Portugal Visa Types Explained: From Short Stays to Residence Permits

Who needs a Portugal national visa

Portugal applies different entry and residence rules depending on nationality. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can move to Portugal without a visa, while third-country nationals usually need a visa or another legal basis for stays longer than 90 days.

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals. Citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter, work or live in Portugal. For stays longer than three months, they generally register their residence with the local municipality. This applies to employees, self-employed people, students and people with sufficient resources.

Visa-exempt non-EU nationals. Citizens of countries such as the US, UK and Canada can enter Portugal without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Visa-free entry is intended for short visits. Those planning to move to Portugal for work, study, business, retirement or another long-term purpose need an appropriate residence route.

Non-EU nationals who need a visa for short stays. Citizens of countries without a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area normally need a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Portugal for up to 90 days.

For stays longer than 90 days, third-country nationals generally need a residence visa or another qualifying residence route. Investors with sufficient capital can take a different route and apply for residence through Portugal’s Golden Visa programme.

Portugal visa types: how to choose the right one

The appropriate route depends mainly on the purpose and expected length of stay. Portugal has separate visas for employment, business, study, family reunification, passive income and remote work. Short visits follow Schengen entry rules.

Most long-term routes start with a national residence visa and lead to a residence permit after arrival. The Golden Visa is different: it is an investment-based residence route and does not belong to the D-visa system.

Portugal visa and residence routes by purpose

Purpose of stay	Suitable visa or residence route
Short visit of up to 90 days	Schengen short-stay visa or visa-free entry
Retirement or living on passive income	D7 residence visa
Remote work for foreign employers or clients	D8 residence visa
Starting or running a business	D2 residence visa
Employment with a Portuguese company	D1 employment residence visa
Highly qualified employment	D3 residence visa
Study or academic mobility	D4 or D5 residence visa
Joining a family member in Portugal	D6 family reunification visa
Seeking qualified employment in Portugal	Skilled job-seeker route
Residence through investment	Golden Visa

Short-stay and temporary-stay Portugal visas

Schengen short-stay visa. This visa is intended for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is commonly used for tourism, family visits and business trips and is required for nationals of countries subject to Schengen visa rules. 

The standard application fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 and some other categories are exempt from the fee. Additional service charges may apply if the application is submitted through an external visa centre ^[1] Source: EUR-Lex, Visa Code — visa fees .

Airport transit visa. This visa is required for certain travellers who change flights at a Portuguese airport without entering the Schengen Area. The passenger remains in the international transit zone and continues to a destination outside Schengen.

Under the common Schengen rules, the requirement generally applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka. Some travellers are exempt, for example, depending on the visas or residence permits they already hold.

An airport transit visa does not allow its holder to cross the Portuguese border or stay in the country. The standard visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12, with the same general fee exemptions as other Schengen visas ^[2] Source: EUR-Lex, Visa Code — airport transit visa requirements .

Temporary-stay national visa. This visa is intended for stays of more than 90 days and generally less than one year. It can be used for temporary employment or self-employment, research and highly qualified activities, medical treatment, study programmes, training, volunteering and several other temporary purposes. 

The visa is normally issued for the approved period of stay and allows multiple entries into Portugal. The application fee is €75. Applicants planning to settle in Portugal for more than one year generally use a residence visa or another qualifying residence route instead ^[3] Source: Government of Portugal, Temporary-stay visa for temporary employment or self-employment .

Portugal visa types: D1 to D8 residence visas

Where to apply. Most D-visa applications are submitted to the Portuguese consulate or embassy responsible for the applicant’s place of legal residence. In countries where external service providers operate, applications may also be accepted through authorised visa centres.

Visa validity and processing. A residence visa allows two entries into Portugal and a stay of up to four months. During this period, the holder applies for a residence permit. The standard legal decision period for a residence visa is 60 days, although shorter deadlines apply to some categories ^[4] Source: Diário da República, Foreigners Act — Article 58, Residence Visa .

Documents. Applicants generally provide a valid passport, travel insurance, a criminal record certificate, proof of accommodation and sufficient means of subsistence. Each D-visa category requires additional documents confirming the purpose of residence, such as an employment contract, proof of business activity, university admission or family relationship ^[5] Source: Government of Portugal, Residence visas — general documents and requirements . 

Cost. The standard consular fee for a Portuguese residence visa is €90. Some categories have different rules: for example, the residence visa for research or highly qualified activity is free of charge, receives priority processing and has a decision period of 30 days ^[6] Source: Government of Portugal, Residence visa for research or highly qualified activity .

