If you’re planning to move to Portugal, you’ll need the right visa and residence permit for your situation, whether you’re coming for work, study, or to join your family.
US citizens can visit Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days, but if you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa and residence permit. The Portugal Golden Visa is a popular option for those who want residency through investment, while many retirees live in Portugal through the D7 Passive Income Visa.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the main types of visas available for residency and, eventually, citizenship. You’ll find out what each visa requires and how to choose the right path for your move to Portugal.
You'll also find out more about:
- Who needs a visa to immigrate to Portugal?
- Portugal immigration visa types
- Difference between a visa and a residency permit
- Portugal immigration visa requirements
- Portugal's permanent residency requirements
Who needs a visa to immigrate to Portugal?
European Union citizens
You can live, work, and travel freely in Portugal without needing a visa if you’re a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
If you plan to stay in Portugal for more than three months, you’ll need to apply for a registration certificate, called the Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (CRUE).
This should be done within 30 days after your first three months in the country. The CRUE is valid for five years and costs €15.
Non-European Union citizens
If you’re not an EU citizen, Portugal has a range of visa options depending on why you want to come, whether it’s to start a business, to work, or to settle down.
Portugal Immigration Visa Types
All D-Type visas in Portugal are residency visas, but there are some visas in Portugal that don't allow you to immigrate. For example, a temporary stay visa allows you to enter Portugal for up to four months.
It is granted for situations like medical treatment, scientific research, or sports activities. A short-term work visa lets you enter Portugal for up to six months.
On the other hand, a Portuguese residency visa is valid for four months and must be converted into a temporary residence permit after that, which allows you to live in Portugal long-term.
Portugal Entrepreneur Visa (D2)
The Portuguese Entrepreneur Visa is aimed at non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who want to start a company, move their existing business to Portugal, or invest in a local business.
This visa gives entrepreneurs a way to set up in Europe and benefit from Portugal’s growing business scene.
To be eligible, you’ll need a solid business plan, enough funds to support your project, and experience in your area. You should also show that your business will create jobs or add value to the Portuguese economy.
Portugal Highly-Qualified Activity Visa (D3)
The Portugal D3 Visa is aimed at highly qualified professionals who want to live and work in Portugal. If you have a job offer or plan to work in a specialized field, the D3 Visa gives you a two-year renewable residence permit, and your family can join you in Portugal.
Once you’ve lived in Portugal for five years with this visa, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. After 18 months, you can also apply for the EU Blue Card, which opens up the possibility to live and work in most EU countries.
Employers also find it easier to hire skilled professionals from outside the Schengen Area, with applications usually processed in about one to two months.
Portugal Family Reunification Visa (D6 Visa)
The D6 Visa, or Portugal Family Reunification Visa, lets your close family members join you and live with you in Portugal if you are already legally residing here.
This includes:
- Spouses or partners recognized by the law.
- Dependent children (including adopted children), as well as the children of the resident’s partner.
- Children over 18 who are dependent on the main applicant or their spouse/partner. They will also need to be single and study at a Portuguese educational institution.
- First-degree ascendants who are a direct line relative of the resident or respective spouse and are dependent on them.
- Minor siblings, provided they are dependent on the resident.
If you have moved to Portugal on a visa like the D7 or D2, or you have settled status as an EU citizen, the D6 Visa gives you a way to bring your spouse, partner, or other family members to join you here.
To apply, you’ll need to show proof of your relationship, demonstrate you have enough income to support your family, and meet a few other requirements.
Portugal Passive Income Visa (D7)
The Portugal D7 Visa is one of the most popular residency options for non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who want to make Portugal their home. It's especially attractive for retirees looking to settle in Portugal for the long term.
Often called the Retirement Visa, the D7 is designed for people who can show a regular income from sources like pensions, investments, or rental properties. To qualify, your passive income needs to be at least equal to Portugal’s minimum wage, which is set at €920 per month for 2026.
To apply, you’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself (and any family members coming with you), along with health insurance. You’ll also need a clean criminal record and a valid passport.
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a residence permit that’s valid for two years and can be renewed for another three years. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship, as long as you meet the requirements.
With the D7 Visa, you’ll have access to Portugal’s healthcare system, education, and social services. This makes Portugal a great choice if you’re looking for a high quality of life in a welcoming environment.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Portugal introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in 2022, making it easier for remote workers and freelancers to live and work online from Portugal while earning income from abroad.
To qualify for the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need to work for a company outside Portugal, be self-employed, or freelance. You must also show a monthly income of at least €3,680, which is four times the Portuguese minimum wage, and have health insurance that covers your stay.
