Portugal D7 Visa

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The D7 visa—often called Portugal's "passive income visa" or "retirement visa"—is a residence permit for non-EU citizens who can support themselves through passive income. Unlike work visas that require a Portuguese employer, the D7 lets you live in Portugal based on pensions, investments, rental income, royalties, or other passive revenue streams.

Since its introduction, the D7 has become one of the most popular pathways to Portuguese residency. It offers something remarkable: a legitimate route to EU residency without requiring a job offer, without massive investments (like the Golden Visa), and with a clear 5-year path to Portuguese—and therefore EU—citizenship.

"The D7 has quickly become a very popular residency permit for moving to Portugal because it's attainable and affordable," notes Portugalist, one of the leading expat resources. "Particularly for those moving from countries like the US, UK, or Canada, it is a straightforward path to obtaining Portuguese citizenship."

A Brief History

The D7 visa has existed for years, but it gained significant popularity after 2020 when remote work became mainstream. Before the dedicated D8 Digital Nomad Visa was introduced in October 2022, many remote workers used the D7 as their path to Portugal.

Today, with the D8 available for remote workers, the D7 has returned to its original purpose: serving retirees, pensioners, and those with truly passive income. This distinction matters—applying with the wrong income type is now one of the top reasons for rejection.

Who Should Apply for the D7?

The D7 visa is ideal for people who have stable, recurring passive income and want to relocate to Portugal. But "passive income" has a very specific meaning under Portuguese immigration law.

Ideal D7 Candidates

• Retirees with pensions: Social Security, government pensions, military pensions, private pension plans
• Property investors: Those receiving rental income from properties outside Portugal
• Dividend investors: Living off stock dividends or investment fund distributions
• Royalty earners: Authors, musicians, patent holders receiving ongoing royalties
• Trust beneficiaries: Those receiving regular distributions from family trusts
• Early retirees (FIRE movement): Those living off investment portfolios using the 4% rule

What Qualifies as Passive Income?

Portuguese authorities interpret "passive income" strictly. According to Global Citizen Solutions, acceptable passive income includes:

Accepted (Passive)	Not Accepted (Active)
Pensions (state, private, military)	Salary from employment (remote or otherwise)
Rental income from property	Freelance earnings
Dividends from stocks/funds	Business profits from active participation
Interest from savings/bonds	Consulting fees
Royalties (books, music, patents)	Client work of any kind
Trust distributions	Commission-based income
Annuity payments	Gig economy earnings

Can Couples or Families Apply Together?

Yes. A primary applicant can include their spouse and dependent children (under 18, or older if financially dependent and enrolled in education). Only one person needs to meet the income requirements—family members are added with proportionally lower income thresholds.

Income Requirements for 2026

The D7 visa income requirements are tied to Portugal's minimum wage, which is updated annually. For 2026, the minimum wage increased to €920 per month, up from €870 in 2025.

2026 Income Thresholds

Applicant Type	Monthly Minimum	Annual Minimum
Primary Applicant	€920	€11,040
Spouse/Adult Dependent (+50%)	€460	€5,520
Child Dependent (+30%)	€276	€3,312

Example: A couple with one child would need: €920 + €460 + €276 = €1,656/month (€19,872/year)

Bank Balance Requirements

In addition to proving ongoing income, you must show savings in a Portuguese bank account. The requirement is:

• Minimum balance: 12 months of minimum wage = €11,040
• This demonstrates you can support yourself while establishing your life in Portugal
• The funds must be in a Portuguese bank account (you'll need a NIF first)

How to Prove Passive Income

Documentation depends on your income source:

Income Type	Proof Required
Government Pension	Official pension statement, award letter
Private Pension	Pension plan statements, distribution schedule
Rental Income	Lease agreements, 6-12 months of bank deposits
Dividends	Brokerage statements, dividend history
Royalties	Publishing/licensing contracts, payment history
Investment Withdrawals	Portfolio statements, withdrawal schedule letter from financial advisor

