D2 is for entrepreneurs who want to actively run a business in Portugal. D7 is for people with stable passive income (pension, rental, dividends) who don't need to work. Golden Visa is for investors who want Portuguese residency without living there full-time.
Best for: starting or relocating a business, or working as a self-employed professional.
Minimum funds: ~€920/month (€11,040/year), plus business capital (commonly ~€5,000).
Must actively run the business and live in Portugal.
Processing time: 4-6 months (based on Effizent Europe's client cases).
Best for: retirees or anyone with stable passive income (pension, rent, dividends) who doesn't need to work.
Minimum income: €920/month (€11,040/year) for a single applicant, +50% for a spouse, +30% per child.
No business required. Must become a Portuguese tax resident and spend 183+ days/year in Portugal.
Best for: investors who want Portuguese (and EU) residency without living there full-time.
Real estate investment routes were removed in 2023 — current qualifying routes are fund investment (€500,000) or cultural/artistic donation (€200,000).
Minimum stay: just 7 days in year one, 14 days per two-year period after.
No business or job creation required.