Moving to Portugal: visas & residence permits explained
Whether you need a visa for Portugal depends on your nationality and purpose. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have free movement; most non-EU nationals apply for a national (D) visa — such as the D7 for passive income or the D8 for remote work — then collect a residence permit from AIMA after arrival.
Who needs a visa
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals can enter and live in Portugal freely, registering locally after three months. Non-EU nationals generally need a national (D) visa matching their purpose — work, passive income (D7), remote work (D8), study, or family — applied for at the Portuguese consulate through the official visa portal before travelling.
From visa to residence permit
The D visa lets you enter Portugal; you then attend an appointment with AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, which replaced SEF in 2023) to register and receive your residence permit (título de residência). AIMA backlogs mean the card can take months, so book your appointment as early as possible.
Step by step
- 1Confirm your route
Match your purpose to a visa type — work, D7 passive income, D8 remote work, study, or family.
- 2Apply for your national (D) visa
Lodge the application at the Portuguese consulate via vistos.mne.gov.pt, with proof of income, savings, accommodation, and health insurance.
- 3Attend your AIMA appointment
After arriving, register with AIMA to collect your residence permit.
- 4Get your NIF (and NISS)
Obtain your tax number early — it is required to rent, bank, and work (see Government registration).
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport
- National (D) visaNon-EU nationals, obtained before arrival.
- Proof of incomePassive income (~€920/mo for D7) or remote-work income (~€3,680/mo for D8).
- Proof of savingsAround €11,040 for D7/D8, confirm the current figure.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Private health insuranceMinimum €30,000 cover for the visa.
- Criminal record certificateApostilled or legalised, and translated.
Estimated costs
| Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| National (D) visa fee (consular) | €75 | €90 | €110 |
| AIMA residence permit issuance | €155 | €170 | €185 |
| Apostille / legalisation (per document) | €10 | €25 | €60 |
| Certified translation (per document) | €20 | €40 | €80 |
Estimates only — actual costs vary by city, provider, and personal circumstances.
Typical timelines
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Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Generally no — long-stay purposes need a national (D) visa obtained before arrival. Confirm your specific case with the consulate or a licensed immigration lawyer.
The D7 suits passive income (pensions, rent, dividends); the D8 suits active remote-work or freelance income. Confirm the current income thresholds on the official portal.
Both follow several years of legal residence, but the rules were revised in 2026 — confirm the current timelines with AIMA before relying on any figure.
This guide is informational and may change. It is not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Always confirm requirements with the official sources above or a licensed professional.