Live, Work, and Build Your Future in Portugal
Guided by Portugal Specialists Rated 4.8 on Google
Portugal offers three primary residency visa pathways for non-EU citizens, each designed for different circumstances. Whether you’re looking to apply for a D7 visa (for retirees or those with passive income), a D8 visa (for remote workers and digital nomads), or a D2 visa (for entrepreneurs and business investors), there’s a visa that fits your situation. Here’s how to choose—and how we help you succeed.
What Is the Portugal D Visa?
The Portugal D Visa is a long-term residence visa for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to live in Portugal for more than 12 months. It allows applicants to legally enter Portugal and apply for a Portuguese residence permit, with a pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after meeting residency requirements. The D Visa is commonly used for work, business, passive income, and remote employment in Portugal.
- Portugal D2 Visa:
- Ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners who want to start a company or invest in an existing business in Portugal. Learn More.
- Portugal D7 Visa:
- Designed for retirees and individuals with passive income, such as pensions, rental income, or dividends, who wish to relocate to Portugal. Learn More
- Portugal D8 Visa:
- Created for digital nomads and remote workers employed by foreign companies or working independently while living in Portugal. Learn More
Portugal D Visa Comparison: D2 vs D7 vs D8
| D2 Entrepreneur | D7 Passive Income | D8 Digital Nomad | |
| Best For | Starting/expanding a business, freelancers | Retirees, investors with passive income | Employees with a remote working contract |
| Income Type | Business revenue/investment | Rental, pension, dividends, royalties, etc | Salary/contracts from outside Portugal |
| Minimum Income | €10,400/year personal funds + business capital | €10,440/year (€870/month) | €41,760/year (€3,480/month) |
| Key Requirement | Business plan & company setup | Proof of passive income streams | Employment/client contracts abroad and income proof |
| Processing Time until your 4-month temporary visa | 9 -12 months | 6 – 9 months | 6 – 9 months |
Need personalised advice on which visa suits your profile best? Our experts can guide you.
Benefits of Portugal D Visas
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
- Path to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
- Family reunification (spouse, children, dependent parents)
- Visa-free Schengen travel (29 countries)
- Access to public healthcare and education systems
- No restrictions on working in Portugal or running your business
General Requirements for Portugal D Visas
- Portuguese NIF (Tax ID)
- Portuguese bank account with minimum deposit
- Proof of accommodation (lease or ownership)
- EU travel medical insurance (Public Healthcare access granted with residence card)
- Criminal record certificate (ages 16+)
- Valid passport
- Motivation letter
- Minimum stay: Cannot be absent more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months during each residence card period (2-year card follow by a 3-year card)
Can Family Members Apply Under a Portugal D Visa?
Yes. Family members of D Visa holders can apply for residence in Portugal through family reunification. This allows close relatives to join the primary visa holder and legally live in Portugal.
Eligible Family Members:
- Spouse or legal partner
- Dependent children (minors or financially dependent adult children)
- Dependent parents or grandparents
Family Reunification in Portugal:
Family reunification under the Portugal D Visa enables eligible relatives to live, study, and work in Portugal while maintaining legal status. Applications are submitted alongside or after the main applicant’s D Visa approval, ensuring families can stay together during long-term residence.
Check D7 Visa Income Thresholds
Check D8 Visa Income Thresholds
Check D2 Visa Income Thresholds
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a D Visa
1. Applying Under the Wrong Visa Type
Choosing the wrong D Visa category (D2, D7, or D8) can lead to delays or rejection. Make sure your visa type matches your purpose in Portugal, whether it’s business, passive income, or remote work.
2. Insufficient Proof of Income
Visa applications require clear evidence of financial stability. Failing to show enough income or funds can result in denial, especially for D7 or D8 applicants.
3. Weak Accommodation Evidence
Applicants must provide proof of a valid place to live in Portugal. Incomplete or unconvincing rental agreements, hotel bookings, or property ownership documents can hurt your application.
4. Incomplete Documentation
Submitting forms without all required documents—such as passports, bank statements, or business plans—can lead to rejection or requests for additional paperwork. Ensure every document is complete and correctly certified.
What’s Included in Our Service
Pre-Application Phase:
- Free initial consultation to determine best visa pathway
- NIF application + password + first-year tax representative
- Introduction to bank manager + bank account opening support
- Document checklist personalized to your situation
Application Phase:
- Document legalization guidance
- Lease agreement preparation or review
- Business plan review (D2 applicants)
- VFS/Consulate appointment scheduling support
Throughout Process:
- Dedicated lawyer assigned to your case
- Dedicated account manager for continuous follow-up
- Video call consultations at every stage
- Document analysis and verification
- Lawyer accompaniment to AIMA appointment
Post-Approval:
- Tax residence declaration (after 183 days)
- Renewal guidance
- Permanent residency application support (year 5)
