Blog · 2024-03-11

7 ways to get Portuguese residency in 2025

Portugal is Europe's westernmost country, washed by the Atlantic Ocean and sharing a land border with Spain. It has a rich history, a distinctive culture, beautiful cities and enchanting countryside. Over the past few decades it has developed rapidly and become one of the continent's most popular tourist destinations - quite a turnaround for a country that, until recently, sat on the far edge of Europe.

Grounds for Portuguese residency

Study in Portugal

Residency is granted to students enrolled at local universities on bachelor's, master's or doctoral programmes.

Family reunification

If a member of your family already holds Portuguese resident status, you can apply for residency through family reunification. One important condition applies: the resident must be financially dependent on the applicant.

Employment

Residency is issued to professionals who have signed an employment contract with a Portuguese company for a term of more than four months.

Marriage to a Portuguese citizen

If your spouse is a Portuguese citizen, you are entitled to residency.

Financial independence

If the applicant has passive income above the subsistence minimum (820 euros a month) and owns a home in Portugal, they and their family are entitled to residency.

Digital nomad visa

Foreigners who work remotely can obtain residency through the digital nomad visa. You will need to show income of more than 3,280 euros a month, along with savings of at least 9,840 euros.

Investment

Residency by investment - the golden visa - is one of the simplest ways to secure resident status. The minimum investment starts at 250,000 euros. Applicants do not need to prove knowledge of Portuguese or obtain an entry visa beforehand.

Start-up

Launching your own start-up in Portugal is a separate route to residency.

What does Portuguese residency give you?

Freedom of movement. One of the main advantages of Portuguese residency is visa-free entry to the EU, along with the ability to live in any EU country for 90 out of every 180 days.
Access to European education and healthcare.
A lighter tax burden. Foreigners who have just obtained resident status can qualify for a preferential tax regime, with a flat rate of 20%.
A path to a Portuguese passport after five years of living in the country as a resident.
Life in a safe and comfortable environment.

FAQ

How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?

You apply after several years of continuous legal residence, and time on a temporary permit and on permanent residence both count. You also need basic Portuguese at A2 level, a clean criminal record and a genuine link to the country. The required period has been revised more than once, so check it before you apply.

Can I work in Portugal on a residence permit?

It depends on the basis. A work permit and the golden visa allow full employment, while a student permit allows limited hours. If your basis changes, the permit has to be reissued.

Is the Portugal golden visa still available?

Yes, but residential property no longer qualifies. The remaining options are investment funds, business investment and job creation. The physical presence requirement stays minimal - a few days a year.

Do I have to live in Portugal to keep my residence permit?

For most routes, yes. Renewal depends on actually living in the country and staying within the allowed absence limits. The golden visa is the exception, since short visits are enough.

Can I bring my family to Portugal?

Yes. A resident can sponsor a spouse, minor children and dependent parents through family reunification. You need to show housing and enough income for everyone, and relatives get permits valid for the same period as yours.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Leave your details and a migration expert will get back to you. The first consultation is free.