A D visa is the long-stay visa that lets you move to Portugal and apply for your residence card. Pick the line that sounds like you, then tap a card to see the full picture.
D1Work visaYou have a job offer in Portugal.Job offer neededSee the full picture
D1
Work visa
You have a job offer in Portugal.
Typical time: 6 to 9 months
Who it’s for
You have a job offer or contract from a Portuguese employer
Money check
Your salary comes from the contract. The employer must also show the job could not be filled by a Portuguese or EU worker.
Papers specific to this visa
Signed employment contract or promise of contract
Employer papers showing the job is genuine
Watch out
The employer carries much of the paperwork, so agree the contract details before you apply.
Papers every D visa needs
Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay
Portuguese NIF (tax number)
Proof of accommodation, such as a 12-month rental contract or property deed
Private health insurance covering Portugal (about €30,000 minimum cover)
Criminal record certificates from every country you lived in over the last 5 years
Apostilled and officially translated documents where required
D7Passive income and retirementYou live on a pension or passive income.€920/mo passive incomeSee the full picture
D7
Passive income and retirement
You live on a pension or passive income.
Typical time: 6 to 9 months
Who it’s for
Retirees
People living on rent, dividends, interest or royalties
Money check
€920 a month (€11,040 a year) for the main applicant. Add 50% (€460) for a spouse and 30% (€276) for each child. Savings of around €11,040 are often asked for too.
Papers specific to this visa
3 to 6 months of bank statements showing steady income
Pension letters, rental contracts or dividend certificates
Watch out
Aim well above the minimum. A salary from remote work is not passive income, that is the D8.
Papers every D visa needs
Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay
Portuguese NIF (tax number)
Proof of accommodation, such as a 12-month rental contract or property deed
Private health insurance covering Portugal (about €30,000 minimum cover)
Criminal record certificates from every country you lived in over the last 5 years
Apostilled and officially translated documents where required
D9Golden visaYou want residency through investment.From €500,000See the full picture
D9
Golden visa
You want residency through investment.
Typical time: Varies by case
Who it’s for
Investors seeking residency through a qualifying investment
Money check
Investment funds start at €500,000. Homes in Lisbon, Porto and coastal areas no longer qualify. Other routes include research, cultural heritage and creating jobs in low-density regions.
Papers specific to this visa
Proof of the qualifying investment and where the money came from
Clean criminal record
Watch out
The rules have changed a lot since 2023 and may change again, so get a fresh assessment before you invest anything.
Papers every D visa needs
Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay
Portuguese NIF (tax number)
Proof of accommodation, such as a 12-month rental contract or property deed
Private health insurance covering Portugal (about €30,000 minimum cover)
Criminal record certificates from every country you lived in over the last 5 years
Apostilled and officially translated documents where required
1Apply at the Portuguese consulate in your country
2Receive a 4-month entry visa
3Book your AIMA appointment in Portugal
4Get a residence card valid for 2 years, then renew for 3 more
The big three side by side
D2 Business
D7 Passive income
D8 Digital nomad
Best for
Founders and freelancers
Retirees and investors
Remote workers
Income comes from
Your business
Pension, rent, dividends
Foreign employer or clients
Minimum per month
€920 plus business capital
€920
€3,680
Portuguese clients
Allowed
Not the point of this visa
Not allowed
Typical time
9 to 12 months
6 to 9 months
6 to 9 months
Amounts are 2026 figures and move each January with the minimum wage. Once you hold a permit, you can be away from Portugal no more than 6 months in a row, or 8 months in total, per permit period. Every case is checked individually, so message us before you apply.
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