Moving to Portugal: Visas & health insurance guide

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for expats, freelancers, and retirees. With a relaxed pace of life, affordable living, and sunshine nearly all year, it’s easy to see the appeal.

Before you go, you’ll need two essentials: the right visa and health insurance that meets the official requirements.

This guide breaks down what’s needed for each visa — and how Feather’s expat health insurance helps you qualify with confidence.

Do you need a visa to live in Portugal?

If you’re from the EU, you won't generally need a visa.

However, if you’re from outside the EU or planning to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a visa or residence permit.

Which one you apply for depends on why you’re moving: to work remotely, study, retire, or invest.

The most common visa types

1. D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

The Passive Income Visa is designed for retirees or anyone with a stable income from rent, savings, or dividends.

To obtain a D7 visa, you’ll need to have regular income matching or exceeding the Portuguese minimum wage (€820/month in 2025).

You’ll also need health insurance. When comparing your options, make sure that your insurance includes:

• At least €30,000 in medical coverage, valid in Portugal and the entire Schengen Area
• Emergency care and repatriation back to your home country
• Covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment for the duration of your stay

Feather’s expat plan meets all D7 health insurance standards, and you can apply 100% online.

2. Digital Nomad Visa (D8)

The Digital Nomad Visa is perfect for remote workers earning their income from outside Portugal.

Just as with the D7 visa, this visa requires a minimum income. However, the minimum income requirement is much higher at four times the minimum wage, or ~€3,280/month in 2026.

Health insurance is mandatory for your D8 visa, and it must fulfil these requirements:

• At least €30,000 in coverage, valid across the EU/Schengen Area, including medical evacuation and repatriation
• Policy must be valid for the full visa period (up to one year, renewable)

With Feather, you can get approved coverage instantly — no paperwork or calls needed.

3. Student Visa

The student visa is, well, unsurprisingly, for students.

The requirements to obtain the student visa are:

• You’ve been accepted into a recognised Portuguese university or study programme.
• You’ve got health insurance, either through your university, a bilateral agreement, or private insurance.

If you opt for private health insurance, ensure the minimum medical cover is at least €30,000. It must also cover emergency care and repatriation.

Regardless of the option that you choose, you’ll need to ensure that your health insurance lasts for your entire academic programme or stay

Feather’s expat policy is accepted by most Portuguese consulates for student visa applications.

4. Golden Visa

Designed for investors meeting Portugal’s minimum investment thresholds.

The investment minimum can vary depending on how you’ll invest:

• €500,000 minimum for acquiring units in investment or venture capital funds.
• €400,000 minimum for research activities in low-density areas
• €250,000 minimum for supporting arts or national heritage, or €200,000 if the project is in a low-density area

Beyond funds, you’ll also need:

• Health insurance, including at least €30,000 in coverage, valid in Portugal and Schengen countries. It must cover hospitalisation, emergencies, and repatriation.

Feather provides coverage certificates you can submit directly with your Golden Visa application.

5. Temporary Stay Visa

For short-term stays under one year — including work placements, volunteering, or research.

• Health insurance requirement: must cover your full stay in Portugal
• Minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across the Schengen Area
• Must include repatriation, medical evacuation, and emergency care

Feather’s expat insurance fits these requirements perfectly — you can even start your policy before arriving.

Why health insurance matters for your visa

Every Portuguese consulate requires proof of adequate health insurance that:

• Covers at least €30,000 in medical costs
• Includes inpatient, outpatient, and emergency treatment
• Covers repatriation and medical evacuation to your home country
• Is valid in Portugal and all Schengen countries
• Is active for the full duration of your stay or visa period

Feather’s expat health insurance was designed with these exact requirements in mind — so your visa application goes smoothly.

Why choose Feather for your move

Feather’s expat health insurance is made for people moving to Europe for the first time. It’s recognised by embassies, fully digital, and quick to set up.

• Accepted for most first-time visas, including D7, D8, and Temporary Stay visas
• €30,000+ coverage with inpatient, outpatient, emergency care, and repatriation
• Instant proof of coverage for your visa application
• Valid in Portugal, the EU, and Schengen Area
• 100% online sign-up — no phone calls or paperwork
• Includes up to six weeks of home-country travel after one year

Feather makes it easier to start your move — so you can focus on enjoying Portugal, not figuring out paperwork.

Switching to public health insurance (SNS)

If you’re staying long-term, you may eventually want to join Portugal’s public health system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS).

Here’s how to do it:

1. Register for residency within 90 days of arrival.
2. Get your NIF (tax number) and open a local bank account.
3. Register your address with your local parish council (Junta de Freguesia).
4. Sign up with SNS at your local health centre (Centro de Saúde).

You can switch once you’re officially registered. Many expats keep Feather’s plan active during this process — just in case there are delays with local paperwork.