Portugal Visa News: Major Updates in July 2025

Portugal’s immigration landscape is changing again. In July 2025, AIMA released updates to both the Golden Visa and D7 Visa programs. These updates affect eligibility, application timelines, and renewal criteria. This article breaks down what’s changing and what you need to do now to stay compliant or apply successfully.

🥇 Golden Visa: What’s New in July 2025?

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains available but with more limitations and an emphasis on economic contribution.

🔄 Key Changes:

• ❌ Real estate-based investment permanently excluded

• ✅ Investment in innovation funds, environmental startups, or tech hubs still eligible

• 📍 Minimum investment threshold raised to €600,000 (was €500K)

• 🔁 Residency renewals now require proof of "active contribution" (e.g., job creation, local contracts)

  
  

🧠 Legal Insight (from Dr. Tomás Neves, Immigration Attorney):

“Passive capital alone isn’t enough. Golden Visa holders must now show tangible economic integration in Portugal.”

📍 Who This Affects:

• Investors planning property-based applications (no longer eligible)

• Existing holders nearing renewal (must meet new engagement standards)

• Applicants using investment funds — must choose from AIMA-certified options

  
  

💶 D7 Visa: New Requirements for Passive Income Applicants

The D7 Visa remains the most popular path for retirees, remote workers, and independent earners. However, it now comes with stricter documentation and verification.

🔑 July 2025 Updates:

• 📊 Must show 6 months of Portuguese bank activity with regular deposits

• 📈 Minimum monthly income raised to €820 for individuals, plus 30% per dependent

• 🏠 Proof of long-term rental (minimum 12-month contract) required at application stage

• 📅 Application timelines extended: approval may take 90–120 days

  
  

🧾 Golden Visa vs D7 Visa: July 2025 Comparison

Feature	Golden Visa	D7 Visa
Target Audience	Investors, high-net-worth	Retirees, remote workers, freelancers
Investment Requirement	€600K+ in certified funds	Passive income ≥ €820/mo
Language Requirement	A2 for citizenship (after 5 yrs)	A2 for renewals & citizenship
Physical Stay Required	7 days/year	183+ days/year
Property Option	❌ Not eligible	✅ Long-term lease required
Application Timeline	9–12 months	3–4 months

📘 Why Language Skills Still Matter in 2025

With tighter renewal rules and more integration-focused policies, Portuguese language proficiency is now central to both D7 and Golden Visa paths.

🎯 Solution: Start early with the government-approved PLA (Português Língua de Acolhimento) course.

🎓 Need A2-level fluency for renewal or citizenship?👉 Enroll in the PLA Course Now

📅 What’s Ahead for Late 2025

• 📢 AIMA to publish new certified investment fund list by August 15

• ⚖️ Constitutional review underway to expand language test waivers for elderly applicants

• 🛂 SEF backlog resolution expected to free up D7 processing in Q4

  
  

❓ FAQs: Visa Changes July 2025

📌 Can I still apply for a Golden Visa with property?

No. Property-based Golden Visas were removed in 2023 and remain ineligible in 2025.

📌 Does the D7 Visa require me to live full-time in Portugal?

Yes. You must reside in Portugal at least 183 days/year to maintain your residency status.

📌 Can I switch from D7 to a Digital Nomad visa later?

Yes, but it requires proof of active freelance/remote income and can impact future citizenship eligibility.