Getting residence in mainland Portugal
Portugal offers simple EU paths for Europeans and D visas for third-country nationals (D7, D2, etc.). This guide details indicative steps and costs for temporary then permanent residence.
Expat tax regimes (IFICI) are separate from visas. Do not plan on legacy NHR rules.
Before you start
Typical non-EU flow: long-stay visa at consulate → entry → AIMA residence title (ex-SEF) → renewals → permanent residence after 5 years. EU citizens: CRUE registration.
How to read the paths
Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.
- EU free movement — EU/EEA citizens: registration, not a classic consular visa.
- Work / employment — Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
- Entrepreneur / company — Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project, not a passport.
- Passive income / retirement — Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
- Nomad / remote — Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
- Residence by investment — Investment or financial threshold → residence (not a passport).
- Citizenship by investment — Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
- Naturalisation / long stay — After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
- Other — Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.
Paths by category
Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees — verify with official sources and local counsel.
EU free movement
EU citizen: CRUE certificate
Process steps
- Obtain NIF and social security number if working
- Book AIMA / town hall per local procedure
- Provide housing, means, insurance
- Receive EU registration certificate (CRUE)
Sources: aima.gov.pt
Entrepreneur / company
D2 visa (entrepreneur / self-employed)
Often includes LDA setup and minimum share capital.
Process steps
- Draft business plan and proof of means
- Incorporate or register activity if required before visa
- Apply for D2 visa at consulate
- Enter and apply for AIMA title
- Maintain real activity for renewals
Sources: vistos.mne.gov.pt
Passive income / retirement
D7 visa (passive income / retirement)
Minimum income threshold (roughly Portuguese minimum wage × 12 — verify current year).
Usually includes
- consulate fees
- translations
- travel/health insurance
- lease or property
- counsel
Process steps
- Open account / NIF (often via representative) and prepare passive income proof
- Secure housing (lease or property) in Portugal
- Apply for D7 visa at Portuguese consulate in country of residence
- Enter Portugal within visa validity
- Apply for AIMA residence title within deadlines
- Renew every 2 years; apply for permanent residence after 5 legal years
Sources: aima.gov.pt · vistos.mne.gov.pt
Residence by investment
Golden Visa (property investment)
Reformed programme: verify which investment types still qualify (often stricter than pre-2023).
High minimum property threshold + filing fees; excluding the asset purchase itself.
Process steps
- Choose eligible investment
- Open NIF and account
- Investor visa at consulate
- Enter and apply for AIMA title
- Maintain investment for renewals
Sources: aima.gov.pt · vistos.mne.gov.pt
Naturalisation / long stay
Permanent residence (after 5 years)
Process steps
- Document 5 years of renewed titles
- Pass A2 test (or recognised diploma)
- File AIMA application
- Receive permanent resident card
Sources: aima.gov.pt