Portugal offers multiple visa options for those looking to legalize their stay, with the Startup Visa and D7 Visa being popular choices. Both provide unique pathways to residency, catering to different types of applicants. While the Startup Visa focuses on entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses, the D7 Visa is tailored for individuals with passive income sources.

Albert Ioffe, Legal and Compliance Officer at Immigrant Invest, breaks down the costs, and requirements for both visas, including the process to obtain Portugal Passive Income Visa, helping you decide which option suits your circumstances best.

How to Relocate to Portugal with a Startup Visa

The Startup Visa is designed for entrepreneurs. Portugal encourages the creation of innovative businesses that contribute to the country’s economy.

Costs. Setting up a startup in Portugal can involve initial investment costs, business incorporation fees, and other startup expenses. While no specific minimum investment is required, you need to prove you have the financial means to establish and sustain your business.

Additional costs may include legal fees for business setup, accounting services, and any initial hiring of employees.

Process. You begin by applying to a certified incubator in Portugal, which will assess the feasibility of your business idea. If accepted, the incubator will issue a certificate, allowing you to apply for the visa. Once you receive the visa, you can relocate to Portugal.

The entire approval process can take four months, so it’s important to apply well in advance.

Documents. Key documents to get Portugal Startup Visa include:

● a valid passport;
● proof of financial resources;
● a solid business plan;
● the incubator’s acceptance letter.

Supporting documents, such as a criminal background check and health insurance, are also required.

Requirements. Your business idea must be innovative, and you must intend to create jobs in Portugal. Also, your business should be technology-based or scalable. Entrepreneurs should also demonstrate financial viability, which could include showing bank statements or other proof of funding.

How to Immigrate to Portugal with a D7 Visa

The D7 Visa offers a path to residency for those with stable, passive income. This includes pensions, investments, or rental income. It’s a popular choice for retirees and individuals seeking a slower, less business-driven route to Portuguese residency.

Costs. The financial requirements for the D7 Visa depend on your income. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Portugal.

The general rule is that you need at least the equivalent of the Portuguese minimum wage, currently set at around €820 per month. If you are bringing a family, the income requirement increases by 50% for a spouse and for 30% for each dependent child.

Process. After gathering the necessary documents, you can apply for the D7 Visa at the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence. Once approved, you receive a temporary visa, allowing you to enter Portugal and apply for your residence permit.

The permit is usually valid for two years and can be renewed.

Documents. Required documents include:

● proof of passive income;
● a valid passport;
● health insurance;
● proof of accommodation in Portugal.

Additional documentation, such as tax returns, may also be required to demonstrate the sustainability of your income.

Requirements. You must have a regular passive income source that can sustain you and any dependents during your stay in Portugal. Your income should come from legitimate, verifiable sources, such as investments or rental properties.

Also, you must prove sufficient savings to cover living expenses for at least 12 months.

Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa vs. Startup Visa

The main difference between the two visas lies in their requirements and target applicants.

The D7 Visa is suitable for those with passive income, while the Startup Visa is geared towards entrepreneurs.

Eligibility. The D7 Visa requires proof of passive income, while the Startup Visa requires an innovative business idea accepted by an incubator. The Startup Visa also mandates a commitment to building a business that has the potential for scalability and job creation in Portugal.

Initial costs. The D7 Visa has lower initial costs since there’s no need to invest in a business. In contrast, the Startup Visa may involve more upfront expenses, including business setup costs.

However, entrepreneurs might be able to take advantage of business incentives and grants offered by the Portuguese government.

Flexibility. The D7 Visa offers more flexibility for retirees or those not wishing to run a business. On the other hand, the Startup Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to develop a new venture.

Both visas, however, require proof of stable finances to ensure that applicants are not a burden on the Portuguese state.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship After D7 and Startup Visa

Both visas lead to residency in Portugal, and after five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Entrepreneurs who successfully maintain their business in Portugal can apply for permanent residency after five years. Continuous business operations and proof of financial stability are key.

Additionally, you must prove basic knowledge of Portuguese, which is typically demonstrated through a language test.

Similarly, D7 Visa holders who maintain their passive income stream and comply with Portuguese residency requirements can apply for permanent residency after five years. Both pathways allow for family reunification, offering residency to spouses and dependents.

Portuguese citizenship offers the additional benefit of visa-free travel within the EU and access to various EU rights.

Conclusion

Choosing the right visa depends on your circumstances. The Startup Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, while the D7 Visa is better suited for those with stable passive income. Both pathways offer opportunities to gain permanent residency and eventually citizenship in Portugal.

