Golden Visa vs D2 and D7

Choosing the Right Visa: Key Differences Between the Golden Visa, D2 and D7 Visas

When deciding on a visa for Portugal, it’s essential to understand the fundamental difference between the Golden Visa and the D visas (D2, D7, and Digital Nomad Visas):

• The Golden Visa is ideal for those who want a second residency (and eventual citizenship) without moving to Portugal in the short term.
• The D2 and D7 Visas are designed for people planning to relocate and live in Portugal permanently in the near future.

Golden Visa: Flexibility and Citizenship Without Moving

The Golden Visa is unique in Europe because it allows applicants to gain Portuguese residency, apply for citizenship after 5 years, and eventually obtain an EU passport—all without needing to live in Portugal full-time.

What this means for you:

• You can secure the right to retire or relocate to any country in the European Economic Area (EEA) without ever living permanently in Portugal.
• With minimal stay requirements (just 7 days per year), the Golden Visa is perfect for investors who want the benefits of EU freedom of movement while maintaining their current lifestyle and tax residency abroad.

D Visas: Relocation to Portugal

The D Visas—which include the D2 (Entrepreneur Visa), D7 (Passive Income Visa), and Digital Nomad Visa—are designed for individuals and families planning to move to Portugal on a permanent basis.

What you should know:

• Residency through these visas is valid only for Portugal, not other EEA countries.
• However, these visas allow you to travel and stay in other EEA countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period (similar to a tourist visa).

You can learn more about the D2 and D7 visas in this blog post by Andre Rei.

Comparison Chart

Below you may find a chart comparing the different conditions per residency option:

From the above is it easy to conclude that the D2 Visa, D7 Visa and Digital Nomad Visas are the easiest ways to obtain residency in Portugal, due to the low quantitative requirements. However, these residency options are aimed for foreigners intending to relocate to Portugal on a permanent basis, and residency candidates are therefore required to present evidence of:

1. Accommodation in Portugal;
2. Sufficient funds to support their stay, deposited in a Portuguese bank account;
3. Health insurance valid in Portugal;
4. Enrolment in a Portuguese education institution, when children over 18 years old are included in the application as family members.

The Golden Visa, on the other hand, was designed to attract investment from wealthy individuals, but not necessarily to attract citizens wanting to relocate permanently to Portugal (although that option is also possible), granting such investors the exclusive right of holding residency while keeping their permanent and tax residencies abroad, in return for a higher cost.

Key Advantages of the Golden Visa

What Does Residency in Portugal Actually Mean?

It’s important to clarify:

• A Portuguese residency permit allows you to live and work in Portugal.
• It does not grant residency in other EEA countries. Instead, it gives you the right to travel and stay for up to 90 days in other EEA countries, similar to a travel visa.
• Only after obtaining Portuguese citizenship (and a passport) can you enjoy the full benefits of EU freedom of movement.

Which Option is Right for You?

• If you want investment-driven flexibility and the long-term option to retire anywhere in the EU, the Golden Visa is the way to go.
• If you’re looking to relocate and make Portugal your home, one of the D Visas will better suit your needs.

Whether you’re an investor or planning to start a new chapter in Portugal, make sure you choose the right visa for your goals. Contact us today to find the safest and most effective residency path for you!