Portugal residence visas choose the right category
Each visa category has its own income, documentation and stay requirements. The right choice defines the timeline and the approval odds.
“Living in Europe starts with the right visa.”
Which visa fits your case.
Portugal offers several residence visa categories. The best option depends on your income source, professional activity and long-term goals. Below, we outline the main routes and their core requirements.
D7 — Passive income
For retirees and those with recurring passive income such as rent, pensions, dividends or royalties.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- art. 58 of Law 23/2007
D8 — Digital nomad
For remote professionals employed or contracted by companies based outside Portugal, with proven income.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- art. 61-B of Law 23/2007
D2 — Entrepreneur
For those opening a company or investing in an economic activity in Portugal, with a consistent business plan.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- art. 60(1) of Law 23/2007
D2 — Independent professional
For self-employed professionals with a service or partnership contract in Portugal. No company incorporation required.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- art. 60(2) of Law 23/2007
D1 — Employment
For those holding a contract or promise of contract with a Portuguese company. Since 31/07/2026 it requires consular pre-authorisation obtained by the employer.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- art. 59 of Law 23/2007
Consular pre-authorisation (companies)
Employer-side step: without the pre-authorisation code linked to the contract, the candidate cannot book the VFS appointment. Requires a job vacancy validated by IEFP.
- Timeline
- 30 to 60 days after filing
- Legal basis
- art. 59 of Law 23/2007
D3 — Highly qualified activity
For highly qualified professionals, lecturers and researchers with a contract in Portugal, including the EU Blue Card.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- art. 61-A of Law 23/2007
D4 — Study
For students enrolled in higher education, exchange, internship or research programmes.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- art. 62 of Law 23/2007
D6 — Family reunification
For relatives of someone already residing legally in Portugal. Depends on a favourable AIMA decision, with the consular application filed within 90 days.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- Law 23/2007 — family reunification
Family accompanying the main applicant
Allows spouse and children to apply together with the main applicant and travel at the same time, without waiting for later reunification.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- filed simultaneously with the main applicant
Temporary stay visa
Stay of up to 12 months without establishing residence: medical treatment, training, seasonal work, volunteering or religious activity.
- Timeline
- 60 to 90 days
- Legal basis
- art. 54 of Law 23/2007
Golden Visa — Residence by investment
Residence permit by investment, with a minimum stay of 7 days per year and a path to citizenship after 5 years.
- Timeline
- depends on the investment route
- Legal basis
- art. 90-A of Law 23/2007
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How the process works.
Eligibility analysis
We assess your profile, income and objectives to define the visa category with the highest approval probability.
Documentation
We organise, translate and apostille every document required by the Portuguese consulate.
Consular application
We file the application, schedule the appointment and follow the process until the visa is issued.
Residence permit in Portugal
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