Portugal is one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for expats, digital nomads, retirees, and investors. People want to make Portugal their home for many different reasons, whether it’s the pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, or access to the EU, securing Portugal residency is the first step toward making the country your home. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting residency in Portugal, including visa options, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions.

Why Choose Portugal for Residency?

Portugal is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer for everyone, while being one of the safest countries in the world. There are numerous benefits that Portugal offers to its residents, including:

• High-quality healthcare and education

• A favorable tax system with benefits for foreign residents

• A vibrant and warm culture with welcoming communities

• A pathway to Portuguese citizenship after five years

• Access to the Schengen Area for visa-free travel

How to Get Residency in Portugal

The process of getting a Portuguese residency depends on your nationality, financial situation, and professional background. The most common pathways to residency for people from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are listed below.

1. Portugal Residency for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers (D8 Visa)

Portugal offers remote workers the D8 Digital Nomad Visa, allowing them to live in the country while working for a foreign employer. Requirements include:

• A minimum monthly income of €3,480 (four times the minimum wage)

• Proof of remote employment or self-employment

• Health insurance coverage

• Proof of accommodation (such as a rental contract)

2. Portugal Residency by Investment (Golden Visa)

The Golden Visa program allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency through investment. As of 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa no longer includes real estate investments. Instead, applicants must invest in,among others: 

• Fund Investment: €500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese fund

• Job Creation: Creation of 10 full-time jobs or investing €500,000 in a Portuguese business that creates five jobs

• Cultural or R&D Support: €250,000 in cultural preservation or €500,000 in research and development

The Golden Visa grants a residence permit with minimal stay requirements, making it ideal for investors.

3. Portugal Residency by Passive Income (D7 Visa)

The D7 Visa is perfect for retirees and individuals with passive income. Requirements include:

• A minimum income of €10,640€/year for a single applicant, which is 870€ per month.

• Additional €5,320 (50%) for a spouse and €3,192 (30%) per dependent

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

• Private health insurance

4. Portugal Residency by Employment

If you get a job from a Portuguese employer, your employer can sponsor a work visa. To qualify, you need:

• A valid job offer from an employer in Portugal

• Proof of sufficient income to support yourself

• A clean criminal record

• Health insurance

5. Portugal Residency for Students

International students can obtain residency by enrolling in a Portuguese university. Requirements include:

• Provide proof of acceptance from a recognized institution

• Show sufficient financial means to support themselves

• Have health insurance

6. Portugal Residency for Family Members

If you have a family member who is a Portuguese citizen or resident, you can apply for family reunification residency. Eligible family members include spouses, children, and dependent parents.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Residency in Portugal

Once you know which visa you need, the process of becoming a resident in Portugal follows a clear path. Here’s how it works:

1. Get Your NIF (Tax Identification Number)

The NIF is essential for most things in Portugal, including opening a bank account and applying for a visa. You can get it at a Finanças (tax office) in Portugal or through a tax representative while still abroad. 

You can apply for a NIF immediately with Touchdown, we make sure you get your NIF quickly and easily–wherever you are.

2. Open a Portuguese Bank Account

Most visa applications require proof of financial means, and having a Portuguese bank account makes this easier. You’ll need your passport, NIF, proof of address, and proof of income to open one.

With Touchdown you can open a bank account online from anywhere in the world.

3. Apply for Your Visa

Once you have your NIF and bank account and other documents, you can submit your visa application at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country. The exact documents depend on your visa type but generally include:

• A valid passport

• Proof of financial means

• Health insurance

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

• Additional documents based on your visa (e.g., work contract, proof of remote work, or investment details)

First you need to get an appointment and then you will have an interview where you show all the docs that were gathered. After this, you need to wait for approval.

We help you with everything you need for your move, you can choose exactly what you need from individual services to complete visa packages.

4. Move to Portugal

Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a temporary visa that allows you to enter Portugal. You now have 120 days to complete the residency process.

5. Register Your Residency

After arriving, you need to attend an appointment at Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) to receive your residence permit. This typically includes:

• Submitting your passport, visa, and proof of address

• Providing proof of financial means

• Giving biometric data (photo and fingerprints)

• Paying the residence permit fee

Your residence card will arrive by mail in a few weeks.

You’re Now a Portuguese Resident

Once you receive your residence permit, you’re officially a resident of Portugal. From there, you can register for public healthcare, social security (if working), and settle into life in Portugal.

If you want help with any part of the process, Touchdown can handle everything from getting your NIF to securing your residence permit.

Portugal Residency Requirements

Regardless of the visa type, you will generally need the following:

• A valid passport

• Proof of sufficient financial means

• Criminal record certificate

• Health insurance

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

• Visa application fee (varies by visa type)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Become a Resident of Portugal?

To become a resident, start by applying for a visa that suits your situation best (employment, investment, remote work, etc.), enter Portugal, and register with AIMA to apply for your residence permit.

Can I Live in Portugal as a US Citizen?

Yes, US citizens can apply for residency in Portugal through different visa programs, including the D7 Visa, Golden Visa, and Digital Nomad Visa.

What Are the Income Requirements for Portugal Residency?

• D7 Visa: €10,640/year (870€/month) for a single applicant

• D8 Digital Nomad Visa: €3,480/month

• Golden Visa: Investment-based (no income requirement)

How Much Does Residency Cost in Portugal?

Costs vary by visa type:

• D7 Visa: €90 for application, plus legal fees

• Golden Visa: €5,325 processing fee, plus minimum €250,000 investment

• Digital Nomad Visa: Application fee + health insurance + accommodation costs

Applying for Your Portugal Residency

If you are interested in moving to Portugal but are unsure about which visa is best for you, you can check Touchdown’s free relocation advisor, an online tool that helps you find the best path to your relocation. Once you know which visa you want to apply for, Touchdown can handle everything from the visa application to residency and all necessary paperwork, ensuring a hassle-free process. You'll save time and stress so you can focus on enjoying the best parts of relocating to Portugal.

DIY Visa Application for Portugal

If you are interested in moving to Portugal and already know which visa you’ll need, then check out our pricing page to explore our DIY bundles. You’ll find everything from a NIF and bank account to individual services to help you relocate on your own.

Conclusion

Portugal offers diverse residency pathways for expats, investors, remote workers, and retirees. Whether you plan to work, invest, or retire, there’s a residency option that fits your needs.

At Touchdown, we specialise in relocation, tax strategy, and business setup for global professionals landing in Portugal.

Join a growing, connected international community that is thriving in some of the fastest growing corners of the world. Portugal - now; Spain - soon; the rest of the world - to come. 

👉 Want to know more? We’ll walk you through it – no jargon, just straight answers. Answer a couple of questions in the Touchdown Advisor to book a free introduction call with our team.