Golden Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa: Which Is Right for Americans Moving to Portugal?

Joshua Godin
May 28
3 min read

Two Different Paths to the Same Dream

If you’re an American dreaming of a slower pace, cleaner air, better work-life balance then Portugal is likely on your radar.

But once the why becomes clear, the how quickly follows. And that’s where most people hit a crossroads: Should you apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa or go with the Digital Nomad Visa?

Both offer a path to legal residency in Portugal. But they serve very different lifestyles, financial profiles, and long-term goals.

This guide breaks down the differences, side by side, so you can make the choice that best fits your life.

What Is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is Portugal’s flagship residency-by-investment program. It’s designed for individuals who want the benefits of European residency with minimal physical relocation.

Here’s how it works:

You make a qualifying investment in Portugal which is most commonly in a regulated investment fund.
In return, you and your family get legal residency.
You’re only required to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal.
After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship (pending language and legal requirements).

Best for:

Investors
Retirees
High-net-worth individuals who want EU flexibility without moving full-time
Families

What Is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

Launched in 2022, the Digital Nomad Visa (officially the D8 Remote Work Visa) is designed for remote workers and freelancers who want to live in Portugal full-time while continuing to earn from abroad.

Key features:

You must prove stable remote income (currently at least €3,280/month as of 2025).
You must live in Portugal most of the year.
You can apply solo or include dependents.
After 5 years, you're eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Best for:

Remote employees
Freelancers and solo entrepreneurs

Golden Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa: Key Differences

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the two:

Feature	Golden Visa	Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Main Requirement	Investment in fund	Remote income (~€3,280/month)
Physical Stay Requirement	~7 days/year	Must live in Portugal full-time
Work Rights	Cannot work in Portugal (unless authorized)	Can work remotely for non-Portuguese company
Family Inclusion	Yes (spouse, kids, dependents)	Yes
Tax Residency	Optional	Typically required
Residency Path	Renewable residence permit	Renewable residence permit
Timeline to Citizenship	5 years	5 years
Best For	Investors, part-time residents	Remote workers, freelancers, relocators

Which Visa Is Right for You?

Your decision depends less on “which is better” and more on “which is better for you.”

Choose the Golden Visa if:

You want a residency foothold in Europe but prefer to live elsewhere most of the time.
You’re retiring or semi-retiring and don’t meet income requirements.
You value long-term EU flexibility and a possible future path to citizenship.

Choose the Digital Nomad Visa if:

You plan to live in Portugal full-time and work remotely.
You have stable remote income from outside Portugal.
You want a deep, immersive lifestyle shift—not just a Plan B.

Things to Consider Before You Decide

Tax Residency: Golden Visa holders can often avoid becoming Portuguese tax residents. Digital Nomads, on the other hand, usually become tax residents and should plan accordingly.
Lifestyle Goals: Think about whether you’re looking for a full relocation or a part-time European base.
Application Complexity: The Golden Visa process tends to be more document-heavy and slower, while the Digital Nomad Visa can often be faster to obtain.
Investment Risk vs. Income Proof: The Golden Visa involves capital at risk, while the Digital Nomad Visa hinges on ongoing income stability.

Two Great Paths, One Life-Changing Destination

Portugal offers something rare: a beautiful, safe, and welcoming country with visa options that actually align with how modern people want to live, whether you’re investing for the future or working from your laptop by the sea.

Both the Golden Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa open the door to a healthier, freer, and more meaningful life abroad.