Tourist Entry (Schengen)
Americans and citizens of most Western countries can visit Portugal visa-free as part of the Schengen Area. This allows 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.
Key Points
- 90/180 rule: You cannot exceed 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across ALL Schengen countries (26 total).
- Cannot work: Tourist status does not permit any employment or self-employment in Portugal.
- No extensions: Unlike some countries, you cannot extend tourist stays in Portugal.
- ETIAS coming: Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS authorization (similar to US ESTA).
Time spent in Spain, France, Italy, or any other Schengen country counts against your 90 days. You cannot "reset" by leaving Portugal for another EU country.
D7 Passive Income Visa
The D7 visa is Portugal's most popular visa for American retirees and remote workers with passive income. It's also known as the "retirement visa" or "passive income visa."
Requirements
- Passive income: Minimum €760/month (Portuguese minimum wage) from pensions, investments, rental income, or dividends
- Proof of accommodation: Rental contract or property deed in Portugal
- Health insurance: Valid coverage for Portugal
- Clean criminal record: From your country of residence
- NIF (tax number): Must obtain before applying
💡 Remote Work: The D7 visa technically covers "passive" income, but in practice AIMA has approved applicants with remote work income from foreign employers. The key is that the work cannot be performed for a Portuguese company.
Process
- Obtain NIF (tax number) - can be done remotely with fiscal representative
- Open Portuguese bank account
- Secure housing (rental or purchase)
- Apply at Portuguese consulate in your home country
- After approval, enter Portugal within 4 months
- Schedule appointment at AIMA for residence permit
Digital Nomad Visa
Introduced in late 2022 under Decree-Law 14/2021, Portugal's Digital Nomad visa is designed for remote workers employed by non-Portuguese companies.
Requirements
- Monthly income: Minimum €3,500/month (4x Portuguese minimum wage)
- Remote work contract: With a company outside Portugal
- Proof of work: 3+ months of employment with current employer
- Health insurance: Valid coverage for Portugal
- Clean criminal record
At €3,500/month, the Digital Nomad visa requires 4-5x more income than the D7 visa. If you have passive income sources, the D7 may be more accessible.
D7 vs Digital Nomad Comparison
| Feature | D7 Visa | Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Income Requirement | €760/month | €3,500/month |
| Income Type | Passive preferred | Remote employment |
| Path to Citizenship | Yes (5 years) | Yes (5 years) |
| Tax Residency | Yes, NHR eligible | Yes, NHR eligible |
Golden Visa (Investment Visa)
Portugal's Golden Visa grants residency through qualifying investments. As of 2023, residential real estate no longer qualifies, but other options remain.
Current Investment Options (2024-2025)
- €500,000 - Investment funds or venture capital
- €500,000 - Commercial real estate (non-residential)
- €500,000 - Research/science activities
- €250,000 - Cultural heritage/arts support
- €500,000 - Company formation with 5+ jobs
Residential property purchases in Lisbon, Porto, and coastal areas no longer qualify for Golden Visa. This was the most popular route and its elimination significantly changed the program.
Golden Visa Benefits
- Minimal physical presence required (7 days/year average)
- Path to citizenship in 5 years
- Freedom to live and work in Portugal
- Schengen area travel
- Family reunification included
Other Visa Types
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
For those starting a business in Portugal. Requires a viable business plan and sufficient funds.
Tech Visa
Fast-track visa for highly skilled workers employed by certified tech companies in Portugal.
Student Visa (D4)
For enrollment in Portuguese educational institutions. Can lead to residency if you find employment after graduation.
Family Reunification
Spouses and dependent children of residents can apply for their own residence permits.
Application Process Overview
For most long-term visas (D7, Digital Nomad, Golden Visa):
- Get NIF: Portuguese tax number (can be done remotely)
- Open bank account: In Portugal (some require in-person visit)
- Gather documents: Apostilled criminal record, proof of income, etc.
- Consulate appointment: Apply at Portuguese consulate in your home country
- Visa approval: Usually 60-90 days
- Enter Portugal: Within validity window (usually 4 months)
- AIMA appointment: Convert visa to residence permit
✓ Pro Tip: Start the NIF and bank account process 3-6 months before you plan to apply. The consulate appointment is the bottleneck - some locations have 3+ month waits.