5 de November, 2025
Planning to move, study, or retire in Portugal in 2026? Here’s a complete guide to all Portugal visa types — from the D7 visa for retirees to the Digital Nomad visa and Golden Visa investment program.
If you don’t hold Portuguese citizenship, applying for a visa for Portugal is essential to ensure you can legally live in the country. Whether for a short or long stay, Portugal offers multiple visa options depending on the purpose of your visit.
In the sections below, you’ll find a detailed overview of each visa type for Portugal— who it’s for, main requirements, documentation, and costs. Whether you’re a retiree seeking a peaceful life, a student planning an exchange, a professional starting a new career, or simply someone drawn to Portugal’s charm, this guide will help you choose the right path for a smooth relocation.
The need for a visa for Portugal depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay:
Keep in mind that citizens of European Union member countries do not need a visa to live, study, or work in Portugal. The reverse is also true: Portuguese citizens do not need a visa to live in other EU countries. Learn more about European citizenship.
Under Portuguese law, there are four main types of visas, depending on how long you plan to stay — as we explain below.
The Schengen Visa is the short-term visa most travelers use to visit Portugal and other European countries within the Schengen Area. It allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, family visits, business, or short-term study.
If you’re from the United States, you don’t need a Schengen Visa for short stays. U.S. citizens can enter Portugal and other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days — as long as the visit is for tourism, business, or transit.
All nationals who are not on the list of countries exempt from the visa requirement must have a Schengen visa in order to enter the European area. See the full information on the portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Schengen visas are waived for citizens:
However, there are other requirements to meet. Travelers need to prove that they have travel insurance, financial resources, accommodation and a return ticket to their country.
Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, United States of America Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Israel, Japan, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Kiribati, United Kingdom, Samoa, Saint Lucia, Saint See, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Serbia, Singapore, East Timor, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Temporary stay visas (VET) are for stays of more than 90 days and less than 12 months.
They are aimed at foreign citizens, who are not nationals of EU Member States, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, who are going to Portugal to carry out certain activities, such as health care, volunteering, sporting activities, among others.
This visa is valid for the duration of your stay and for multiple entries into national territory.
There are several types of visas for stays of less than 1 year in Portugal, which are classified as Category E visas. See below who E visas are for:
WANT TO GET YOUR VISA FOR PORTUGAL? CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US >
The Job Seeker Visa for Portugal is a visa designed for non-EU citizens who wish to enter the country to look for employment. It allows you to stay in Portugal for up to 120 days, extendable for an additional 60 days, while searching for a job. If no employment is secured within that period, the holder must leave the country.
Since October 2025, following the update to the Immigration Law, this visa has become exclusive to highly qualified professionals or individuals with specialized technical training, according to criteria to be defined by government decree.
This visa is similar to the D3 Visa, but with a shorter duration and intended for those who do not yet have a job offer or contract, unlike the D3, which is meant for professionals who already have a confirmed job in Portugal.
Requirements include a return ticket, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay. Family reunification is only possible after obtaining an employment contract and residence permit.
➡️ For more details and to stay updated on the latest rules, read our full article on the Job Seeker Visa for Portugal.
The Residence Visas for Portugal classified under Category D, are intended for extended stays They are ideal for foreigners who plan to stay in the country for more than a year. These visas grant the bearer the right to enter Portugal in order to apply for a residence permit.
They are also subdivided according to the nature of the stay. They are as follows:
The D1 visa is for those who intend to work in the country, for Portuguese companies, for a period of more than one year. To apply for this visa, you must already have an employment contract or a promise of a contract (in the case of subordinate work) or a service contract (for self-employed professionals).
In other words: you must already have a job to apply for a visa!
Portugal is constantly developing, with a stable economy and booming tourism: starting a business in the country can be a great decision and also an excellent way to obtain a residence permit.
O D2 Visa is suitable for those who want to set up a business in Portugal or plan to work as self-employed people in the country.
It is necessary to present a business plan and justify the company’s social, scientific, technological or cultural relevance of the company to the country. Opening a company in Portugal is not, in itself, a guarantee that a visa will be granted.
The Portuguese government does not set a minimum amount of capital to be invested in the creation of the company in the D2 Visa application process. Nor is there a requirement for a minimum number of jobs to be created as part of the venture. However, you will have to demonstrate the financial capacity to sustain the enterprise during your period of residence in Portugal.
When applying for a D2 visa for self-employed professionals, you must have an employment contract or a written proposal for a contract to provide services as part of a liberal profession. In addition, it is recommended that you already have a Portuguese tax identification number and that you have already issued invoices.
