How to Obtain a Portuguese Residence Permit?

For those who wish to live in Europe, hold assets within the Eurozone, and obtain a strong passport in the long term, the Portuguese residence permit has become one of the most researched topics in recent years. This process is often assumed to be limited solely to the Golden Visa. However, Portugal offers multiple residence options tailored to different income profiles and investment preferences.

What Is a Portuguese Residence Permit?

A Portuguese residence permit is an official residency status that grants non–European Union citizens the right to legally live, work, establish a business, and access social services in Portugal. Initially issued as a temporary permit, it may lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship, provided that the required conditions are continuously met.

How Can You Obtain Residency in Portugal?

The pathway to obtaining residency in Portugal varies depending on the applicant’s income model, investment preference, and lifestyle plans. The most common methods are as follows:

Golden Visa

The Portuguese Golden Visa, obtained through investment, is a model that allows applicants to progress without a requirement to physically reside in Portugal. However, with the “Mais Habitação” legislative changes enacted in 2023, certain investment options were removed from eligibility.

Since real estate purchases have been excluded from the Golden Visa program, the Portuguese residence permit can no longer be obtained directly by purchasing property. Instead, residency is now granted through income- or financial-contribution–based models. The most preferred routes include investing at least €500,000 in government-approved Portuguese investment funds or making a €250,000 donation to institutions operating in culture, arts, or national heritage sectors.

D7 – Passive Income Residence Permit

This is one of the most commonly preferred options for individuals with regular and verifiable income.The Portuguese residence permit under the passive income model covers income sources such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or interest earnings.

Portuguese Retirement Residence Permit

This option is particularly suitable for retirees and is based on fixed income and an actual plan to live in Portugal. The Portuguese retirement residence permit is especially attractive due to the country’s relatively low cost of living and accessible healthcare system.

Residence Through Employment or Company Formation

For individuals seeking to obtain a residence permit by finding a job or establishing a company in Portugal, the process is based on active income and requires the completion of specific formal procedures. First, the applicant must receive an official job offer from a company operating in Portugal or establish a company in their own name within the country. In the case of employment, the contract must be reported to Portuguese labor and social security authorities, and the employer must justify that the position could not be filled by the local workforce.

For company formation, the applicant must obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF), open a bank account, register the company, and document that they will earn income as an active manager or shareholder. Following these steps, the applicant applies for a national D-type visa through the Portuguese Consulate. The application file includes the employment contract or company documents, income declaration, accommodation address, health insurance, and criminal record certificate.

What Are the Requirements for a Portuguese Residence Permit?

Although the requirements vary depending on the chosen program, the Portuguese residence permit framework is transparent and predictable. In general, the main requirements include:

A valid passport
Criminal record certificate
Health insurance
Documentation of income or investment
Address declaration in Portugal
Financial thresholds that vary by residence type

Can a Portuguese Residence Permit Be Obtained Through Real Estate?

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood topics. There are specific facts regarding residence permits in Portugal:

Purchasing real estate alone does not grant residency or citizenship.
The real estate investment option has been removed from the Golden Visa program.
However, property ownership may be used as a supporting element under D7 or other residence types.

Therefore, the Portuguese residence permit is not a real-estate–driven system. Applications are assessed based on whether the applicant contributes to the Portuguese economy through income, investment, or employment. Purchasing property alone does not provide residency or citizenship rights; it is considered only a secondary and supportive element in passive income (D7), employment-based, or investment-based residence applications.

How Much Does a Portuguese Residence Permit Cost?

Costs vary depending on the selected program. For this reason, rather than seeking the “cheapest” option, the most suitable model should be evaluated. Average costs are as follows:

Golden Visa: €250,000 – €500,000 (donations, funds, company investments)
D7 / Retirement Residence: No fixed investment; income sufficiency is required
Work Residence: Depends on the employment contract

Which Countries Can You Travel to With a Portuguese Residence Permit?

Portugal is a strong hub in terms of travel freedom. With a valid Portuguese residence permit, you can:

Travel visa-free to all Schengen countries
Stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen area
Access 170+ countries visa-free after obtaining citizenship

Does a Portuguese Residence Permit Lead to Citizenship?

After five years of legal residency in Portugal, applicants may apply for citizenship. During this process:

A2-level Portuguese language proficiency is sufficient.
Dual citizenship is permitted.
Residency conditions must be continuously maintained.

These three requirements form the core structure of the transition from a Portuguese residence permit to citizenship. To apply for citizenship, the applicant must maintain uninterrupted legal residency for at least five years, comply with the selected residence program conditions throughout this period, and demonstrate basic integration into Portuguese society through A2-level language proficiency. Since citizenship rules and calculation methods may be subject to legislative updates, current regulations should always be verified prior to application.

For Whom Is Portugal a Logical Choice?

Portuguese residence permit programs offer a strategic framework not only for gaining the right to live in a country but also for individuals seeking long-term financial planning and international mobility. As a result, Portugal is preferred by individuals with diverse lifestyles and investment perspectives, particularly those in the following profiles:

Those who want to live in Europe with passive income
Those who view real estate as an investment tool
Individuals diversifying assets in euros
Those targeting EU citizenship in the long term

The Portuguese residence permit system is not limited to the Golden Visa; it offers a flexible structure shaped by income, lifestyle, and financial goals. When the right model is selected, Portugal stands out as one of the most balanced options in Europe in terms of both quality of life and investment perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Portuguese Residence Permit

How Many Years Does It Take to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship?

Portuguese citizenship can be applied for after legally residing in the country for five years with a valid residence permit. During this period, the residence permit must be renewed without interruption and legal conditions must be maintained. At the end of the period, applicants are required to demonstrate basic Portuguese language proficiency at the A2 level.

Can Turkish Citizens Obtain Dual Citizenship With Portugal?

Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye can benefit from Portuguese dual citizenship. Since Portuguese law allows dual nationality, there is no obligation to renounce Turkish citizenship when acquiring Portuguese citizenship. This allows individuals to retain their rights in Türkiye while benefiting from the advantages offered by European Union citizenship.

Is Living in Portugal Affordable?

The cost of living in Portugal is generally more affordable compared to many Western European countries. Especially outside Lisbon and Porto, housing, food, and daily expenses can be managed with lower budgets.

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