Portugal D7 Visa vs. Golden Visa: A Comprehensive Comparison

Explore Portugal's premier residency programs to discover which visa aligns with your lifestyle, financial goals, and long-term plans in 2025.

D7 Visa Passive Income Visa

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Minimum passive income of €9,840/year for a single applicant (€820/month, adjusted for 2025).

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Reside in Portugal for at least 6 months (183 days) per year.

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Provide proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership).

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Affordable fees: €600 application, €300/renewal (approx.).

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Processing time: Typically 2-4 months, subject to consulate workload.

Golden Visa Investment Visa

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Minimum investment of €500,000 in funds or €250,000 in cultural preservation (updated options for 2025). Learn more about Portugal Golden Visa

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Minimal stay: 7 days in the first year, 14 days per 2-year renewal period.

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No prior accommodation proof required at application.

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Higher costs: €5,400 application, €2,700/renewal per person (approx.). View detailed cost breakdown

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Processing time: 4-8 months, depending on investment verification.

Feature	D7 Visa	Golden Visa
Financial Requirement	€9,840/year passive income (single); €13,776 for couple	€500,000 (funds) or €250,000 (cultural investment) View qualifying funds
Stay Requirement	6 months/year (183 days)	7 days/year 1; 14 days/2-year period
Initial Validity	2 years	2 years
Renewal Period	3 years	2 years
Processing Time	2-4 months	4-8 months
Application Fee (approx.)	€600/person	€5,400/person
Family Inclusion	Spouse, children under 18, dependent parents	Spouse, children under 26 (if students), dependent parents
Tax Implications	Subject to Portuguese tax on worldwide income if resident	Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) benefits possible for 10 years Learn about tax benefits
Path to Citizenship	5 years (with A2 Portuguese proficiency)	5 years (with A2 Portuguese proficiency) View visa statistics

Which Visa Suits Your Goals?

✦ D7 Visa Ideal For:

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Retirees with pensions, dividends, or rental income meeting the €9,840 threshold.

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Remote workers or freelancers with verifiable passive or stable income streams.

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Individuals committed to living in Portugal full-time and integrating into local culture.

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Budget-conscious applicants seeking lower upfront and ongoing costs.

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Those prioritizing a straightforward application process with faster approval.

✦ Golden Visa Ideal For:

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High-net-worth individuals diversifying assets through Portuguese investment funds.

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Busy professionals or global citizens needing flexibility with minimal stay requirements.

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Families seeking Schengen access and education opportunities for children under 26.

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Investors eyeing Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime for up to 10 years. Find a qualified immigration lawyer

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Those comfortable with higher costs for long-term EU residency and potential returns. Compare with other Golden Visa programs

Why Choose Zoark

See how our specialized focus and expertise sets us apart from traditional immigration firms

Feature	Zoark	Traditional Immigration Firms	General Law Firms
Focus Area	Exclusively Portugal Golden Visas	Multiple visa types and immigration services	Various legal services including immigration
Portugal Golden Visa Expertise	10+ years specialized experience	Varies by firm	Limited or outsourced
Processing Time	Optimized for fastest processing	Standard processing times	Often longer due to broader focus
Investment Advisory	Deep market knowledge across all programs	Basic investment guidance	Limited investment expertise

The Zoark Advantage

✦ Portugal Golden Visa Specialists

Unlike firms that handle multiple visa types, we focus exclusively on Portugal Golden Visas. This specialization means deeper expertise, faster processing, and better results for our clients.

✦ Backed by Movingto Global

As part of the Movingto Global network, we leverage extensive resources and experience from helping thousands of clients relocate successfully worldwide.

✦ Focused Coverage

We operate solely in Portugal, offering focused recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.

✦ Decade of Expertise

Our team brings over 10 years of focused experience in Golden Visa programs, ensuring expert guidance through every step of your investment and application.

✦ Investment Advisory

Benefit from our deep understanding of investment options across all programs, helping you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals.

✦ Dedicated Support

Get personalized attention from a team that focuses solely on Portugal Golden Visas, ensuring your application receives the expertise and attention it deserves.

"As an exclusive boutique firm, we bring a truly global perspective shaped by our lives across multiple continents. From London's historic streets to Portugal's coastal towns, Spain's vibrant cities to Amsterdam's canals, and Australia's stunning shores, Ana and I have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle in its fullest expression.

This firsthand journey through the complexities of location-independent living has evolved into our passion: crafting sophisticated solutions that transform the challenges we once faced into seamless experiences for discerning professionals like yourself."

Dean and Ana

Founders of Zoark

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