Process
The process of obtaining a Golden Visa or a D-category visa involves several key stages — from document preparation to final approval. On this page, you will find a general overview of each step. For personal consultation and guidance, feel free to reach out — the Glacier Location team is always here to help.
Golden Visa / ARI
Main Requirements
It is necessary to obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a bank account in Portugal, make an investment through one of the eligible routes (funds, business, science, culture), and confirm the legal origin of funds. The applicant must have no criminal record, comply with immigration requirements, and maintain the investment for the required period.
Application Process
The process includes obtaining a NIF and opening a bank account, selecting and making the investment, preparing and submitting documents to the Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA), receiving pre-approval, providing biometrics in Portugal, and obtaining the residence permit. The status is then renewed subject to compliance with the program requirements.
Typical Documents Needed
For the Golden Visa (ARI) application, a package of personal, financial, and investment documents must be prepared for submission to AIMA. This includes: a passport; proof of investment and transfer of funds through a Portuguese bank; a tax number (NIF) and banking documents in Portugal; and documents confirming the legal origin of funds. Criminal record certificates are required from the country of citizenship as well as from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than one year, along with consent for background checks in Portugal. Additional documents include health insurance, a declaration to maintain the investment, and proof of no outstanding debts to Portuguese tax and social authorities. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese. When including family members, documents confirming family relationship must also be provided.
D7 Visa
Main Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a stable and regular passive income from abroad (such as dividends, rental income, pensions, interest, or similar sources) sufficient to support living in Portugal, as well as secure accommodation in the country. The applicant must have no criminal record, comply with immigration requirements, and be prepared to reside in Portugal for the majority of the year.
Application Process
The process includes obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF), opening a bank account, securing accommodation, preparing and submitting documents through the Portuguese consulate in the country of residence, obtaining a visa, entering Portugal, and applying for a residence permit with the Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA). The residence permit is then renewed subject to compliance with the requirements.
Typical Documents Needed
For the D7 visa application, a package of personal and financial documents must be prepared. This includes: a passport; proof of passive income and financial means; Portuguese tax number (NIF); bank statements (including a Portuguese bank account); proof of accommodation in Portugal; and health insurance. Criminal record certificates are required from the country of citizenship as well as from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than one year. Additional documents may include tax documents and proof of income sources. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese. When including family members, documents confirming family relationship must also be provided.
D2 Visa
Main Requirements
Applicants must establish a company in Portugal or demonstrate the intention to relocate an existing business, prepare a substantiated business plan, confirm sufficient financial means to launch and operate the business, and obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a bank account. The applicant must have no criminal record, comply with immigration requirements, and be prepared to conduct genuine commercial activity in Portugal.
Application Process
The process includes obtaining a NIF and opening a bank account, preparing a business plan and company structure, registering the business (if applicable), preparing and submitting documents through the Portuguese consulate in the country of residence, obtaining a visa, entering Portugal, and applying for a residence permit with the Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA). The residence permit is then renewed subject to active business operations and compliance with requirements.
Typical Documents Needed
For the D2 visa application, a package of personal, financial, and corporate documents must be prepared. This includes: a passport; business plan; proof of sufficient financial means; Portuguese tax number (NIF); banking documents (including in Portugal); company registration documents (if available) or proof of intent to establish a company; and documents confirming professional experience. Criminal record certificates are required from the country of citizenship as well as from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than one year. Additional documents may include tax records and proof of business activity. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese. When including family members, documents confirming family relationship must also be provided.
D3 Visa
Main Requirements
Applicants must have an employment contract or job offer from a Portuguese company for a highly qualified position (requiring higher education or at least 5 years of relevant experience), as well as a salary meeting the legal thresholds (typically at least 1.5× the national average salary or 3× the Social Support Index — IAS — applicable at the time of application). The applicant must have no criminal record, comply with immigration requirements, and be prepared to reside and work in Portugal.
Application Process
The process includes securing a job offer, preparing the documentation package, submitting the application through the Portuguese consulate in the country of residence, obtaining the visa, entering Portugal, and applying for a residence permit with the Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA), including biometric data collection. The residence permit is then renewed subject to continued employment and compliance.
Typical Documents Needed
For the D3 visa application, a package of personal and professional documents must be prepared. This includes: a passport; employment contract or job offer from a Portuguese company (typically with a duration of at least 6–12 months); proof of qualifications (degree or professional experience); Portuguese tax number (NIF); proof of accommodation; health insurance; and financial documents. Criminal record certificates are required from the country of citizenship as well as from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than one year, along with consent for checks in Portugal. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.
D8 / Digital Nomad Visa
Main Requirements
Applicants must have remote employment or self-employment with income from outside Portugal and demonstrate a stable income, typically at least 4× the Portuguese minimum wage (around €3,680 per month in 2026), as well as secure accommodation in the country. Obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and opening a bank account is required. Applicants must have no criminal record, comply with immigration rules, and be prepared to reside in Portugal for the majority of the year (typically at least 183 days).
Application Process
The process includes obtaining a NIF and opening a bank account, preparing documents, submitting the application through the Portuguese consulate in the country of residence, obtaining the visa, entering Portugal, and applying for a residence permit with the Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA), including biometric data collection. The residence permit is then renewed subject to compliance with income and stay requirements.
Typical Documents Needed
For the D8 visa application, a package of personal and financial documents must be prepared. This includes: a passport; proof of remote employment or activity (employment contract, freelance work, or business outside Portugal); proof of income and bank statements; Portuguese tax number (NIF); banking documents in Portugal; proof of accommodation; and health insurance. Criminal record certificates are required from the country of citizenship and from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than one year, along with consent for checks in Portugal. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.