How to Move to Portugal as a Family

This article has been guest-written for us by James, from Portugalist.com

Introduction

Moving to Portugal with your family isn’t just a change of address – it’s the beginning of an adventure that thousands undertake each year. While the dream is straightforward (sun, sea, and a more relaxed lifestyle), the reality requires careful planning. 

From navigating visa requirements to choosing schools and finding the right community, this guide breaks down the essential steps for families considering Portugal as their new home.

Of course, given Portugal offers the chance to experience a new culture, one that’s extremely family-friendly, and to apply for citizenship after just five years, it’s worth jumping through a few hoops to get here. 

First decision: Can you actually make the move? Let’s explore the options…

Can You Move to Portugal?

Moving to Portugal starts with understanding if you can make the move at all. 

EU/EEA/Swiss

For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, it’s straightforward – you can move freely and just need to register at the câmara municipal (local town hall) after 3 months. Your family members can join you, though they’ll need to wait until you’re registered before getting their own appointments with AIMA (Portuguese borders and immigration).

For everyone else, there are three main visa paths:

D7 Visa

For non-EU citizens, the D7 visa offers one of the most accessible paths. From 2025, you’ll need to show a minimum monthly income of €870, plus 50% for a spouse or partner and an additional 30% for each dependent child. 

For a family of three, this comes to €1,566 monthly. The key requirement is that this income must come from passive sources – pensions and social security are the most common kind. You’ll also need savings equivalent to 12 months of your required income.

According to James Cave from Portugalist, which helps people apply for the D7, “while the income levels are attainable, many families won’t be at the age where they’re already drawing social security or a pension, which makes the D7 tricky. If you don’t meet the requirements for another visa, like the digital nomad visa, you could consider investing in a rental property. This is considered passive income for the D7 and something many families will be able to do.”

Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa allows for income from remote work or freelancing, making it more practical for working families. However, the income requirements are four times higher than the D7 – a main applicant needs €3,480 monthly, with the same percentage increases for family members. 

The savings requirement, thankfully, uses the lower D7 figure as its base.

The Golden Visa

For families with substantial savings, the golden visa provides an alternative. The most common route requires a €500,000 investment in a qualifying fund. 

This visa offers two key advantages: you only need to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal, and you can use savings rather than proving ongoing income. However, the costs add up significantly for families, between the investment, legal fees, and government charges. 

This makes it best suited for those who aren’t ready to commit to full-time residence in Portugal or that don’t qualify for another visa like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa. 

If you are thinking about this route, it’s best to act fast. The golden visa has come under considerable scrutiny from the EU and many protests against the increasing lack of affordable housing have mentioned the golden visa as one of the causes. Currently, Portugal has no plans to reduce its golden visa offerings any further, but it’s possible this may happen in the future. 

The D3

For those with strong professional qualifications, the D3 (Highly Qualified Worker) visa offers another pathway to residency. This visa requires both specialized skills and either a job offer or existing employment contract with a Portuguese employer. While Portuguese salaries tend to be lower than other Western European countries, this visa can work well for those who find the right opportunity.

The salary requirements are specific: you’ll need to earn at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS). For context, Portugal’s minimum wage as of 2025 is €870 per month.

The D2

While the D2 entrepreneurship visa offers a path for business owners, it comes with notable risks. Immigration officials have significant discretion in evaluating applications, needing to be convinced both of your business’s viability and its value to Portugal’s economy and society.

Beyond visa considerations, starting a business while managing a family’s international relocation adds substantial complexity. However, the visa requirements themselves are relatively straightforward – you need to show you can support yourself at Portuguese minimum wage levels and have a year’s savings for you and any dependents. There’s no mandatory startup capital requirement, though you’ll need enough investment to launch your business successfully.

One stronger approach is using the D2 to establish a Portuguese branch of an existing successful business. This can help demonstrate viability to immigration officials, as you have a proven track record. Of course, if you believe you have a great business idea – and your family is onboard – this could be the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. 

Where Should You Live?

While you can live anywhere in Portugal, there are some major factors that’ll influence your decision. 

Schools

Schools are often the primary factor. International and private schools are concentrated in major areas like Lisbon and the Algarve. For younger children, Portuguese schools (public or private) offer better integration and language immersion. Older children might prefer international schools, though these come with higher costs. 

Public school quality varies – annual rankings, such as those from jn.pt, can guide your decision.

Amenities

Consider your family’s lifestyle needs. Urban areas like Lisbon offer extensive amenities and activities, while remote locations provide different opportunities. Your family’s hobbies and interests should influence this choice.

Safety

Safety isn’t usually a major concern in Portugal, though urban areas typically see more petty crime than rural regions. Despite this, it’s important to be aware that crime does happen throughout Portugal, as with everywhere else. 

Healthcare

Healthcare access matters, especially for families with specific medical needs. While residents can access the public health system, private hospitals aren’t available in all areas. If private healthcare is important to you, verify local options before choosing a location.

Transport

Public transportation can become more of an issue as your children get older. As they want more independence, will they be able to get around by themselves or will they have to rely on you to drive them? 

The quality of public transport in Portugal varies tremendously. In somewhere like Lisbon, you absolutely don’t need a car. However, in rural locations, a car is all but essential. 

The language

Language and integration are closely linked in Portugal. While English is common in tourist areas and major cities, particularly Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, relying on it can limit integration. 

Rural areas have fewer English speakers, which can accelerate Portuguese language acquisition but also present initial challenges.

Many schools have a support system for children whose first language isn’t Portuguese (Português Língua Não Materna or PLNM) but it’s a good idea to ask around to see what support is like in that particular school. 

Cost of living

As with any country, different regions have different costs of living. The biggest cost, unsurprisingly, will be housing (where to rent or buy). 

Housing costs vary significantly by region:

• Lisbon and Cascais: Highest costs
• Coastal Algarve: Premium prices
• Northern/Central Portugal: More affordable but rural
• Inland Algarve: More affordable compared to the coast

It’s worth taking a look at Idealista.pt, the main property website in Portugal, to get an idea of prices in different parts of Portugal. 

Closing Thoughts

Moving to Portugal as a family requires careful planning, but thousands make this transition successfully each year. While challenges exist – from visa requirements to language barriers – the rewards can be substantial: a safer environment, high-quality education options, excellent healthcare, and that coveted southern European lifestyle. 

Whether you choose the bustling streets of Lisbon, the beaches of the Algarve, or the tranquil countryside of Central Portugal, success comes down to thorough research and realistic expectations. 

Most importantly, remember that every family’s journey is unique – take time to understand your specific needs and possibilities before making the leap.