Over the past several months, there has been discussion around the proposed Portuguese Citizenship Law, which may extend the citizenship timeline from 5 to 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals, and from 5 to 10 years for other applicants. Although it is not yet the law, many have turned their attention to Portugal’s permanent residency option.
Permanent residency in Portugal, officially known as Autorização de Residência Permanente, is a type of residency that grants individuals the right to live and work in Portugal indefinitely. So, how can you get permanent residency in Portugal? It actually depends on the way you apply for it. While Golden Visa holders can be granted it after 5 years of stay, only 7 days per year in Portugal, other Portugal residency visa types, such as the D7 and D8 visas, require at least 183 days in Portugal per year before applying for permanent residency.
Contents
- What is Portugal Permanent Residence?
- Portugal Permanent Residency Benefits
- 9 Ways to Get Portugal Permanent Residency in 2026
- Comparison Table for Portugal Permanent Residency Card
- Portugal Permanent Residency Requirements for 2026
- How to Apply for Portugal Permanent Residency by Investment?
- Portugal Permanent Residency by Investment Timeline
- Portugal Permanent Residency to Citizenship
What is Portugal Permanent Residence?
Basically, permanent residency is a type of residency that grants holders the right to live and work in that country indefinitely as long as they renew their residency card and meet the legal requirements.
So, how can you get permanent residency in Portugal? There are several ways to achieve that. If you are an EU citizen, the process is much clearer and straightforward. All you have to do is reside in Portugal for five consecutive years and comply with legal requirements.
On the other hand, if you are a non-EU citizen, you must first obtain temporary residency in Portugal, then live there for 5 consecutive years before applying for permanent residency.
The calculation of this 5-year period does not count:
- Temporary absences up to six consecutive months per year
- Extended absences up to 12 consecutive months (Justified reasons required, such as pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, studies, vocational training, or work assignment abroad)
However, if you hold a Portugal Golden Visa, you do not need to live in Portugal full-time; you only need to comply with the 7-day physical residency requirement per year to maintain the Golden Visa.
Portugal Permanent Residency Benefits
Obtaining a Portugal permanent residence card can offer you many advantages. Now, let’s look at them:
- It will allow you to live and work in Portugal indefinitely as long as the residency status is maintained.
- You can work for Portuguese companies, start a business, or operate as self-employed in Portugal.
- You gain access to many of the same systems Portuguese citizens use, such as the public healthcare system (SNS) and public education.
- As a Portuguese resident, you can travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Your family members can also obtain residency through family reunification, including your spouse, children, and parents.
- You can also apply for citizenship if you meet the legal requirements, subject to the application timeline.
- Once you get permanent residency, it loosens your minimum stay requirements significantly. In general, you can be absent for up to 24 consecutive months or up to 30 months in total within any 3-year period.
- If your home country does not allow you to obtain dual citizenship, permanent residency can be a viable alternative.
How to Live Permanently in Portugal? 9 Ways to Get Portugal Permanent Residency in 2026
If you are asking yourself, “How to move to Portugal permanently?”, the answer offers 8 scenarios for 2026. Now let’s uncover them.
1. Portugal Residency for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you can be granted permanent residency through a temporary residency permit. After arriving in Portugal, you need to find a place to stay to provide proof of address (it can be rental or purchase), then go to the local city office with your passport to apply for a Portuguese residency permit.
This residency permit is called CRUE, Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia. It is a mandatory residency certificate for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens living in Portugal for more than three months.
After the end of 5 years of holding your temporary residency permit, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal.
2. Portugal Golden Visa: Permanent Residency by Investment
One of the most popular ways to obtain permanent residency in Portugal is to apply for a Golden Visa, especially if you do not wish to relocate there full-time but still want to retain EU residency benefits, such as visa-free Schengen travel.
Among the other ways to obtain a permanent residence card, the Portugal Golden Visa offers the most flexibility. The minimum investment amounts are €250,000 for Cultural Donation and €500,000 for Portugal Golden Visa investment funds. When you apply, you will be granted a 5-year residency card, which can be renewed as long as you maintain your investment status and spend at least 7 days in Portugal each year.
At this point, the program offers a unique opportunity. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal by investment, without needing to maintain your investment, or apply for citizenship, depending on the citizenship timeline of your application date. As of 2026, it has been discussed to increase to 10 years for non-EU citizens, but it is not law yet. To keep updated on the Portugal Citizenship Law changes, follow our latest article.
3. Portugal D7 Visa for Retirees or Passive Income Holders
The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is a Portugal residency visa type designed for retirees and passive-income earners. To apply for a D7 Visa in Portugal, applicants must meet the passive income requirement of approximately €920 per month, totaling approximately €11,040 per year. If you add additional family members, this minimum income increases 50% for the spouse and 30% for each dependent child.
