Move to Portugal
Portugal's appeal for expats — the D7 and digital nomad visas, mild climate, and a clear path to residency and eventually citizenship.
Language
Portuguese
Currency
Euro (€)
EU member
Yes
Climate
Mild Atlantic / Mediterranean
Why people move here
The case for Portugal
- English is widely spoken in cities and coastal areas.
- Clear residency routes that lead to settlement and, in time, citizenship.
- Mild climate, long coastline, and a strong expat community.
- Generally lower cost of living than Northern Europe.
Portugal remains one of Europe's most welcoming destinations for newcomers, with well-trodden visa routes and a genuine path to long-term settlement.
Why Portugal?
It's the combination that wins people over: a mild climate, affordable living, widespread English, and clear residency routes that lead, over time, to permanent residence and eventually EU citizenship.
Choosing your visa
- Living off pension or investments → D7 Visa
- Working remotely → Digital Nomad Visa
- Hired locally → Work Visa
The path
- 1
Pick your visa
Gather your income and insurance proof. - 2
Apply at the consulate
At the Portuguese consulate. - 3
Enter and complete residency
At SEF/AIMA. - 4
Renew
Then pursue permanent residence or citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
How long until I can get Portuguese citizenship?
The rules changed in 2026. Under Portugal's new nationality law, most non-EU residents qualify to apply after 10 years of legal residence, and EU and Portuguese-speaking-country nationals after 7 years. Applications filed on or before 18 May 2026 are still judged under the earlier 5-year rule.
How much income do I need for a Portugal D7 or digital nomad visa?
As of 2026 the D7 passive-income visa is built around Portugal's minimum wage of about €920 a month for the main applicant, with more for each family member. The D8 digital nomad visa expects roughly €3,680 a month, about four times the minimum wage.
Did Portugal end its Golden Visa?
The real-estate route ended in 2023, but the Golden Visa itself continues through other routes such as qualifying investment funds, job creation, and cultural or research investment, generally starting around €250,000 to €500,000.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Portugal lets you keep your existing nationality, so Americans, Britons, and most others do not have to give up their current passport to naturalize. You will need around A2-level Portuguese to qualify.
What happened to SEF and the NHR tax regime?
SEF was dissolved in 2023 and replaced by the immigration agency AIMA, which has been working through a large backlog. The old Non-Habitual Resident tax regime also closed to new arrivals and was replaced by a narrower incentive known as IFICI.
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