Portugal D7 Visa vs. Golden Visa: A Comprehensive Comparison

Explore Portugal's premier residency programs to discover which visa aligns with your lifestyle, financial goals, and long-term plans in 2025.

D7 Visa Passive Income Visa

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Minimum passive income of €9,840/year for a single applicant (€820/month, adjusted for 2025).

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Reside in Portugal for at least 6 months (183 days) per year.

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Provide proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership).

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Affordable fees: €600 application, €300/renewal (approx.).

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Processing time: Typically 2-4 months, subject to consulate workload.

Golden Visa Investment Visa

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Minimum investment of €500,000 in funds or €250,000 in cultural preservation (updated options for 2025). Learn more about Portugal Golden Visa

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Minimal stay: 7 days in the first year, 14 days per 2-year renewal period.

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No prior accommodation proof required at application.

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Higher costs: €5,400 application, €2,700/renewal per person (approx.). View detailed cost breakdown

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Processing time: 4-8 months, depending on investment verification.

Feature	D7 Visa	Golden Visa
Financial Requirement	€9,840/year passive income (single); €13,776 for couple	€500,000 (funds) or €250,000 (cultural investment) View qualifying funds
Stay Requirement	6 months/year (183 days)	7 days/year 1; 14 days/2-year period
Initial Validity	2 years	2 years
Renewal Period	3 years	2 years
Processing Time	2-4 months	4-8 months
Application Fee (approx.)	€600/person	€5,400/person
Family Inclusion	Spouse, children under 18, dependent parents	Spouse, children under 26 (if students), dependent parents
Tax Implications	Subject to Portuguese tax on worldwide income if resident	Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) benefits possible for 10 years Learn about tax benefits
Path to Citizenship	5 years (with A2 Portuguese proficiency)	5 years (with A2 Portuguese proficiency) View visa statistics

Which Visa Suits Your Goals?

✦ D7 Visa Ideal For:

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Retirees with pensions, dividends, or rental income meeting the €9,840 threshold.

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Remote workers or freelancers with verifiable passive or stable income streams.

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Individuals committed to living in Portugal full-time and integrating into local culture.

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Budget-conscious applicants seeking lower upfront and ongoing costs.

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Those prioritizing a straightforward application process with faster approval.

✦ Golden Visa Ideal For:

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High-net-worth individuals diversifying assets through Portuguese investment funds.

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Busy professionals or global citizens needing flexibility with minimal stay requirements.

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Families seeking Schengen access and education opportunities for children under 26.

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Investors eyeing Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime for up to 10 years. Find a qualified immigration lawyer

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Those comfortable with higher costs for long-term EU residency and potential returns. Compare with other Golden Visa programs

Why U.S. Citizens Choose Zoark

See how our Portugal Golden Visa expertise, U.S. tax knowledge, and white-glove service set us apart from traditional immigration or law firms.

Feature	Zoark	Traditional Immigration Firms	General Law Firms
Focus Area	Portugal Golden Visa for U.S. Investors	Multiple visa types and immigration services	Various legal services including immigration
Expertise	Specialized in Portugal residency & U.S. tax compliance	Varies by firm	Limited or outsourced
Client Profile	U.S. HNWIs, entrepreneurs, and family offices	General public & expats	General public & corporations
Programs Covered	Portugal Golden Visa (primary), select EU residency & citizenship	Limited by local expertise	Very limited, often single country
Wealth & Asset Protection	✔ U.S.–Portugal tax planning, estate & asset structuring	✗ Basic or none	✗ Not offered
Investment Advisory	✔ Curated, compliant Portuguese investment opportunities	Basic investment guidance	Limited financial expertise
Level of Service	Confidential, white-glove, U.S.-focused	Standard/volume-driven support	General legal advisory
Personalization	✔ Dedicated advisor, tailored to your goals	Limited or templated approach	Little to no personalization
Client Discretion	✔ NDA, privacy-first, trusted by U.S. family offices	✗ Not guaranteed	✗ Not guaranteed
Success Rate	Proven approvals for U.S. Golden Visa applicants	Varies, not specialized	General legal track record

The Zoark Advantage

✦Portugal Golden Visa Specialists

Exclusive focus on U.S. citizens applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa — from investment selection to final residency approval.

✦U.S. Tax & Compliance Expertise

We navigate both U.S. and Portuguese tax requirements, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.

✦Wealth & Asset Protection

We safeguard your assets, optimize your tax position, and structure your investments for long-term legacy planning.

✦Curated Investment Access

Gain entry to vetted Portuguese real estate, funds, and projects chosen for performance, security, and eligibility.

✦Confidential, White-Glove Service

Work directly with a dedicated advisor who understands your goals and protects your privacy.

✦Trusted by HNWIs Nationwide

American investors and families trust Zoark for a smooth, discreet path to European residency.

"Global mobility is more than just a service—it’s a responsibility we live every day. Having lived across London, Portugal, Spain, Amsterdam, and Australia, I understand the challenges and opportunities of international living from the inside out.

At Zoark, we use this firsthand expertise to craft secure, seamless pathways for investors, entrepreneurs, and global families—delivering private banking-level discretion, tailored strategy, and uncompromising results.

Our mission is to turn the complexity of second citizenship and wealth migration into clarity, control, and genuine peace of mind for clients who expect the very best."

Dean Fankhauser

CEO, Zoark

European Golden Visa Community

A Private Network for the Globally Minded

Join our invitation-only network of Golden Visa holders and global citizens. Enjoy access to curated events, local expertise, and peer-to-peer introductions in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and beyond. Share opportunities, discover the best of the Mediterranean, and build lasting connections with a sophisticated international community.

Private Tastings & Culinary Events

Mediterranean Lifestyle Experiences

Property Insights & Market Access

Peer-to-Peer Network & Forums

Invitation Only

Request an Invitation