Portugal
Why Choose Portugal?
Portugal is a top choice for those seeking a peaceful yet vibrant European lifestyle, offering great weather, stunning beaches, and rich culture at an affordable cost of living. RN Associates assists non-EU citizens with residency options such as the Golden Visa, D7, and D8, backed by expert guidance and proven success.
Portugal Residency Programs
D2 Visa: Entrepreneurship/Startup
The D2 Visa is ideal for non-EU entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. It allows you to start or expand a business in Portugal or offer services locally and globally.
Key Benefits:
Opportunity to launch or invest in businesses
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Family reunification rights
Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
D3 Visa: Tech Visa/Highly Qualified Employees
The D3 Visa is for highly qualified professionals with confirmed jobs or self-employment contracts in Portugal.
Key Benefits:
Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Fast-track processing as a priority visa
Family reunification options
D8 Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
The D8 Visa is designed for remote workers earning at least four times Portugal’s minimum wage (€3,040/month). It offers two options — a Temporary Stay Visa (up to 1 year) and a Residency Permit (renewable up to 5 years).
Key Benefits:
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Access to education and healthcare
Path to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
D7 Visa: Retirement & Passive Income
The D7 Visa is designed for non-EU citizens with stable passive income from pensions, investments, or rentals. It’s a simple residency pathway without any business requirements.
Key Benefits:
Easy and straightforward application process
No need for business or job involvement
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Family reunification rights
Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
Golden Visa: Residency by Investment
The Golden Visa offers non-EU nationals a five-year residency in Portugal through financial investments, including funds, business ventures, or cultural contributions.
Key Benefits:
Minimal stay requirement (just 7 days per year)
Investment options starting from €250,000
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Right to live, work, and study in Portugal
Route to Portuguese citizenship
Since October 2023, real estate investments no longer qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa. Instead, investors can choose alternative routes such as fund subscriptions, scientific research, cultural contributions, or job creation. Despite this change, the program remains a highly attractive pathway to residency and citizenship.
Golden Visa Highlights
Visa-free travel across 27 EU nations and 170+ countries worldwide
Investment options starting from €250,000
Citizenship eligibility after 5 years
Tax exemption on income earned outside Portugal
Family reunification (spouse, dependent children & parents)
Eligible Investment Routes
Fund subscriptions (€500,000 minimum)
Cultural donations (€250,000 minimum)
Scientific research contributions (€500,000 minimum)
Job creation (10 jobs minimum)
Golden Visa Process
Submit application with required documents to AIMA (formerly SEF)
Attend in-person interview
Residence permit issued within 9–12 months
Renew residence permit every 2 years
Apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years
Required Documents
Completed application form
Valid passport & travel documents
Proof of fund transfer from Portuguese bank
Health insurance (if residing in Portugal)
Police clearance certificate
Declaration of maintaining investment for 5 years
Portuguese tax & social security compliance documents
Certified/apostilled translations in Portuguese
Application fee receipt
Portugal Golden Visa Statistics (2012 – Sept 2024)
Total Applicants: 15,619 investors and 22,000 family members
Investment Breakdown:
Real estate: 12,561 permits
Fund investments: 673 permits
Capital transfer: 1,255 permits
Job creation: 22 permits
Top Investor Nationalities: China, USA, Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria, Hong Kong, South Africa
Popular Investment Types (2023):
Real estate: €50 million
Capital transfer: €20 million
Portugal Golden Visa Approval Rates
Main Applicants Approved: 15,619
Family Members Approved: 21,978
Top Nationalities
The Portugal Golden Visa has attracted investors worldwide. While China remains the largest source of applicants, its share is gradually declining as investors from Brazil, the USA, South Africa, and Turkey continue to grow in numbers.
Portugal Global Rankings
#1 in Europe – Best country for expats
#1 in Europe – Best travel destination
#1 Worldwide – Best Master’s degree in Information Management
#4 Worldwide – Passport benefits for nomads and global citizens
#5 Worldwide – Most powerful passport (with Austria & Netherlands)
#5 in Europe – Safest countries
#6 in Europe – Cheapest countries to live
#7 Worldwide – Safest countries (Global Peace Index 2023)
#9 Worldwide – Lowest organized crime rate
#10 Worldwide – Best democracies
#11 Worldwide – Largest exclusive economic zones
#12 Worldwide – Best healthcare system
#17 Worldwide – Quality of life
#21 Worldwide – Infrastructure quality & life expectancy
#27 Worldwide – Quality of education
#28 Worldwide – Institutional transparency
