Population
GDP (per capital)
Visa-Free Countries
GDP (purchasing power parity)
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Portugal Citizenship Program
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Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for those seeking better quality of life, career opportunities, or a peaceful retirement. As of 2025, it offers various immigration routes, from investment to study and remote work, catering to diverse needs. With its stability, hospitality, and progressive policies, Portugal provides a clear path to long-term residency and citizenship.
- Main Industries
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Textile and Apparel Industry
- Wood and Paper Industry
- Agriculture and Food Production
- Fishing and Fish Processing Industry
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
WET (UTC)
92,212 km2
Euro
Lisbon
Portuguese
D7 Visa – Residency for Passive Income Holders
D7 Visa – Residency for Passive Income Holders
The D7 Visa, for non-EU citizens with stable, recurring income from abroad, is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or financially independent individuals seeking a peaceful life in Portugal.
D7 Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the D7 visa in 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum income: Demonstrate a regular monthly income of at least €820 (100% of Portugal’s minimum wage), with higher thresholds required if family members are included.
- Accommodation: Show proof of long-term housing in Portugal—either through a rental contract or property ownership.
- Financial means: Present bank statements confirming sufficient savings to sustain initial months of residence.
- Health coverage: Obtain valid health insurance recognized in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: Provide police clearance certificates from countries of residence over the past year.
D7 Visa Benefits
- Residence rights in Portugal with the ability to renew the permit and apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
- Visa-free access to all countries within the Schengen Zone.
- Family reunification: Immediate family members (spouse, children, dependent parents) can be included under the same residence framework.
- Access to public services, including healthcare and education, upon full registration as a resident.
D7 Visa Fees
- Visa application: Approximately €90, payable to the Portuguese consulate.
- Residence permit issuance: Around €170, paid to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF or its successor agency).
- Other costs: Notary fees, document translations, apostilles, and insurance may vary based on individual circumstances.
D2 Visa – Residency for Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals
D2 Visa – Residency for Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals
The D2 Visa, or Entrepreneur Visa, allows non-EU citizens to start or relocate a business in Portugal. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and service providers with a clear business plan and the ability to contribute economically.
D2 Visa Requirements
Applicants must fulfill several key conditions to qualify for the D2 Visa:
- Business viability: Submit a comprehensive business plan that outlines objectives, financial projections, and the potential impact on the Portuguese economy.
- Capital and resources: Show proof of adequate financial means to launch and sustain the business, although there is no fixed minimum investment amount—what matters is realism and sustainability.
- Professional credentials: If operating as a freelancer or service provider, applicants may need to demonstrate qualifications or relevant experience in their field.
- Accommodation: Provide evidence of a place of residence in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: Present police clearance from all countries where the applicant has resided recently.
D2 Visa Benefits
- Legal residency in Portugal, renewable annually or biannually, with eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after five years of lawful stay.
- Freedom to establish a business or operate as an independent worker within Portugal and potentially the wider EU.
- Family reunification rights, allowing spouses, dependents, and parents to join under the same residence scheme.
- Access to Portuguese healthcare, education, and public services.
- Mobility across the Schengen Zone, offering ease of travel for both business and leisure.
D2 Visa Fees
- Consular visa application: Approximately €90, submitted to the Portuguese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.
- Residence permit processing: Around €170, paid to Portugal’s immigration authority.
- Additional expenses: May include business registration fees, legal assistance, translation and certification of documents, and insurance costs.
D8 Visa – Residency for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
D8 Visa – Residency for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
The D8 Visa, introduced in 2022, is designed for non-EU digital nomads earning income remotely. It offers a flexible residency option for remote workers, freelancers, and salaried employees, with Portugal’s vibrant cities and high quality of life making it a top destination.
D8 Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the D8 Visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Proof of remote income: Demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least €3,280 (four times the Portuguese minimum wage in 2025), generated through remote work for foreign employers or clients.
- Employment or freelance contracts: Submit documentation confirming active employment or ongoing professional engagements outside of Portugal.
- Accommodation: Provide a lease agreement or property ownership documentation for housing in Portugal.
- Valid health insurance: Hold comprehensive health coverage accepted within Portuguese territory.
- Clean criminal background: Present police clearance certificates from countries of recent residence.
D8 Visa Benefits
- Legal residency in Portugal for an initial period of one year, with the option to extend for additional two-year terms.
- No local tax obligations on foreign-sourced income under certain conditions, subject to the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime or similar updated fiscal frameworks.
- Schengen access for seamless travel across 25+ European countries.
