What is Portugal's D7 Visa?

The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is a residency option designed for financially independent non-EU nationals, such as retirees, remote workers, and investors. This visa is governed by Article 58 of Law No. 23/2007 and allows eligible applicants to establish long-term residence in Portugal. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a stable passive income of at least €870 per month from pensions, rental properties, dividends, or other financial assets.

Additionally, they must secure accommodation by either purchasing or renting a property in Portugal. Successful applicants receive an initial two-year residence permit, which grants them the right to live, work, and access healthcare in Portugal. To maintain their residency, holders must spend a minimum of 16 months within the country over two years.

After five years of legal residence, they may apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship, offering a pathway to EU mobility and greater global opportunities.

Key Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

 Affordable Relocation to Portugal

The Portugal D7 Visa offers a cost-effective way to move to the country, making it a great alternative to the Golden Visa program. Applicants only need to show proof of stable passive income of at least €870 per month and secure a rental or purchased property. Unlike investment-based visas, there is no requirement to invest a large sum, such as €250,000, into the economy.

2️⃣ Visa-Free Travel Within the Schengen Area

D7 visa holders gain Portuguese residency, which allows them to travel freely across the Schengen Zone. They can stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need for additional visas.

3️⃣ Right to Work and Start a Business

After obtaining a Portuguese residence permit through the D7 Visa, individuals can legally work or start a business in Portugal. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in Europe.

4️⃣ Access to High-Quality Healthcare and Education

Portuguese residents can enroll their children in the country’s public or private schools and universities. Additionally, they can access Portugal’s healthcare system and even receive medical treatment in other Schengen countries using their residency status.

5️⃣ Simplified Residency for Families

The D7 Visa process does not require applicants to secure a job or present a business plan, making it a straightforward pathway to residency. Successful applicants can also bring their family members, including spouses, children, parents, and even siblings, under Portugal’s family reunification policy.

6️⃣ Pathway to Portuguese Citizenship in 5 Years

After five years of holding a temporary residence permit, D7 visa holders can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. A Portuguese passport grants visa-free travel to 172 countries and the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union. Portugal also allows dual citizenship, enabling applicants to retain their original nationality if their home country permits it.

7️⃣ Citizenship for Children Born in Portugal

Children born in Portugal to foreign parents who have held a valid residence permit for at least one year before birth are automatically eligible for Portuguese citizenship. This provides families with an opportunity to secure EU citizenship for their future generations.

Portugal D7 Visa Eligibility Criteria

The Portugal D7 Visa allows financially independent individuals and their families to live in Portugal, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria.

Main Applicant:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Clean criminal record
  • Non-EU citizen
  • Proof of passive income of at least €870 per month from foreign sources
  • Owns or rents residential property in Portugal

Spouse:

  • Clean criminal record
  • Legally married or in a recognized partnership with the main applicant

Children:

  • Under 18: Automatically eligible as dependents
  • Aged 18 to 21: Must be unmarried and financially dependent, with no employment
  • No age limit for children with disabilities

Parents:

  • Must be financially dependent on the main applicant

Property and Minimum Passive Income Requirements

To qualify for the Portugal D7 Visa, the main applicant must either purchase or rent a residential property in Portugal. While there are no restrictions on the property’s cost or location, it must provide adequate living space for the applicant and their family members.

The minimum passive income requirement is based on Portugal’s minimum wage, which in 2025 is set at €870 per month. If family members are included in the application, additional income is required—50% of the main applicant’s amount for a spouse or parent and 30% for each dependent child.

Minimum Annual Passive Income Requirements:

  • Main Applicant: €10,440
  • Spouse or Parent: €5,220
  • Child: €3,132

Eligible sources of passive income include earnings from dividends, interest, royalties, pensions, and rental properties from outside Portugal.

Portugal D7 Visa Cost

The total cost of obtaining a Portugal D7 Visa varies based on the number of applicants and whether the applicant chooses to rent or purchase a property. If purchasing real estate, additional expenses such as stamp duty and annual property tax apply.

