Key Takeaways
- The Portugal Golden Visa focuses on a qualifying investment with minimal stay requirements, while the D7 Visa focuses on passive income and substantial time spent living in Portugal.
- Golden Visa residency allows flexible global mobility and a lower physical presence requirement, while the D7 Visa suits those who plan to relocate and integrate into daily life in Portugal.
- Both visas can lead to permanent residency and, under current rules, to Portuguese citizenship after 10 years of legal residency, but only Portuguese citizenship grants full EU mobility rights.
- The Golden Visa usually involves higher upfront costs but less ongoing lifestyle commitment, while the D7 Visa is more affordable but requires tax residency and local living expenses.
- Investors seeking a low-presence “Plan B” in Portugal can explore an investment-fund-based Golden Visa strategy with tailored support from VIDA Capital; speak with VIDA Capital about the Portugal Golden Visa via the VIDA Fund.
Explore a Portugal Golden Visa strategy aligned with your priorities. VIDA Capital offers advisory support for asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector through the VIDA Fund.
Portugal Golden Visa vs. D7 Visa: Requirements at a Glance
The fundamental criteria for the Golden Visa and D7 Visa differ in focus: investment versus passive income. Both can lead to Portuguese residency, but the entry profile for each is distinct.
Portugal Golden Visa: Investment-Driven Residency
The Portugal Golden Visa suits investors who want residency in Portugal without relocating full-time.
Pro: Investment requirement: A minimum of €500,000 invested into eligible funds, such as the VIDA Fund. The VIDA Fund focuses on asset-backed hospitality projects, buying and transforming existing hospitality assets to give them a second life, with an emphasis on capital preservation and potential returns; historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns. Personal properties are no longer an eligible route as of October 2023.
Pro: Minimal stay: Only 14 days in Portugal every two years, which supports a “Plan B” structure while you maintain your primary residence elsewhere.
Portugal D7 Visa: Passive Income Residency
The D7 Visa, often called the Passive Income Visa, is designed for individuals with stable passive income who intend to live in Portugal.
Pro: Lower cost of entry: Applicants must show consistent passive income at least equal to 100% of Portugal’s minimum wage (€870/month or €10,440/year as of 2025), which is far below the Golden Visa investment threshold.
Pro: Diverse income sources: Passive income can include pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties, or interest, which gives flexibility in demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.
Residency Obligations and Lifestyle: Golden Visa vs. D7
Each visa sets different expectations for physical presence in Portugal and day-to-day lifestyle.
Portugal Golden Visa: Flexible Presence and Mobility
Pro: Schengen travel: Holders can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Pro: Family inclusion: The program allows inclusion of a spouse or partner, economically dependent children, and dependent parents or in-laws. Dependent children generally need to be full-time students, not working, and unmarried throughout the residency period until the Golden Visa application is complete.
Con: Higher investment: The €500,000 fund investment is a substantial capital allocation and does not suit every profile.
Portugal D7 Visa: Relocation-Based Residency
Con: Significant stay requirement: D7 holders must reside in Portugal for at least 16 months in the first two years and face strict limits on time spent outside Portugal, which reflects an expectation of genuine relocation.
Con: Income threshold increases for families: Income requirements rise by 50% for a spouse and 30% per child, which can increase the financial burden.
Pro: Local rights in Portugal: D7 residents can live, work, and study in Portugal and access public healthcare and education once they become tax residents, but these rights apply only in Portugal. Broader EU rights come only with Portuguese citizenship.
Path to Citizenship: Long-Term Commitments
Both visas can support a path to Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship, subject to timelines and legal changes.
Portugal Golden Visa: Long-Term “Plan B”
Pro: Path to citizenship without full relocation: Portugal is one of the only European countries that still offers a route to citizenship through investment funds without requiring relocation, provided you meet minimum stay and legal residency rules.
Con: Extended timeline: For new applicants under the October 2025 framework, a 10-year period of legal residency is required before most applicants can request citizenship. Nationals of Portuguese-language countries (CPLP) and EU citizens may qualify after seven years. The Golden Visa grants residency rights in Portugal only. 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 5-year period.
Portugal D7 Visa: Residency-Centered Path
Con: Consistent presence requirement: The D7 path involves a residency permit, renewal, then permanent residency after 5 years, followed by eligibility for citizenship after 10 years of legal residency, assuming language and integration criteria are met.
Con: Language commitment: Citizenship requires passing an A2-level Portuguese language exam, which demands regular study and engagement with the language.
For context, Spain no longer offers a Golden Visa program, and Greece requires seven years of living there and paying taxes to access citizenship. Portugal remains competitive for “Plan B” planning because of its 14-day stay every two years and its long-term citizenship pathway tied to residency.
Financial and Administrative Considerations
Beyond core rules, costs, and administrative complexity also influence which visa suits you best.
