What are the main immigration pathways to Portugal?

Portugal is an EU member state and part of the Schengen Area, and its system has two layers: visas issued by Portuguese consulates, and residence permits handled by AIMA — the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, which replaced the former SEF on 29 October 2023. The usual path is to obtain the relevant national visa at a consulate, enter Portugal, and then apply for the residence permit with AIMA.

Portugal is best known for its lettered national visas: the D7 for passive income and retirement, the D8 for digital nomads and remote workers, the D2 for entrepreneurs and independent professionals, the D3 for highly qualified activity (which can take the form of the EU Blue Card), the D1 for employees, the D4 for study and research, and family reunification (D6).

There is also the Golden Visa (ARI), residence by investment with minimal stay — though since Law 56/2023, real-estate purchase no longer qualifies. For settling, permanent residence is generally available after five years with A2 Portuguese, and citizenship follows a qualifying period that a 2026 reform increased beyond five years. Because rules change frequently, confirm the current position on the official portals, and ACME is glad to help you choose the right route.