Golden Visa vs. D7 in 2025: Language, Tax & Lifestyle Compared

Introduction: Choosing the Right Path to Live in Portugal

In 2025, Portugal offers two primary residency options for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and remote professionals: the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa.

But which one makes more sense for your situation?

This comparison guide breaks down key differences in:

• 💶 Investment vs. Income Requirements

• 🧾 Taxation & NHR 2.0 Implications

• 🗣️ Language & Citizenship Milestones

• 🏖️ Lifestyle & Flexibility Factors

Tax differences between the Golden Visa and the D7

Quick Comparison Table: Golden Visa vs. D7 in 2025

Feature	Golden Visa	D7 Visa
Minimum Entry	€250,000+ investment (non-real estate)	€820+/month passive income (2025)
Stay Requirement	7 days/year	183+ days/year
A2 Language Requirement	Required for citizenship after 5 years	Same (A2 Portuguese for naturalization)
Eligible for NHR 2.0?	Yes, if resident	Yes, mandatory full-time residence
Tax Optimization	Possible via NHR + low presence	Full tax resident (global income taxed)
Family Inclusion	Yes (spouse, kids, parents)	Yes
Work Authorization	Optional (not tied to employment)	Required to show sustainable income
Visa Type	Passive investor visa	Passive income / remote worker residency
Best For	Global investors, minimal presence needed	Retirees, remote workers, digital nomads

Financial Requirements: Investment vs. Income

Golden Visa

• Investment Routes in 2025 (post-Mais Habitação law):

  • €250,000+ in cultural/art projects

  • €500,000+ in VC/private equity funds

• Minimal physical presence: Just 7 days/year

D7 Visa

• Prove monthly income (2025 update):

  • Primary applicant: €820/month minimum

  • Spouse: +50% (€410)

  • Dependent child: +30% (€246)

• Must live in Portugal at least 183 days/year

Taxation Differences: NHR 2.0 in Action

Golden Visa

• Can opt into NHR 2.0 if residing in Portugal

• Still favorable for:

  • Capital gains

  • Foreign-earned income

  • Certain pensions (partially exempt)

D7 Visa

• Automatically a Portuguese tax resident

• Must declare global income

• Can benefit from NHR 2.0, but:

  • Greater tax reporting

  • Higher scrutiny on offshore structures

Source: KPMG NHR Update 2025

Language Requirements & A2 Certification

Both Golden Visa and D7 holders must pass the A2-level CIPLE exam or complete a 150-hour certified course to apply for citizenship after five years.

What You Need to Know:

• CAPLE-certified CIPLE exams are scheduled monthly (see CIPLE 2025 Guide)

• LSBS offers native, exam-aligned instruction for both adults and teens

• Language certification never expires

🧠 Tip: Start learning from day 1, especially if applying with family.

Lifestyle & Flexibility: Which Visa Fits You?

Golden Visa

• Ideal for frequent travelers or those based outside the EU

• No need to relocate immediately

• Keep options open while working abroad

D7 Visa

• Best for retirees, freelancers, or remote professionals

• Must reside in Portugal year-round

• Faster integration, social security, and healthcare access

D7 gives you a deeper Portuguese experience. Golden Visa gives you more flexibility.

Which Path Leads Faster to Citizenship?

Both visas qualify for citizenship after 5 years with:

• A2 Portuguese language proof

• Clean criminal record

• Demonstrated integration (residency & tax compliance)

But:

• D7 applicants reach that point sooner due to full-time presence

• Golden Visa applicants must meet minimum stay days consistently

Final Verdict: Golden Visa or D7?

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to live in Portugal full-time or keep my base elsewhere?

• Is my income passive and stable, or do I prefer to invest and minimize my presence?

• Am I optimizing for tax residency, citizenship, or mobility?

For legal clarity, consult LSBS’s vetted immigration partners.

Book a free advisory call with LSBS to explore which visa works best for your citizenship goals.