Required Documents Checklist

Document preparation is where most D7 applications succeed or fail. Missing, incorrectly formatted, or poorly translated documents are among the top reasons for rejection. Here's the complete checklist:

Personal Documents

1. Valid Passport
   • Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
   • At least 2 blank pages
   • Copy of all pages with stamps/visas
2. Passport Photos
   • 2 recent photos (some consulates require more)
   • Schengen visa photo specifications (35mm x 45mm)
   • White background, neutral expression
3. Completed Visa Application Form
   • Available from VFS Global or your consulate
   • Must be signed and dated
4. Cover Letter
   • Explain your reasons for moving to Portugal
   • Describe your income sources
   • Outline your plans (where you'll live, activities)

Background & Health Documents

5. Criminal Background Check
   • From your country of citizenship AND residence (if different)
   • Issued within 3 months of application
   • Must be apostilled
   • Must be translated to Portuguese by certified translator
6. Health Insurance
   • Minimum €30,000 coverage
   • Valid in Portugal and Schengen area
   • Must cover emergency care, hospitalization, repatriation
   • Valid for at least 1 year
   • Prepaid policy (not pay-as-you-go)

Financial Documents

7. Proof of Passive Income
   • Pension statements/award letters
   • Investment account statements (6-12 months)
   • Rental agreements and bank deposits
   • All documents apostilled and translated
8. Portuguese Bank Statements
   • Showing minimum €11,040 balance
   • From a Portuguese bank (you'll need NIF first)
   • Recent statements (within 30 days)
9. Tax Returns
   • Last 2-3 years of tax returns from your home country
   • Shows income history and tax compliance

Accommodation Documents

10. Proof of Accommodation
    • Rental contract (minimum 12 months strongly recommended)
    • OR property deed if you own
    • Contract must be registered with Portuguese Tax Authority
    • Last month's rent receipt included

For Families

11. Marriage Certificate (if including spouse)
    • Apostilled and translated
12. Birth Certificates (for children)
    • Apostilled and translated
13. Proof of Dependency (for adult children)
    • School enrollment, financial dependency evidence

Before You Apply: Get Your NIF

A NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal's tax identification number. You need it to:

• Open a Portuguese bank account
• Sign a rental contract
• Pay taxes
• Access public services

You can obtain a NIF remotely through a fiscal representative (lawyer or specialized service) before traveling to Portugal. The process takes 3-10 business days and costs €89-120.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The D7 application involves two main phases: obtaining the visa in your home country, then converting it to a residence permit in Portugal.

Phase 1: Preparation (1-3 Months Before Application)

1. Obtain your NIF
   • Apply remotely through a fiscal representative
   • Timeline: 3-10 business days
   • Cost: €89-120
2. Open a Portuguese Bank Account
   • Requires NIF and passport
   • Can be done remotely with some banks (Millennium BCP, Novo Banco)
   • Transfer required funds (€11,040+)
3. Secure Accommodation
   • Sign rental contract (12 months recommended)
   • Ensure landlord registers contract with Tax Authority
   • Pay deposit and first month's rent
4. Gather and Prepare Documents
   • Request criminal background check
   • Collect income documentation
   • Get apostilles on all official documents
   • Arrange certified translations
5. Purchase Health Insurance
   • Ensure it meets all requirements
   • Pay for at least 6-12 months upfront

Phase 2: Visa Application (60-90 Days)

6. Schedule VFS/Consulate Appointment
   • Book through VFS Global (US, UK) or directly with consulate
   • Appointments can be weeks out—book early
   • US applicants: VFS centers in New York, San Francisco, DC, Miami, Houston
7. Attend Your Appointment
   • Bring all documents (originals + copies)
   • Pay visa fee (€110 + VFS service fee ~€40)
   • Provide biometrics if required
8. Wait for Processing
   • Standard processing: 60 calendar days
   • Can extend to 90 days for complex cases
   • San Francisco consulate is notably slower (up to 4 months)
9. Receive Your D7 Visa
   • Valid for 4 months
   • Allows 2 entries to Portugal
   • You must travel to Portugal within this window