With the aim of attracting highly qualified professionals to the country, who already have a promise or an employment contract in mind with national companies, Portuguese legislation has created a special visa, called the D3 Visa Portugal. This visa allows the holder and his/her family to enter Portuguese territory for work purposes and to establish residence for all.
O D3 Visa Portugal is a type of work visa specifically aimed at highly qualified professionals, i.e. individuals with specialized technical skills exceptional or appropriate qualifications for the job. This includes:
No matter your age or profession, choosing to study in Portugal can be a transformative investment in your career and an enriching personal experience! It’s also one of the fastest, simplest, and most affordable ways to legally relocate to the country. If you plan to study in Portugal for more than a year, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. Depending on your circumstances, this could be either a D4 or D5 visa.
Portugal has more than a hundred universities, polytechnics and colleges. Recently four Portuguese business schools featured in the top 50 of the Financial Times. It’s therefore a very popular visa in the country.
O Student Visa is aimed at those who are going to study for an undergraduate degree, master degree, doctorate, student exchange, internship or voluntary work in Portugal for a period of more than one year, who already have a letter of acceptance from an educational institution.
The main requirement is to already have a letter of acceptance from the educational institution where you intend to study. This means that you need to apply for the course you want and wait for confirmation of admission before applying for a visa.
You must also have health insurance, proof of accommodation and proof of sufficient financial means.
Portugal offers two types of family-related visas: the Family Reunification Visa (D6) and the Family Accompaniment Visa.
The Family Accompaniment Visa is requested before moving to Portugal, allowing relatives to join the main applicant upon arrival. The Family Reunification Visa (D6), on the other hand, is intended for family members of individuals who are already legally residing in Portugal and wish to move there later.
In 2025, Portugal introduced new rules for family reunification under the updated Immigration Law. The main resident must now hold a Residence Permit for at least two years, except in cases involving minor children, or family members of highly qualified professionals, Golden Visa, or Blue Card holders, who are entitled to immediate reunification. For spouses or de facto partners, one year of residence and proof of cohabitation are required. Applicants must also demonstrate adequate housing and sufficient financial means to support all family members.
These changes aim to ensure reunification takes place under stable and secure living conditions.
➡️ For more details, read our complete article on the new Foreigners’ Law in Portugal.
The D7 Portugal Visa (Retirement Visa) is a category of long-term visa intended for individuals with passive income. It is aimed at those who wish to reside in Portugal and have stable financial means to support their stay. The D7 visa is suitable for retirees, pensioners, holders of income from real estate, movable property or financial investments. It is also an option for foreigners who wish to exercise religious activities in Portugal.
Today, hundreds of american retirees are migrating to Portugal in search of things as simple as sunny days, healthy food, safety and, above all, quality healthcare at a low cost. That’s why this is the visa most sought after by our clients.
You must prove a passive monthly income of at least the national minimum wage for the main applicant. For each additional family member, 50% of the national minimum wage must be added.
In addition, you must have deposited the equivalent of 12 times the national minimum wage in a financial institution in Portugal.
Also required: health insurance, proof of accommodation, a criminal record with no prison sentences of more than one year.
All over the world, remote working has gained prominence in companies and among professionals. Portugal, with its affordable cost of living and high quality of life, has become irresistible to digital nomads. Its ultra-fast internet and seventh best English proficiency rate in the world add to the attraction. Expat Insider declared it a paradise for remote working.
In 2022, the Portuguese government introduced a visa for remote workers to attract these professionals to the country.
O Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) is suitable for professionals who work remotely for foreign companies. Whether the work is subordinate or independent.
The main requirement is to have a monthly income equivalent to four times the minimum wage in Portugal. In addition, it is necessary to make a deposit in a Portuguese bank corresponding to at least 12 times the minimum wage, to demonstrate financial sustainability in the country.
Proof of remote employment with a foreign company is mandatory. Accommodation, health insurance and proof of criminal record are also requirements for obtaining this visa.
WANT TO GET YOUR VISA FOR PORTUGAL? CLICK HERE AND CONTACT US >
The CPLP Visa isn’t a separate visa type, but rather a special fast-track system that simplifies visa applications for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. It allows easier access to residence and work in Portugal by removing some standard requirements, like proof of funds or travel insurance.
If you’re not from a Portuguese-speaking country, this program doesn’t apply to you. If you need further information, you can read our full article about the CPLP Residence Permit.
Portugal offers a popular program for foreign investors that provides a Residence Permit through Investment. To qualify, applicants must make a minimum investment of €250,000, kept for at least five years. Eligible routes include investment funds, job creation, scientific research, and cultural heritage preservation.
