Updated: Jan 2026

Movingto vs Global Citizen Solutions

A side-by-side comparison of a Portugal-focused platform model versus a global concierge consultancy — with emphasis on Portugal Golden Visa funds, plus D7 and D8 pathways.

Movingto

Best for: data-led Portugal focus

Often suited to applicants who want clear structure, practical guidance, and a Portugal-first workflow — especially around fund route decision-making.

Portugal Golden Visa fund comparisons and clear selection criteria
Hands-on help with admin setup (NIF, banking, document flow)
Good fit if you prefer transparency and a focused scope

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

Best for: broader global planning

Often suited to clients who want multi-jurisdiction options and a higher-touch consultancy approach, including wider relocation or corporate planning support.

Broader residency and citizenship strategy across multiple programmes
Concierge-style guidance with structured onboarding
Good fit if you want breadth, not just Portugal depth

Talk to Movingto See Side-by-Side

Quick verdict

For most applicants focused on Portugal, a specialised and well-structured approach tends to deliver the clearest outcomes.

Decision-first summary

Processing timelines are determined by Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA) and apply regardless of service provider.

Choose Movingto if…

Portugal-specialist approach

You want a Portugal-first strategy with deep focus on Golden Visa fund selection.
You value clarity, structure, and data-led guidance rather than broad programme coverage.
You prefer transparent pricing and a clearly defined scope of work.
You want hands-on support for practical steps like NIF, banking, and document coordination.

Choose GCS if…

Broader global scope

You are exploring multiple residency or citizenship programmes across different regions.
You prefer a concierge consultancy model covering a wider set of jurisdictions.
Your planning includes corporate structuring or property across several countries.
You are looking for high-level global mobility planning rather than a Portugal-specific focus.

In practice, applicants often find that a focused provider with strong local execution can simplify decisions, reduce friction, and make complex requirements easier to navigate — particularly within the Portuguese system.

At-a-glance comparison

A quick side-by-side view of how each provider publicly positions its services. Wording below is deliberately careful: it reflects stated approaches rather than guarantees.

Tip: if your plan is Portugal-focused, a specialist model can be easier to navigate day-to-day — especially when deciding on the Golden Visa fund route and handling practical admin steps.

Category	Movingto	Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)
Positioning	Portugal-first provider that publicly emphasises a structured, specialist workflow. Specialist clarity Designed for applicants who want depth in Portugal rather than a broad programme catalogue.	Global mobility consultancy that publicly positions itself as broader-scope, multi-jurisdiction planning. Wider scope Often framed as a fit for clients weighing multiple countries or pathways.
Legal delivery model	Publicly presented as tightly coordinated with licensed professionals, with a clear process for who handles each step. Emphasis tends to be on reducing hand-offs and keeping responsibilities transparent.	Publicly described as consultancy-led with legal support delivered through a structured model (often involving partner lawyers). Typically positioned as broader advisory coverage across jurisdictions.
Golden Visa fund approach	Publicly promotes fund comparison and decision support (often described as data-led and criteria-driven). Strong fit if you want help narrowing options and documenting a clear rationale.	Publicly frames fund selection as more bespoke, with introductions and broader portfolio-style planning. Often positioned for clients who prefer a higher-touch, consultative route.
D7 / D8 support	Supports D7 and D8 pathways, typically alongside practical relocation setup. Often useful when you want clear checklists and step-by-step coordination.	Supports D7 and D8 pathways as part of a wider relocation and mobility offering. Often presented as part of broader country and programme coverage.
Tools	Publicly highlights tooling for clarity (for example, fund-focused resources and structured guidance). Best suited to people who want information organised in one place.	Publicly describes a guided onboarding process typical of a consultancy model. Often positioned around advisory support across a wider set of services.
Best for	Portugal-focused applicants who want depth, structure, and clear decision support — particularly for fund route choices. If Portugal is the goal, specialisation usually simplifies the journey.	Clients who want broader global mobility planning and a consultancy approach spanning multiple jurisdictions. Most relevant when Portugal is only one of several options under review.

If you’re already committed to Portugal, the most practical difference tends to be focus: a Portugal specialist can offer more depth around local steps, documents, and fund-route decisions.

What each company is

This page is designed to help you compare approaches. The clearest difference is focus: Movingto is built around Portugal and the day-to-day execution of the process, while GCS typically positions itself as broader-scope global mobility planning.

Movingto

Portugal specialist

Movingto is a Portugal-focused residency and immigration support provider. It is structured around helping applicants make clear decisions (especially for the Golden Visa fund route) and then coordinating the practical steps that tend to slow people down — such as documentation flow, NIF and banking setup, and keeping the process organised from start to finish.