This income requirement must come from passive income resources such as pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial investment. Once obtained, it will be valid for 2 years and can be renewed as long as you continue to qualify.
However, the Portugal D7 Visa requires full-time residency. In other words, you must spend at least 183 days to keep your residency status per year. At the end of 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency. So, this option is best for those willing to relocate to Portugal and is not suitable for those seeking flexibility.
4. Digital Nomad Visa (D8) for Remote Workers
Similar to the D7 Visa, the D8 Visa also requires proof of minimum monthly income, but it targets only remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs looking to live and work legally in Portugal.
As of 2026, you must show only €3,680 per month for the main applicant (four times the Portuguese minimum wage), with a 50% increase for a spouse and a 30% increase for each dependent child. Initially, it grants you a one-year valid residency permit, which can be extended as long as you qualify. However, this visa type also requires you and your eligible dependents to live in Portugal at least 183 days per year to maintain your residency status.
By complying with the minimum residency requirements, you can be eligible to apply for permanent residency after 5 years.
5. Entrepreneur Visa (D2)
The D2 Visa in Portugal is known as a startup visa. It targets individuals who want to start or invest in a business in Portugal, such as entrepreneurs and freelancers.
You generally need:
- A viable business plan
- Proof of financial resources
- Evidence that the business contributes to the Portuguese economy
Once issued, a D2 Visa in Portugal is typically valid for 4 months, leading to a 2-year residency permit. You can renew your visa for 3 additional years. At the end of 5 years of legally residing in Portugal for 183 days per year, you can apply for permanent residency.
6. HQA Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa)
HQA Visa, also known as D3 Visa in Portugal, is designed for professionals with advanced qualifications who want to carry out innovative or knowledge-based activities in Portugal. It grants 2 years of residency, which can be renewed 3 times in exchange for investing at least €175,000 to the applicable projects.
Typical applicants include:
- Technology entrepreneurs
- Researchers
- Engineers and scientists
- Startup founders
D3 Visa also requires you to spend 6 or 8 months in a row per year, similar to the type D Visas in Portugal.
7. Family Reunification
If your spouse or partner is a resident of Portugal as an EU/EEA/Swiss, you can apply for temporary residency through family reunification. First, you must move to Portugal together and find a place to live. Then your partner can apply for and obtain a 5-year residence permit called a CRUE.
After your partner gets the CRUE, you can book an appointment with the Portuguese immigration office. Because your partner already has a legal residence, you can apply for your own residence permit through family reunification, even if you are not from the EU.
On the other hand, if you are a non-EU citizen, you can still apply for family reunification. Eligible family members include:
- Spouses,
- children,
- Dependent parents
8. Work Visa for Employees
If you receive a job offer from a Portuguese employer, you can apply for a residency visa in Portugal. This usually works as follows:
- Initially, you must secure a work contract
- Apply for a national visa
- Then convert it into a residence permit after arrival.
However, it also requires you to live in Portugal for at least 5 continuous years, with 183 days per year. At the end of 5 years, you can qualify for permanent residency.
9. Study Visa
There is also an indirect path for students to obtain permanent residency in Portugal if they qualify. As a student, if you study in Portugal, you can stay in the country after graduation by obtaining a work visa. Over time, you can be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Comparison Table for Portugal Permanent Residency Card
| Option | Who it’s for | Key Requirements | Portugal Permanent Residency Minimum Stay |
| EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens (CRUE) | EU/EEA/Swiss nationals | Passport, proof of address, apply at city office | Live in Portugal (over 3 months requires CRUE) |
| Golden Visa (Investment) | Investors | €250K (cultural) or €500K (funds) investment | Stay at least 7 days/year |
| D7 Visa (Passive Income) | Retirees or passive income earners | €920/month income | Must live 183+ days/year |
| Digital Nomad Visa (D8) | Remote workers, freelancers | €3,680/month income | Must live 183+ days/year |
| D2 Visa (Entrepreneur) | Business owners, freelancers | Business plan + funds + economic contribution | Must live 183+ days/year |
| D3 Visa (HQA) | Highly skilled professionals | €175K investment + qualified activity | Must live 6–8 months/year |
| Family Reunification | Family of residents or EU citizens | Proof of relationship + sponsor residency | Live in Portugal with family |
| Work Visa | Employees with job offer | Job contract + visa application | Must live 183+ days/year |
| Study Visa (Indirect path) | Students | Study in Portugal + later work visa | Transition to work & residency |
Portugal Permanent Residency Requirements for 2026
1. Portugal Permanent Residency Minimum Stay
To obtain permanent residency in Portugal, you must, in most cases, spend at least 183 days per year in the country for 5 years. Only if you are a holder of a Portuguese Golden Visa, you must stay in Portugal 7 days per year during this 5-year period.
