For anyone who wants to live or work in Europe, Portugal is an excellent choice. With its stable economy and high quality of life, the country attracts entrepreneurs, remote workers, retirees, and professionals from around the world.
That’s why Portugal has a variety of visas for different scenarios. In this guide, we’ll walk through the main types of Portugal visas, who they’re for, and what you need to qualify.
You’ll also find out more about:
- Who needs a visa to live or work in Portugal?
- Requirements for Portugal Visas
- Portugal Passive Income Visa (D7)
- Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
- Portugal Golden Visa
- Permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship
- Other types of visas for Portugal
Who needs a visa to live or work in Portugal?
Whether you need a visa to live or work in Portugal depends on two factors: your nationality and how long you plan to stay.
EU citizens: If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can move to Portugal without needing a visa. Thanks to freedom of movement, you’re free to live and work in Portugal right away. If you plan to stay more than 90 days, you’ll just need to register your address with the local authorities and get a residence certificate.
Non-EU citizens: If you’re from outside the EU or Schengen Area, you’ll need to apply for a visa before moving to Portugal.
However, citizens from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or another non-EU country with a visa waiver can visit Portugal and the rest of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but they cannot work or move to Portugal permanently.
Requirements for Portugal Visas
Before you apply for a visa to Portugal, you must meet several general eligibility requirements. While each visa category has specific criteria, Portugal’s residency visa applications follow the same basic criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old to apply
- Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your visa application
- Provide a criminal background certificate from your home country or any country where you have lived recently.
- Demonstrate enough funds to support yourself while living in Portugal.
- Have a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
- Open a Portuguese bank account
- Show where you will live in Portugal
- Provide proof of health insurance
Portugal Work Visa (D1)
The D1 Visa, often called the Portugal Work Visa, lets you live and work in the country if you have a job offer from a Portuguese company and you are a non-EU or non-EEA citizen.
The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed. To apply, you’ll need to show proof of employment, such as a work contract or an invitation from a Portuguese company. You’ll also need to provide documents that show you’re qualified for the job.
Entrepreneur Visa (D2)
The Portugal D2 Visa is a popular choice for entrepreneurs from outside the EU who want to start or expand a business in Portugal.
If you’re thinking about launching a new venture or investing in an existing company, the D2 Visa gives you a way to live in Portugal while building your business and becoming part of the local community.
One of the main advantages of the D2 Visa is that there’s no fixed minimum investment required. You just need to show you have enough money to start and run your business, and to cover your living expenses during your first year in Portugal.
Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa (D3)
The Portugal D3 Visa, also called the Highly Qualified Activities Visa, is aimed at professionals with specialized skills who want to live and work in Portugal. It offers a quicker path to EU residency for people like managers, scientists, doctors, engineers, and programmers.
One of the main advantages of the HQA visa is how quickly the process moves. Most applications get a decision within 30 days, and you can usually book your residency appointment just a few months later.
Student Visa (D4)
If you’re planning to study in Portugal, do research, or join a training program for more than 90 days, the Portugal D4 Visa, also known as the Portugal Student Visa, could be the right option.
This visa is aimed at non-EU and non-EEA nationals who want to spend an extended period in Portugal for academic or vocational reasons.
It’s open to anyone enrolled in higher education in Portugal, whether you’re beginning a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, or taking part in an exchange program or internship at a recognized institution.
Study and Research Visa (D5)
The Portugal D5 Visa is for non-EU/EEA nationals who have been accepted by one of the universities in Portugal for teaching, research, or other academic roles, and allows you to stay in Portugal for the long term.
The D5 Visa also applies to postgraduate students and researchers taking part in academic or scientific projects at recognized Portuguese institutions. With this visa, you can live in Portugal for the full duration of your studies or research work.
Portugal Family Reunification Visa (D6)
The Family Reunification Visa makes it possible for your non-EU family members to move to Portugal and live with you as residents. When you bring your family on this visa, they receive a residence permit that matches the length of your own.
Family members who can join you include your spouse or legally recognized partner, dependent children (including adopted children), and your partner’s children. Children over 18 can also be included if they rely on you or your partner for support, as long as they are single and studying at a school or university in Portugal.
Portugal Passive Income Visa (D7)
The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, is a popular option for non-EU and non-EEA citizens who want to live in Portugal and have a steady income from pensions, rental properties, royalties, or other investments.
With the D7 Visa, you can live, work, and study in Portugal, and travel freely across the Schengen area. Your family can join you in Portugal through the family reunification process, making it easier to settle in together.
After renewing your temporary residence permit for five years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who want to live in Portugal while working remotely for employers or clients abroad.
To qualify, you’ll need to show a steady monthly income of at least four times Portugal’s minimum wage (€3,680) and have savings of at least €11,040.
You can apply for a one-year temporary stay visa or a longer-term residency visa, which can lead to permanent residency after five years.
To apply, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of income, health insurance, and proof of accommodation in Portugal.
Seasonal Work Visa (E8)
The E8 Visa lets you live and work in Portugal for anywhere from three to nine months, as long as your job is seasonal in industries like agriculture, tourism, or hospitality, where extra help is needed during busy seasons.
To get started, you’ll need a job offer or contract for seasonal work with a Portuguese employer.
Your employer should give you a letter outlining where you’ll be working, your job title, how long the job will last, your salary, and any paid vacation. If you’re working in a regulated field, you’ll need to meet the specific requirements for that profession in Portugal.