Portugal Golden Visa: Investment Structure and Support
Pro: Asset-backed approach: Investments through the VIDA Fund are backed by hospitality assets in Portugal. The fund acquires and upgrades existing hospitality properties to extend their useful life, with audits by entities such as Deloitte and a clear focus on capital preservation and potential returns; historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns.
Pro: Advisory and legal coordination: VIDA Capital provides advisory support, helps clarify investment options, and connects investors with experienced Portuguese immigration lawyers, whose involvement is essential across all Golden Visa steps.
Con: Associated fees: Costs include government application and renewal fees, legal fees, and fund-related subscription or management fees. These should be evaluated against your wider wealth and succession planning.
Portugal D7 Visa: Lower Costs, Higher Everyday Commitments
Con: Proof of funds and banking: Applicants must demonstrate consistent passive income and provide bank statements. A deposit of around €10,440 (12 months of minimum income) in a Portuguese bank account is often recommended before applying.
Con: Accommodation requirement: Applicants must show proof of accommodation, such as a 12‑month rental agreement or property deed, when they apply.
Pro: Lower application fees: The D7 national visa costs roughly €110, with additional fees later for the residence permit at AIMA. However, everyday living expenses in Portugal become a central part of the overall cost, and working with a Portuguese immigration lawyer is highly advisable for each step.
Discuss how a Golden Visa fund investment could fit your long-term residency and citizenship goals. VIDA Capital supports investors seeking a structured, asset-backed route through the Portugal Golden Visa.
Golden Visa vs. D7 Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
The table below summarizes the most important differences between the Portugal Golden Visa and D7 Visa.
|
Feature |
Portugal Golden Visa |
Portugal D7 Visa |
VIDA Capital Relevance |
|
Primary requirement |
€500,000 investment in eligible funds |
€10,440/year passive income (2025) |
Direct fund-investment pathway |
|
Minimum stay |
14 days every 2 years |
16 months in 2 years |
Suited to “Plan B” residency |
|
Path to citizenship |
10 years of legal residency (7 for CPLP/EU nationals, subject to law) |
10 years of legal residency (+ A2 language) |
Guidance on long-term planning |
|
Relocation intent |
Not required |
Required |
Best for non-relocating investors |
|
Family inclusion |
Spouse/partner, dependent children, dependent parents/in-laws |
Spouse/partner, dependent children (higher income thresholds) |
Supports multi-generation planning |
|
Typical Golden Visa timeline |
12–18 months from start to residency card |
Varies by consulate and AIMA |
Advisory support throughout |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Portugal Residency
Tax implications for Golden Visa and D7 Visa holders
Tax residency in Portugal is generally triggered when you spend 183 days or more in the country in a year, which is separate from holding a residency permit. Golden Visa holders can usually avoid Portuguese tax residency if they visit only for the minimum days. D7 holders are more likely to become tax residents due to the required physical presence and should plan for Portuguese taxation of worldwide income with professional tax advice.
Changing between a D7 Visa and a Golden Visa
The law does not provide an internal “conversion” between the two visas. Applicants who meet the criteria for another route may submit a new application for that visa. For example, a D7 resident who later meets the €500,000 investment threshold may apply for a Golden Visa, and a Golden Visa holder wishing to relocate can consider applying for a D7 if they qualify on passive income and relocation grounds.
Typical processing times and the role of legal support
The Golden Visa process usually spans 12 to 18 months from initial preparation to issuance of the first residency card. The D7 timeline varies by consulate and AIMA workload, but applicants should expect several months. In both cases, guidance from a Portuguese immigration lawyer is essential for document preparation, online submissions, and follow-up with authorities.
Ongoing costs after approval
Golden Visa holders must maintain the €500,000 investment, pay government renewal fees, and cover any fund-related fees, while day-to-day living costs in Portugal remain optional. D7 holders face lower immigration fees but must sustain their passive income, keep suitable accommodation, and budget for full living expenses in Portugal throughout the residency period.
How VIDA Capital fits into a Golden Visa strategy
VIDA Capital focuses on advising investors who want to use regulated funds to pursue the Portugal Golden Visa. The VIDA Fund invests in hospitality assets in Portugal, buying and upgrading existing projects rather than building from scratch, and offers a transparent fee structure, ongoing reporting, and coordination with independent Portuguese immigration lawyers. This structure can suit investors seeking a professionally supported route to long-term Portuguese residency while keeping their primary base elsewhere.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path to Portuguese Residency
The Portugal Golden Visa and D7 Visa serve different profiles. The Golden Visa suits investors who want a flexible presence in Portugal with a defined capital commitment, while the D7 Visa suits individuals who plan to relocate and rely on passive income.
Investors who prioritize capital preservation, asset-backed structures, and minimal residency requirements often view the Golden Visa, especially through regulated funds like the VIDA Fund, as a practical “Plan B” with a potential path to Portuguese and, ultimately, EU citizenship, subject to the 10-year residency rule.