Phase 3: In Portugal—Residence Permit (2-6 Months)

10. Enter Portugal
    • Your D7 visa allows legal entry
    • Begin your 4-month window to apply for residence permit
11. Schedule AIMA Appointment
    • AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) replaced SEF
    • Book appointment for biometrics and permit submission
    • Wait times vary significantly (can be months)
12. Attend AIMA Appointment
    • Bring all documents (many of the same as visa application)
    • Provide biometrics
    • Pay residence permit fee (~€170)
13. Receive Residence Permit
    • Card mailed to your Portuguese address
    • Typically takes 3 weeks after appointment
    • Initial permit valid for 2 years

Phase 4: Renewal & Beyond

14. First Renewal (After 2 Years)
    • Apply before permit expires
    • Show continued income and accommodation
    • Renewed for 3 years
15. Subsequent Renewals
    • Every 3 years thereafter
    • Or apply for permanent residency/citizenship at 5 years

Timeline & Costs

Realistic Timeline

Phase	Duration	Notes
Document Preparation	1-3 months	Criminal checks, apostilles, translations
NIF + Bank Account	2-4 weeks	Can be done remotely
Find Accommodation	2-4 weeks	Remote search or scouting trip
VFS Appointment Wait	1-4 weeks	Varies by location
Visa Processing	60-120 days	Officially 60 days; often longer
AIMA Appointment Wait	1-6 months	Significant backlog currently
Residence Permit Issuance	3 weeks	After AIMA appointment

Total: 3-9 months from start to residence permit

As one expat shared on Expat.com: "Getting your D7 will take longer than you expect. In fact, count on everything taking longer than you expect."

Complete Cost Breakdown

Expense	Cost (EUR)	Cost (USD)
Government Fees
D7 Visa Application	€110	~$120
VFS Service Fee	€40	~$43
Residence Permit (AIMA)	€170	~$185
Preparation Costs
NIF Application	€89-120	~$100-130
Criminal Background Check	€50-150	~$50-160
Apostilles (varies by country)	€50-200	~$50-220
Certified Translations	€200-500	~$220-550
Required Purchases
Health Insurance (annual)	€400-1,000	~$440-1,100
Optional Services
Immigration Lawyer	€1,500-4,000	~$1,650-4,400
Relocation Services	€500-2,000	~$550-2,200

Budget Summary:

• DIY Minimum: €1,000-1,500 ($1,100-1,650)
• With Professional Help: €3,000-6,000 ($3,300-6,600)

This doesn't include your required bank balance (€11,040) or living expenses during the process. Plan for at least €15,000-20,000 in accessible funds.

10 Common Mistakes That Get D7 Applications Rejected

Understanding why applications fail is just as important as knowing what to do right. Based on data from immigration lawyers and expat forums, here are the most common D7 rejection reasons:

1. Applying with Active Income Instead of Passive

This is the number one rejection reason. As immigration attorney Amir Ismail explains: "The term 'passive income' is taken extremely literally by Portuguese authorities. Earnings from active work do not qualify for the D7 visa."

Remote work salary, freelance earnings, and profits from a business you actively manage are all considered active income—even if the company is outside Portugal. If this describes your situation, apply for the D8 instead.

2. Insufficient or Inconsistent Income Documentation

"If your income looks unstable, inconsistent, or dependent on short-term sources, the application may be denied," notes MovingTo.com.

How to avoid: Provide 6-12 months of bank statements showing regular, consistent deposits. If your income varies (like dividends), include a letter from your financial institution confirming expected ongoing payments.

3. Wrong Health Insurance

Many applicants choose travel insurance designed for short trips, not long-term residence. Popular nomad insurance like SafetyWing often doesn't meet D7 requirements.

