Portugal Residency Visa: Unveiling the Path to a Type D Visa -2024

Type D Portugal Visas- What Are They?

Type D visas are long-stay visas that allow individuals to reside in Portugal for extended periods, making them ideal for those planning to work, study, or reunite with family. These are extremely attractive and cost-effective programs, opposing a great alternative if you are not willing to invest in Portugal in exchange for the Portuguese Golden Visa. Let’s explore the investment-related categories of Type D visas available in Portugal.

1. Portugal Visa D2: Entrepreneurial Visa

The D2 visa is suitable for entrepreneurs who plan to do business in Portugal. Under the program investors have the choice of setting up an investment in their own company, buying a local company or its shares, or creating a branch of an existing legal entity overseas. There is no set minimum investment requirement. However, investors must be able to prove the viability of the business through their business plan. Investors can apply for residency for their family members.

The Portuguese Government have set out the main following requirements for foreign nations looking to apply for the D2 Visa:

• A viable business idea backed by evidence suggesting that the business can thrive.
• A well-structured business plan with solid background research.
• Strong Social Capital that demonstrates competitivity within the business area and an ability for the business to be socially cohesive.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to set up, support, and grow the business. 
• Proof of experience and connections within the specific field of the business.

Other Requirements for the Portugal D2 Visa:

• Clear criminal record and not subject to any sanctions, restrictions, or bans by any EU countries, UK or Canada.
• Proof of source of Investment funds.
• Impeccable personal & business reputation.
• Pass due diligence checks.

Also Read:- Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Guide (D8 Visa)

2. Portugal Visa D7: Passive Income/ Retirement Visa

The highly popular Portugal D7 program, otherwise known as the ‘passive income visa’ is suitable for those with investment income or pensions who are interested in living in Portugal without working in the country. The D7 is particularly popular with retirees who can use their pension funds to qualify but also for international nomads with real estate in their home country who wish to make Portugal a permanent basis. Residents under the program are required to live in the country for a consecutive 6 months each year or a total of 8 months in the calendar year. Residents are entitled to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency subject to achieving a basic level of A2 Portuguese proficiency. Foreigners must confirm their housing through a rental contract or sales & purchase agreement.

General Requirements Portugal D7 Visa:

• To comply, you have to show evidence of at least an income equal to or greater than the minimum wage in Portugal (which in 2024 is € 850) in the past 12 months, approximately € 10.200. While less can be accepted, we recommend providing at least €12,000 per year in passive income 100% of the minimum wage for the main applicant, 50% for the spouse, and 30% of the minimum wage per dependent child.
• Passive income must be regular and stable income from movable, immovable, or financial assets.

3. Portugal Visa D8: The Digital Nomad Visa

While the above program has been utilized by certain eligible digital nomads in recent years, Portugal last year decided to capitalize on such interest by launching a Digital Nomad Visa specifically catered to remote workers who wish to move to Portugal. The D8 Visa / Digital Nomad Visa is eligible for digital nomads globally who earn at least 4 times the national minimum monthly wage in Portugal. As of today, this amounts to around $3,350 (€3,050) per month.

Once acquired the digital nomad Portugal residency visa is valid for one year and can be extended up to four times for a maximum of five years. Just like the D7, residents are required to spend 6 consecutive months in the country or 8 months per year meaning that the applicant will spend at least 183 days in the country. This ultimately makes them tax residents in Portugal by law. However, compared to other Western European countries Portugal’s taxes are reasonable and after 5 years of residency, one can apply for citizenship

General Requirements Portugal D8 Visa:

• You must show proof of average monthly income earned in the last three months of a minimum value equivalent to four guaranteed minimum monthly salaries (€760), which is equivalent to about €3,040.
• You must not stay outside of Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or a total of 8 months within a year;
• You must not engage in any activity that is not covered by your digital nomad visa, such as seeking employment in Portugal or engaging in any form of self-employment;
• You must comply with all the rules and regulations in force in Portugal, including tax obligations and the mandatory registration with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority; 
• You must maintain valid health insurance that covers you in Portugal.

Also Read:- Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds 2024

Type D Portugal Visas: General Comparison Table

Type D Portugal Visa	Required Documentation	Application Process	Main Financial Requirement
D2 (Business)	Visa forms. 2 Photos (small size). Criminal record from the country of origin and/or residency. Valid passport and copy of full passport. Travel and health insurance. Accommodation (rental, title deed). Bank statements from the country of origin and/or residency. ID Card from country of origin and/or residency. Company incorporation documents. Business plan. Tax return (if applicable). Proof of profession. Proof of address.	1 – NIF; 2 – Bank account (personal); 3 – Transfer the funds to the bank account (10.000€ for the Main Applicant and 5.000€ for each family member); 4 – Business plan; 5 – Company incorporation; 6 – Company’s bank account; 7 – Deposit the share capital in the company’s bank account; 8 – Documentation preparation; 9 – Scheduling the visa appointment; 10 – Visa appointment in the Portuguese embassy/VFS in the country of origin or residency; 11 – Waiting for the approval of the visa; 12 – Travel to Portugal; 13 – Attend to the SEF appointment for the residency card; 14– Waiting for the issuance of the residency card.	€10,000 (Main Applicant)
D7(Retirement)	Visa forms. 2 Photos (small size). Criminal record from the country of origin and/or residency. Valid passport and copy of full passport. Travel and health insurance. Accommodation (rental, title deed). Bank statements from the country of origin and/or residency. ID Card from country of origin and/or residency. Passive income documents. Tax return (if applicable). Proof of profession. Proof of address.	1 – NIF; 2 – Bank account; 3 – Transfer the funds to the bank account (10.000€ for the Main Applicant and 5.000€ for each family member); 4 – Documentation preparation; 5 – Scheduling the visa appointment; 6 – Visa appointment in the Portuguese embassy/VFS in the country of origin or residency; 7 – Waiting for the approval of the visa; 8 – Travel to Portugal; 9 – Attend to the SEF appointment for the residency card; 10 – Waiting for the issuance of the residency card.	€12,000 (Main Applicant)
D8(Digital Nomad)	Visa forms 2 Photos (small size) Criminal record from the country of origin and/or residency Valid passport and copy of full passport Travel and health insurance Accommodation (rental, title deed) Bank statements from the country of origin and/or residency ID Card from country of origin and/or residency Tax return (if applicable) Proof of profession Proof of address	1 – NIF; 2 – Bank account; 3 – Transfer the funds to the bank account (10.000€ for the Main Applicant and 5.000€ for each family member); 4 – Documentation preparation; 5 – Scheduling the visa appointment; 6 – Visa appointment in the Portuguese embassy/VFS in the country of origin or residency; 7 – Waiting for the approval of the visa; 8 – Travel to Portugal; 9 – Attend to the SEF appointment for the residency card; 9 – Waiting for the issuance of the residency card.	€3,040 (Main Applicant) per month.

This guide serves as your comprehensive roadmap to understanding and navigating the Type D Portugal Residency Visa landscape, offering a closer look at the eligibility criteria and application processes for each visa category. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, retiree, or digital nomad, Portugal presents a welcoming and promising horizon for your residency aspirations.