Portugal D7 Visa vs Golden Visa: A Definitive Guide

Key Takeaways

1. The D7 Visa suits people who want to relocate to Portugal full-time and can demonstrate a stable passive income that covers their household.
2. The Portugal Golden Visa suits investors who want Portuguese residency as a flexible “Plan B” and a path to EU citizenship without relocating immediately, using qualifying investments such as regulated funds.
3. Both routes can lead to permanent residency after five years of qualifying residence and then citizenship after ten years, subject to language and other legal requirements under the current framework.
4. The Golden Visa grants residency rights only in Portugal and allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; full EU rights arise only after obtaining Portuguese citizenship.
5. Asset-backed funds like the VIDA Fund focus on physical hospitality assets in Portugal, aiming for capital preservation while supporting Golden Visa eligibility; historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns.
6. Careful legal advice is essential for both visas so that your residency strategy aligns with your lifestyle, tax position, and long-term plan for your family.

Understanding Portugal’s residency landscape for investors

Portugal remains a leading choice for global citizens and investors seeking Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship. The country has established itself as the 7th safest country according to the Global Peace Index 2025, attracting international residents who value quality of life and security.

The decision between the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa should align with your long-term personal and financial goals, whether that means full relocation or building a strategic contingency plan for your family.

Portugal also offers strong lifestyle and economic fundamentals. The country experienced robust tourism growth, with 31 million visitors in 2024 generating €27 billion in revenue. This economic activity, combined with upcoming major events such as co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, supports Portugal’s position as an attractive destination for residence and investment. Investors who understand the nuances between Portugal’s visa pathways are better placed to choose a structure that supports both current needs and long-term objectives.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa through VIDA Capital’s advisory support and access to asset-backed investment options.

The Portugal D7 Visa: residency for passive-income applicants who want to relocate

Eligibility and stable income requirements for the D7 Visa

The D7 Visa serves non-EU citizens who have stable, passive income and intend to reside in Portugal. As of 2025, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly passive income of at least €870 (the Portuguese minimum wage), or €9,840 annually for a single applicant. This income can come from pensions, rental income, dividends, or intellectual property, which gives flexibility across different income sources.

Additional income thresholds apply for family members. Applicants must show an extra 50% of the minimum wage for a spouse or partner (€435 per month) and 30% for each dependent child or parent (€261 per month). Many practitioners recommend showing income 10–20% above these official minimums, which can help provide a buffer against inflation or policy changes.

Applicants also need to show proof of a minimum bank balance, typically around €8,460 for a single applicant, with higher thresholds for families, such as €15,660 for an applicant plus spouse. These requirements aim to ensure that D7 Visa holders can support themselves and their dependents in Portugal.

Residency and physical presence requirements for D7 Visa holders

The D7 Visa assumes that you plan to live in Portugal most of the year. Applicants must reside in the country for at least 183 days per year to maintain their residency status and typically become tax residents in Portugal. During the initial two-year residency permit, a minimum of 16 months in Portugal is required.

This substantial physical presence requirement makes the D7 Visa well-suited for retirees, remote workers, and financially independent individuals who intend to make Portugal their primary home. It is less suitable for people who want a flexible backup plan while keeping their main base, business operations, or family life elsewhere.

D7 Visa application process and timelines

The D7 application process is structured but document-heavy. Key documentation includes proof of stable income with six months of bank statements, an authenticated criminal background check issued within the past few months, and proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental agreement.

Processing times can vary by consulate, but the D7 Visa generally takes around 30–90 days, and it is often faster than the Golden Visa. The visa grants residency for an initial two-year period, renewable for additional three-year periods, which creates a clear path to long-term residence for applicants who comply with the rules.

Benefits and limitations of the Portugal D7 Visa

D7 Visa holders gain access to Portugal’s public services, including healthcare and education, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days out of any 180-day period, and a pathway to long-term residency.

After five years of qualifying residence, applicants can typically apply for permanent residency, and citizenship by naturalization is generally available after ten years of qualifying residence, subject to language and other legal criteria.

The main limitation is the requirement to relocate and spend most of the year in Portugal. This level of presence may not suit investors or business owners who need to remain physically based in other jurisdictions. The D7 route works best for those with a clear intention to integrate into life in Portugal rather than for those seeking a low-commitment contingency plan.

The Portugal Golden Visa: investment-based residency with minimal stay requirements

Golden Visa investment requirements and asset-backed security

The Portugal Golden Visa program offers a residency pathway through qualifying investments, with the current focus for investors being eligible regulated funds. A minimum investment of €500,000 into an authorized fund is required, so careful selection of the fund structure and underlying assets is important.

Investors who prioritize capital preservation often favor asset-backed strategies, including those available through the VIDA Fund. The VIDA Fund invests in hospitality assets in Portugal by acquiring existing properties and giving them a second life through upgrades and repositioning.

