How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?

As of May 2026, the path to Portuguese citizenship now takes 10 years of legal residency, up from the previous 5-year requirement. Permanent residency is still available after 5 years.

Does Portugal still have the NHR tax regime?

The original NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime was replaced by the IFICI program in January 2024. The new regime offers similar benefits with a flat 20% rate on qualifying Portuguese-sourced income for eligible professionals, but the rules and qualifying activities have changed.

What is Portugal's D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa is for retirees, freelancers, and those with passive income of at least EUR 760 per month. It covers pensions, rental income, dividends, and remote work income. It is renewable and provides a path to permanent residency.

Does Portugal still have a Golden Visa?

Portugal's Golden Visa no longer accepts real estate investment since 2023. The remaining route is through qualifying fund contributions of EUR 500,000 into approved Portuguese investment funds, with minimal physical presence required (7 days per year).

What is the cheapest way to get residency in Portugal?

The D7 Visa is the most affordable option, requiring proof of EUR 760 per month in passive income. Government and legal fees total a few thousand euros. The Digital Nomad Visa requires income of at least 4 times the national minimum wage.

All Countries

Portugal

Portugal offers one of the fastest paths to EU citizenship—just 5 years of legal residency. The NHR tax regime provides favorable rates for up to 10 years, and multiple visa options cater to retirees, remote workers, and tech professionals alike.

10.3M

Population

Lisbon

Capital

Portuguese

Language

EUR (Euro)

Currency

GMT/+1

Timezone

5 years

Path to EU Citizenship

20%

NHR Flat Tax Rate

2-4 months

Visa Processing

Visa Types

Portugal provides pathways for retirees, remote workers, tech professionals, and those seeking EU residency through qualifying fund contributions.

D7 Visa (Passive Income)

EUR 760/mo passive income

Processing: 2-4 months

For retirees, freelancers, and those with passive income
Covers pensions, rental income, dividends, or remote work
Renewable: 2 years, then 3 years
Path to permanent residency after 5 years
Path to EU citizenship after 5 years of legal residency

Digital Nomad Visa

4x Portugal's minimum wage income

Processing: 2-3 months

For remote workers employed by non-Portuguese companies
Income must be at least 4x the national minimum wage
Up to 5-year residency pathway
Schengen zone free movement
Family members can accompany

Tech Visa

Job offer from certified company

Processing: 2-4 months

Fast-track visa for tech professionals
Employer must be IAPMEI-certified
Simplified application process
Access to Portugal's growing tech ecosystem
Path to permanent residency and citizenship

Golden Visa (Fund-Based)

EUR 500,000 fund contribution

Processing: 4-6 months

Qualifying fund contributions into approved Portuguese funds
Minimal physical presence required (7 days/year)
Includes family members
Path to citizenship after 5 years
Full Schengen area access

NHR Tax Regime

Non-Habitual Resident Program

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime offers a flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-sourced income from qualifying high-value activities, with potential exemptions on certain categories of foreign-sourced income for up to 10 years. Applicants must not have been Portuguese tax residents in the previous 5 years. Our team coordinates with vetted local tax professionals to help you determine eligibility and structure your affairs for maximum benefit under this regime.

Explore Portugal residency

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