Visa routes
Portugal's residence routes, compared honestly
There is no best visa. There is the route that matches how you are paid, and every other route is a worse version of it for you.
| Route | Best for | Income to show | Work in Portugal | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D7 — D7 Passive Income Visa | Retirees and people living on recurring non-employment income | €870 | Not the purpose | 4-month visa, then a residence permit |
| D8 — D8 Digital Nomad Visa | Remote employees and freelancers with foreign clients | €3,480 | Yes | Temporary stay up to 1 year, or residence visa |
| D2 — D2 Entrepreneur & Independent Worker Visa | Founders, self-employed professionals and service providers | Case by case | Yes | 4-month visa, then a residence permit |
| D1 — D1 Employment Visa | People with a job offer in Portugal | Case by case | Yes | 4-month visa, then a residence permit |
| Job Seeker — Job Seeker Visa | People who want to job hunt from inside Portugal | Case by case | Yes | 120 days, extendable by 60 |
| Family — Family Reunification | Families joining a resident | Case by case | Yes | Aligned with the sponsor permit |
| D3 — D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa | Specialists with higher qualifications and a strong offer | Case by case | Yes | 4-month visa, then a residence permit |
Thresholds shown for a single applicant, verified 8 September 2026. Adjust for your household.
D7
D7 Passive Income Visa
A residence route for people with stable income they do not earn from a Portuguese employer: pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties or other recurring passive income.
D8
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
A residence route for remote workers and freelancers earning from outside Portugal, available as a temporary-stay or residence visa.
D2
D2 Entrepreneur & Independent Worker Visa
For people starting or relocating a business in Portugal, or providing independent professional services to Portuguese clients.
D1
D1 Employment Visa
For people who already have a Portuguese employment contract or a promise of one.
Job Seeker
Job Seeker Visa
A single-entry visa allowing you to enter Portugal to look for work for a limited period, extendable once a contract is signed.
Family
Family Reunification
The route for spouses, partners, children and dependent parents of someone who already holds Portuguese residence.
D3
D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa
For highly qualified professionals with a qualifying contract, including the EU Blue Card path.
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