Europe Visa: Residency in Portugal & Spain

D7 Visa: the passive income option

The D7 Visa is a top choice for retirees and individuals with a steady passive income. If you have income from pensions, real estate, intellectual property, or financial investments, this visa could be your ticket to a tranquil life in Portugal.

What you'll need:

• Proof of Passive Income: You must demonstrate a consistent passive income. The minimum requirement is equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage, which is €870 per month for a single applicant. This amount increases for a spouse (50% of the minimum wage) and each dependent child (30% of the minimum wage).
• Financial Stability: You'll need to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself for at least 12 months, which is typically demonstrated by a balance in a Portuguese bank account. The minimum is €10,440 for the main applicant.
• Proof of Accommodation: A rental agreement or proof of property ownership in Portugal is required.
• Private Health Insurance: A policy that covers you in the Schengen Area is mandatory.
• Clean Criminal Record: A criminal record check from your home country is necessary.

Golden Visa: the investment route

Portugal's Golden Visa program offers residency to those who make a significant investment in the country. While the popular real estate investment option has been discontinued, there are still several attractive investment routes available.

What you'll need:

The most common investment options for the Golden Visa now include:

• Investment Fund Subscription: A minimum investment of €500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund.
• Job Creation: The creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
• Donation: A donation of €250,000 to support arts or cultural heritage in Portugal, or €500,000 to a public research and development institution.
• Company Investment: A capital transfer of €500,000 for the incorporation of a commercial company with a head office in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent jobs.

D2 Visa: entrepreneurs and start-up opportunities

The D2 Visa is designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups, and independent service providers who wish to establish a business or work for themselves in Portugal.

What you'll need:

• A Solid Business Plan: Your application must include a detailed and viable business plan that outlines your business idea, its economic and social impact, and how it will be sustained.
• Financial Viability: You need to prove you have the financial resources to support yourself and your business.
• Relevant Experience: Demonstrating experience in your field will strengthen your application.
• Company Incorporation (if applicable): If you're starting a company, you'll need to show that you've incorporated it in Portugal.

D8 visa: digital nomad visa fro remote workers in Portugal

Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa is a fantastic option for remote workers who want to live in Portugal while working for a company based outside of the country.

What you'll need:

• Proof of Remote Work: You must provide a contract of employment or a declaration from your employer confirming your remote work status.
• Sufficient Income: You need to demonstrate a monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, which is currently €3,480 per month.
• Proof of Accommodation: A long-term accommodation lease or property ownership in Portugal.
• Clean Criminal Record.

D3 Visa: highly qualified professionals

This visa is aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals to Portugal. It's an excellent option for those with a job offer in a specialized field.

What you'll need:

• A Job Offer or Contract: A binding job offer or a signed contract from a Portuguese employer for a highly qualified position. The contract must be for at least one year.
• Salary Requirement: The offered salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Portugal, or 1.2 times the average gross annual salary for professions in high demand.
• Relevant Qualifications: You'll need to provide proof of your higher education qualifications or relevant professional experience.

What are the residency visas to move to Spain?

Spain, with its sunny climate, rich culture, and relaxed lifestyle, is a popular destination for people from all over the world.

The Spanish government offers a variety of residency visas to suit different needs, from working and studying to simply enjoying the Spanish way of life. Let's see the main options available to non-EU citizens.

Spanish visa for retirees and passive incomers: Non-lucrative visa

This is one of the most popular visas for those who want to live in Spain but do not intend to work.

• Who is it for? Retirees or individuals with sufficient savings or passive income.

Main Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself without working. This is calculated based on the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is a Spanish government index. For 2025, you would need to show an annual income of at least €28,800, plus an additional €7,200 for each dependent family member.
• Private health insurance with a company that operates in Spain.
• A clean criminal record.

For workers and professionals

Work Visa as an Employee

This visa allows you to work for a company in Spain.

• Who is it for? Individuals who have a job offer from a Spanish employer.

Main Requirements:

• A work contract from a Spanish company.
• The job must be listed as a "shortage occupation" or the employer must prove they could not find a suitable candidate within the EU.
• You will need to obtain a Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE) and a social security number.

Self-Employed/Freelancer Visa (Autónomo)

This visa is for those who want to start their own business or work as a freelancer in Spain.

• Who is it for? Entrepreneurs and independent professionals.

Main Requirements:

• A detailed business plan that has been approved by a relevant Spanish authority (such as the UPTA, a union for self-employed workers).
• Proof of sufficient funds to start and run your business.
• Proof of your qualifications and experience.

Highly Qualified Professional Visa

This visa is designed to attract top talent to Spain.

• Who is it for? Managers, specialists, and graduates from prestigious universities.

Main Requirements:

• A job offer with a gross annual salary of at least €50,000, or €40,000 for professionals under 30.
• A university degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience.
• The application process is generally faster than for a standard work visa.

Digital Nomad Visa

This new visa is for remote workers who want to live in Spain.

• Who is it for? Individuals who work remotely for companies outside of Spain.

Main Requirements:

• Proof of a contract with a company outside of Spain, and that you have been working for them for at least three months.
• Proof of an annual income of at least €31,752.
• You must be a graduate of a reputable university or have at least three years of professional experience.

Golden visa for investors

This visa grants residency to those who make a significant investment in the Spanish economy.

• Who is it for? Individuals who can make one of the following investments:

. Purchase real estate worth at least €500,000.

. Invest at least €2 million in Spanish public debt.

. Invest at least €1 million in shares of Spanish companies or in a Spanish bank deposit.

. Start a business project in Spain that is considered to be of general interest.

Benefits: The Golden Visa offers a fast-track to residency and allows you to work in Spain. It can be renewed every two years and provides a path to permanent residency.

Academic visas

Student Visa

• Who is it for? Individuals who have been accepted to a recognized educational institution in Spain.

Main Requirements:

• A letter of acceptance from a Spanish school or university.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees.
• Private health insurance.

Researcher Visa

• Who is it for? Researchers who will be carrying out research activities at a Spanish institution.

Main Requirements:

• An agreement or contract with a research organization in Spain.
• Proof of your qualifications as a researcher.

Family reunification visa

This visa allows you to bring your family members to live with you in Spain.

• Who is it for? Spouses, registered partners, children, and dependent parents of a legal resident of Spain.

Main Requirements:

• The resident in Spain must have lived in the country for at least one year and have a residence permit for at least another year.
• Proof of adequate housing and sufficient financial resources to support the family.

European citizenship after Portugal and Spain Visas

Both countries offer clear and accessible pathways for non-EU citizens who are legally residing after a specific amount of time, to become nationals.

It’s a fantastic option to consider when deciding which country you should move to.