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Crucial 2026 legal changes
Portugal's residence rules moved a lot in 2025 and 2026. Two changes matter most for anyone planning a move.
Quick answer
- Citizenship: under the nationality law in force since 19 May 2026 (Organic Law 1/2026), generally 10 years of legal residence for non-EU nationals and 7 for EU and CPLP nationals.
- No in-country shortcut: the manifestação de interesse route ended with Decree-Law 37-A/2024. Most applicants must obtain a consular long-stay visa abroad.
- Golden Visa: real estate no longer qualifies.
- Timeline: plan for 6 to 12 months from consulate filing to a physical residence card.
The nationality law
Naturalisation now requires longer residence than the former 5-year rule. Confirm how the transitional provisions apply to applications already lodged.
The end of the tourist-to-resident shortcut
Arriving as a tourist and converting in-country is no longer an option for most applicants. The consular visa is the entry point.
Portugal residence visas compared
Choose by how you earn your income and where your employer or clients are.
| Route | Best for | Key requirement | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7 | Retirees, passive income | €920/month + 50% spouse, +30% per child | Read more |
| D8 | Remote workers for foreign clients | €3,680/month | Read more |
| D3 | Employees with a Portuguese offer | Salary ≥ 1.5× national average | Read more |
| D2 | Entrepreneurs, freelancers | Viable activity, roughly €11,000 for year one | Read more |
| Golden Visa (ARI) | Investors | Investment funds or cultural contributions; no real estate | Read more |
| Job seeker | Looking for work in Portugal | Short stay to search for employment | Read more |
| Study / research | Students, researchers | Acceptance by an accredited institution | Read more |
| Family reunification | Relatives of residents | Depends on the sponsor and timing | Read more |
Figures reflect 2026 benchmarks, with the minimum wage at €920. Details change, so confirm with your lawyer.
For realistic timelines and refusal reasons, read Portugal D visas in 2026.
How the application works
Prepare the file
Gather the NIF, Portuguese bank account, apostilled police clearance, accommodation proof and the income evidence for your visa type.
Apply at the consulate
Submit through the consulate or VFS Global in your country of residence. If approved, you receive a 120-day, two-entry national visa.
Attend AIMA in Portugal
Enter within the 120-day window and attend biometrics at AIMA. The residence card, usually valid for 2 years, follows.
From residence to citizenship
A D visa leads to a residence card, and years of legal residence build towards nationality. Under the current law that is 10 years for most non-EU residents and 7 for EU and CPLP nationals. Read about naturalisation.
Frequently asked questions about Portugal visas
What is the difference between the Portugal D7 and D8 visas?
The D7 is for passive income such as pensions, rents or dividends, with a 2026 minimum of €920 per month for the main applicant. The D8 is for active remote work for employers or clients outside Portugal, with an income of €3,680 per month, four times the minimum wage.
Can you buy real estate to qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa in 2026?
No. Real estate was removed from the Golden Visa (ARI) regime. The qualifying routes now centre on investment funds and cultural or arts contributions. Confirm the current minimum amounts with a lawyer before investing.
How long must you reside in Portugal before applying for citizenship?
Under the nationality law in force since 19 May 2026, generally 10 years of legal residence for non-EU nationals, and 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals.
Can I enter Portugal as a tourist and apply for residence afterwards?
No. The in-country route known as manifestação de interesse ended with Decree-Law 37-A/2024. Most applicants must obtain a consular long-stay visa abroad before entering Portugal.
How long does it take to get a Portugal residence card on a D visa?
Plan for 6 to 12 months from consulate filing to a physical residence card. The consulate stage is usually 1 to 3 months for complete files, and most delays happen at AIMA in Portugal.
Which Portugal visa is best for me?
It depends on how you earn your income and where your employer or clients are. Passive income points to the D7, foreign clients to the D8, a Portuguese job offer to the D3, and a business to the D2. A lawyer can check your file before you apply.
Get your file right the first time
Most refusals come from the wrong visa category, outdated income figures or an incomplete file.
CSC Lawyers advises on D visas, AIMA residence permits, ARI and Portuguese nationality. Book a consultation before you sign a lease or book a flight.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and processing times change; last reviewed 23 October 2026.