High-speed internet has dramatically reshaped the global digital economy, becoming an essential economic growth and innovation driver. Internet speeds have significantly improved over the last few years, particularly with the expansion of 5G networks and fiber-optic technology. By the end of 2024, the global average for fixed broadband download speeds reached nearly 180 Mbps, while mobile internet continues to advance, with countries like the UAE and South Korea achieving speeds of over 200 Mbps​.

This rapid improvement enables businesses to operate more efficiently, expand their market reach, and tap into real-time data, creating a more interconnected global economy.

However, internet speed and accessibility vary by region. Developed nations in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia enjoy some of the fastest internet services. Countries like Monaco, Singapore, and Denmark consistently rank high for fixed broadband speeds, while the UAE and South Korea lead in mobile internet performance.

In contrast, regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America are still catching up, with lower average speeds and more limited access​. Despite these challenges, investments in 5G and broadband infrastructure are closing the gap, bringing faster internet to more underserved regions and allowing them to participate more fully in the global digital economy.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

The economic implications of high-speed internet are transformative, significantly contributing to global GDP. Research shows that the digital economy is growing faster than traditional sectors like agriculture and energy.

In developed nations, internet-based industries have driven around 21% of GDP growth over the past five years, a trend that continues to accelerate as businesses increasingly embrace digital platforms. The rise of internet-driven services has also sparked a surge in job creation, with estimates indicating that for every position lost due to automation, 2.6 new jobs are generated due to digital efficiencies and emerging sectors​.

This economic stimulation is not confined to tech-focused industries alone. High-speed internet enhances productivity across various sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. In Europe, for instance, digitization is expected to boost agricultural productivity by 25%, while manufacturing in the U.S. and EU is projected to experience productivity gains of up to 30% in the next five years​.

Additionally, seamlessly integrated tech-based sectors, such as the best online casinos Canada, illustrate the far-reaching impact of high-speed internet. These online platforms not only directly employ tech professionals in software development and cybersecurity but also drive growth in related industries like marketing, customer service, and financial technology, further stimulating the economy through indirect job creation.

Facilitating Remote Work and the Global Workforce

The rise of remote work is perhaps one of the most tangible benefits of high-speed internet. Enabled by faster connectivity, more enterprises are embracing distributed teams, accessing global talent pools, and offering flexible work arrangements. A Gartner survey revealed that nearly 47% of global business leaders plan to make remote work a permanent part of their operations. With this, organizations can operate seamlessly, regardless of geographic barriers, thereby decentralizing traditional office hubs and redistributing economic opportunities​.

Beyond conventional office jobs, industries like healthcare and education have also seen a digital shift. Telemedicine, for example, is expanding healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved areas, where high-speed internet enables real-time consultations with specialists. Similarly, online education platforms are bridging gaps in learning, making quality education accessible globally​.

Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

High-speed internet is a game-changer for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to expand their market reach, reduce operational costs, and improve customer engagement. Traditionally, SMEs faced significant barriers to competing with larger firms due to limited resources and geographic constraints. However, with high-speed internet, these businesses can now operate globally, accessing e-commerce platforms and digital marketing tools that allow them to connect with customers anywhere in the world. In fact, research indicates that internet-enabled SMEs grow twice as fast as those that are not online​. High-speed internet also facilitates the use of cloud-based services, enabling SMEs to streamline operations, automate processes, and reduce IT costs.

Advancing Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion

Another significant but often overlooked impact of high-speed internet is its role in advancing digital payments and promoting financial inclusion. Faster internet speeds have enabled the rise of mobile banking and digital payment systems, which are essential for millions of people, especially in emerging markets, who do not have access to traditional banking services.

The ability to transfer money digitally has had a transformative impact on local economies by promoting entrepreneurship and reducing barriers to accessing financial services​. High-speed internet ensures that these digital financial services are more reliable, secure, and accessible to even the most remote regions, thereby fostering inclusive economic growth.

Final Thoughts

High-speed internet will continue to evolve and expand its influence on the digital economy. Emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain require significant computational resources and fast, reliable connectivity to function effectively. As these technologies mature, they will further integrate into various sectors, from financial services to government operations, creating new markets and business models​.

For high-speed internet to reach its full potential, public-private partnerships will be critical in accelerating infrastructure development, especially in regions that remain underserved. Governments must also craft forward-looking policies that encourage innovation, ensure fair competition, and provide incentives for broadband investment​.