Portugal Golden Visa vs D7 Visa: Which is Better for Your Immigration?

In recent years, Portugal has become a new target for many immigrants. Whether it is to enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate or experience a unique European lifestyle, Portugal’s immigration policies offer different options for international individuals seeking to move abroad. Among these, the Golden Visa and D7 Visa are undoubtedly the two most popular routes. Both visas have their unique advantages and are suitable for different groups of people, but each also has its own limitations and requirements.

Below is a detailed comparison of Portugal’s Golden Visa and D7 Visa to help you understand the application requirements, advantages and disadvantages, and lifestyle each visa is best suited for. Whether you want to expand global asset allocation through investment or seek a comfortable European lifestyle, this guide will provide you with clear direction to help you find the most suitable immigration route.

Golden Visa vs D7 Visa

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a way to obtain residency in Portugal through investment, suitable for high-net-worth individuals. Common investment routes include purchasing real estate worth at least 500,000 euros (the investment amount can be reduced to 350,000 euros in certain low-density areas) or making capital investments such as fund investments or creating job opportunities.

The main feature of the Golden Visa is the very relaxed residency requirement, where holders only need to reside in Portugal for 7 days per year. This is highly attractive to those who do not wish to reside in Portugal long-term but want the freedom to travel within Portugal and the Schengen Area.

D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is suitable for those with stable passive income, such as pensions, rental income, or other passive sources. Applicants need to prove they have sufficient income to maintain their living in Portugal, typically requiring a monthly income at the level of the Portuguese minimum wage, about 760 euros (the specific amount increases depending on the number of family members).

The D7 Visa has stricter residency requirements, as applicants need to reside in Portugal for more than 183 days per year, making it more suitable for those who wish to live in Portugal long-term and integrate into local life.

Similarities Between Both Visas

Whether it is the Golden Visa or the D7 Visa, both allow applicants to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years. This means that through long-term residency that meets the requirements, applicants can gradually gain more stable status and rights.

In addition, holders of both visas enjoy the convenience of free travel within the Schengen Area, which is also one of the important reasons why many immigrants choose Portugal.

Detailed Comparison of Golden Visa and D7 Visa

Golden Visa

Financial Requirements: Requires a minimum real estate investment of 500,000 euros or other types of investment such as capital investment or job creation.

Residency Requirements: Only requires 7 days of residency per year, suitable for those who do not wish to live in Portugal long-term but want residency status.

Target Audience: Suitable for high-net-worth investors who wish to obtain residency and freedom of movement within the Schengen Area through investment.

Family Member Benefits: Family reunification can be applied for spouses, children, and direct relatives, who will enjoy the same residency rights.

Application Process:

Select Investment Type and Complete Investment: First, choose the investment type, such as purchasing real estate (minimum 500,000 euros) or fund investment, and complete the relevant investment, including fund transfer and contract signing.

Prepare Application Materials and Open a Bank Account: Prepare proof of fund source, passport copies, criminal record certificate, health insurance, etc., and open a bank account in Portugal for fund management.

Submit Application and Wait for Approval: Submit all materials to the Portuguese immigration office and pay the application fee. Then, wait for approval, which usually takes several months.

Approval and Obtain Residence Card: After approval, go to the immigration office for biometric collection and obtain the Portuguese residence card.

D7 Visa

Financial Requirements: Applicants need to prove stable passive income; single applicants need to have a monthly income of 760 euros, and requirements increase for family members.

Residency Requirements: Requires more than 183 days of residency per year, suitable for those who wish to live in Portugal long-term and integrate into local life.

Target Audience: Suitable for those with stable passive income who wish to settle in Portugal long-term, such as retirees or landlords.

Family Member Benefits: Family reunification is also available for spouses and children, but sufficient income proof must be provided.

BiyaPay: A Reliable Cross-Border Remittance Tool for Immigration

During the process of immigrating to Portugal, cross-border remittance is often an essential step. Whether for submitting visa application documents, paying for health checks, or covering tuition and daily living expenses, a secure and convenient payment tool can greatly simplify the process. BiyaPay provides such a solution.

