversial Mais Habitação bill by the Portuguese government in October 2023, rumours quickly circulated suggesting an end to the Golden Visa Program. However, despite widespread speculation, the Golden Visa remains active — albeit with certain caveats. Let's delve into the realities and misconceptions surrounding Portugal's updated Golden Visa.

Digital nomads choose Portugal over other countries for safety, sunny weather, and lower cost of living, as stated in the new survey conducted by the housing platform Flatio. Let’s discuss how to obtain the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal and what benefits the country offers to remote workers.

The Portuguese Immigration and Border Service, or SEF, has published the residence permit program statistics for December 2022: 151 investors received a residence permit in the country. Together with investors, 192 members of their families received residence permit cards. Portugal earned about 79,2 million euros on the investment program in December and about 654,3 million euros over the year. We share details: investors from which countries received the most residence permit cards and what they invested in 2022.

359 foreigners received the Portuguese Golden Visa in June 2022. Of these, 155 are investors. This is the best monthly indicator of the residence permit program in Portugal over the past two years. In total, Portugal issued 1,384 residence permit cards to investors and their family members from January to June 2022. The total investment under the program amounted to about 316.2 million euros. We tell you about the citizens of which countries most often participate in the Portuguese residence permit program and what they invest in.

The house price index in Portugal rose by 12.9% year on year. Housing market statistics for the 1st quarter of 2022 were published by the National Institute of Statistics, INE. The researchers note that prices in the secondary real estate market are growing faster than in new buildings, and the number of objects bought by foreigners has almost doubled.

The SEF, or the Portuguese Immigration Service, has resumed accepting investor applications for the Golden Visa. Licensed agents of the program were able to apply for new residence permit applicants for the first time since January 2022.

An investor bought a three-bedroom apartment for 3 bitcoins, or about €110,000, in the Portuguese city of Braga. This is the first purchase of real estate for cryptocurrency without conversion into euros in Portugal and throughout the European Union.

The Azores are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are 1,500 kilometers from mainland Portugal but are part of the country as an autonomous region.

In March 2020, the Egyptian government passed a new citizenship law. It allows wealthy people to obtain a passport by investment of $250,000 or more. Let's find out the terms of the program, who it is designed for, and whether Egypt will accept applications from investors in 2021.

The licences of UK financial institutions will expire on 31 December 2020. After that, many banks will not be able to operate in the EU. We tell you which institutions will continue to serve citizens and residents of the region in 2021.

The Migration Service of Portugal (SEF) has published the first results of the online service for automatic renewal of residence permits. In just one month the system has successfully reissued 47,000 residence permit cards for third country nationals.