Requirements:

• €30,000 minimum coverage
• Valid in Portugal and Schengen area
• Covers emergency, hospitalization, repatriation
• Prepaid for at least 6-12 months
• Not a monthly subscription—full term paid upfront

4. Inadequate Accommodation Proof

"Officials reject a surprising number of applicants because their accommodation documents fail to convince them of their intention to live in Portugal," reports Dra. Vivian Perfeito. "Short-term bookings, vague letters from friends, and incomplete rental contracts can raise red flags."

2025-2026 Update: AIMA now requires rental contracts to be registered with the Tax Authority. Certificates from Parish Councils are no longer accepted.

5. Expired or Incorrectly Apostilled Documents

Criminal background checks typically must be issued within 3 months of application. Apostilles must be from the correct authority (in the US, this varies by state). Documents without proper apostilles are rejected.

6. Missing or Poor Translations

All non-Portuguese documents must be translated by a certified translator. Machine translations, non-certified translations, or translations with errors will result in rejection.

7. Applying at the Wrong Consulate

You must apply at the consulate or VFS center that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Applying at a different location (e.g., because appointments are easier to get) will get your application rejected.

8. Only Meeting Minimum Income Requirements

While €920/month is the official minimum, applicants showing exactly the minimum often face additional scrutiny. Consulates want confidence you won't become a burden on Portuguese social services.

Best practice: Show 1.5-2x the minimum income requirement.

9. Not Having a Portuguese Bank Account

You need a Portuguese bank account with the required funds before applying. This requires getting a NIF first. Many applicants don't realize this needs to happen before the visa application.

10. Failing to Show Ties or Clear Intent

Some consulates want to see evidence you genuinely intend to live in Portugal—not just use it as a "flag" for tax purposes or as a backup option. A detailed cover letter explaining your plans, community involvement intentions, and reasons for choosing Portugal can help.

Tax Implications of the D7 Visa

Understanding Portuguese taxes is essential before committing to the D7. The tax landscape changed significantly with the end of the original NHR program.

The End of NHR (Non-Habitual Resident)

Portugal's famous NHR tax regime—which offered 10 years of tax benefits including 0% on many foreign income types—ended for new applicants in late 2024. The final transition deadline closed March 31, 2025.

If you didn't register for NHR before that deadline, you'll be taxed under Portugal's standard regime.

NHR 2.0 (IFICI): The Replacement

Portugal introduced a new regime called IFICI (Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation). According to Global Citizen Solutions:

• Flat 20% tax on professional income in Portugal
• Exemption on most foreign-sourced income (dividends, interest, capital gains, rent)
• But: Only applies to those working in R&D, startups, or "innovative fields"

For most D7 applicants living on passive income like pensions or investments, NHR 2.0/IFICI doesn't apply.

Standard Portuguese Tax Rates for D7 Holders

Without NHR or IFICI benefits, D7 visa holders are taxed as standard Portuguese residents:

Income Type	Tax Rate
Pensions	Progressive rates (14.5%-48%)
Dividends	28% flat rate
Interest	28% flat rate
Rental Income (foreign)	28% flat rate
Capital Gains	28% flat rate

Portuguese Tax Residency Rules

You become a Portuguese tax resident if you:

• Spend more than 183 days in Portugal in a calendar year, OR
• Have a habitual residence in Portugal (your primary home)

D7 holders are typically expected to spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal to maintain their residence permits—so you will almost certainly become a tax resident.

Real-World Scenarios

Understanding how the D7 works in practice helps clarify whether it's right for your situation.

Scenario 1: American Retiree with Social Security

Sarah, 62, from California
Monthly income: $2,800 Social Security + $1,200 pension = $4,000/month

Sarah easily qualifies—her income far exceeds the €920/month minimum. She'll need to:

• Get pension verification letters from SSA and her former employer
• Show 6 months of bank statements proving regular deposits
• Open a Portuguese bank account and transfer €11,040+
• Apply through VFS San Francisco (note: slowest US consulate)

Tax consideration: Without NHR, her pensions will be taxed at Portuguese progressive rates. She can use Foreign Tax Credits on her US return to avoid double taxation on the Portuguese-taxed portion.

