Article by Luís Pedro Cabral - Lawyer at International Atlantic Services

When assessing the possibility of obtaining residency in Portugal, the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa emerge as two of the most relevant options, although they correspond to very different realities, both in terms of requirements and the lifestyle they entail.

The D7 Visa is aimed at foreign nationals who have stable and sufficient personal income to support themselves in Portugal. This income may derive from various sources, namely pensions, rental income, dividends, or other investments. It is a regime designed for individuals who intend to genuinely live in Portugal, requiring not only proof of financial means but also a clear intention to establish residence in the country.

In practice, this translates into the need to establish residence in Portugal, which involves, among other aspects, securing accommodation, opening a bank account, obtaining a tax number, and, most importantly, complying with minimum stay requirements. These minimum stay requirements are significantly higher than those applicable under the Golden Visa program. As such, this regime is associated with a genuine change of lifestyle and is particularly suitable for those looking to transfer their center of interests to Portugal, whether for personal reasons, quality of life, or tax planning purposes.

On the other hand, the Golden Visa follows a substantially different approach. This regime is designed for investors who wish to obtain residency in Portugal through a qualifying investment. Unlike the D7, it does not require proof of regular income, nor does it assume an immediate relocation to the country.

The main advantage of the Golden Visa lies in its flexibility. The stay requirement in Portugal is minimal, allowing investors to maintain their primary residence, professional activities, and economic interests in another country. In practice, only occasional presence in Portugal is required to comply with the program’s conditions, making it particularly attractive for those seeking international mobility and geographic diversification without disrupting their current lifestyle.

Another key difference relates to the level of financial commitment and risk profile. The D7 is primarily based on demonstrating income and financial stability, without requiring a significant investment in Portugal. In contrast, the Golden Visa involves a higher financial commitment through investment, but offers greater freedom and reduced physical presence requirements.

It is also important to note that, despite these differences, both regimes allow for family reunification, enabling family members of the main applicant to also benefit from residency in Portugal.

Additionally, both the D7 and the Golden Visa can lead, after a number of years, to permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship, provided that the applicable legal requirements are met, including a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.

From a strategic perspective, the choice between the two regimes should be based on the client’s objectives and profile. For those who intend to live in Portugal on a stable basis and integrate into the country, the D7 represents an appropriate and efficient solution. On the other hand, for investors who value flexibility, freedom of movement, and the ability to maintain an international lifestyle, the Golden Visa is clearly the more suitable option.

In summary, this is not a matter of one regime being “better” than the other, but rather of different solutions for different needs. The analysis should always be personalized, taking into account not only the legal requirements but also each client’s personal, professional, and financial circumstances. In this regard, it is essential to seek the support of a specialized professional who can assess each case individually, enabling an informed decision and ensuring that the process is handled efficiently, without unnecessary delays.