Portugal D7 Visa vs Portugal Golden Visa: Which is Right for You?

For non-EU nationals seeking residency in Portugal, two routes stand out: the D7 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa. Both offer a pathway to live in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations, but the requirements, lifestyle commitments, and long-term benefits differ significantly.

Whether you’re a retiree with passive income or a global investor seeking mobility and diversification, it’s essential to choose the right program for your goals.

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The Portugal D7 Visa, often called the Passive Income Visa, is designed for individuals who can demonstrate a steady income without working in Portugal. Introduced in 2007, it suits those who are financially self-sufficient such as retirees, digital nomads, and remote workers and are able to fully relocate. Unlike the Golden Visa, the D7 Visa requires full-time residence in Portugal.

Portugal D7 Visa Requirements

To apply for the D7 Visa, you must:

• Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
• Show regular passive equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage  (€10,440/year for the main applicant)
• Have a minimum bank balance of €10,440*
• Provide proof of accommodation in Portugal e.g rental agreement
• Hold private health insurance
• Obtain a Portuguese NIF and bank account
• Commit to living in Portugal for over 183 days per year

Note – the minimum balance to hold increases if you have additional family members in your application. An extra €5,220 for a spouse or a family member over 18 and an extra €3,1232 for each child included under 18.

D7 Portugal visa minimum stay requirement

The D7 residency visa is first valid for 2 years. During this stage applicants must reside in Portugal for a minimum of 12 to 16 months of the total 24-month visa. Once renewed applicants receive a three-year residency visa in which they must reside in Portugal for 28 months of the 36-month visa.

Key Benefits of the Portugal D7 Visa

• Residency Without Investment
• Low Minimum Income Requirement
• Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
• Family Inclusion in application
• Visa-Free Travel in the Schengen Zone

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

Portugal’s Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. Applicants invest in approved regulated funds and in return, receive the right to live in Portugal, with minimal stay requirements. The Golden Visa is especially popular with high-net-worth individuals and families who want European access without needing to move permanently.

Portugal Golden Visa Requirements

To qualify for the Golden Visa, you must:

• Invest at least €500,000 in eligible investment funds, companies, or cultural projects
• Stay in Portugal for a minimum of 7 days per year
• Maintain the investment for 5 years
• Have a clean criminal record and meet documentation standards

Portugal Golden Visa Benefits

Portugal’s Golden Visa program comes with some significant benefits, which include.

• Low minimum investment of just €500,000
• Eligibility to live, work and study in Portugal
• Visa free travel throughout the EU Schengen zone
• Ability to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years (without needing full residency)
• Minimum stay requirement of just 7 days every year
• Potential for return on investment
• Tax benefits. No tax on worldwide income
• Option for Non-Habitual Tax Residency (NHR)

Who Should Choose the D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa is well-suited to those who:

• Intend to live in Portugal year-round
• Have reliable, modest passive income
• Are looking for a low-cost entry to Europe
• Want to retire or work remotely in a peaceful, affordable EU country

For individuals who want to relocate and have time to meet Portugal’s physical stay rules.

Who Should Choose the Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is ideal for those who:

• Want EU residency without relocation
• Seek mobility, backup citizenship, or long-term diversification
• Prefer a structured investment route over income-based approval
• Value time flexibility and global movement

For global investors, entrepreneurs, and families with wider strategic goals, the Golden Visa provides residency in Portugal with minimal lifestyle disruption.

The Conclusion

While the D7 Visa Portugal offers a low-barrier, lifestyle-based route to residency, it is not built for investors. It requires a real commitment to living in Portugal which may not align with the lifestyles of those wanting an alternative pathway.

The Portugal Golden Visa, on the other hand, is designed with the investor in mind. It offers flexibility, low residency requirements, and a clear pathway to citizenship while preserving mobility and control over your time.

For a personalised consultation, contact La Vida’s experts.

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