Portugal Residency Visas: 5 Most Popular Types of Residency Pathways

Portugal offers several pathways to residency, but most expats are focused on one thing: long-term relocation. Whether you're retiring, working remotely, or starting a business, understanding the different types of Portugal residency visas is the first step toward making a successful move.

"We have three or four main types of visas… but the most common ones we deal with are residence visas, for people planning to relocate to Portugal and live here long term," explained Diogo Capela, founding partner of Lamares, Capela & Associados, a law firm specializing in immigration to Portugal.

Below is a breakdown of the most common Portugal residence visa options, along with how the Portugal Golden Visa fits into the broader picture.

Portugal's D7 Visa (Passive Income / Retirement Visa)

The D7 visa Portugal is one of the most popular options for expats, particularly retirees and those with stable passive income. It is designed for individuals who can support themselves financially without needing employment in Portugal.

"The D7 visa is intended for passive income holders—people with pensions, real estate income, or investments," said Capela.

• Receive pension income or retirement benefits
• Have rental income or investment dividends
• Plan to live in Portugal full-time

The D7 visa requires proof of sufficient income and a commitment to residency, making it best suited for those ready to establish Portugal as their primary home.

Portugal's D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)

The D2 visa Portugal is intended for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners who want to start or relocate a business in Portugal.

"The D2 visa is intended for entrepreneurs… people planning to establish their business in Portugal," Capela noted.

• Startup founders launching new ventures
• Freelancers and consultants setting up locally
• Business owners expanding operations into Portugal

Applicants typically need to present a business plan and demonstrate that their activity will be viable in Portugal.

Work-Based Residency in Portugal

For those seeking employment with a Portuguese company, Portugal work visas provide a direct route to residency. This includes both general employment-based permits and more specialized pathways such as the D3 Visa for highly qualified professionals, the Tech Visa for hiring through certified companies, and the Job Seeker Visa (Article 57-A), which allows candidates to enter Portugal and secure a job before transitioning to residency.

"Highly qualified professionals… hired by a Portuguese company can access a residence permit due to their skills," advised Diogo Capela.

• Employer-sponsored
• Dependent on a job offer in Portugal
• Focused on specialized or in-demand roles

Portugal's D8 Visa (Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa)

The D8 visa Portugal has become increasingly popular among remote workers who want to live in Portugal while working for companies abroad.

"For people working for a company overseas but living in Portugal… it’s the best of both worlds," Capela explained.

• Earn income from a foreign employer
• Reside legally in Portugal
• Benefit from Portugal’s lifestyle and cost of living

"Sometimes they end up paying less tax than in their home country," he added.

Portugal Golden Visa (Residency by Investment)

While the visas above require you to relocate to Portugal, the Portugal Golden Visa works differently. It is a residency-by-investment program that allows individuals to obtain a residence permit without committing to full-time relocation.

"You can access the residence permit… but you don’t need to commit to relocation," explained Diogo Capela of Lamares, Capela & Associados.

Instead of moving immediately, Golden Visa holders can:

• Maintain residency status in Portugal
• Visit the country periodically (minimum stay requirements apply)
• Apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years

This makes it especially attractive for investors looking for flexibility.

"It’s attractive for investors looking for a ‘plan B’… they’re not ready to relocate, but want the option," Capela noted.

However, the program has evolved in recent years. Real estate is no longer a qualifying investment, and current options focus on funds, business investment, and cultural contributions.

Because the Golden Visa operates differently from traditional residence visas, it’s often considered a separate pathway within Portugal’s broader immigration system.

Choosing the Right Portugal Residency Path

Each option serves a different type of expat:

• D7 Visa: Passive income and retirees
• D2 Visa: Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Work Visa: Employment in Portugal
• D8 Visa: Remote workers and digital nomads
• Golden Visa: Investors seeking flexibility without relocation

Understanding these differences is essential when deciding how to move to Portugal. In particular, the Golden Visa deserves a closer look due to recent changes and its unique structure.

In the next article, we take a deeper dive into the Portugal Golden Visa, including what changed, what investments still qualify, and whether it remains a good option for expats today.