Scenario 2: FIRE Couple Living Off Investments

Mark and Lisa, 45 and 43, from the UK
Investment portfolio: £800,000
Planned withdrawals: £3,000/month (4% rule)

This is trickier. They need to prove their withdrawal strategy provides reliable passive income. They should:

• Get a letter from their financial advisor confirming planned annual withdrawals
• Provide detailed portfolio statements showing dividend-paying investments
• Show 12+ months of consistent withdrawals to bank account
• Consider restructuring portfolio to generate more dividend income (easier to document than capital gains withdrawals)

Tax consideration: Capital gains and dividends taxed at 28% in Portugal. This is lower than UK rates for higher earners, but higher than ISA-sheltered growth in the UK.

Scenario 3: Remote Worker with Rental Properties

James, 35, software developer from Canada
Remote work salary: CAD $8,000/month
Rental income: CAD $2,500/month (from Toronto condo)

James's rental income alone exceeds the D7 minimum, but his primary income is from active remote work. He has two options:

• Option A: Apply for D8 Digital Nomad Visa using his remote work income (requires €3,480/month minimum)
• Option B: Quit his job, live solely on rental income, apply for D7

Important: If James applies for D7 while continuing remote work, he risks rejection. The consulate will likely ask about his employment status and discover his active income.

Scenario 4: Family of Four

The Johnsons from Texas
Parents: Tom (50) and Maria (48)
Children: Emma (16) and Jake (14)
Tom's pension: $3,500/month
Rental income: $1,500/month

Minimum income required:

• Tom (primary): €920
• Maria (+50%): €460
• Emma (+30%): €276
• Jake (+30%): €276
• Total minimum: €1,932/month (~$2,100)

The Johnsons' combined $5,000/month (~€4,600) easily exceeds requirements. They'll need birth certificates for both children (apostilled and translated) and school enrollment documentation.

The Path to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

One of the D7's most compelling features is its clear path to Portuguese citizenship.

Current Timeline (As of January 2026)

Milestone	When	Requirements
Initial Residence Permit	On arrival	Valid for 2 years
First Renewal	Year 2	Valid for 3 years; prove continued income/residence
Permanent Residency Eligible	Year 5	5 years of legal residence
Citizenship Eligible	Year 5	5 years of legal residence + A2 Portuguese

Citizenship Requirements

To become a Portuguese citizen, you must:

1. Reside legally for 5 years (continuous; short absences allowed)
2. Pass A2 Portuguese language exam (basic conversational level)
3. Have a clean criminal record
4. Demonstrate ties to Portugal (community involvement, property ownership, etc.)

What Portuguese Citizenship Gets You

• EU citizenship: Live, work, study anywhere in the 27 EU countries
• Visa-free travel: Portuguese passport provides visa-free access to 180+ countries
• Healthcare access: Full access to Portuguese national health system
• No renewal requirements: Citizenship is permanent (unlike residence permits)
• Dual citizenship allowed: Portugal permits dual citizenship; check your home country's rules

D7 vs D8: Which Visa is Right for You?

With Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa now available, understanding the difference is crucial for choosing the right path.

Factor	D7 (Passive Income)	D8 (Digital Nomad)
Income Type	Passive only (pensions, investments, royalties)	Active remote work for non-Portuguese employer
Minimum Income	€920/month (2026)	€3,480/month (4x minimum wage)
Best For	Retirees, FIRE, investors	Remote employees, freelancers
Work Allowed?	Limited (passive income must remain primary)	Yes, for non-Portuguese clients
Initial Permit	2 years	1 year (renewable)
Path to Citizenship	5 years	5 years
NHR 2.0 Eligible?	Generally no (passive income)	Potentially, if in qualifying profession

Decision Guide

Choose D7 if:

• You're retired or planning to retire
• Your income is from pensions, investments, or rental properties
• You're part of the FIRE movement living off your portfolio
• You don't need to work (even remotely)

Choose D8 if:

• You work remotely for a non-Portuguese company
• You're a freelancer or independent contractor
• You earn €3,480+ per month from active work
• You want flexibility to continue your career

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How long can I stay outside Portugal with a D7?