Breakdown of Expenses:

Expense Item Amount
Property Rental or Purchase No minimum cost requirement
Stamp Duty (IMT) 0.8% of the property’s value (for purchased properties)
Annual Municipal Property Tax (IMI) 0.3% to 0.8% of the property’s value
Health Insurance Starting from €14 per month per family member
Visa Application Fee €90 per applicant
Residence Permit Fees:
Processing Fee €83 per applicant
Residence Card Issuance Fee €72 per applicant

 

These costs ensure compliance with Portugal’s visa requirements while providing long-term residency benefits for applicants and their families.

 

Comparison of Portugal D7 Visa and Golden Visa

 

Feature D7 Visa Golden Visa
Eligibility Passive income earners (pensioners, remote workers, investors) Investors in real estate, businesses, or investment funds
Minimum Stay Requirement At least 16 months in the first two years Only 7 days per year
Financial Requirement Minimum passive income of €870/month Minimum investment of €250,000 to €500,000+ depending on the option
Work Authorization Allowed to work or start a business in Portugal Permitted, but primarily designed for investors
Real Estate Requirement Must buy or rent a property Investment in real estate is an option but not mandatory
Family Inclusion Spouse, children, and dependent parents can be included Spouse, children, and dependent parents can be included
Path to Citizenship Eligible after 5 years Eligible after 5 years
Best For Individuals planning to live in Portugal with passive income Investors seeking EU residency with minimal stay requirements

 

Both visas offer a path to Portuguese citizenship, but the D7 Visa is better suited for those who want to reside in Portugal, while the Golden Visa is ideal for investors looking for flexibility.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Portugal D7 Visa

 

1. Initial Assessment

📅  Processing Time: 1 day

A background check is conducted to identify potential issues that may impact the approval process. This step helps applicants prepare additional documents if needed and reduces the risk of rejection.

2. Obtaining a Portuguese Taxpayer Number (NIF)

📅  Processing Time: Up to 5 business days
A Portuguese taxpayer number (NIF) is required for financial activities like renting or purchasing property and opening a bank account. Non-EU citizens obtain an NIF through a tax representative in Portugal.

3. Opening a Portuguese Bank Account

📅  Processing Time:  2+ weeks
Applicants must provide a passport, NIF, and proof of legal income. A sufficient amount for one year’s living expenses is deposited into the account. The process can be completed remotely.

4. Securing Accommodation

📅  Processing Time:  Up to 2 months
Applicants must either rent or purchase a property in Portugal. Renting is a quicker option, while purchasing can take longer due to property selection and legal paperwork.

5. Submitting the D7 Visa Application

📅  Processing Time: Up to 4 months
Applicants submit required documents, including proof of income, accommodation, and a police clearance certificate, to the Portuguese consulate in their home country. The visa is issued within approximately 60 days.

6. Traveling to Portugal on a D7 Visa

📅  Processing Time: 1 day
The D7 visa is valid for four months. During this period, applicants must enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit at the immigration office.

7. Applying for a Residence Permit

📅  Processing Time: 1 day
Applicants submit their documents at the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) in Portugal. Appointments must be scheduled in advance.

8. Receiving the Residence Permit Card

📅  Processing Time: 2+ weeks

Once approved, the residence permit card is mailed to the applicant’s registered address. The first permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for three more years before applying for permanent residency or citizenship.

How Pelican Migration Consultants Simplifies Your D7 Visa Process

Navigating the Portugal D7 Visa process can be complex, but with Pelican Migration Consultants, you receive expert assistance at every stage:

Eligibility Assessment: We assess your qualifications to ensure you meet the D7 Visa requirements, increasing your chances of approval.
Document Preparation: Our team assists in compiling and verifying all necessary documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Effortless Application Submission: We handle your application professionally, ensuring a smooth and timely submission.
Financial Guidance & Proof of Income: We help you meet Portugal’s passive income requirements and present a strong financial profile.
Post-Visa Assistance: Once approved, we provide essential support to help you settle in Portugal with ease.

Start your Portugal D7 Visa journey today with Pelican Migration Consultants!

Start Your Portugal Journey with Pelican Migration Consultants

migrate to portugal

Securing a Portugal D7 Visa and residence permit can be easy with the right support. Whether you’re looking to retire, invest, or enjoy Portugal’s stunning lifestyle, we’ll guide you through every step to ensure a smooth transition. Let Pelican Migration Consultants make your dream of living in Portugal a reality!

Contact us now for a free consultation.

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