Residency routes in Portugal

In 2026 Portugal grants residency through six main routes: the D7 (passive income, at least €920 a month), the D8 (remote work, at least €3,680 a month), the golden visa (from €250,000, no property option), work (D1 and D3), entrepreneurship (D2 and the Startup Visa) and study (D4 and D5). Two new laws have also changed the picture: the 2025 foreigners law (new limits on family reunification) and the 2026 nationality law (citizenship after 10 years for most nationalities).

Why Portugal?

• EU and Schengen member — a Portuguese residence card allows short stays across the Schengen area.
• Realistic financial requirements — the D7 minimum income is among the lowest in western Europe.
• Safety and quality of life — a mild climate, public healthcare and international schools in Lisbon and Porto.
• Path to permanent residence and citizenship — permanent residence after 5 years, and dual citizenship is allowed.

Portuguese residency routes at a glance

Key changes in 2025 and 2026

• Nationality law (Lei Orgânica 1/2026), in force since 19 May 2026: 10 years of legal residence for most nationalities (including Iranian, Turkish and Georgian nationals), and 7 for nationals of Portuguese-speaking and EU countries. Portuguese citizenship in detail
• Foreigners law (Lei 61/2025), in force since 23 October 2025: a spouse can usually join a D7, D8 or D2 holder only after 2 years of residence. Minor children, and the families of golden visa and D3 holders, are exempt from the wait. Family reunification
• The job-seeker visa now exists only for people with specialised technical skills.
• Since October 2023 the golden visa no longer includes property.
• Files are handled by the immigration agency AIMA and take months, so plan your timeline realistically.

General steps

1. Case assessment and choosing the route that fits your income, family and goals
2. Getting a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and, where needed, a Portuguese bank account
3. Arranging accommodation, health insurance and a criminal record certificate
4. Applying at the embassy or VFS centre — where to apply from Iran, Türkiye or Georgia
5. Entering Portugal and receiving the residence card from AIMA — what to do after arrival

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to get residency in Portugal?

In terms of minimum income, the D7 with €920 a month of passive income (in 2026) is the least demanding route; but the income must be real, stable and provable, and you must live in Portugal.

After how many years can I get Portuguese citizenship?

For applications filed from 19 May 2026: 10 years of legal residence for most nationalities and 7 for nationals of Portuguese-speaking and EU countries, plus a test of Portuguese language and knowledge of Portuguese culture and institutions.

Does buying property in Portugal give residency?

No. Property was removed from the golden visa in October 2023. Owning a home or a long-term lease does count as accommodation for the D7 and D8.

Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Portuguese law allows dual citizenship. Whether you keep your current nationality depends on your own country's law.

Amounts and requirements reflect the rules as of October 2026 and may change. Have your case assessed by Imperial before you apply.