You must spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal to maintain tax residency and residence permit validity. Extended absences (over 6 consecutive months) can jeopardize your status.

Can I work in Portugal on a D7 visa?

Limited work is technically allowed, but your passive income must remain your primary income source. If you want to work actively, the D8 is a better choice.

Can I include my partner if we're not married?

Yes, unmarried partners can be included as dependents if you can prove you've been in a committed relationship for at least 2 years (through shared bills, joint bank accounts, cohabitation proof).

What happens if my income decreases after I get the visa?

You'll need to demonstrate continued income at renewal. If your income drops below the minimum, your renewal may be denied. Maintain records showing stable income throughout.

Financial Questions

Does cryptocurrency count as passive income?

This is a gray area. Staking rewards and lending interest might qualify, but trading profits are generally considered active income. Consult an immigration lawyer if crypto is your primary income.

Can I use a letter from a sponsor instead of personal income?

Generally no. The D7 requires the applicant to have their own passive income. Some consulates may accept a supporting letter from a spouse with sufficient income, but this varies.

Do I need to transfer all my assets to Portugal?

No. You only need to have the required funds in a Portuguese bank account for the application. Your investment accounts, property, and other assets can remain in your home country.

Process Questions

Can I apply from inside Portugal?

No. You must apply for the D7 visa from a Portuguese consulate or VFS center in your country of residence. You cannot convert tourist status to D7 from within Portugal.

What if I get rejected?

You can appeal the decision or reapply. Before doing either, identify why you were rejected (usually the consulate will tell you) and address the issue. Many rejections are due to fixable documentation problems.

Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply?

Not for the visa application. However, you'll need A2 Portuguese (basic conversational level) if you want citizenship after 5 years.

Life in Portugal

Can I access Portuguese healthcare on a D7?

Yes. Once you have your residence permit, you can register with the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), Portugal's national health service. Many expats maintain private insurance for faster access and English-speaking doctors.

Can my children attend Portuguese public schools?

Yes. Dependent children included on your D7 have full access to the Portuguese public education system, which is free through secondary school.

Where do most D7 holders live?

Popular areas include Lisbon (urban, expensive), Porto (second city, more affordable), Algarve (coast, strong expat community), and Silver Coast (Cascais, Ericeira—surf towns). Costs vary significantly by region.

Resources & Next Steps

Official Government Resources

• Portuguese Visa Portal (vistos.mne.gov.pt) — Official government visa information
• AIMA (aima.gov.pt) — Immigration agency for residence permits
• VFS Global Portugal (US) — Visa application centers

Expat Communities

• Expats Portugal Forum — Active community with D7 discussions
• Expat.com Portugal Forum — Large expat community
• r/Portugal — Reddit community with expat threads
• Americans Living in Portugal (Facebook)

Trusted Information Sources

• Portugalist — Detailed guides from long-term expats
• Global Citizen Solutions — Immigration consultancy with free resources
• Get Golden Visa — Comprehensive visa guides

Get Personalized Guidance

Every D7 application is unique. Income sources, family situations, and consulate-specific requirements all affect your path. Our AI assistant can analyze your specific situation and help you:

• Determine if you qualify for the D7 (or if D8 is better)
• Create a customized document checklist
• Understand the tax implications for your situation
• Navigate the application process step by step

Recent Updates (January 2026)

• Income threshold increased: €920/month (up from €870 in 2025)
• AIMA accommodation rules tightened: Rental contracts must be Tax Authority registered
• NHR closed: New applicants cannot access the original NHR tax benefits
• Citizenship timeline under debate: Parliament voted for 10-year requirement; awaiting presidential approval