Moving to Portugal is more popular than ever — and with good reason. Great weather, safety, healthcare, tax benefits, and a peaceful lifestyle attract thousands every year.
But the biggest question remains:
“Which visa do I actually need?”
Here is a clear, simple breakdown to help you find the best visa for your situation.
D7 Visa — For Retirees & People Living Off Passive Income
The D7 visa is ideal if your income comes from:
- Pensions
- Dividends
- Rental income
- Savings
You don’t need to work in Portugal — only prove stable financial means.
✔ Best for: Retirees, financially independent individuals
D9 Digital Nomad Visa — For Remote Workers & Freelancers
If you earn your income outside Portugal, this is the easiest way to relocate.
You can apply as:
- A remote employee
- A freelancer
- An online contractor
✔ Best for: Remote workers, online entrepreneurs
D2 Entrepreneur Visa — For Founders & Startups
The D2 is for anyone starting or running a business in Portugal.
You’ll need:
- A business plan
- Proof of professional activity
- Financial means to support your company
✔ Best for: Entrepreneurs, consultants, startup founders
D1 Work Visa — For Employees With a Job Offer
If you have a Portuguese employer, this visa allows you to relocate based on employment.
✔ Best for: Professionals hired by Portuguese companies
D3 Highly Qualified Professionals Visa
This visa is for senior, scientific, technical, or academic roles.
✔ Best for:
Tech leads, engineers, researchers, analysts, doctors, professors.
D6 & D8 Family Visas — For Reuniting With Loved Ones
If your spouse, partner, or relative already has (or is applying for) residency, these visas allow you to join them.
✔ Best for: Families relocating together
D4 Visa — For Students, Interns, Researchers & Volunteers
For those accepted into a Portuguese course, internship, or volunteer programme.
✔ Best for: Students and academic placements
CRUE — EU Residency Certificate
For EU/EEA citizens staying longer than 90 days.
✔ Best for: EU nationals relocating long-term
Which Visa Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
|
Your Situation |
Best Visa |
|
Remote work |
D9 Digital Nomad |
|
Retired or passive income |
D7 |
|
Starting a business |
D2 |
|
Working in Portugal |
D1 |
|
Senior specialist |
D3 |
|
Joining family |
D6 or D8 |
|
Studying |
D4 |
|
EU citizen |
CRUE |
How AKH Helps You Apply Correctly
Applying for a Portuguese visa is incredibly detail-sensitive. Missing one document can delay your process by weeks or months.
AKH provides:
✓ A full consultation to choose the right visa
✓ A checklist tailored to your situation
✓ Step-by-step management
✓ Clear fixed fees
✓ Updates at every stage
✓ Portugal-based support
✓ Hundreds of successful applications
Start Your Visa Journey With Confidence
Book a free consultation — we’ll tell you exactly which visa suits your plans and what documents you need.