- Opportunity to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years, if the applicant maintains legal residence and meets other requirements.
- Family reunification: Spouses and dependents can be included in the application under similar terms.
D8 Visa Fees
- Visa application fee: Approximately €90, payable to the Portuguese consulate.
- Residence permit issuance: Around €170, processed through Portugal’s immigration services.
- Other costs: May include document certification, translations, travel insurance, and assistance with tax planning, depending on personal circumstances.
Student Visa – Residency for International Students
Student Visa – Residency for International Students
The D5 Student Visa is perfect for non-EU nationals pursuing higher education in Portugal, offering access to top universities, a welcoming atmosphere, and affordable living, with opportunities to gain work experience and explore residency options.
Student Visa Requirements
To qualify for the D5 Student Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Acceptance to a recognized institution: Proof of enrollment in a full-time program at a Portuguese university or school.
- Financial means: Evidence of sufficient funds, typically around €665/month, to cover living, tuition, and travel expenses.
- Accommodation: Documentation of housing arrangements, such as a lease or student housing confirmation.
- Health insurance: Valid coverage meeting Portuguese requirements or proof of planned enrollment in the national system.
- Criminal background check: Clean record from the applicant’s country of residence for the past year.
Student Visa Benefits
- Legal stay in Portugal for the duration of the study program, renewable annually.
- Work rights: Up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during breaks.
- Schengen access: Free travel across Schengen countries.
- Post-study options: Possibility to transition to a work visa or other residency routes.
- Family reunification: Eligible dependents may join the student in Portugal.
Student Visa Fees
- Visa application fee: Around €90, payable to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
- Residence permit fee: Approximately €170, paid to the Portuguese Immigration and Border Services (SEF).
- Additional costs: These may include document translations, university fees, insurance premiums, and other administrative charges.
Job Seeker Visa – Pathway for Employment Opportunities in Portugal
Job Seeker Visa – Pathway for Employment Opportunities in Portugal
The Job Seeker Visa allows non-EU nationals to enter Portugal and search for employment, offering temporary residence and access to Portugal’s growing job market and skilled professional opportunities.
Job Seeker Visa Requirements
To apply for the Job Seeker Visa, applicants must meet the following:
- Proof of funds: Around €1,000/month to cover living costs.
- Health insurance: Private or public coverage meeting Portuguese standards.
- Valid passport: With at least six months' validity.
- Accommodation: Rental agreement or proof of housing in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: Police clearance from the past year.
- Job search intent: Evidence of active efforts to find employment.
Job Seeker Visa Benefits
- Temporary stay in Portugal for up to six months, extendable once.
- Path to employment: Transition to a work visa after securing a job.
- Legal work status: Start working without leaving the country once approved.
- Family reunification: Eligible dependents may join the applicant.
- Schengen travel: Visa allows access to the Schengen Area.
Job Seeker Visa Fees
- Visa application fee: Around €90, payable at the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
- Residence permit fee: Approximately €170, paid to Portugal’s immigration services (SEF).
- Additional costs: These may include document translations, health insurance premiums, and other necessary paperwork fees.
Solidarity Visa – A New Pathway for Humanitarian Efforts (Introduced in 2024)
Solidarity Visa – A New Pathway for Humanitarian Efforts (Introduced in 2024)
The 2024 Solidarity Visa is for individuals wishing to contribute to social or humanitarian causes through volunteer work or non-profit activities, both in Portugal and internationally.
Solidarity Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the Solidarity Visa, applicants must:
- Show involvement in humanitarian or social projects, with proof from an organization or as a volunteer.
- Have sufficient funds, typically around €800/month.
- Hold valid health insurance, private or public.
- Provide proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- Submit a clean criminal record from the past year.
- Demonstrate commitment to contributing to Portuguese society through a written statement.
Solidarity Visa Benefits
- Legal residence for up to one year, renewable, with a path to permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
- Meaningful engagement in social or volunteer work.
- Family reunification: Eligible dependents may join the visa holder.
- Schengen access: Travel across 25 European countries.
- Public services: Access to healthcare and education in Portugal.
Solidarity Visa Fees
- Visa application fee: Approximately €90, paid to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
- Residence permit fee: Around €170, payable to Portugal's immigration services (SEF).
- Additional expenses: Applicants may also incur costs related to document translation, insurance premiums, and legal assistance if required.
Family Reunification – Bringing Loved Ones to Portugal
Family Reunification – Bringing Loved Ones to Portugal
Portugal’s immigration policies prioritize family unity, offering pathways for non-EU nationals to reunite with relatives, such as spouses, children, and dependent parents, promoting social stability and cohesion.