This permit lets you live in Portugal but does not require permanent relocation — many investors keep their main home abroad and visit Portugal for as little as 7 days per year. The permit is extendable to family members, who receive the same rights to live, work, and study in Portugal. While this is not a direct Citizenship through Investment program, holding the residence permit can eventually open a path to Portuguese nationality through the standard residence-and-naturalization process.
For full details, see our article on the Golden Visa Portugal and the common investment route, Golden Visa through investment funds.
These are the current rules, updated in 2025.
Realizing your goal of living in Europe or obtaining European citizenship can be simpler than you think. We offer personalized support to make the immigration process more accessible and uncomplicated.
The StartUp Visa offers an alternative route for immigrants wishing to establish an innovative company in the country. Unlike traditional procedures, this visa requires approval from a Portuguese incubator, which will welcome and guide the development of your entrepreneurial project.
To start the process, you need to go through IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation) . The procedure involves registering on the IAPMEI website and submitting the required documents. In this online environment, you can access a simplified application guide.
The Tech Visa program, which started in 2019, is an innovative route for entrepreneurs and technology specialists who want to live in Portugal.. Focused on efficiency and excellence, the program speeds up obtaining visas and residence permits for highly qualified technology professionals.
It differs from other work visas, the Tech Visa begins with the certification of technology companies. After certification, these companies are registered as potential employers for qualified professionals. The specialized professionals can then apply for the visa and, once hired, obtain a residence permit linked to the program.
The Tech Visa not only simplifies the process for qualified professionals, but also strengthens Portugal’s technology scene. By becoming a hub of innovation, Portugal attracts global talent and boosts its technology industry.
If you are planning to relocate to Portugal, the first step is to decide which type of visa best suits your situation. Once you have defined the appropriate visa, it is essential to know the specific requirements and check that you meet all of them. Finally, it’s time to gather the documents required for the application.
Visa applications are submitted via VFS Global or the Portuguese Consulate of your country of residence, with the exception of Golden Visa, Tech Visa and Startup Visa.
This will depend on the type of visa you have chosen and the activity you intend to carry out in the country, such as studying, working, investing or proving your own income, for example.
However, some documents are essential for any visa application:
What is the ideal time to start the visa process? Although VFS Global reports a legal deadline of 60 days for the completion of the visa, it is important to consider the possibility of delays depending on the jurisdiction.
Given that the visa has a fixed validity, it is also advisable to avoid applying too early. We therefore advise you to find a balance between starting the process with enough time for evaluation and ensuring that the visa remains valid for your planned trip or stay.
It is worth noting that long-term visas are valid for 120 days, which is the time limit for applying for a residence permit in the country.
Consular fees for issuing a visa to Portugal may vary. We have a baseline below, updated in November, 2025.
| Type of visa | Value |
| Adult Schengen Visa Fee | € 90,65 |
| Schengen visa fee for children (6 to 11 years) | € 45,32 |
| Schengen visa, low fee: visa facilitation for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kosovo and Ukraine* | € 35,00 |
| Schengen visa Child up to 6 years | free |
| National visa application – Stay of less than 1 year | € 75,00 |
| National visa application – Stay longer than 1 year | € 90,00 |
| Temporary & Residency visas | € 110,80 |
These figures refer only to the visa fee. Don’t forget to include in your planning the costs of obtaining the required documentation, purchasing travel insurance and other essential details.
To check the latest prices, go to the VFS website.
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Hiring a specialized residency and citizenship consultancy to handle your visa process offers significant advantages.
Atlantic Bridge has helped more than 3,000 people to live in Portugal with a 99% success rate. We have a 4.9 rating on Google (out of 5 stars).
Our professionals are experienced and up-to-date with the latest regulations and procedures, ensuring that all documentation is in order to avoid possible errors that could delay your process. They can also advise you on the best time to apply for a visa and when to travel.
With a consultancy, you get the peace of mind of having a dedicated partner, simplifying the whole process of obtaining a visa for Portugal and avoiding stress. We’ll let you know when everything is ready!
We assist you throughout every phase of your relocation process. From selecting your destination to visa applications, transportation, pet relocation, residency permits, and housing arrangements. Our comprehensive support ensures that your journey is optimized for the best possible experience.
Dreaming of a new life in Europe? Moving to Portugal or getting EU citizenship might be easier than you think. Talk to our professionals and request your quote!
Realizing your goal of living in Europe or obtaining European citizenship can be simpler than you think. We offer personalized support to make the immigration process more accessible and uncomplicated.
Author:
Atlantic Bridge
