RelocateCompass
Portugal
Cosy Europe on the Atlantic coast
About Portugal
Portugal has become one of the most popular emigration destinations thanks to its tax incentive programmes, warm climate, affordable prices, and friendly people. The D7 passive income visa is among Europe’s most accessible long-stay routes, and the country is actively developing its IT sector. Note that the 2026 nationality reform raised naturalisation from 5 to 10 years, so Portugal is now a stronger residency play than a fast-passport one.
Visa routes
🏖 D7 Visa (Passive Income)
For people with stable passive income such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or long-term savings.
💻 Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
For remote employees and freelancers earning income from outside Portugal.
🏆 Golden Visa
Residence route for qualifying investments — now focused on funds, research, culture, and business rather than residential real estate.
💼 Tech Visa
Fast-track route for skilled employees hired by certified Portuguese technology companies.
🎓 Student Visa
For study at Portuguese universities, colleges, and approved institutions.
Cost of living
Advantages
- Low prices by EU standards
- One of the safest countries in the world
- Very high English proficiency
- D7 passive income threshold among the lowest in the EU
- EU permanent residency after 5 years
Disadvantages
- Citizenship now takes 10 years (7 for EU/CPLP) after the 2026 reform
- D8 digital nomad threshold is high — €3,680/mo in 2026
- AIMA residency appointment queues have grown significantly
- Local salaries are low relative to Western Europe
- Lisbon and Algarve housing costs have risen sharply