Portugal Golden Visa vs D7 Visa: What’s Better?

If you’ve started researching how to live in Portugal, you’ve likely come across two names again and again: the Portugal Golden Visa and the D7 Visa.

They both offer a path to residency. Both eventually lead to citizenship. And both are increasingly popular with Americans seeking a calmer, more globally connected life.

But these two visas work very differently and choosing the right one depends on more than just your passport and paycheck.

In this post, we’ll walk through the major differences and explain why many high-net-worth Americans are leaning toward the Golden Visa, even in 2025, after recent policy changes.

What Is the D7 Visa?

The D7 is sometimes called the “passive income visa.” It’s designed for individuals who can support themselves in Portugal without working: typically retirees or remote income earners.

To qualify, you’ll need:

• Proof of stable income — as of 2025, at least €9,840/year (1x Portuguese minimum wage), but realistically more for approval

• A place to live in Portugal (rented or owned)

• To relocate — you must spend the majority of the year in Portugal

For Americans with a pension, rental income, or remote work income, this visa can be a simple and affordable way to move full-time.

But there are catches:

• You must live in Portugal full-time to maintain residency

• You may face more scrutiny around your income sources

• You’re expected to integrate locally (register with health system, taxes, etc.)

The D7 is a great option if your goal is to live in Portugal year-round on a modest to comfortable budget.

What Is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows you to secure Portuguese residency by making a qualifying investment in the country.

Most common investment options:

• €500,000 in a regulated Portuguese investment fund

• €250,000 donation to support cultural heritage

• Other options: scientific research, job creation, etc.

Here’s what makes the Golden Visa so appealing:

• Minimal stay required — just 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain residency

• Include family members under one application

• No need to relocate — you can live elsewhere and still progress toward Portuguese citizenship after 5 years

In short, this visa gives Americans the freedom to secure EU access while continuing their lives, careers, or businesses abroad. It’s particularly attractive to those who want to hedge against global uncertainty without making an immediate move.

Golden Visa vs D7: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Golden Visa	D7 Visa
Residency Requirement	7 days/year	183+ days/year (must relocate)
Financial Requirement	Qualifying investment (€250k–€500k+)	Stable passive income (€9,840+ annually)
Initial Validity	2 years, then 2 renewals (5 years total)	2 years, then 3-year renewal
Path to Citizenship	After 5 years + language test (A2)	Same
Family Inclusion	Yes, included in application	Yes, dependents can be added
Ideal For	Investors seeking flexibility or a “Plan B”	Retirees or remote earners moving full-time

Which Option Suits Which Type of American?

To be clear: neither visa is “better”—they’re just built for different lifestyles.

Here are some non-advisory scenarios that show how Americans are using each one:

The D7 makes sense if:

• You’re retiring soon and want to live in Portugal full-time

• You have reliable passive income from pensions or rental properties

• You’re ready to integrate fully—healthcare, taxes, residency

The Golden Visa appeals if:

• You want a second residency without disrupting your U.S. life

• You’re looking for a “Plan B” amid global uncertainty

• You have investment capital and prefer flexibility over relocation

Many Golden Visa holders don’t move to Portugal immediately. Some only spend a few weeks a year there. But after 5 years of compliance, they’re eligible for citizenship: just like a D7 holder.

Why Wealthy Americans Still Prefer the Golden Visa (Even After 2023 Reforms)

You might have heard that Portugal restructured the Golden Visa program in 2023—phasing out real estate as an eligible investment in major urban areas.

While this removed a once-popular pathway, it didn’t close the door. In fact, it led many Americans to explore regulated investment funds, which are now the dominant route for applicants in 2025.

These funds offer:

• Transparent, CMVM-regulated options

• Passive management (no need to manage property or a business)

• A clean, investment-focused path to EU access

The Golden Visa still offers low-commitment residency with high flexibility and for high-net-worth individuals, that combination is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Goals, Then Choose Your Path

Both the D7 and the Golden Visa lead to Portuguese residency. Both eventually open the door to EU citizenship. But they get you there very differently.

If you want to move immediately, the D7 might fit. If you want to secure a European foothold without relocating, the Golden Visa could be your answer.