Golden Visa funds focus D7/D8 support Admin setup & coordination

How they work

Start with a Portugal-first plan, then move through a structured checklist and clear milestones.
Support fund route decision-making with practical comparison criteria and documented reasoning.
Coordinate the moving parts (documents, NIF, banking, timelines) so your file stays complete and consistent.

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

Broader mobility planning

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) is typically positioned as a global mobility consultancy. It commonly frames its offering around wider residency and citizenship planning across multiple jurisdictions, with an advisory model that can extend into relocation and corporate considerations depending on the client profile and objectives.

Multi-jurisdiction options Consultancy-led planning Corporate/relocation support

How they work

Begin with broader goal-setting and explore different programme options across countries.
Provide guided advisory support with a consultancy-style onboarding process.
Where needed, integrate additional planning areas (for example corporate or relocation logistics) into the engagement.

Service scope map

A quick overview of the main pathways people compare. Each tile gives a one-line “what you get” and a one-line “who it suits” so you can scan without wading through paragraphs.

Portugal Golden Visa (fund route)

What you get: Help comparing fund options and coordinating the end-to-end Golden Visa process in Portugal.

Who it suits: Investors who want clarity on fund selection and a Portugal-first execution plan.

D7 Visa (passive income)

What you get: Guidance on eligibility, documents, and the practical setup steps that support a smoother application.

Who it suits: Retirees and financially independent applicants moving to Portugal with stable income.

D8 Visa (digital nomad)

What you get: Document and process support for remote work applicants, plus assistance with common admin requirements.

Who it suits: Remote employees and freelancers who want a structured route to living in Portugal.

NIF, banking & admin setup

What you get: Hands-on support for key Portugal admin steps such as NIF, banking, and document coordination.

Who it suits: Anyone who wants the “practical bits” handled cleanly so the file stays consistent.

Corporate, property & multi-country planning

What you get: Broader mobility planning that may include corporate structuring, property considerations, and multiple jurisdictions.

Who it suits: Higher-complexity profiles comparing several countries or planning a wider international footprint.

File preparation & coordination

What you get: Checklists, document flow, and coordination across the moving parts so nothing falls through.

Who it suits: Applicants who want a clear process and fewer last-minute document surprises.

Tip: if Portugal is your destination, choosing a provider with deep local focus can make the practical steps feel far more straightforward — especially around fund route decisions and admin setup.

Portugal Golden Visa Funds

Since the 2023 programme changes, the fund route has become the primary investment path. This section focuses on how fund selection is approached — and what informed investors should look for.

Following legislative changes in late 2023, direct real estate investment no longer qualifies for the Portugal Golden Visa. Today, regulated investment funds are the dominant route for new applicants.

Movingto Fund Selection

Structured & Data-led

Movingto publicly frames its fund support around structured comparison and matching logic. The emphasis is on narrowing options based on eligibility, structure, and risk profile.

Criteria-based comparison across eligible Portugal Golden Visa funds
Focus on regulated funds that meet programme requirements
Clear rationale documented for why a specific fund suits a profile

GCS Fund Approach

Bespoke & Consultative

GCS generally positions fund selection as part of a broader advisory discussion. The approach is often framed around bespoke introductions and holistic portfolio considerations.

Introductions to fund managers via consultative planning
Fund discussions integrated into wider wealth planning
Suited to clients considering multiple strategies

Due Diligence Checklist

CMVM registration and regulatory status

Independent custodian and fund governance

Audited financial reporting and transparency

Lock-up periods and redemption terms

Fee structure (management & performance)

Investment strategy and asset exposure

Liquidity risk and exit considerations

Always confirm current Golden Visa eligibility, including minimum investment thresholds and compliance with programme rules at the time of application.

Check the fund manager’s track record, CMVM registration, and whether oversight and custody are handled by independent parties.

Understand lock-up periods, redemption windows, and whether liquidity depends on asset sales, fund maturity, or secondary markets.

Legal delivery & who does what

One of the most common concerns is understanding who is actually responsible at each stage. The outlines below reflect how each provider typically presents its delivery model.

Movingto

Structured coordination

Who you talk to

Movingto acts as the primary point of contact.

Centralised communication and guidance.

Who prepares documents

Licensed professionals prepare legal filings.

Requirements and inputs are coordinated centrally.

Who submits

Applications are submitted by authorised legal counsel.

Aligned with current AIMA procedures.

Who follows up

Movingto coordinates follow-ups and next steps.

Keeps timelines, appointments, and updates organised.

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

Consultancy-led model

Who you talk to

A GCS consultant typically leads communication.

Acts as the advisory point of contact.

Who prepares documents

Legal documentation is handled by partner lawyers.