Residence permit application. After entering Portugal, residence visa holders generally apply for their residence permit through AIMA. The common requirements at this stage include a valid passport and residence visa, proof of address and sufficient means of subsistence, health coverage, and tax or social security registration where applicable ^[7] Source: AIMA, Residence Permit — General Rules and Requirements . 

D1 — Employment

Who can apply. The D1 visa is intended for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who plan to move to Portugal for salaried employment with a Portuguese employer. It is designed for regular employment rather than freelance or self-employed activity.

Conditions. The applicant must have an employment contract or a formal promise of employment before submitting the visa application. The job and remuneration must comply with Portuguese labour rules, and regulated professions may require proof of the relevant professional qualifications ^[8] Source: Government of Portugal, [Residence visa for employed work] . 

Residence permit validity. The first temporary residence permit for employed work is valid for two years. It can be renewed for successive three-year periods if the holder continues to meet the residence requirements ^[9] Source: AIMA, Residence Permit for Subordinate Employment with a Residence Visa .

D2 — Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals

Who can apply. The D2 visa is intended for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who plan to run a business, invest in a business project or work independently in Portugal. It can be used by entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals and freelancers.

Conditions. Self-employed applicants need a service contract or proposal, or documents confirming their professional activity. Those entering a regulated profession must prove that they meet the relevant qualification requirements.

Entrepreneurs need to present their planned investment and prove that they have sufficient financial resources available in Portugal to carry it out. There is no fixed minimum investment required for the D2 visa ^[10] Source: Government of Portugal, Residence visa for self-employed professionals and immigrant entrepreneurs .

Residence permit validity. The first permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for successive three-year periods ^[11] Source: AIMA, Residence Permit for Self-Employed Professional Activity with a Residence Visa .

D3 — Highly qualified professionals

Who can apply. The D3 visa is intended for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals moving to Portugal for highly qualified work, scientific research or teaching at a higher education institution. It may suit, for example, a researcher joining a recognised research centre or a specialist hired for a highly qualified position ^[12] Source: Government of Portugal, Residence visa for research or highly qualified activity .

Conditions. Researchers can qualify with an employment or service contract, a promise of such a contract, or a research grant. Highly qualified employees need an employment contract or formal job offer valid for at least six months.

For salaried work, the remuneration must reach either 1.5 times the national average gross salary or three times the Social Support Index, IAS. Using the IAS benchmark, the minimum is €1,611 per month in 2026, as the IAS is €537 ^[13] Source: Diário da República, Foreigners Act — Article 61-A, residence visa for highly qualified employment .

A lower threshold may apply to designated shortage occupations among managers and highly qualified professionals. These occupational groups include, for example, engineers, doctors, IT specialists, university teachers and managers. For qualifying roles, the IAS-based threshold is €1,074 per month in 2026 ^[14] Source: Diário da República, Social Support Index for 2026 .

Applicants for regulated professions must hold the qualifications required to practise in Portugal. For other highly qualified roles, they need professional qualifications relevant to the position.

Residence permit validity. The first temporary residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for successive three-year periods.

D4 and D5 — Study and academic mobility

Who can apply. The D4 route is designed mainly for third-country nationals admitted to study at a recognised Portuguese institution. It covers higher education and can also apply to certain exchange programmes, professional training, unpaid internships and volunteering.

The D5 route is more specific. It is intended for higher education students who already hold student residence status in another EU country and come to Portugal to complete part of an existing study programme or a related programme.

Conditions. D4 applicants studying at university level need confirmation that they have been admitted to a Portuguese higher education institution. Depending on the programme, the institution may also require proof of enrolment or payment of tuition fees.

D5 applicants need proof of their student status in another EU country and admission to a Portuguese institution. The studies in Portugal must form part of an EU or multilateral mobility programme or an agreement between higher education institutions ^[15] Source: Government of Portugal, Residence visa for higher education student mobility .

Higher education students holding a Portuguese residence permit can take salaried or self-employed work alongside their studies. The professional activity must remain compatible with the purpose of their residence ^[16] Source: AIMA, Residence Permit for Higher Education Students — Article 91 .

Residence permit validity. A residence permit for higher education students is generally valid for three years and can be renewed for the same period. If the study programme lasts less than three years, the permit is issued for the duration of the course.

Students who already hold a qualifying student residence permit from another EU country can use the academic mobility procedure instead. It allows them to study in Portugal for up to 360 days, provided AIMA is notified before the mobility period begins ^[17] Source: AIMA, Higher Education Student Mobility — Article 91-A .

D6 — Family reunification

Who can apply. The D6 route allows close family members to join a non-EU national legally residing in Portugal. It can cover a spouse or partner, minor or dependent children, dependent parents, unmarried dependent adult children studying in Portugal and, in some cases, minor siblings under guardianship.

