Retiring in Portugal in 2026: the passive income visa
A pension or other passive income from $1,100 (€920) a month, a 2-year renewable residence permit, permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 10.
| Key facts | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Minimum income | from $1,100 (€920) a month, per applicant, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per child |
| Permit | a 2-year residence permit, then 3-year renewals |
| First step | a national passive income visa at a Portuguese consulate |
| Insurance | medical cover for the visa, then public healthcare once you have the card |
| Pension tax | 12.5-48% on the scale, about 13% on a $27,000 (€24,000) annual pension |
| Path to permanent residence | after 5 years, citizenship after 10 since 19 May 2026 |
| Couple's budget in the Algarve | from $1,800 a month including rent |
Data checked: 06.10.2026
Portugal is one of the most popular EU countries to retire to: a mild climate, the ocean, safety and public healthcare for residents. Retirees and people of independent means can use the passive income visa: it is granted to those whose pension, rent, dividends or interest are at least the minimum wage, $1,100 (€920) a month in 2026. A spouse adds 50% of this amount, and a child 30%.
The visa leads to a 2-year residence permit renewable for 3 years, and permanent residence is possible after 5 years. Since 19 May 2026 citizenship comes only after 10 years in the country, and the former tax regime for new residents is closed to newcomers: foreign pensions are taxed on the general scale.
We will work out online the investment or income your family needs and what the permit costs for each member.
Who can get residence as a retiree
The passive income visa suits those who live on regular income not linked to work in Portugal. Age is not checked separately: what matters is the income itself, its stability and its lawful origin. You may take employment on this residence permit, but the route is chosen by those living on a pension or capital.
If the goal is not to live in Portugal but to hold EU residence with minimal presence, this route does not fit: the passive income visa requires a genuine move and spending most of the year in the country. For occasional visits there is the golden visa through funds from $560,000 (€500,000) with a 7-day annual stay requirement.
- recipients of an old-age or long-service pension in Russia or another country of at least $1,100 (€920) a month;
- people of independent means with income from letting property, dividends or deposit interest;
- couples where the pension covers the requirement for two: $1,100 (€920) plus $520 (€460) for the spouse;
- retirees with large savings who back a small pension with money in a Portuguese account.
Documents and how to prove a Russian pension
- a passport valid longer than the requested term;
- a certificate of the awarded pension from the Social Fund of Russia with the amount, on paper with a stamp, apostilled and translated into Portuguese;
- bank statements showing pension credits for the last 6 months;
- a Portuguese tax number and a Portuguese bank account with money for the first months;
- a 12-month lease or a title document for a home in Portugal;
- a police certificate with an apostille and translation;
- medical insurance for the visa, an application form, photos and consent to a criminal record check in Portugal;
- for a spouse, a marriage certificate with an apostille and translation.
An electronic certificate from the Russian public services portal is usually not accepted by the consulate: you need a paper certificate from the Social Fund that can carry an apostille. Translations are made by a translator entitled to certify in Portugal or by the consulate.
Transfers from Russian banks to the EU are currently restricted, so for renewals it is convenient to keep part of your money in a Portuguese account in advance and show its statements. The Social Fund asks once a year for proof that the recipient is alive, through a consulate or a notary.
Health insurance
The visa requires medical insurance valid in Portugal until the residence permit is issued. Once you have the card, you register at the local health centre and use public healthcare for small fees.
Waiting times for specialists in the public system are long, so many retirees take out private insurance: it costs from $45-110 (€40-90) a month per person and rises with age. There are fewer policies for people over 70, so it is best to arrange one in advance.
Tax on your pension and the treaty with Russia
You become a Portuguese tax resident after 183 days in the country within 12 months or with a permanent home here. A foreign pension is taxed on the general scale from 12.5% to 48% after a specific deduction of $5,200 (€4,587.09) a year. For example, tax on a $27,000 (€24,000) annual pension is about $3,600 (€3,202), or 13.3%. The former 10% regime is closed to newcomers, and the regime that replaced it does not cover pensions.
