In recent years, Portugal, with its livable environment, lower cost of living and flexibleimmigrantspolicies, attracting a large number of overseas investors, remote workers and retirees. However, with the arrival of 2025, the Portuguese government has adjusted its immigration policy, in particularGolden Visa, D7 (Passive Income Visa) and D8 (Digital Nomad Visa).. This post will provide a comprehensive analysis of 2025's mostrecent immigrantsPolicy changes to help you plan betterImmigration to Portugalof the best programs.
1. 2025Portugal Golden Visa(Golden Visa) Latest Changes
The Golden Visa has always been Portugal's most popularinvestment immigrationOne of the pathways, it allows non-EU citizens to obtain Portuguese residency through investment and eventually apply for citizenship. However, in 2023 the Portuguese government has made significant changes to the Golden Visa policy, theHow will the Golden Visa policy evolve in 2025?
Latest policy changes:
✅ Elimination of investment in residential property: From 2025, apply for a Golden VisaNo longer allowed to purchase residential property throughto obtain residency. This means that property investment in popular areas such as Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve has been excluded.
✅ Investment modification: Currently viable investment options include:
- Fund Investments: Investment of at least EUR 500,000 in a qualified Portuguese venture capital fund.
- Research and Technology Investment: Investment of at least 500,000 euros in support of scientific research projects or in the field of technological innovation.
- Cultural and Artistic Investments: Invest at least 250,000 euros in cultural or artistic projects.
- Businesses create jobs: Create at least 10 local jobs with an investment of €500,000 or more.
✅ Minimum residency requirements: The applicant only needs to reside in Portugal for 7 days per year (35 days in total over a 5-year period), making it suitable for people who do not want to settle in the country for a long period of time but wish to obtain the right of abode in the EU.
Who is eligible for a Golden Visa
- Well-funded investors who want to obtain Portuguese residency by means of investment.
- Those who wish to apply for Portuguese citizenship in the future.
- People who plan to travel and reside freely in the EU but do not wish to reside in Portugal for a long period of time.
2. Portugal D7 Visa: New opportunities for passive income earners
The D7 visa is mainly suitable for those who havepassive incomeapplicants, such as retirees, landlords, and shareholder dividend payers. Compared to the Golden Visa, the D7 visa has a lower threshold, making it a popular choice.
Latest changes to the D7 visa for 2025:
✅ Higher income requirements::
- Single applicantsMinimum monthly income requiredEuro820(about 10,000 RMB).
- mateAn additional 50% income requirement of €410 is required.
- sons and daughtersAn additional income requirement of 30% per person is required, i.e. €246.
✅ Stricter requirements for funds deposits: Applicants are required to provide proof of at least 12 months of living funds (approx.10,000 euros(starting).
✅ Residency requirements remain unchanged: It is necessary to reside in Portugal for at least 183 days per year in order to maintain residency status.
✅ Stricter Medicare requirements: It is mandatory to have private health insurance covering Portugal to ensure medical coverage.
D7 Visa for People
- Retirees, planning to enjoy a comfortable life in Portugal.
- People who live on passive incomes such as rent, dividends and pensions.
- People who want to live in Portugal for a long time and eventually apply for citizenship.
3. D8 Visa: The Digital Nomad Visa is Optimized
The D8 visa is a specialized visa for remote workers and freelancers, and is particularly suited toHave remote incomeThe People. The visa has been sought after by digital nomads around the world since its launch in 2022.
Latest changes to the D8 visa for 2025:
✅ Increased income thresholds::
- The applicant is required to prove thatMonthly income of at least Euro3,280(equivalent to four times the minimum wage in Portugal).
✅ Application Process Optimization: After 2025, the approval time for applying for a D8 visa has been shortened and is expected to be approved within 4-6 weeks, much faster than a D7 visa.
✅ Remote working requirements are clearer: The applicant must prove that he or sheEmployer or client in a country other than Portugal, avoiding competition in the local job market.
✅ Tax Optimization Policy: In 2025, the Portuguese government is still offering D8 visa holders aNHR (Non-Habitual Resident) Tax Benefits, enjoying a lower tax rate for the first 10 years.
D8 Visa for People
- Telecommuters such as programmers, designers, marketers, freelance writers, etc.
- Remote workers who plan to live permanently in Portugal but still work for companies or clients abroad.
- Digital nomads who want to enjoy the sun, beaches, low cost of living and high quality of life in Portugal.
4. Which visa option is better for you?
| Visa Type | Suitable for people | Key Benefits | Key challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | high net worth investor | No permanent residence required, only 7 days per year | High capital requirements and elimination of property investment options in 2025 |
| D7 Visa | Retirees, passive income earners | Lower financial requirements for permanent residence and naturalization | Permanent residence required, at least 183 days per year |
| D8 Visa | Teleworkers, freelancers | Quick application process, tax benefits for digital nomads | Higher monthly income thresholds, remote work verification required |
5. 2025Portugal Immigration PolicyTrend forecasts
🔹 Golden visa investment threshold may continue to rise, the Portuguese government may restrict investment in more sectors.
🔹 D7 & D8 visas will continue to be popular, but the application criteria may be more stringent.
🔹 Portugal may tweak NHR tax incentivesthat affects the immigrant's tax planning.
If you are considering moving to Portugal, 2025 is certainly a year to watch. It is advisable to plan early and consult a professional immigration consultant to ensure that your application meets the latest policy requirements.