With the Digital Nomad Visa, you can enjoy living and working in Portugal, access quality healthcare, and experience a high standard of living. The visa also lets you travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
There are two options: the Temporary Stay Visa, which lets you live and work in Portugal for up to a year and can be renewed, and the Residence Visa, which offers a longer stay.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa lets non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens gain residency by investing in Portugal. To qualify, you need to make an eligible investment in Portugal, and the options include:
- Fund subscription, with a minimum amount of €500,000
- Donation in the arts, with a minimum amount of €250,000 or €200,000 for low-density projects
- Reconstruction of national cultural heritage, with a minimum amount of €250,000 or €200,000 for low-density projects
- Scientific research, with a minimum amount of €500,000 or €350,000 for low-density projects
- Creation of ten jobs
- Share capital and job creation, with a minimum amount of €500,000
An advantage of the Golden Visa is that you don’t have to move to Portugal full-time to keep your visa. The residency requirements are minimal, just seven days in the first year and 14 days every two years after that.
This lets you keep living and working in your home country while still enjoying the benefits of Portuguese residency.
Difference Between a Visa and a Residency Permit
When you apply for and receive an immigration visa from the Portuguese consulate, this visa, glued into your passport, lets you enter Portugal for up to four months. During this time, you’ll need to book an appointment with AIMA for the next part of the process.
This is where a residence permit comes in. It is the official document that allows you to stay in Portugal long-term, beyond the first few months covered by your visa.
When you go for your AIMA appointment, they will check your documents and collect your biometric data. Once your residency permit is approved, you’ll receive your residence card.
Portugal Immigration Visa Requirements
Each immigration visa has different requirements, but there are several requirements that are universal across the application process.
- Age: You must be over the age of 18 if you are the main applicant.
- Nationality: You must be a non-EU citizen.
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, and contain blank pages for the visa.
- Criminal record certificate: A clean criminal record from your home country or any country you have lived in for more than six months.
- Proof of financial means: You must have enough money to support yourself and any family members for at least a year in Portugal.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal: You'll need to show proof that you have accommodation in Portugal for at least 12 months.
- Health insurance: You'll need medical insurance expenses and emergency treatment in Portugal for the duration of the visa period.
Portugal's Permanent Residency Requirements
If you’re aiming for permanent residency in Portugal, the first step is to get a temporary residence permit and live here for five years with a valid residency visa.
The same five-year rule applies to non-EU family members of EU citizens, as they’ll need to have lived legally in Portugal for five years before they can apply for a permanent residence card.
Once you’ve completed five years of legal residency, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. This lets you live and work in Portugal for as long as you like.
To apply for permanent residency, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements:
- Five years of legal residence in Portugal
- A valid temporary residence permit
- A clean criminal record in Portugal
- Enough money in your bank account to sustain yourself and any family members
- Show an A2-level of proficiency in the Portuguese langauge
- You must be enrolled with social security and have a NIF
- Accomodation in Portugal
Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship
Non-European citizens can apply for Portuguese citizenship after living in the country for five years (for now) with a valid residence permit.
However, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens.
These changes are not yet law as they must still undergo Presidential review, where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court.
While you don't have to apply for permanent residency before citizenship, the requirements are essentially the same.
Living in Portugal: An Overview
Cost of living
Portugal is known for its affordable cost of living, especially when compared to other Western European countries. While prices can vary from region to region, everyday essentials like rent, groceries, and public transport are generally easy on the wallet.
Many expats are drawn here because you can enjoy a high quality of life without spending a fortune. For context, consumer prices in Portugal are about 27 percent lower than in Germany and 34 percent lower than in France.
If you’re moving from the US, the difference in daily expenses is hard to miss. Groceries cost nearly half as much as in the States, eating out is about 44 percent cheaper, and rent is typically 53 percent lower.
Taxes and social security
When living and working in Portugal, you’ll need to register with the Portuguese social security system and make regular contributions. For employees, these payments are taken directly from your salary. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to handle the payments yourself each month, usually between the 1st and 20th.
Most expat employees in Portugal will see income tax automatically deducted from their paychecks. Even so, you’re still required to file an annual tax return. The amount you owe depends on your total taxable income, the tax rate that applies to you, and any deductions you can claim, such as for education or healthcare costs.
In Portugal, income tax is usually calculated for each person separately, but married couples and civil partners can choose to file together. If you file jointly, your household’s combined income is taxed as a whole. For 2025, income tax rates range from 14.5% to 48%, depending on how much you earn.
Healthcare system
Portugal offers residents access to quality healthcare through its national health system, making medical care widely available and affordable.
Residents can use both public and private healthcare services. The public system, known as the SNS, is open to anyone living in Portugal.
Many expats choose private health insurance to get faster appointments or access extra services alongside the public system.
Housing and accommodation
Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment in a historic city center or a spacious villa in the countryside, Portugal has plenty of options to fit your lifestyle.
If you prefer the buzz of city life, expect higher rents in places like Lisbon and Porto, while rural areas tend to be more affordable. No matter your budget or preferences, you’ll find a range of accommodation choices across the country.