Often coordinated through the consultancy.

Who submits

Submissions are made by the appointed legal representatives.

Dependent on the chosen jurisdiction and route.

Who follows up

The consultancy coordinates updates with partners.

Follow-ups are integrated into the advisory workflow.

Important: legal and tax advice is always provided by appropriately licensed professionals. The structures above describe coordination and delivery models, not the provision of legal or tax advice itself.

D7 & D8: Which Route Fits Which Profile

Not everyone needs the Golden Visa. If your profile fits D7 or D8, these routes can be simpler and more cost-effective. The panels below are designed for fast scanning: who qualifies, where applications tend to get stuck, and how support usually differs.

D7 (Passive Income)

Stable Income

Who qualifies (Typical)

Applicants with predictable, recurring income — commonly retirees, financially independent individuals, or people living on passive income streams from outside Portugal.

Typical friction points

Proving income stability, presenting clean bank statements, aligning accommodation evidence, and keeping documentation consistent.

How support typically differs

Movingto

Strong fit for Portugal-first setup: admin support (NIF/banking) and practical coordination to keep the file tidy.

GCS

Best for broader relocation planning, especially when comparing multiple countries or complex lifestyle residency decisions.

D8 (Digital Nomad)

Remote Work

Who qualifies (Typical)

Remote employees or freelancers with consistent income from outside Portugal. Family reunification is generally supported for the household.

Typical friction points

Proving remote work status, demonstrating reliable income over time, and aligning contracts/invoices with bank evidence.

How support typically differs

Movingto

Best for practical support: document preparation discipline, Portugal admin setup, and a clear process mapped to D8 assessment.

GCS

Framed as consultancy-style engagement, especially when digital nomad planning is one part of a wider global mobility decision.

Pricing & value

Exact fees vary by profile and route, so this section focuses on practical pricing signals: what typically drives cost, what you should expect regardless of provider, and how each firm is generally positioned.

Pricing positioning (high-level)

Government fees are separate and apply regardless of which firm you use.

Movingto

More accessible positioning

Movingto is generally positioned as a Portugal-first option with a clear, structured scope. In practice, this can feel more straightforward for applicants who want transparent deliverables, practical admin support, and a defined process from day one.

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

Premium concierge positioning

GCS is commonly positioned as a higher-touch consultancy model, particularly when the engagement includes multi-country planning, corporate considerations, or broader mobility strategy work beyond a single Portugal pathway.

What typically drives cost

Family size: more applicants usually means more documents, legal steps, and renewals.
Complexity: prior residencies, travel history, or non-standard situations can add legal work.
Source of funds: proving origin of funds and banking trails often adds time and documentation.
Translations & legalisation: certified translations, apostilles, and consular formalities can stack up.
Renewals & follow-ons: residence renewals, family reunification, and long-term planning can change the overall total.

Reported signals (not exact fees)

These are “signals” based on how each firm typically describes its offering and how clients commonly talk about value — not a fee schedule.

Signal	Movingto	GCS
How value is framed	Clarity, process structure, Portugal execution, and practical admin setup.	Broader mobility planning, advisory depth, and concierge-style coordination.
Where costs can increase	Mostly driven by case complexity and add-ons (family, renewals, translations).	More likely to expand with wider scope (multi-country, corporate, property, portfolio planning).
Best fit for budget-conscious applicants	Typically strong: defined scope and Portugal-first focus can keep the workstream efficient.	Typically less central: positioning leans towards premium, higher-touch engagements.

Reminder: government fees (and certain third-party costs) exist regardless of provider. The most useful comparison is not “who is cheapest”, but which scope and delivery model fits your profile without surprise add-ons.

Reviews & reputation

Public reviews don’t tell the whole story, but they do highlight recurring patterns. This section focuses on broad sentiment rather than isolated opinions.

Movingto

Trustpilot snapshot

Rating As publicly reported on Trustpilot

Review volume Growing, still developing profile

Feedback tends to focus on clarity, responsiveness, and the value of having a Portugal-focused team coordinating the process.

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

Trustpilot snapshot

Rating As publicly reported on Trustpilot

Review volume Larger, longer-established profile

Reviews often highlight the breadth of services and consultancy-led approach, especially for clients exploring multiple jurisdictions.

Common praise themes

Clear guidance and structured processes
Responsiveness during document-heavy stages
Support navigating Portuguese administration

Common complaint themes

Timelines affected by government backlogs
Complexity when cases expand beyond the initial scope
Cost expectations when requirements change

How they respond: Both firms publicly emphasise communication and expectation-setting when delays or complications arise. Differences tend to reflect their delivery models: Movingto frames responses around process clarity and next steps, while GCS responses often reflect a consultancy-style explanation tied to broader planning context.

