Destination guide
Residence pathways to assess
Each pathway has its own legal basis, evidence and limitations. These options support comparison; the final route follows an individual case review.
Important regulatory note
Not every property purchase or investment qualifies for ARI. A residence visa and issuance of a residence card are separate stages; check genuine activity or income, presence and renewal requirements.
Official sources for this page ↗01Remote work: commonly called D8
For professional activity performed remotely for outside Portugal. Document the employment or service relationship and income. Align the visa type with the AIMA residence stage; remote earnings should not be confused with passive income.
Official sources for this page ↗ 02Self-employment and entrepreneurship: D2
For independent activity or a genuine economic project. Prepare a service description, prospective clients, financing and an implementation plan. Company formation or obtaining a tax number alone is not a residence decision.
Official sources for this page ↗ 03Own income or retirement: D7
For applicants assessing a case based on own income or retirement. Consider sustainability and provenance of income, family costs and your living plan. Confirm that your particular income is suitable for the category before proceeding.
Official sources for this page ↗ 04Qualifying investment: ARI
ARI is assessed only within qualifying legal categories. Check the investment structure, holding conditions and evidence against current rules. Before paying, evaluate liquidity risks and costs independently of any residence expectation.
Official sources for this page ↗ Starting documents and questions
- Passport, filing location, presence plan and an initial family budget.
- Contracts and income evidence or project and capital records; check translation and certification.
A final checklist follows individual assessment. Translations, certification and family documents may be required. Do not send sensitive documents at the first contact.
Before applying and when renewing
Plan the visa, entry, AIMA appointment and renewal separately. Ask about presence, insurance, tax and dependant conditions. Residence is not an automatic promise of citizenship or tax exemption.
Our support for this destination
We review your goals and circumstances, compare possible routes and prepare an initial checklist. Local legal coordination, translation and follow-up must be defined in the agreement before work begins; government and third-party charges are itemised separately.
Individual assessment is required. Nationality or budget alone does not establish eligibility.
Questions about this destination
Are D7 and D8 the same pathway?
No. The income and activity basis differs; match the category to your actual circumstances.