Portugal has six distinct long-stay visa routes for non-EU nationals, and each one was designed for a different type of person. The problem is they overlap in ways that aren't obvious: a retired couple with investment income might qualify for the D7 or the Golden Visa. A freelancer with foreign clients might qualify for the D8 or the D2. Picking the wrong one doesn't just slow you down — a rejected application means restarting the consulate process from scratch.
These side-by-side comparisons are written by our Portuguese immigration lawyers. Each one explains the real differences — not just the headline income numbers, but who each visa actually suits, what happens at renewal, and which route gives your specific situation the strongest application.
Income thresholds are revised each January when Portugal updates the minimum wage. The figures below are current for 2026. All routes lead to a renewable residence permit and Portuguese citizenship eligibility after 5 years.
| Visa | Who it's for | Min. income / investment | Days/yr in Portugal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏖️ D7 | Retirees, passive earners | ~€920/month | 183+ |
| 💻 D8 | Remote workers (foreign employers) | ~€3,680/month | 183+ |
| 🏢 D2 | Entrepreneurs, freelancers | Business plan + self-sufficiency | 183+ |
| 🏅 Golden Visa | Investors | €500,000+ (qualifying funds) | 7 days minimum |
| 🎓 D3 | Highly qualified professionals | Portuguese employer required | 183+ |
| 🇪🇺 EU Free Movement | EU/EEA citizens | No requirement | No requirement |
Figures shown are for a single applicant. Thresholds increase for couples and each dependent. Always confirm current requirements with our lawyers before submitting your application.
The consulate doesn't just reject applications on income — they reject them on visa type. If you apply for a D7 but your income is primarily from active remote work, the consulate may refuse on the grounds that your income doesn't meet the passive nature requirement, even if the amount exceeds the threshold. At that point you don't just resubmit — you often need a new appointment, which can add six to twelve months to the process.
The same issue runs the other way. Remote workers who apply for the D2 because they want to serve Portuguese clients sometimes discover during the process that their income structure doesn't satisfy the business viability test. The D8 would have been faster and cleaner.
The most common scenario we see is a couple where one partner has a pension and one works remotely. They need one visa type — but which one? It depends on whose income is higher, how the consulate in their country typically assesses mixed-income applications, and whether they have dependants. These comparisons can't answer that for you, but they tell you the right questions to ask on a free consultation call.
Required before a bank account, before signing a lease, and before most other steps. We obtain it remotely in 3–7 business days.
Most consulates now require proof of a Portuguese bank account. We open it remotely — no trip to Portugal needed before your visa appointment.
Income documents, criminal record certificate, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and the visa application form. We prepare and review the full pack.
Your application is submitted at the Portuguese consulate or a VFS Global office in your home country. We book and manage the appointment.
Once in Portugal, you book an AIMA appointment to receive your residence permit card. Our lawyer can attend with you.
Book a free 15-minute call with one of our Portuguese immigration lawyers. We'll review your income, nationality, and goals — and confirm the right route before you commit to anything.
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