The double taxation treaty between Russia and Portugal formally remains in force, but since 8 August 2023 Russia has suspended its articles, including those on pensions. A Russian state pension is not taxed in Russia, so in the end only Portugal taxes it. More on the page about taxes in Portugal.
If pension tax is your main criterion, compare Portugal with Greece, which has a flat 7% rate on foreign pensions: on the same $27,000 (€24,000) annual pension that is $1,900 (€1,680) instead of about $3,600 (€3,202).
Monthly budget for a couple
| Monthly item | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat in Faro | $790-1,100 (€700-900) |
| Utilities and internet | $110-170 (€90-150) |
| Groceries for two | $450-680 (€400-600) |
| Transport or a car | $170-340 (€150-300) |
| Private health insurance for two | $90-210 (€80-180) |
| Cafés, leisure, trips | $170-280 (€150-250) |
| Total for a couple | from $1,800 (€1,600) |
In Lisbon a one-bedroom flat costs about $1,600 (€1,350) a month, so a couple's budget in the capital starts at $2,800 (€2,500). In Porto one person needs $1,700-2,600 (€1,500-2,300) a month. Our consultant in the chat will calculate the budget for your city, home and family.
Support up to the visa, card and renewals
Retirees in Portugal are refused more often because of paperwork and timing than because of the amount: a pension certificate without an apostille, income not backed by credits, no one-year home, a missed migration agency appointment. We check income and documents before filing, arrange the tax number, bank account and lease, and handle the visa, the card and renewals up to permanent residence. We guarantee professional work and a transparent process, and in most cases a result on the first application.
Our consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.
Where retirees settle
Most European retirees live in the Algarve: Faro, Lagos, Tavira and Albufeira offer sun almost all year, beaches and plenty of English-speaking services, but summers are crowded and some cafés close in winter. Cascais near Lisbon is chosen by those who want the ocean and proximity to the capital's hospitals.
Porto and Braga are chosen for more affordable rents and a lively city, and Coimbra for a quiet life and a university hospital. Lisbon suits those who value the best hospitals and direct flights, but rents there are the highest. Madeira attracts with a mild climate all year.
Steps and timelines
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Checking income and documents, choosing a city | 1-2 weeks |
| Tax number, account, one-year lease, certificates and translations | 3-6 weeks |
| Applying for the visa at the consulate | up to 60 days for a decision |
| Entry and residence application at the migration agency | within the visa's 4-month validity |
| Receiving the 2-year card | after the decision |
| Renewal for 3 years | before expiry |
| Permanent residence | after 5 years |
Visa and residence fees come to a few hundred euros per person. Absence from Portugal for more than 6 months in a row or 8 months in total during the card's validity can lead to refusal of renewal. Since 19 May 2026 citizenship comes after 10 years, or 7 for EU citizens and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Common reasons for refusal
- income below $1,100 (€920) a month per applicant or without the spouse supplement;
- a pension proven only by an electronic certificate without an apostille;
- no one-year lease or title document;
- income credits not visible in accounts or an unclear source of funds;
- a criminal record or past migration breaches;
- on renewal, too long an absence from the country.
This topic in other countries
Retiring in other countries:
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- Retiring in Montenegro in 2026: what has changed
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- Panama Pensionado visa 2026: retirement visa requirements
More on this country:
- Portugal: all programmes
- Taxes in Portugal
- Lisbon: districts and prices
- Porto: districts and prices
- Faro: districts and prices
- Property in Portugal: selection and checks
All countries for retirement - compare the options.
FAQ
What pension is needed for Portuguese residence in 2026?
Can a retiree from Russia get Portuguese residence?
Is a Russian pension taxed in Portugal?
Is insurance required for retiree residence in Portugal?
How many years until permanent residence and citizenship in Portugal?
Can you get Portuguese residence by buying a home?
How much does retiring in Portugal cost?
Can you work on a passive income residence permit in Portugal?
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