03 Dec Golden Visa vs D7 vs D2: Which Residency Route Makes Sense for 2025/2026?

Which Residency Route Makes Sense for 2025/2026?

Residency options in Portugal continue to attract a wide range of international applicants, each with different objectives: some wish to live in the country full-time, others travel frequently, and some are primarily focused on long-term residency or a path to citizenship.

Portugal offers three of the most well-known routes: the Golden Visa, the D7 Visa, and the D2 Visa. Although they share the same end goal—lawful residency—their requirements, obligations and suitability differ significantly.

As a Portugal-based law firm working daily with immigration and investment matters, we closely follow the practical implications of each route and how they compare in real cases. This article provides an objective analysis of all three, while also clarifying in which circumstances the Golden Visa remains the most advantageous option.

Quick Comparison Overview

Golden Visa: Flexibility and a Defined Pathway Without Relocation

The Golden Visa remains the most suitable route for applicants who cannot commit to living in Portugal full-time. Its structure allows for residency with minimal physical presence while still maintaining eligibility for long-term residence and citizenship.

Key Advantages

• Minimal stay requirement: only seven days per year on average.
• Clear legal framework with well-established processes.
• Suitable for applicants maintaining professional or personal obligations abroad.
• Multiple investment categories beyond real estate, including regulated investment funds and cultural or scientific initiatives.
• Allows family inclusion under reunification rules.

Who benefits most from the Golden Visa?

Applicants who:

• Travel frequently or divide their time between countries.
• Wish to secure an EU residency option without relocating.
• Prefer a route that does not tie their permit to employment or physical presence.

The Golden Visa remains unique in that it offers residency and a pathway to citizenship without requiring lifestyle changes, a key distinction compared to other visas.

D7 Visa: Designed for Long-Term Residents

The D7 Visa is primarily aimed at individuals who plan to live in Portugal and can demonstrate stable passive income—often from pensions, rentals, dividends, or other financial assets.

Advantages

• Straightforward for applicants planning a permanent move.
• Can be suitable for retirees or remote workers with passive income.
• Access to the same residency rights as other visa holders.

Considerations

• Requires physical residence in Portugal for, at least, 6 moths.
• Applicants must establish ties locally (housing, tax number, bank account, etc.).
• Not intended for individuals who cannot relocate or maintain residence.

The D7 is effective for applicants who genuinely intend to settle in Portugal, but it is not optimized for internationally mobile applicants.

D2 Visa: A Route for Entrepreneurs Establishing a Business in Portugal

The D2 Visa is specifically designed for entrepreneurial activity. Applicants must demonstrate a viable business plan and intention to actively manage or develop a company within Portugal.

Advantages

• Attractive for founders and investors wishing to establish operations in Portugal.
• Can be suitable for existing business owners expanding into the Portuguese market.
• Flexible in terms of business sectors and models.

Considerations

• Requires active involvement in the business.
• Requires actual residence in Portugal (minimum of 6 consecutive months or 8 nonconsecutive months).
• Approval depends strongly on documentation and the credibility of the business plan.

The D2 is not designed for applicants who are not prepared to run or manage a business locally.

When Is the Golden Visa the More Suitable Option?

While all three routes can lead to the same long-term outcomes, the Golden Visa continues to stand out in scenarios where:

• The applicant cannot relocate immediately or permanently.
• Travel obligations prevent full-time residence.
• A predictable, structured pathway to residency and citizenship is preferred.
• A secure legal route is needed without employment, business activity, or income-based criteria.

In practice, many applicants initially considering the D7 or D2 later determine that the Golden Visa better aligns with their lifestyle and mobility needs, especially those who intend to maintain a base or commitments outside Portugal.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

• The Golden Visa remains the most adaptable route for individuals who require freedom of movement and cannot meet residence requirements.
• The D7 Visa is suitable for those who genuinely intend to live in Portugal long-term and can demonstrate stable income.
• The D2 Visa is appropriate for entrepreneurs who plan to establish and actively operate a business in Portugal.

Each route serves a different objective, but only the Golden Visa allows applicants to secure Portuguese residency without needing to reorganize their professional, personal or geographic arrangements.

If you would like tailored guidance based on your specific circumstances, our team can provide an individualized assessment and outline the most appropriate residency strategy — click here to book a meeting with one of our lawyers.