This asset-backed approach differs from more speculative strategies and can be attractive to investors who want an underlying portfolio of tangible hospitality assets rather than solely financial instruments.

Minimal stay requirements: using the Golden Visa as a “Plan B”

The Golden Visa offers very low physical presence requirements. Golden Visa holders and their families need to spend only 14 days in Portugal every two years to maintain their residency status. This requirement contrasts with the D7 Visa’s 183-day annual presence expectation.

This flexibility makes the Golden Visa a practical “Plan B” for investors who want Portuguese residency and a route to EU citizenship without relocating immediately or changing their tax residency. The program supports international lifestyles while providing residence in Portugal and visa-free travel in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Steps from Golden Visa residency to EU citizenship

The Golden Visa provides a path from temporary residency in Portugal to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship. During the residency period, holders can live, work, and study in Portugal and travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for short stays. Full EU rights, including the right to live, work, and study in any EU or Schengen Zone country, arise only once Portuguese citizenship is granted.

As of October 2025, a new legal framework requires most applicants to complete ten years of qualifying residence in Portugal before applying for citizenship. Nationals of Portuguese-language countries (CPLP) and EU citizens generally have a reduced requirement of seven years. This framework should apply to Golden Visa holders unless their citizenship applications were submitted before the new law is published.

The main stages in this journey include a temporary residency permit that is initially valid for two years, followed by two additional renewals of two years each. After maintaining the qualifying investment and minimum stay requirements for five years, applicants can typically apply for permanent residency. Citizenship applications then become possible after ten years of qualifying residence under the current rules. Consistent legal guidance is important at each stage to ensure compliance with residence, documentation, and language requirements.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa and work with VIDA Capital’s advisory team throughout the process.

Golden Visa application process overview with legal and concierge support

The Golden Visa process is detailed but manageable when you combine a suitable investment with specialized legal support. The key steps include:

1. Pre-application: This stage includes choosing a specialized Portuguese immigration law firm, obtaining a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF), opening a Portuguese bank account, which can often be arranged remotely, and subscribing to a qualifying investment fund such as the VIDA Fund.

2. Application submission: Your lawyer submits the initial application online for you and your eligible family members and then manages communication with AIMA. After the file is pre-approved, in-person biometric data collection appointments are scheduled.

3. Residency card and renewals: Once approved, you receive a temporary residency permit valid for two years. As the approval card issuance usually takes a year, you will most likely only need to do a single renewal instead of two in the five-year period. For each renewal, you must show that you have maintained the qualifying investment and complied with the minimum stay requirement of 14 days in Portugal every two years.

4. Permanent residency and citizenship: After five years of temporary residency, you can typically apply for permanent residency if you meet the legal criteria. Citizenship can usually be requested after ten years of qualifying residence, subject to language and other legal requirements. Having a dedicated lawyer accompany you through each step of this process is essential for navigating Portuguese procedures correctly.

Portugal D7 Visa vs Golden Visa: key differences for investor decision-making

Why the VIDA Fund suits Golden Visa investors focused on capital preservation

Asset-backed security and capital preservation through hospitality investments

Capital preservation sits at the center of many Golden Visa strategies. The VIDA Fund addresses this by investing in hospitality businesses in Portugal that are backed by physical assets. The fund acquires existing hotel properties and gives them a second life through targeted improvements and operational upgrades.

This focus on tangible assets provides a clear link between the investment and underlying properties, which can help manage risk compared with purely financial or more speculative structures. The strategy targets long-term value creation in Portugal’s tourism sector, which welcomed 31 million visitors in 2024 and generated €27 billion in revenue. While historical performance can inform expectations, historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns, and all investments carry risk.

Specialized hospitality expertise and owner-operator model

The VIDA Fund builds on a specialized hospitality and private equity background. The team has experience identifying undervalued hospitality properties, executing repositioning plans, and managing operations after acquisition. With over €4 billion in assets collectively managed, more than 100 private equity investment deals executed, and over 1,000 investors engaged globally, the team brings a practical track record in the sector.

The owner-operator model supports close oversight of each hospitality asset, from repositioning to day-to-day management. This approach aims to improve margins and stabilize cash flows over time within Portugal’s growing tourism market, which the World Travel & Tourism Council projects could represent 22.6% of national GDP by 2035. This level of sector focus can be valuable for Golden Visa investors who prefer managers with a clear, repeatable strategy.

Concierge advisory for a guided Golden Visa process

Golden Visa investors benefit from coordinated support across investment, banking, and legal steps. VIDA Capital operates as an advisory partner, offering a personalized, concierge-style service that connects investors with experienced immigration lawyers and the VIDA Fund’s management team.

This coordination helps streamline communication between you, your legal counsel, and the fund, from initial structuring through to renewals. VIDA Fund I has supported more than 100 Golden Visa applications for investors and their family members, which provides practical insight into how investment and immigration requirements interact in real cases.

