Portugal offers several residence options for non-EU investors in 2025. These options provide access to the European Union and an enhanced quality of life. Investors, digital nomads, and financially independent individuals are particularly interested in these opportunities.

Albert Ioffe, Legal and Compliance Officer at Immigrant Invest, highlights the top residence permits available in Portugal, including the Portugal Golden Visa, the D7 Visa, and the D8 Digital Nomad Visa. Understanding the benefits and application processes for each will help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of a Portugal Residence Permit

Residence in Portugal offers many advantages, particularly for non-EU investors. Here are 10 key benefits:

1. Access to the European Union. A residence permit in Portugal grants you the right to live, work, and travel within the EU.
2. Long-term stability. Portugal’s residence permits offer long-term options, with some allowing permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
3. Quality of life. Portugal is known for its excellent healthcare system, safety, and overall high standard of living.
4. Visa-free travel. As a resident of Portugal, you can travel visa-free to 29 Schengen Area countries.
5. Path to citizenship. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
6. Educational benefits. Your children can access Portugal’s public education system, known for its high standards.
7. Healthcare access. Portugal’s healthcare system is well-regarded, and as a resident, you will have access to public healthcare services.
8. Affordable living. Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal offers a lower cost of living, making it an attractive destination for investors.
9. Safe environment. Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates.
10. Investment opportunities. Portugal offers various investment opportunities in fund units, science, culture, and business, making it an ideal location for entrepreneurial investors.

Main Ways to Obtain Residence in Portugal

Non-EU investors have several options to obtain residence in Portugal. The most common ways are through the Portugal Golden Visa, D7 Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa.

The Golden Visa is an investment-based residency program, where applicants can secure a residence permit by making qualifying investments. In contrast, the D7 Visa is designed for financially independent individuals, and the D8 Visa is for remote workers, neither of which require an investment.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa is designed for individuals who make a qualifying investment in Portugal. The investment options include purchasing fund units, creating jobs, or investing in research or culture. The Golden Visa allows investors and their families to live in Portugal and travel within the Schengen Area.

Requirements:

• minimum investment of €250,000;
• the investor must visit Portugal for at least seven days during the first year and at least 14 days in subsequent years;
• family members can also be included in the application, including spouses, children, and dependent parents.

Advantages:

• quick processing times;
• family members can enjoy the same benefits;
• path to permanent residency and citizenship after five years;
• option to live in Portugal or abroad, while maintaining the residence permit.

D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is aimed at financially independent individuals who wish to live in Portugal. It is designed for those who can demonstrate a stable income from pensions, investments, or other sources of passive income of at least €870. The D7 Visa is ideal for retirees or people with an established income who do not need to work in Portugal.

Requirements:

• proof of sufficient income, e.g., pensions, rental income, or savings;
• minimum monthly income requirement for the applicant of €870;
• health insurance coverage;
• purchased property in Portugal, or rented.

Advantages:

• allows residence in Portugal without the need to work;
• direct access to Portugal’s public healthcare and education systems;
• can be renewed after two years and leads to permanent residency after five years;
• family members can join the primary applicant.

Digital Nomad Visa

The D8 Visa is designed for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs. This visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Portugal while continuing their employment or business abroad. It is an excellent option for digital nomads who want to take advantage of Portugal’s affordable living costs and high quality of life.

Requirements:

• proof of employment or business activities, with a stable income;
• minimum monthly income requirement of around €3,480;
• health insurance coverage;
• accommodation in Portugal.

Advantages:

• flexibility to live and work in Portugal while maintaining a job or business outside the country;
• access to Portugal’s vibrant expat and entrepreneurial communities;
• no need for a local employer or Portuguese language skills;
• family members can join the primary applicant.

How to Apply for Residence in Portugal under the Golden Visa programme

The process of applying for the Portugal Golden Visa is straightforward but requires careful preparation of documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

1. Choose your investment. Select the investment type that best suits your financial situation. The most common investment options include culture and fund units purchase.
2. Prepare necessary documents. This includes proof of your investment, passport copies, proof of funds, and health insurance. You will also need to provide evidence of no criminal record in your home country.
3. Submit the application. Submit your Golden Visa application to the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum of Portugal, AIMA, along with the required documents.
4. Attend an interview. You may be asked to attend an interview at the AIMA office as part of the application process.
5. Receive your Golden Visa. After approval, you will receive your Golden Visa, which grants you the right to live in Portugal and travel within the Schengen Area.
6. Maintain residency. To maintain your Golden Visa, you need to visit Portugal for at least 7 days during the first year and at least 14 days in each subsequent year.

Conclusion

Portugal offers a variety of residence options for non-EU investors in 2025, including the Golden Visa, D7 Visa, and D8 Digital Nomad Visa. These programs provide access to the European Union and an overall high quality of life. Whether you’re an investor, retiree, or digital nomad, Portugal offers the opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.

For more information on how to obtain residence in Portugal or to start your application process, contact Immigrant Invest today.