With BiyaPay, you can enjoy local transfer services in most regions around the world, with transaction fees as low as 0.5%. Funds can be received on the same day, making it particularly suitable for users needing urgent payments. For those using digital currencies, BiyaPay also supports real-time conversion of digital currencies into major fiat currencies such as USD and GBP, making cross-border remittance and fund management more secure and efficient.

Application Process:

Prepare Proof of Income and Accommodation: Prepare income proof documents (e.g., pension, rental income), and provide proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental contract or purchase agreement.

Open a Bank Account and Prepare Other Materials: Open a bank account in Portugal, ensure sufficient funds for living, and prepare other necessary documents, such as passport copies, criminal record certificate, and health insurance.

Submit Visa Application and Schedule an Interview: Submit the visa application materials to the Portuguese consulate and schedule an interview, where income sources and accommodation arrangements will be verified.

Obtain Visa and Apply for Residence Permit: After obtaining the D7 Visa, enter Portugal and apply for a formal residence permit at the immigration office, including biometric collection.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Golden Visa and D7 Visa

Golden Visa

Advantages:

Flexible Residency Requirements: Only 7 days of residency per year, ideal for those who do not plan to reside in Portugal long-term but want Portuguese residency.

Global Asset Allocation: The Golden Visa is suitable for high-net-worth individuals who want to allocate assets by purchasing real estate or making other investments, while also obtaining Portuguese residency.

Convenient Family Reunification: Spouses, children, and direct relatives can apply for residency and enjoy the same residency rights.

Disadvantages:

High Investment Threshold: Requires a minimum investment of 500,000 euros, which may be unaffordable for many people.

Complex Application Process: Involves property purchase, proof of fund source, bank account opening, etc., making the process cumbersome.

Investment Risks: Fluctuations in the real estate market may affect investment returns.

D7 Visa

Advantages:

Lower Financial Requirements: Only requires proof of stable passive income, with a relatively low income threshold, suitable for retirees and those with fixed rental income.

Suitable for Long-Term Residency: Provides the opportunity for long-term residency, making it easier to enjoy Portugal’s lifestyle.

Flexible Income Sources: As long as there is sufficient passive income, no large investment is needed, making the financial threshold more feasible.

Disadvantages:

Strict Residency Requirements: Requires more than 183 days of residency per year, suitable for those who intend to fully relocate to Portugal, without flexibility in residency arrangements.

Strict Income Proof Verification: Applicants need to provide detailed income proof and meet Portugal’s minimum living guarantee requirements.

Limited Asset Appreciation Opportunities: Unlike the Golden Visa, the D7 Visa does not involve investment for residency, thus lacking the potential returns from real estate appreciation.

Pathways to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Golden Visa Pathway

Golden Visa holders need to meet relatively relaxed residency requirements, only needing to reside in Portugal for a few days each year. After holding the Golden Visa for five years, applicants can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. This is highly appealing to those who want to maintain flexible residency without living in Portugal long-term.

D7 Visa Pathway

D7 Visa holders need to meet stricter residency requirements, residing in Portugal for more than 183 days per year for five consecutive years before they can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. This method is more suitable for those who want to settle in Portugal and integrate into the local community.

Advice for Choosing

Who Should Choose the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is suitable for high-net-worth investors and those who want flexible residency. It is especially ideal for those who value the returns on real estate investment. The flexible residency requirements of the Golden Visa allow holders to freely switch between multiple countries without having to stay in Portugal long-term.

Who Should Choose the D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa is more suitable for retirees, those with stable passive income, and those who wish to move to Portugal. It provides applicants with the opportunity for long-term residency, allowing them to integrate more deeply into Portuguese culture and the community, and enjoy the local lifestyle and social benefits.

When choosing a visa type, applicants should consider various factors, including their financial situation, immigration goals, lifestyle preferences, and more. If you have enough funds to invest and want flexible residency in Portugal, the Golden Visa may be more suitable for you. If you want to integrate into Portuguese life and have stable passive income, the D7 Visa is the ideal choice.