Living in Portugal — choosing the right route
Portugal offers several long-stay routes for people who want to live there for longer than the 90-day Schengen limit. Which one fits depends on how you are funded — investment, remote work, passive income, your own activity or study — and the rules differ by route and change over time. We help you select the correct route, prepare a complete file and deal with the paperwork, with one named adviser from first enquiry to submission.
We provide application support, not decisions — the outcome always rests with the Portuguese authorities. Figures are indicative and change — we confirm the current rules for your case.
Residency routes in Portugal
| Route | Who it’s for | Typical basis | Indicative timeline* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | Investors wanting flexible European residence | Qualifying investment | Several months |
| Digital Nomad | Remote workers and freelancers with overseas income | Foreign-sourced employment or freelance income | Some weeks to months |
| D7 / Elective Residency | The financially independent living on passive income | Stable passive or regular income | Some weeks to months |
| Self-Employed | Those running their own activity in Portugal | Independent professional or business activity | Some weeks to months |
| Student | Those enrolled at a Portuguese institution | Acceptance on a recognised course | Varies by intake |
| Temporary Residence | First permits and renewals | Existing lawful basis to stay | Varies |
*Indicative only; varies with current rules.
Who Portugal suits
- Investors and the financially independent seeking a long-term European base
- Remote workers and freelancers earning from outside Portugal
- People relocating with family, or studying at a Portuguese institution
How we help
- Clarifying which route fits your circumstances and the broad requirements of each
- Pre-checking your documents against the current Portuguese checklist
- Completing and reviewing application forms for accuracy and consistency
- Helping assemble proof of income, funds, identity and supporting paperwork
- Booking the relevant consular or in-country appointment
- Guiding post-arrival registration and later renewals
What to prepare
- A valid passport and proof of identity
- Evidence of your income, funds or investment, with their lawful source
- Clean criminal-record and supporting personal documents (as required)
- Details of any dependants you wish to include
Tell us how you are funded and your intended length of stay, and we will outline a realistic path. Start your application to begin.
Frequently asked questions
Which Portuguese residence routes do you support?
We support the main long-stay routes — the Golden Visa (residence by investment), the Digital Nomad visa for remote workers, the D7 for those living on passive income, the Self-Employed route, and Student permits — together with first permits and renewals. The qualifying conditions are set by the Portuguese authorities and change over time.
What is the D7 and how does it differ from the Digital Nomad visa?
The D7 is generally aimed at people who can show stable passive or regular income (such as pensions or investment income) and wish to reside in Portugal. The Digital Nomad route is aimed at remote workers and freelancers earning from outside Portugal. The distinction and the figures involved vary with current rules, which we confirm for your case.
Do these routes lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Some routes can, over time, lead to permanent residence or naturalisation, but the qualifying periods, residence conditions and language or other requirements are set by Portuguese law and change periodically. We explain the current position for your chosen route.
How much do I need to earn or invest?
Income and investment thresholds differ by route and are revised from time to time. We do not quote fixed figures here; we confirm the current requirements against the official Portuguese sources before you commit to anything.
Can you guarantee approval?
No. We provide application support, document pre-checks and guidance; the decision rests entirely with the Portuguese authorities. Our focus is presenting a complete, well-organised application.