Requirements
To qualify for family reunification, the following conditions must be met:
- Eligible relatives: Includes spouses, dependent children (under 18 or up to 21 if studying), and dependent parents or grandparents.
- Proof of relationship: Marriage, birth, or dependency documents required.
- Sponsor's legal status: Sponsor must be a legal resident or citizen of Portugal.
- Financial means: Sponsor must show adequate income to support family members.
- Accommodation: Proof of suitable housing for the family.
- Health insurance: Valid health coverage or registration in Portugal’s public system.
Benefits
- Legal residence for family members, with a path to permanent residency or citizenship.
- Work and study rights for spouses and children.
- Schengen travel: Free movement across 25+ European countries.
- Easier integration through shared family life and community support.
- Access to public services, including healthcare and education.
Fees
- Visa application fee: Approximately €90 per family member, payable at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country.
- Residence permit fee: Around €170, paid to the Portuguese Immigration and Border Services (SEF).
- Additional expenses: Costs may include document translations, notarizations, medical insurance, and administrative fees for application processing.
Citizenship by Descent – A Pathway Through Heritage
Citizenship by Descent – A Pathway Through Heritage
Citizenship by Descent allows descendants of Portuguese nationals, even if born abroad, to apply for citizenship, offering a path to regain Portuguese identity and access EU benefits.
Requirements
To apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent, applicants must:
- Have Portuguese ancestry: Typically, through parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents.
- Provide documentation: Submit certified birth, marriage, or other records proving lineage.
- No residency required: Living in Portugal is not mandatory.
- Language waiver: Language proficiency is usually not required.
- Clean record: A criminal background check may be necessary.
Benefits
- EU citizenship: Full rights within the EU, including freedom of movement and work.
- Permanent residency in Portugal, with access to public services.
- Tax and social security benefits through Portugal’s system.
- Dual citizenship: No need to renounce current nationality.
- Citizenship for descendants: Potential for future generations to gain citizenship.
Fees
- Application fee: The fee for applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent is approximately €175 for the initial processing, payable to the Portuguese authorities.
- Additional expenses: Costs may include obtaining official documents, translations, notarizations, and legal consultations if necessary.
Naturalization – Acquiring Citizenship After 5 Years of Legal Residency
Naturalization – Acquiring Citizenship After 5 Years of Legal Residency
After five years of legal residency, individuals can apply for naturalization in Portugal, gaining full citizenship with access to the EU and the right to live, work, and travel freely.
Requirements
To apply for naturalization after five years of legal residency, applicants must:
- Five years of residency: Legally reside in Portugal for at least five years.
- Proven integration: Demonstrate knowledge of Portuguese language (A2 level or higher) and culture.
- Stable finances: Show financial independence, with proof of income or employment.
- Clean criminal record: Provide background checks from Portugal and other countries of residence.
- Good conduct: No serious criminal convictions.
Benefits
- Full Portuguese citizenship: Rights to vote, hold office, and enjoy national privileges.
- EU citizenship: Freedom to live, work, and travel across the EU.
- Public services: Access to healthcare, education, and government benefits.
- Dual citizenship: Retain original nationality while becoming a Portuguese citizen.
- Permanent residency: Right to live in Portugal and travel within the Schengen Zone.
Fees
- Application fee: The fee for applying for Portuguese naturalization is approximately €175. This fee is payable to the Portuguese authorities upon submission of the application.
- Additional costs: Additional expenses may include obtaining legal documents, language
Conclusion
Portugal offers a variety of immigration pathways tailored to different needs, from study and work to family reunification and investment. With its strong economy, high quality of life, and welcoming environment, Portugal remains a top choice for those seeking new opportunities in Europe. The structured routes to residency and citizenship provide clear options for individuals committed to making Portugal their home.
FAQ about Portugal Citizenship Program
1. What are the main ways to immigrate to Portugal?
Work visas, student visas, Golden Visa (investment), D7 (passive income), family reunification, and naturalization.
2. Can I move to Portugal if I am a retiree?
Yes, the D7 Visa is for retirees with stable income from abroad.
3. How long do I need to live in Portugal before applying for citizenship?
You can apply for citizenship after five years of legal residency.
4. Can my family join me if I immigrate to Portugal?
Yes, family reunification is possible for spouses, children, and dependent parents.
5. Do I need to speak Portuguese to immigrate to Portugal?
Language requirements depend on the visa; for naturalization, A2-level Portuguese is needed.
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