Portugal warmed the hearts of very many with sun-kissed beaches, colorful villages, and the hospitality of its people. No wonder that so many are already making it a go-to destination for changing scenery and seeking a new home.
But with such a variety of ways in which one could acquire residence, which one is best? Two major alternatives very often arise: the D7 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa. While both routes can lead to residency, they differ significantly, and both paths aim to cater to various requirements and goals.
Well, let’s break those choices down clearly and simply for a better understanding on your part.
The D7 Visa: A Pathway for Passive Income Earners
The D7 Visa is otherwise known as the “Passive Income Visa” or the “Retirement Visa,” is open to all those who have proof of sustainable passive income. Income might be a pension, rental income, dividends, or other such forms of income that aren’t considered active employment in Portugal. In the past year, it has gained much appeal among retirees, remote workers, and those seeking a less expensive pathway to Portuguese residency.
Main Requirements to Get a D7 Visa
- Proof of Passive Income: You will be required to demonstrate some amount of passive income sufficient for living in Portugal, though the amount is generally comparable with the minimum wage in Portugal.
- Accommodation: You will have to prove that you have accommodation in Portugal. This can be either property or rental proof.
- Clean Criminal Record: It requires an informal background check to ensure that you have no criminal record.
- Health Insurance: You will be required to have health insurance relevant to the Portuguese standards.
Benefits of the D7 Visa
- Residency in Portugal: You acquire the right to live in Portugal and, theoretically, at least, work there, though some restrictions on the type of work applied might exist.
- Visa-free travel, within the Schengen Area: Enjoy the freedom of visiting 26 European countries without having a visa.
- Potential Route to Citizenship: A person may apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of residency. On fulfilling other requirements, namely language proficiency or a crime-free record, the individual shall be granted citizenship.
- Family Inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children may participate in your petition.
The Portugal Golden Visa: The Investment Route to Residency
Officially known as Residence Permit for Investment Activity, or ARI, the Portugal Golden Visa program offers a residency route with investment at its core. This area of a residence program directly contributes to the Portuguese economy, making it more desirable because of the fact that its path to potential citizenship is faster and has more flexibility compared to the D7 visa.
Key Requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa
- Qualifying Investment: Invest in one of the approved investment options:
- Capital Transfer: Transferring a minimum of €1.5 million into a Portuguese bank account or approved investment funds.
- Investment Funds: Investing a minimum of €500,000 in a qualified Portuguese investment fund.
- Company Formation: An investment in a Portuguese enterprise, which guarantees creating at least 10 new employment positions.
- Research and Development: Investing a minimum of €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions in Portugal.
- Cultural Heritage: Investing a minimum of €250,000 in the preservation or refurbishment of national cultural heritage.
- Clean Criminal Record: A background investigation is necessary.
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage.
- Commitment to Maintain Investment: One also has to commit to holding the investment for the assumed holding period, which is often five years.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
- Residency in Portugal: Live and work in Portugal.
- Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area: Travel visa-free to 26 European countries.
- Pathway to Citizenship: You can acquire citizenship in Portugal after staying there for five years.
- Family Inclusion: Include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in your application.
- Minimal Stay Requirement: Residency in Portugal can be maintained with just 7 days of actual presence per year.
- Access to Quality Services: Quality health and education services in Portugal.
- Favorable Tax Regime: Portugal offers an opportunity through its attractive tax system, which covers the possible benefits for those qualified as non-habitual residents.
Which Visa is Right for You?
The best choice between the D7 Visa and Portugal Golden Visa is basically situational, depending upon an individual’s specific situation, their aspirations, and their financial assets.
Choose the D7 Visa if:
- You have a steady source of passive income that meets your minimum needs.
- You’re after a more budget-friendly option for residency.
- You’re fine with the potential restrictions on employment options.
Choose the Portugal Golden Visa if:
- You like an investment-based approach to residency.
- You seek greater flexibility and international mobility.
- You want an earlier lane for possible citizenship.
- You are looking for tax benefits and excellent quality of service.
FRR Immigration is one of the leading Portugal Golden Visa Consultants specializing in helping you walk through the program successfully. We will detail out the process order by order, guide you on how to make a good investment choice and ensure that all the work done about your application is done perfectly. We will be your partners in making your dream of Portuguese life come true.
Making Your Decision
Both Portugal D7 and Portugal golden visa by investment program promises stunning opportunities for life in this country. If you’re determined to get the most flexible and advantageous route, however, the Golden Visa by investment is more likely to be the first choice. This is a strategic investment in your future, opening doors to new life possibilities both in Portugal and the broader European Union.
If you are ready to go, do not hesitate and contact us. We are here for your questions and personal consultative advice to assure you that you are on the right path.
