PORTUGAL

Country Snapshot

A gateway to both the Atlantic and Europe, Portugal combines modern infrastructure, strong global connectivity, and a high quality of life with deep cultural heritage and stability.

Population: 10.3 million

Languages: Portuguese (English widely spoken)

Economy: Diversified & innovation-driven (technology, tourism, real estate, renewable energy)

Currency: Euro

Life in Portugal:

Portugal: A European Hub for Lifestyle, Investment, and Global Mobility

Portugal is one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for residency, investment, and relocation. With its mild climate, welcoming culture, and high level of safety, it attracts individuals and families seeking both quality of life and international opportunity.

Strategically located on Europe’s Atlantic edge, Portugal offers excellent global connectivity and modern infrastructure, supported by strong healthcare, education, and telecommunications. Its innovation-driven economy—spanning technology, green energy, tourism, and real estate—continues to grow through progressive reforms and foreign-investment incentives.

Combined with attractive tax frameworks and multiple residency pathways, Portugal stands out as a stable, forward-looking EU jurisdiction ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking mobility, security, and long-term potential.

Programs Offered:

Portugal offers multiple legal pathways for residency, investment, and long-term settlement. Below are the key options currently available:

Golden Visa Program (Active Categories):

Although Portugal restructured the Golden Visa in 2023, it remains one of Europe’s leading residency-by-investment programs. Real estate is no longer eligible, but several strong investment categories remain:

Eligible Investment Routes:

Core Benefits

· Residency for entire family (spouse, children, dependent parents).

· Minimal physical stay requirement: 7 days per year on average.

· Access to Schengen travel.

· Pathway to citizenship after 5 (10) years (with basic language requirement).

D7 Passive Income Visa

Ideal for retirees, remote workers, and financially independent individuals.

Requirements

· Stable passive income (e.g., pension, rent, dividends) meeting minimum thresholds:

o Main applicant: ~€820/month

o Spouse: +50%

o Children: +30% each

· Proof of accommodation in Portugal

· Valid health insurance

Benefits

· Full residency rights

· Access to healthcare & education

· Ability to work or conduct business

· Family inclusion

· Eligible for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years

D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Designed for entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and startup founders establishing a business in Portugal.

Requirements

· Incorporation or investment in a Portuguese company

· Viable business plan demonstrating economic value

· Proof of financial capacity to operate the business

· Accommodation & health insurance

Benefits

· Residency for the entire family

· Full business and work rights

· Path to permanent residency/citizenship after 5 years

· Access to EU markets and Portuguese business ecosystem

Highly Qualified Worker / Tech Visa

For skilled professionals employed by Portuguese companies or tech firms certified under the Tech Visa program.

Requirements

· Job offer from an eligible company

· Higher education degree or proven specialization

· Salary above national average

Benefits

· Fast-track residency

· Full work rights

· Family reunification options

· Path to long-term EU residency and citizenship

Additional Notes for All Portugal Programs

Path to Citizenship

1. Portugal offers citizenship after 5 years of legal residency, one of the shortest in the EU (**A new bill has passed and may be enacted soon to require 10 years of residency instead of 5).

· Requires A2-level Portuguese language proficiency and clean criminal record.

Tax Considerations

· The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime ended in its previous form but has been replaced with transitional and targeted tax incentives, depending on circumstances and eligibility.

Residency Rights

· Full access to public services (healthcare, education).

· Ability to work or operate a business depending on visa type.