Visa Options, Requirements & Residency Guide
🌍 Introduction
Portugal continues to be one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for U.S. citizens looking for a safe, welcoming, and affordable place to live. Whether you’re a retiree, remote worker, entrepreneur, or investor, understanding the available residency visa options is essential for a smooth and legal relocation.
This 2025 guide offers clear and updated information on visa types, eligibility, documents, and the application process for Americans moving to Portugal.
✅ Best Portugal Visa Options for U.S. Citizens (2025)
1. D7 Visa – For Retirees & Passive Income Earners
The D7 Visa is ideal for U.S. citizens living off pensions, investments, or rental income. It allows long-term residency without requiring employment or business activity.
Requirements:
Savings: At least €10,440 deposited in a Portuguese bank account
Monthly Income: Minimum of €870 in passive income
Documents: Proof of income such as pension statements, investment reports, or rental contracts
2. Digital Nomad Visa (D9) – For Remote Workers
The Digital Nomad Visa (D9) is designed for remote workers or freelancers who earn income from outside Portugal.
Requirements:
Proof of earning at least €10,440 over the past 3 months
Ongoing monthly income of €3,480 (4x the Portuguese minimum wage)
Supporting documents: Employment contract, letter from employer, freelance/service contracts, or business ownership proof
ℹ️ U.S. Applicants Note:
If you’re the sole owner of a U.S.-based LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp, it’s crucial to determine how your income is classified by the IRS — whether as earned (active) income or passive income (such as dividends or profit distributions).
If your income is active, you may qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa (D9)
If it is passive, you should consider applying for the D7 Visa instead
Make sure to submit the appropriate tax forms (e.g., Schedule K-1, 1099, or Form 1040) that clearly show the source and nature of your earnings
👨👩👧👦 Family Accompany Visa
The D7 and D9 visas allow for family accompaniment at the time of the visa application. This means that spouses, dependent children, and, in some cases, elderly parents can be included in the same application. Each family member receives their own residence permit and is granted the same legal rights as the primary applicant.
⏳ Processing Time:
Visa decisions typically take around 60 days after submission via VFS Global in the U.S.
💡 Planning Tip:
We recommend starting your relocation plan at least 6 months in advance of your intended move to Portugal. This allows time to gather documents, schedule consular appointments, and prepare the transition without stress.
📑 General Document Checklist for Portugal Residency Visas
As a general rule, the Portuguese consular authorities request the following documents for visa applications:
✅ Completed National Visa Application Form
✅ Two passport-size photos
✅ Valid Passport (with at least 3 months of validity beyond intended stay)
✅ Travel Insurance covering emergency care and repatriation
✅ FBI Background Check with Hague Apostille
✅ Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or deed)
✅ Proof of financial means (bank statements, pension records, tax returns)
✅ Portuguese NIF and bank account proof (optional but strongly recommended)
✅ Most recent U.S. federal tax return (particularly important for Digital Nomad applicants)
👉 How to get your Portuguese NIF – Step-by-step guide
👉 How to get your NISS (Social Security Number) in Portugal
👉 How to request your FBI Background Check with Apostille – Full tutorial
📌 How to Apply for a Portugal Visa
U.S. citizens must apply through VFS Global or Portugal’s eVisa portal.
Step-by-Step:
Select your visa type and gather all necessary documents
Submit your application via VFS Global or online via the eVisa platform
Attend a biometric appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate / VFS center.
🔑 Arrival in Portugal: Getting Your Residence Permit (AIMA)
Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade) to convert your visa into a Residence Permit.
At your AIMA appointment:
Your biometric data will be collected
Original documents will be reviewed
You’ll receive a Residence Card valid for 2 years, renewable for additional periods
🇵🇹 Path to Portuguese Citizenship (After 5 Years)
After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Requirements:
✅ Continuous legal residency for 5 years
✅ No serious criminal record
✅ Pass a Portuguese language test (A2 level)
✅ Show genuine integration into Portuguese society
⚠️ Attention: There is active political discussion in 2025 about potentially increasing the residency requirement for citizenship. These proposals may soon become law, so those applying now are in a more favorable position.
Once naturalized, you’ll enjoy full EU citizenship rights, including freedom to live, work, and travel anywhere in the European Union.
🌟 Living in Portugal as an American Expat
🏙️ Best Places for U.S. Citizens:
Lisbon & Porto – Lively urban centers with strong expat communities
The Algarve Region – Ideal for retirees seeking sunshine and tranquility
Braga, Coimbra, Évora – Affordable, historic, and full of local charm
🏥 Healthcare & Banking:
Healthcare: Public and private services are widely available and affordable
Banking: A Portuguese bank account is essential for visas and daily transactions
🗣️ Language Tip:
While many locals speak English, learning basic Portuguese will enrich your day-to-day life and ease your integration.
⚠️ Why Act Now?
Portugal has experienced major legal reforms in recent years — including the termination of the Golden Visa for real estate and the gradual phase-out of the NHR tax regime. Now, there’s also growing political momentum to tighten the Nationality Law by increasing the current 5-year residency requirement.
✅ If you’re seriously considering moving to Portugal, this is the ideal time to start. Acting now ensures that:
You stay ahead of any future legal changes
Your application meets current legal standards
You avoid delays that could jeopardize your opportunity
Let Zottis, Rezende Advogados take care of the legal complexities so you can focus on building your life abroad with clarity and peace of mind.
📞 Ready to Make the Move?
At Zottis, Rezende Advogados, our experienced immigration lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process — from the U.S. to your new home in Portugal.
✔️ Personalized legal support for visas
✔️ Visa documentation and submission
✔️ NIF and NISS setup
✔️ Banking and tax guidance
✔️ Full AIMA appointment support
✔️ Family accompany visa
➡️ Book a free call or a consultation now
🔹 Your future in Portugal starts with the right legal partner.