You’ll also need to show you have somewhere to stay in Portugal, whether that’s your own rental or housing arranged by your employer.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa is a popular way to make Portugal your home by making a qualifying investment.
One option is to invest at least €250,000 in an art or cultural heritage project. If you choose a project in a low-density area, the minimum drops to €200,000. There are several other options, with a minimum investment amount of €500,000.
The Golden Visa can also lead to Portuguese citizenship and a passport, as long as you meet the naturalization requirements.
You can include your family in your Golden Visa application, allowing them to live, work, and study in Portugal as well. You’ll just need to provide documents such as marriage or birth certificates.
One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. To maintain your residency, you only need to spend seven days in Portugal during the first year, and 14 days in each following year.
Permanent Residency and Portuguese Citizenship
When you get your first temporary residence permit, it lasts for two years and can be renewed for another three years. At the end of the five-year period of legal residency in the country, you can apply for permanent residency.
While the requirement to get citizenship in Portugal is also five years, that might soon change to 10 years for non-EU citizens.
Other Types of Visas for Portugal
Tourist Visa
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal for a holiday or to see family, you’ll need a tourist visa, depending on your nationality. Also known as the Schengen Short-Stay Visa, it lets you visit Portugal for up to a few weeks.
Generally, if you are a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to apply for the Tourist Visa, but there are a few exceptions. For example, US citizens and British nationals can visit Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa, whether for leisure or business.
Airport Transit Visa
If you’re traveling from a non-Schengen country and have a layover in Portugal or another Schengen country, you might need an Airport Transit Visa. This visa allows you to pass through the international area of the airport without entering the Schengen Area. For example, if your flight connects in Portugal on the way to the United Kingdom, you’ll need this visa to make your connection.
Cultural Purposes Visa
If you’re planning to visit Portugal for a cultural event, sports competition, religious gathering, or film festival, you’ll need a Cultural Purposes Visa. This short-term visa lets you travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days, whether you’re performing in a concert or attending a special event.
Medical Visa
If you need medical treatment in Portugal, the Schengen Medical Visa lets you stay in the country for as long as your treatment lasts, whether that’s a few days or several months. To apply, you’ll need a letter from your doctor or hospital explaining your condition, along with proof of health insurance.
Official Visit Visa
If you’re visiting Portugal as part of an official delegation or on government business, you’ll need an Official Visit Visa. This visa is for diplomats, government officials, and others attending meetings, conferences, or signing agreements. You’ll need an official invitation from the Portuguese government or organization, proof of your official status, and documents showing you have enough funds and valid health insurance.
Spouse Visa for a Portuguese Citizen
If you’re married to a Portuguese citizen, you can apply for a visa that lets you live in Portugal with your spouse. You’ll need to show proof of your marriage, your spouse’s Portuguese citizenship, and that you have enough funds and valid insurance. This visa is usually valid for one year and can be renewed as long as your marriage continues.
Amateur Sports Activity Visa
If you want to take part in an amateur sports event in Portugal, you can apply for a short-stay visa that lets you stay for up to 90 days. You’ll need to show proof of your participation, such as an invitation from the sports club, registration for the competition, or the event schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal Visas
What are the different types of visas available for Portugal in 2026?
Portugal has a range of visas to suit different needs, whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay. For trips up to 90 days, most people use a Schengen visa for tourism or business. If you want to live in Portugal for longer, you can apply for a national visa.
How many Portugal D visa types are currently available for long-term stays?
There are currently eight main types of D visas for people who want to live in Portugal long-term. These cover a range of situations: D1 for employment, D2 for entrepreneurs and freelancers, D3 for highly qualified professionals, D4 and D5 for students and researchers, D6 for family reunification, D7 for passive income or retirees, and D8 for digital nomads.
What are the main Portugal work visa types for foreign employees?
If you’re planning to work in Portugal, the main options are the D1 Work Visa and the D3 Highly Qualified Activities Visa. The D1 is for people who have a job offer from a Portuguese employer in a regular role. The D3 is designed for highly skilled professionals, like engineers, tech specialists, researchers, or academics with advanced qualifications.
Which Portugal immigration visa types lead to permanent residency?
Most long-stay visas in Portugal can lead to permanent residency after five years of living in the country. The most common routes are the D2 Entrepreneur Visa, the D7 Passive Income Visa, and D8 Digital Nomad Visa. The Golden Visa investment program is another option that can lead to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
What are the eligibility requirements for each type of Portugal residency visa?
The requirements for each visa are a bit different, but most follow the same basic rules. You’ll need a valid passport, be at least 18 years old, show you have enough money to support yourself, and have a clean criminal record. Depending on the visa, you might also need to show a job offer, a business plan, proof of passive income, or remote work contracts.
What documents are required for a Portugal visa application in 2026?
To apply for a Portugal visa, you’ll need a valid passport, a completed application form, passport photos, proof of where you’ll stay, proof of your finances, travel or health insurance, and a criminal background check. Depending on your visa, you might also need things like an employment contract, a business plan, or proof of income.
How do I apply for a Portugal visa online step by step?
Begin by selecting the visa that best suits your plans for Portugal. Complete the application form at your local Portuguese consulate or visa center. Gather all necessary documents, such as proof of finances and accommodation. Schedule an appointment to submit your application and provide your biometrics. Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Portugal and finalize your residence permit registration at the immigration office.