For holders of a residence permit for study, an unpaid internship or volunteering, the eligible family circle is narrower and generally covers a spouse or partner and minor or dependent children.

Conditions. Under the rules in force in 2026, a resident generally needs to have held a valid Portuguese residence permit for at least two years before applying for family reunification. For a spouse or partner who lived with the resident for at least 18 months before the resident moved to Portugal, the waiting period is reduced to 15 months.

The waiting period does not apply in several cases, including minor or dependent children and families of certain highly qualified professionals, researchers, Golden Visa investors and EU Blue Card holders. The resident must also have suitable accommodation and enough income to support the family without relying on social assistance ^[18] Source: Diário da República, Foreigners Act — Articles 98 to 101, family reunification .

When the family member is outside Portugal, the resident first obtains approval for family reunification from AIMA. The family member can then apply for the residence visa through a Portuguese consular post.

Residence permit validity. The family member normally receives a residence permit valid for the same period as the permit held by the resident in Portugal. If the sponsor has permanent residence, the family member receives a two-year permit, renewable for successive three-year periods.

D7 — Passive income and retirement

Who can apply. The D7 visa is intended for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who can support themselves with stable passive income from abroad. It is commonly used by retirees and people receiving rental income, dividends or royalties.

Conditions.The minimum income requirement is linked to Portugal’s minimum wage. The main applicant must show at least €920 per month, or €11,040 per year, in regular passive income.

Applicants also need proof of accommodation in Portugal and sufficient savings to cover at least one year of living expenses.

For family applications, the required amount increases by 50% for each additional adult and 30% for each child. This equals an additional €460 per month for an adult and €276 per month for a child.

Residence permit validity. The first temporary residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for another three years if the holder continues to meet the residence requirements.

D8 — Digital nomads and remote workers

Who can apply. Remote employees, freelancers, self-employed professionals and business owners can use the D8 route if they work for companies or clients based outside Portugal. Third-country nationals whose work can be performed remotely can apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

Conditions. Employees need an employment contract or confirmation of their employment relationship. Self-employed applicants can provide a service contract, company documents or evidence of services provided to foreign clients.

Average monthly professional income for the previous three months must be at least four Portuguese minimum wages. With the minimum wage at €920, the threshold is €3,680 per month.

The applicant also needs at least €11,040 in savings and a place to live in Portugal. Accommodation can be confirmed with a rental agreement for at least 12 months or proof of property ownership.

The monthly income threshold does not increase when family members are included. The savings requirement does: by 50% for a spouse, or €5,520, and by 30% for each child, or €3,312.

Travel insurance is required for the visa application. At the residence permit stage, it must be replaced with Portuguese health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000.

Residence permit validity. Applicants can choose between two types of visas: a temporary one valid for a year or a national visa that enables them to obtain a 2-year residence permit. This status can then be renewed for a further three years.

Skilled job-seeker route

Who can apply. The skilled job-seeker route is intended for third-country nationals with specialised technical skills who want to find highly qualified employment in Portugal. A job offer is not required before entry.

Conditions. The visa is issued for 120 days and can be extended for another 60 days. It allows one entry into Portugal and gives the holder time to look for qualifying employment.

Once a suitable job is secured, the holder can start working and apply for a Portuguese residence permit. If no qualifying employment is found before the visa expires, the holder must leave Portugal. A new application can generally be made only one year after the previous visa expires ^[19] Source: Diário da República, Law No. 61/2025 — skilled job-seeker visa .

As of October 2026, the route is not yet open for applications. Portugal still needs to define which specialised technical skills qualify before consulates can begin accepting applications ^[20] Source: VFS Global, Portugal Skilled Job Seeker Visa — current application status .

Residence by investment

The Portugal Golden Visa is not part of the D1—D8 visa system. It is a residence permit granted in exchange for a qualifying investment. Holders can live, work, study and run a business in Portugal, but they do not have to relocate permanently: spending at least seven days per year in the country is enough to maintain the status.

Who can apply

The main applicant must be over 18, have no criminal record or outstanding debts in Portugal, and prove that the investment money comes from a legal source outside the country.

Family members can obtain residence together with the investor. The application may include:

• a spouse or de facto partner;
• children under 18 who are financially dependent on the investor;
• children aged 18 to 26 who are financially dependent and enrolled at a university;
• financially dependent parents.

The qualifying investment remains the same regardless of the number of family members included, although government fees and health insurance are paid separately for each applicant.

Investment options

The minimum qualifying investment starts at €250,000. Investors can choose between cultural projects, investment funds, scientific research, business investment and job creation. The required amount and additional conditions depend on the selected route.