Education system
If you’re moving to Portugal with children, you’ll find a solid education system that covers everything from preschool to university. Families can choose between public and private schools, both known for good standards.
Many expats opt for international schools with classes in different languages, while others prefer to have their kids join the local Portuguese public schools.
Cuisine and lifestyle
Portuguese food is all about fresh seafood, filling stews, and sweet pastries you’ll find in every bakery. Eating out is a big part of life here, with friends and families coming together over traditional dishes at local restaurants.
Life in Portugal moves at a slower pace, whether you’re taking a walk along the coast or enjoying a picnic in the countryside.
Who We Are and How We Can Help
GetNifPortugal can make the visa and relocation process easier for you. Some visas, such as the Golden Visa, require you to have a Portuguese taxpayer identification number (NIF) as part of your application. Other visas require you to have a TIN number once you relocate to Portugal. We can help you get a NIF online, speeding up your visa and relocation paperwork.
Get a NIF
The Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) is required to carry out any financial transactions in Portugal, including buying or renting property, paying taxes, or working a job. If you're a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you must appoint a fiscal representative to assist you in applying for an NIF and managing your taxes.
We offer both fiscal representation and NIF services. Simply apply online and have a NIF sent straight to your inbox in two to three weeks. This will help you avoid long queues, hassle, or searching for a fiscal representative.
Open a Portuguese bank account
Opening up a Portuguese bank account is another essential part of navigating the Portuguese immigration process. Having a Portuguese bank account is required for specific visa applications and makes it easier to manage finances and conduct transactions while living in Portugal.
With a local bank account, one can easily pay bills, receive payments, and access various financial services. It is recommended that individuals who plan to live in Portugal open up a bank account as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues or delays in the immigration process.
We can help you open a Portuguese bank account from anywhere in the world. Simply apply online, and we'll set you up with one of Portugal's leading banks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal Immigration
How can I immigrate to Portugal?
There are different ways to immigrate to Portugal, such as work visas, investment visas, family reunification visas, or study visas. What visa you should apply for depends on the purpose of your stay in Portugal. Each type of visa has its own requirements and application process.
Is Portugal easy to immigrate to?
Compared to other European countries, Portugal has a range of visas designed to attract foreign nationals, making it relatively easier to immigrate. However, you must meet the requirements when going through the application process.
Does Portugal allow immigration?
Yes, Portugal allows immigration and has different visa options for foreign nationals wishing to live and work there.
How does Portugal immigration work for non-EU nationals?
Non-EU nationals must obtain a visa to enter Portugal, and the type of visa required depends on the purpose of their visit. To stay in Portugal long-term, non-EU nationals must obtain temporary stay visas, which can be renewed for up to five years, and then apply for permanent residency.
How does getting a residency in Portugal work?
To obtain residency in Portugal, non-EU nationals must first obtain temporary stay visas and legally live there for at least five years. After that, they can apply for a permanent residence permit, which allows them to live and work in Portugal indefinitely. The process requires meeting specific requirements, such as having a clean criminal record, having sufficient financial means, and having health insurance coverage.
Is Portugal friendly to immigrants?
Yes, Portugal is generally considered to be friendly to immigrants. The country has a long history of welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. In recent years, Portugal has implemented various initiatives to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors from abroad, aiming to boost economic growth and innovation.
Which visa can I apply for in Portugal?
In Portugal, there are various visa options available depending on your purpose of stay. The specific Portugal immigration requirements and application process vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for and your individual circumstances. It's essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and consult the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country for detailed information and guidance on the visa application process.
Can a US citizen immigrate to Portugal?
As a US national, you can enter Portugal without a visa and stay in the country for 90 days. But in case you want to stay for more than 90 days in the country, you must apply for a temporary residence visa and a residence permit to live in the country. There are various Portuguese visa options available, depending on your circumstances and what you’re looking for.
Some of the most common visa options include:
- Portugal Golden Visa
- D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa
- D8 Visa, also known as the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Can I bring my family members with me when immigrating to Portugal?
Yes, you can bring your family members with you when immigrating to Portugal under certain conditions. Portugal offers a Family Reunion Visa (D6) that allows foreign nationals who are legal residents or citizens to bring their family members to join them in the country.
Typically, immediate family members such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents or dependent relatives may be eligible for family reunification.
Moreover, there are certain residence permits, such as the Portuguese Golden Visa, which allow applicants to include their direct family members in the application.
Is it necessary to learn Portuguese to immigrate to Portugal?
While it is not mandatory to learn Portuguese before immigrating to Portugal, having a basic understanding of the language can greatly facilitate your integration and daily life in the country. While many Portuguese people speak English, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, knowledge of Portuguese can enhance your communication skills and help you navigate various situations more effectively.
