Build Your Long-Term European Residence Plan in Portugal
Portugal grants long-term residence to non-EU nationals through three principal routes: the Golden Visa, where €500,000 in a CMVM-approved investment fund secures residence with only seven days of physical presence per year; the D7 visa, which requires verified passive income of roughly €820 per month and substantial physical residence; and the Tech Visa for skilled workers with a qualified employer offer. After five years of legal residence, holders may apply for permanent residence under current law.
Programs at a Glance
| Program | Min. Investment / Income | Stay Requirement | Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa (CMVM Fund) | €500,000 in CMVM-approved fund | 7 days / year | PR after 5 years |
| D7 Passive Income | ~€820/month verified income (+50% spouse, +30% per child) | 183+ days / year | PR after 5 years |
| Tech Visa | Skilled employment offer, recognised company | 183+ days / year | PR after 5 years |
Living in Portugal
Lisbon
The capital and the centre of the Golden Visa ecosystem. Strong international schools, expanding tech sector, direct flights to most US East-Coast hubs and major EU cities.
Porto
Lower cost of living than Lisbon, growing remote-work community, strong public healthcare network, and easy access to the Douro region for second-home buyers.
Algarve
Mild winters, large international community, retiree-friendly, and a property market that has stabilised after the early-2020s surge. Fewer direct intercontinental flights.
Tax Snapshot (Information Only)
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime closed to new entrants on 1 January 2024. The successor IFICI (often called NHR 2.0) is narrower in scope and prioritises specific scientific and high-value-added activities. Most newer Golden Visa holders fall back to Portugal's standard progressive personal income tax (rates up to 53% including municipal surtax). Capital gains, dividend taxation, and tax-residency timing can materially change outcomes; we coordinate with both Portuguese tax counsel and your home-country advisor. This page is not tax advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment for Portugal Golden Visa? ▾
The minimum investment for the Portugal Golden Visa is €500,000 in a CMVM-approved investment fund. Real-estate purchases and direct capital transfers were removed as eligible categories in October 2023. Fund investment now accounts for the overwhelming majority of new approvals.
How many days do I need to stay in Portugal? ▾
Golden Visa holders only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal across the residence card cycle. The D7 passive income visa requires substantial physical residence (typically 183+ days per year, with allowances for shorter consecutive absences). The Tech Visa follows the same physical residence rule as the D7.
Will I become a tax resident in Portugal? ▾
You become a Portuguese tax resident if you stay 183+ days in any 12-month period or maintain habitual residence (housing) in Portugal as of 31 December. Many Golden Visa holders avoid tax residency by limiting physical days; D7 holders typically become tax residents. The NHR regime closed to new entrants on 1 January 2024 — newer applicants should plan around the standard PIT framework or the IFICI (NHR 2.0) successor where eligible.
What about the May 2026 citizenship law change? ▾
In May 2026 Portugal extended the waiting period from five to ten years of legal residence before applying for citizenship by naturalisation. The exact effective date and any retroactive provisions remain under constitutional review. We recommend independent legal counsel before relying on either timeline; see our dedicated explainer page for current status.
Can my family be included? ▾
Yes. Spouse or registered partner, dependent children of any age (subject to documented dependency), and dependent parents can be added to a single application. Each adult dependent counts toward the AIMA processing fees; children at lower rates.
How long does the application take? ▾
From document preparation to AIMA biometric appointment is typically 4–8 months. The actual residence card is issued within 30–90 days after biometrics. Total time-to-card has lengthened during 2024–2025 due to AIMA backlog; we factor current processing times into every engagement plan.
Are FATCA/PFIC issues a concern for US citizens? ▾
Yes. Most Portuguese investment funds are PFICs under US tax rules and roughly 6 of 50+ CMVM-approved funds accept US citizen onboarding due to FATCA reporting overhead. Tax planning before subscription is essential. We coordinate with US-licensed tax counsel; we do not provide US tax advice ourselves.
What is your role versus a Portuguese law firm? ▾
We act as the strategic advisor and project coordinator: pre-qualification, programme selection, document prep, fund coordination, AIMA scheduling, and renewal calendar. Substantive legal work in Portugal is performed by the Portuguese law partners we coordinate with. You receive both invoices separately; we never take fund or property commissions.
Do I need to speak Portuguese? ▾
No Portuguese is required for residence renewal. To later apply for permanent residence or citizenship you must demonstrate A2 Portuguese (CAPLE certificate or equivalent). Online preparation typically takes 6–9 months of part-time study from zero.
How is healthcare access? ▾
Once registered with the Portuguese national health service (SNS) you have access to public healthcare on the same terms as nationals. Many residents combine SNS with private insurance; private cover for a healthy adult typically runs €30–€100/month. EHIC-style reciprocal cover applies for short stays elsewhere in the EU.
Free eligibility check
Tell us your goals (residence vs. citizenship, time horizon, household), and we'll map the most realistic Portuguese route — or flag a better-fit country.