Transparent guidance for your residency path

VIDA Capital focuses on clear and transparent guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The advisory team explains all relevant fees, outlines the implications of different visa routes, and discusses when the Golden Visa or the D7 Visa may be more appropriate for your situation.

This stance helps investors make informed decisions about whether and how to pursue Portuguese residency. Media coverage in outlets such as Bloomberg, El Economista, El Financiero, Público, Milenio, and Terra has highlighted VIDA Capital’s role in helping families protect wealth while accessing European residence options.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa through VIDA Capital’s advisory support and the asset-backed approach of the VIDA Fund.

Frequently asked questions about Portugal D7 and Golden Visas

What is the main difference between the D7 and Golden Visa?

The D7 Visa is designed for people with passive income who want to live in Portugal most of the year, which usually means at least 183 days annually and becoming a Portuguese tax resident. The Golden Visa is an investment-based route to Portuguese residency with a minimum stay requirement of only 14 days every two years. The D7 focuses on demonstrating stable income rather than investment, while the Golden Visa requires a minimum €500,000 qualifying investment but offers far more flexibility in terms of physical presence.

Can I include my family in both visa applications?

Both the D7 and Golden Visa programs allow for family reunification, usually including a spouse or partner, dependent children, and dependent parents when they meet dependency criteria. For the D7 Visa, additional income must be demonstrated for each family member. For the Golden Visa, eligible family members can be added to the same investment.

Documentation typically includes evidence of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or other official proof in the case of a common-law partnership, plus birth certificates and proof of financial dependency for children or parents. For including children in a Golden Visa application, they generally need to be full-time students, not working, and they must remain unmarried during the residency program until their own Golden Visa or citizenship application is submitted.

Do I need to live in Portugal to maintain my Golden Visa residency?

The Golden Visa does not require full-time residence in Portugal. You only need to spend at least 14 days in Portugal every two years to maintain your residency status. This structure works well for people who want Portuguese residency and access to Schengen travel while continuing their primary business or family life elsewhere.

Other countries have stricter expectations. Greece typically requires seven years of living there and paying taxes to qualify for long-term residency and citizenship, and Spain no longer offers a Golden Visa program. Portugal is currently one of the only countries in Europe that offers access to citizenship through an investment route without requiring full relocation, provided you meet the minimum stay and other legal requirements over time.

What are the tax implications of each visa?

D7 Visa holders generally become Portuguese tax residents because they spend more than 183 days a year in the country. As tax residents, they are usually taxed in Portugal on their worldwide income, subject to any applicable tax treaties.

Golden Visa holders do not automatically become Portuguese tax residents. Tax residency depends on how many days you spend in Portugal and on your overall personal and economic ties. This flexibility allows some Golden Visa investors to keep their existing tax arrangements while holding Portuguese residency, subject to professional tax advice in all relevant jurisdictions.

How does the VIDA Fund support my Golden Visa investment?

The VIDA Fund focuses on asset-backed hospitality investments by acquiring existing hotels in Portugal and giving them a second life through refurbishment, repositioning, and operational improvement. The hotels act as underlying physical assets that can hold intrinsic value and generate operating income.

This structure aims to combine Golden Visa eligibility with an investment that is backed by tangible hospitality properties rather than only financial instruments. While the strategy seeks capital preservation and long-term value creation, all investments involve risk, and historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns.

Why should I choose VIDA Capital for my Golden Visa process?

VIDA Capital acts as an advisory partner that combines Golden Visa experience with access to the VIDA Fund’s asset-backed hospitality strategy. The team coordinates closely with independent immigration lawyers and banking partners, which helps you manage the investment, documentation, and application stages in an organized way.

With a track record that includes more than 100 successful Golden Visa applications for investors and their families, VIDA Capital brings practical insight into how the rules apply in real situations. The advisory team will also explain when another route, such as the D7 Visa or postponing an application, may be more suitable for your specific objectives.

Conclusion: aligning your Portugal residency strategy with long-term goals

The choice between the Portugal D7 Visa and the Golden Visa depends on how you balance relocation, investment capacity, and long-term goals for Portuguese residency and EU citizenship. The D7 Visa suits applicants who want to relocate, have stable passive income, and are ready to spend most of the year in Portugal, often with lower upfront financial commitments.

The Golden Visa suits high-net-worth individuals who value capital preservation, minimal stay requirements, and a structured pathway to Portuguese residency as a “Plan B.” When accessed through asset-backed funds like the VIDA Fund, the Golden Visa combines a qualifying investment with exposure to Portugal’s hospitality sector, while historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns.

Portugal offers a stable legal framework, strong tourism dynamics, and a residency regime that can lead to permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten years of qualifying residence under current law. The key is selecting the route that best fits your lifestyle, risk profile, and long-term vision for your family’s presence in Portugal and, eventually, the wider European Union.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital provides structured, concierge-style advisory support and access to asset-backed hospitality investments in Portugal, helping you build a clear and compliant residency plan.