D7 Visa vs Golden Visa in Portugal

If you're choosing between the Golden Visa or the D7 Visa, it's going to come down to two things: time or money.

The Golden Visa is going to require you to spend more money in order to qualify. We went over those qualifications above. But, someone in possession of a Golden Visa only needs to stay in the country for 7 consecutive days. For a D7 Visa, on the other hand, you'll need to stay in Portugal for 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months.

The D7 Visa also won't require you to make an investment in Portugal. You'll just need to show the standard proof of income required for most visa applications. The D7 visa is a very popular option compared to Portugal's Golden Visa. This is because the D7 visa has an easier application process and takes much less time. It can take up to 6 years for an ex-pat to establish Portuguese residency under the Golden Visa process. If they choose to apply for a D7 visa, the process only takes one to two months.

Category
D7 Visa - Passive Income
Golden Visa

Minimum investment and requirements

Proof of passive income:
- Main Applicant: currently €8,460 per annum
- Spouse or parents of the main applicant: currently €4,230 per annum
- Dependant children: currently €2,538 per annum
- Real estate in rural areas: €280K
- Residential property in Porto, Lisbon or Algarve needs a tourist licence.
- Hotel Shares  €500K (buyback)
- Treasury securities / Government bonds €1.5M
- Bank Deposits  €1.5M

Criteria to be eligible
to apply

- Have a NIF number
- Be a non-EU national.
- 6 months of bank statements (proof of income)
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have a NIF number
- Have the minimum investment
- Have a clean criminal record

Where to apply

Portuguese Consulate in country of residency
In Portugal, personally or through a representative

Visa cost

€750 approx
€5,870€ approx

Turn around

1-4 months
6-9 months+

Issued for

Passive Income  / Self employed / Retirees
Investors – Real Estate or Capital transfer investments

Permanent residency

After 5 years of uninterrupted living

After 5 years (no strict residence conditions)

Additional benefits

Rights

Live, work, study, healthcare
Live, work, study, healthcare

Citizenship

After 5-6 years of uninterrupted living
After 5-6 years of uninterrupted living (no strict residence conditions just meet 1-2 weeks visit to Portugal every year)

Family members

Yes
Yes

Resident permit

Temporary Residence Permit issued for year 1 and 2. Extension issued for year 3, 4 and 5. Permanent Residence Permit after 5 years
Temporary Residence Permit after 2 years
Permanent Residence Permit after 5 years

Health insurance

Required
Required

Accommodation requirements

Secure long-term residential accommodation in Portugal either through a purchase or rental.
Not required

Visa free movement

Schengen and certain EU countries
Schengen and certain EU countries

Residency conditions

Must live 6-8 months per year or at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2-year period
Minimum 7 days per year, or 14 days every 2 years
Lowest Price
Lowest price
€2,800
See prices
Lowest Price
Lowest price
€7,500 
RECOMMENDED
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