In other words, if you are looking for flexibility, you should prefer the Golden Visa route, as it offers the minimum-stay option.
2. Required Documents
Obtaining permanent residency in Portugal has several paths; therefore, each path requires different documentation. If you prefer to invest in a Golden Visa and obtain permanent residency later, you must provide documentation supporting your investment and Golden Visa application.
However, basically, you can prepare yourself for bringing these documents:
- Two passport photos
- Your valid passport
- a bank statement to show you can support yourself
- health insurance coverage
- a rental or property document for your address
- proof you speak basic Portuguese
- approval for a criminal background check
- your tax details
- proof of 5 years of living in Portugal
3. Portuguese Language Requirement
To apply for Portuguese permanent residency, you must prove that you have a basic understanding of the Portuguese language. In other words, you must complete a 150-hour Portuguese language course and provide a basic Portuguese language proficiency certificate (A2 level) in your application.
How to Apply for Portugal Permanent Residency by Investment?
Step 1: Get in touch with Get Golden Visa team
Since 2014, at Get Golden Visa, we have helped investors from 47 nationalities with residency and citizenship-by-investment programs worldwide. Portugal has become one of the top markets in which we provide independent advisory services. As of today, we provide access to more than 50 regulated investment funds eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa program, offering you a broad market view rather than relying on a single fund provider.
Once you get in touch with us, our experienced advisors will analyze your needs, risk appetite, and future goals. On this basis, we will offer you tailor-made solutions, positioning ourselves on your side to provide you with an independent investment advisory service.
Step 2: Gather All Necessary Documents
After you choose your investment options, you will start by preparing the necessary documentation. At this step, you must also get a NIF (Portuguese tax number) and open a bank account in Portugal. This can be done through a power of attorney, so you do not need to be in Portugal.
Step 3: Finalize the Investment and submit your pre-application
At this step, you must make your investment and make your application to AIMA online.
Step 4: Schedule and Attend Your AIMA Appointment
After analyzing your pre-application, AIMA will provide you with a set of available dates for a biometrics appointment. When you choose the appointment date, you and your eligible family members must go to the AIMA office and submit your fingerprints.
Step 5: Get Your Golden Visa and Renew
Once you receive your Golden Visa, it will be valid for 2 years, and at the end of its validity period, you will renew it to receive a new one.
Step 6: Get your Permanent Residency by Investment
After you renew your initial Golden Visa card twice and complete a total of five years, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Portugal.
Once you receive your portugal pr residency by investment, you will no longer need to maintain your investment in Portugal.
Portugal Permanent Residency by Investment Timeline
Stage 1
Online Application
Submit application and documents to AIMA.
Approval & Biometrics Appointment
Wait for approval and schedule in-person interview.
Up to 6 months
Biometrics & Card Issuance
Attend interview and receive Golden Visa residence card.
Approximately 4 months after interview
Years 1–2
First residence permit valid.
Minimum stay requirement: 14 days in Portugal.
Renewal
Renew residence permit 30–90 days before expiry.
Next permit valid for 2 years
Years 3–4
Second residence permit valid.
Minimum stay requirement: 14 days in Portugal.
End of Year 5
Permanent Residence
Apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship subject to the application timeline, or continue Golden Visa.
Portugal Permanent Residency to Citizenship
Portugal grants citizenship after 5 years of continuous residency for applicants through naturalization. However, this is subject to change due to the proposed citizenship law change, effective late June, 2025. The law includes:
- Extending the timeline required to apply for citizenship from 5 years to 10 years.
- Starting the counting period after the issuance of a residence card.
As of 1st April 2026, the law has been approved by Parliament and sent to the President, but has not yet entered into force. At this stage, the President may either sign the law, veto it, or refer it to the Constitutional Court for further review.
So, if the timeline changes, you can only be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after 10 years, starting from the issuance of your first residency card. In that scenario, Golden Visa holders can obtain permanent residency after 5 years and release their investment, and, after 10 years, if they wish, apply for citizenship.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are
Get Golden Visa is an independent advisory firm that works with over 50 approved investment funds for the Portugal Golden Visa program. Thanks to this broad market experience, we help international investors choose the best option rather than promoting just one fund.
Since 2014, we have supported thousands of families and professionals with clear, personalized advice to help them move abroad or gain greater travel freedom.
Get in touch with us for tailored solutions.
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