Are you thinking about moving to Portugal in 2025? With its excellent quality of life, mild climate, and relatively straightforward residency pathways, Portugal remains one of the top destinations for expats, retirees, digital nomads, and investors.
To make your relocation smoother, it’s crucial to understand the visa options available. In this guide, we’ll break down the main visa types, their requirements, and key updates for 2025.
1. Portugal’s Visa Options in 2025: An Overview
While most visa categories remain the same as in 2024, some policies—especially regarding tax benefits—have changed. Portugal offers several visa options tailored to different needs:
✅ D7 Visa – For passive income earners (retirees, landlords, etc.)
✅ D8 Visa – For digital nomads and remote workers
✅ Golden Visa – For investors (no longer available for real estate investment)
✅ D2 Visa – For entrepreneurs and business owners
✅ D1 Visa – For individuals with a job offer in Portugal
✅ D3 Visa – For highly qualified professionals
✅ D4 & D5 Visas – For students and volunteers
✅ D6 Visa – For family reunification
Now, let’s explore these visa options in more detail.
2. D7 vs. D8 Visa: Which One Suits You Best?
Both the D7 and D8 visas are popular residency options, but they cater to different income sources.
D7 Visa – The Passive Income Visa
✔ Ideal for retirees, landlords, or those with passive income.
✔ Requires a stable income of at least €870 per month (Portuguese minimum wage).
✔ Applicants should have at least €10,000 in savings in a Portuguese bank.
✔ Grants a 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 more years.
✔ Eligible for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.
D8 Visa – The Digital Nomad Visa
✔ Designed for freelancers and remote workers.
✔ Requires active employment or freelance income.
✔ Income requirement: €3,280 per month (4x the Portuguese minimum wage).
✔ Two types available:
- Short Stay: 4-12 months.
- Long Stay (Residence Permit): 2 years, renewable for 3 more years.
🔹 Both visas allow family reunification but only for legally married spouses and dependent children or parents.
Need help with the required documents?A&R Real Estate Agents can guide you through the process.
3. Tax Considerations for Expats in 2025
A major update for 2025 is the end of the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax program. Instead, Portugal has introduced IFIC Plus, a simplified tax system offering:
🔹 A flat 20% tax rate for certain professionals (executives, scientists, engineers, doctors, ICT specialists).
If you’re moving to Portugal, consult a tax specialist to understand the country’s tax system and double taxation agreements.
4. The Golden Visa: Is It Still Worth It?
The Golden Visa remains an option in 2025, but real estate investments no longer qualify. Instead, you can obtain a visa by:
✔ Donating €200,000 to arts, culture, or social projects (non-refundable).
✔ Investing €500,000 in Portuguese companies or research projects.
✔ Creating at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
Golden Visa Benefits
✔ Minimal stay requirement (only 14 days per year).
✔ Path to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years.
✔ Visa-free access to the Schengen Zone.
This program remains an excellent option for those seeking residency without living full-time in Portugal.
5. The D2 Visa: Best for Entrepreneurs
The D2 Visa is perfect for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to establish themselves in Portugal.
Key Requirements:
✔ A solid business plan approved by Portuguese authorities.
✔ Proof of clients or business activity in Portugal.
✔ A Portuguese bank account and sufficient investment capital.
This visa allows entrepreneurs to gain residency while actively contributing to the Portuguese economy.
6. Work Visas: D1 & D3 Visas
D1 Visa – Employment-Based Visa
✔ Requires a job offer from a Portuguese company.
✔ Salaries in Portugal are lower than in other Western countries, so keep this in mind before applying.
D3 Visa – For Highly Qualified Professionals
✔ Tailored for professionals in STEM fields, medicine, finance, and IT.
✔ Faster path to permanent residency.
7. Student & Volunteer Visas (D4 & D5 Visas)
If you’re planning to study or volunteer in Portugal, you can apply for a D4 or D5 Visa.
✔ D4 Visa: For non-EU students and researchers.
✔ D5 Visa: For EU students transferring to Portugal.
8. Family Reunification: The D6 Visa
If you have family members in Portugal, you can apply for a D6 Visa to join them.
✔ Only legally married spouses qualify.
✔ Dependents include children under 18 and parents over 60.
✔ Approval time: 3-6 months.
For EU citizens with non-EU spouses, there’s a simpler process under EU free movement rights.
9. Visa Application Process & Timeline
General Requirements for All Visas
✔ Valid passport.
✔ Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, etc.).
✔ Criminal background check.
✔ Portuguese bank account.
✔ Health insurance (minimum 6 months coverage).
✔ Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property ownership).
Application Timeline
✔ Minimum processing time: 3 months.
✔ Realistic expectation: 4-6 months due to bureaucratic delays.
👉 The Portuguese Immigration Service (AIMA) has processing backlogs, so patience is key.
10. What If Your Visa Application Is Rejected?
Portugal has a high visa approval rate (80%+), but rejections can still happen due to:
❌ Incomplete or incorrect documents.
❌ Insufficient financial proof.
❌ Criminal record issues (minor offenses like DUIs are usually not a problem).
👉 If denied, you can reapply or appeal the decision.
Final Thoughts: Which Visa Is Right for You?
Portugal offers diverse visa options depending on your income, profession, and investment capacity. Whether you’re a retiree, remote worker, entrepreneur, or investor, there’s a suitable pathway for you.
Need help with visas, tax planning, or property searches?
📩 Contact; A&R Real Estate Agents