Investment options for obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa

Investment option	Minimum amount	Main conditions
Cultural and arts projects	€250,000	Contribution to an eligible cultural or arts project. A Portuguese bank account is not required for this route.
Investment fund units	€500,000	Purchase of units in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund. The investment must be held for at least five years; depending on the fund, the money is typically returned within 6 to 10 years.
Scientific research	€500,000	Investment in research carried out by eligible public or private institutions within Portugal’s science and technology system.
Business investment	€500,000	Investment in a Portuguese company combined with the creation of at least five permanent jobs, or an increase in the capital of an existing company with at least five jobs created or maintained.
Job creation	No fixed minimum	Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal. They may start their own business or invest in an existing one.

Documents for an application

Passportivity lawyers handle the document preparation for Golden Visa applicants. They check the application package, prepare the required forms, arrange apostilles and certified Portuguese translations where needed, and submit the documents to AIMA. 

A standard Golden Visa application usually includes the following documents:

• passport;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate, if applicable;
• documents for family members included in the application;
• criminal record certificate;
• health insurance;
• proof of address in Portugal;
• Portuguese tax identification number, NIF;
• declaration confirming compliance with the investment requirements;
• declaration of the source of funds;
• Portuguese bank statement, where required for the chosen route;
• proof that the qualifying investment has been completed.

Some documents depend on the investment route. For example, fund investors need documents confirming the purchase and ownership of fund units.

Residence permit validity and stay requirement

The first residence permit is valid for two years and can then be renewed for further two-year periods. The investment must remain in place throughout the required holding period. Once the investor has held temporary residence for five years, they may apply for permanent residence.

Portuguese citizenship becomes available after 10 years of legal residence. Applicants must demonstrate ties to the country and pass a basic exam covering the Portuguese language, culture, history and legal framework.

Portugal visa fees

The consular fee covers the review of a visa application by the Portuguese authorities. It does not include service charges collected by external visa centres or other application costs, such as travel insurance. The fee is generally non-refundable if the visa is refused.

Schengen rules allow visa fees to be increased to €135 or €180 for nationals of countries that do not cooperate sufficiently with the EU on readmission. For example, the mechanism was used for Gambian nationals in 2022, but the standard rate was restored in 2024 after cooperation improved.

Visa type	Applicant category	Fee
Schengen short-stay visa	Standard rate	€90 for applicants aged 12+;  €45 for children aged 6—11;  free for children under 6
	Nationals covered by an applicable EU visa facilitation agreement	€35; some agreements exempt children under 12 and other categories
	Cabo Verde nationals	€67.50 for applicants aged 18+;€33.75 for children aged 12—17;  free for children under 12
National visa	Residence and temporary-stay visas	€110

Common Portugal visa selection mistakes

Portugal has several residence routes that may look similar at first. The right choice depends on how the applicant earns income, what they plan to do in Portugal and whether the move is temporary or long-term.

Choosing a visa based only on income level. Meeting the required financial threshold does not automatically make an applicant eligible for a particular route. Portugal also considers where the income comes from and how it is earned. For example, passive income cannot simply be treated as remote-work income for D8, even if the amount is high enough.

Assuming visa-free entry can be converted into residence. Visa-free nationals can visit Portugal for a short stay, but this does not normally allow them to arrive as tourists and later switch to a work-based residence permit inside the country. The former procedures that allowed many employees and self-employed workers to regularise their status without a residence visa were revoked in 2024.

Relying on the old job-seeker visa. Portugal discontinued the previous general job-seeker visa in October 2025. It is being replaced by a route for applicants with specialised technical skills, but applications cannot begin until the new scheme is fully regulated.

Choosing a route without considering residence requirements. D visas are generally aimed at people establishing their lives in Portugal. The Golden Visa is different: it is designed for investors and requires only limited physical presence. For someone who does not plan to relocate full-time, this difference can be decisive.

Ignoring how family members affect the application. Eligibility and financial requirements can change when a spouse, children or parents are included. D7 and D8, for example, require additional savings for family members, whereas the qualifying investment for the Golden Visa does not increase with family size.

Key takeaways on Portugal national visas

1. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live in Portugal without a visa, while third-country nationals may need a Schengen visa for short visits or a residence route for stays longer than 90 days.
2. Portugal’s D visas are tied to a specific purpose of residence. The main routes cover employment, entrepreneurship, highly qualified work, study, family reunification, passive income and remote work.
3. Investors can qualify for Portuguese residence without relocating full-time. Golden Visa investments start from €250,000, with a stay requirement of just seven days per year.
4. Most residence visas are only the first step. After entering Portugal, holders generally apply for a residence permit through AIMA, and the validity period depends on the chosen route.
5. Family requirements differ by route. Some programmes require higher income or savings when dependants are included.