Risks, limitations, and what no one can control

A strong provider can improve clarity and reduce avoidable errors — but there are still factors outside anyone’s control. Being realistic here helps you plan better and reduces unpleasant surprises later.

Important realities to plan around

Calm, practical reminders — not scare tactics.

AIMA backlog reality

Processing capacity and appointment availability can cause delays, even with a perfect application file. Timelines are set by Portuguese immigration authorities, not service providers.

Fund performance ≠ visa outcome

Investment performance and visa processing are separate. A fund can be regulated and eligible, yet returns may vary, and returns do not determine immigration decisions.

No one can guarantee timelines

Any firm can estimate stages, but no one can promise exact approval dates. What you can control is preparation: document quality, consistency, and responsiveness.

Who might not be the right fit

Honest comparisons matter. No provider is right for everyone, and being clear about fit helps avoid frustration later.

You might not want Movingto if…

Portugal-first

You are actively comparing multiple countries and want one firm to design a global strategy across jurisdictions.
You prefer a highly consultative, exploratory process rather than a structured, execution-led workflow.
You are looking for property acquisition, corporate structuring, and residency planning bundled into one broad engagement.

You might not want GCS if…

Broader scope

You already know Portugal is your destination and want a focused, execution-first pathway.
You are budget-sensitive and prefer clearly defined scope over a premium consultancy model.
You value speed and operational clarity more than broader strategic discussions.

Choosing the right provider is less about who is “better” in general, and more about which delivery style, scope, and level of involvement matches how you want to make decisions.

A practical recommendation

If Portugal is the destination, the most useful advantage is often clarity and execution: knowing what to do next, what matters, and keeping the process organised with fewer surprises. That’s where a Portugal-first provider tends to feel simpler.

Talk to Movingto

Primary path for Portugal

Get a clear plan for your route (Golden Visa fund, D7, or D8), what’s required, and how the next steps should be sequenced. The aim is simple: remove uncertainty and keep the file clean.

Speak with Movingto Recheck the comparison

What happens next

Quick intake to confirm your best route (GV fund vs D7 vs D8).
Document checklist + timeline map so you know what to prepare and when.
Coordination of practical setup steps (where relevant) and a clear next-action plan.

Still deciding?

Quick recommendation

If you’re torn between routes, a short set of questions can point you to the simplest qualifying pathway and the right level of support.

Get a quick recommendation Recheck D7/D8 fit

You don’t need a “perfect” plan on day one. What matters is choosing the simplest route you qualify for, validating the fundamentals early, and working with a team that keeps the process predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions

01

What is Movingto and how can it help me?

Movingto is a global mobility platform that connects you with licensed lawyers and verified partners in over 20 countries. We help individuals and families secure residency, citizenship, and tax solutions — guiding every step from eligibility to card-in-hand.

02

How does the Movingto application process work?

Once you choose a destination, we pair you with a local lawyer and case manager. Together, you’ll review eligibility, gather documents, execute the investment (if applicable), and submit your file. You’ll receive structured updates through your Movingto case dashboard until approval.

03

Are Movingto services secure and confidential?

Yes. All communication runs through encrypted channels, and your personal information is handled under GDPR compliance. Legal documents are exchanged only between you and licensed professionals within your jurisdiction of choice.

04

Why choose Movingto over other relocation agencies?

Unlike traditional agents, Movingto combines transparent pricing, licensed legal representation, and end-to-end visibility. You get direct access to your lawyer, clear timelines, and ongoing support even after residency approval — everything verified and tracked in one place.

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Movingto vs Global Citizen Solutions

Movingto

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

Quick verdict

Choose Movingto if…

Choose GCS if…

At-a-glance comparison

What each company is

How they work

How they work

Service scope map

Portugal Golden Visa (fund route)

D7 Visa (passive income)

D8 Visa (digital nomad)

NIF, banking & admin setup

Corporate, property & multi-country planning

File preparation & coordination

Portugal Golden Visa Funds

Movingto Fund Selection

GCS Fund Approach

Due Diligence Checklist

Legal delivery & who does what

Movingto

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

D7 & D8: Which Route Fits Which Profile

D7 (Passive Income)

Movingto

GCS

D8 (Digital Nomad)

Movingto

GCS

Pricing & value

Movingto

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

What typically drives cost

Reviews & reputation

Movingto

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS)

Common praise themes

Common complaint themes

Risks, limitations, and what no one can control

AIMA backlog reality

Fund performance ≠ visa outcome

No one can guarantee timelines

Who might not be the right fit

You might not want Movingto if…

You might not want GCS if…

A practical recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

See what Movingto clients are saying