The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Portugal Passive Income or Portugal Retirement Visa, is one of the country's most accessible residency routes for non-EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. It’s designed for individuals who can demonstrate a stable income from sources such as pensions, investments, or property rentals, allowing them to enjoy life in Portugal without needing local employment.
Applicants must show proof of sufficient income to support themselves and any dependents, submit their application through a Portuguese consulate, and, once approved, complete their residence registration with Portuguese immigration authorities.
More than just a visa, the D7 program offers a clear pathway to long-term settlement — granting the right to live in one of Europe’s safest and most welcoming nations, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, and eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
In this article, we'll explain the Portugal D7 Visa, and you'll also learn more about:
Portugal D7 Visa Benefits
The Portugal D7 Visa is a great way for individuals with a stable passive income to obtain Portuguese residency. Whether from pensions, investments, or rental earnings, this visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Portugal without needing to make a significant financial investment or obtain employment.
As a legal resident of Portugal, you will enjoy a high standard of living, safety, a mild climate, and an affordable lifestyle. You will also be protected under Portuguese law and have full access to the country’s social services and legal system. The D7 Visa provides a variety of benefits that are especially attractive for retirees, remote workers, and financially independent individuals include:
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Live, work, and study in Portugal: As a D7 Visa holder, you can reside in Portugal year-round, pursue studies, or even engage in professional activities.
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Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area: Enjoy unrestricted travel across 27 European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
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Access to public healthcare and education: Gain access to Portugal’s National Health Service and its high-quality public education system.
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Family reunification rights: Bring your spouse, children, or dependent relatives to Portugal under the EU’s family reunification scheme.
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Pathway to citizenship: After five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, provided all requirements are met. Portugal recognizes dual citizenship, so you won’t need to renounce your current nationality.
What are the documents required for a D7 Visa in Portugal?
- Completed D7 Visa application form
- Valid passport
- Two passport photos (passport-sized)
- Proof of passive income
- Proof of adequate accommodation (12-month lease agreement)
- Criminal record background check
- Valid travel insurance with health coverage, covering all medical expenses
- Three months of bank statements
- Last personal income tax statement
- Other documents such as your marriage certificate and birth certificates of your children may be required (depending on your family situation)
D7 Visa Portugal Eligibility Criteria 2025
The Portugal D7 visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, requires applicants to demonstrate a stable passive income, proof of accommodation in Portugal, and a clean criminal record. You'll also need a valid passport, photos, health insurance, and a Portuguese tax number (NIF)—and not be a citizen of any European country. You can apply for the Portugal D7 Visa if you meet the requirements below:
- Nationality: You must not be an EU citizen.
- Financial self-sufficiency: You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself while living in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: A background check is required to ensure you have no criminal history.
- Proof of residency: You must have a confirmed address in Portugal. This can be shown with a rental agreement or a document from a Portuguese resident confirming that you will live in their home.
- Physical presence: You must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the initial two-year period.
- Health insurance: You must also provide proof of health insurance for your stay in Portugal. Your health insurance coverage should include medical, hospital, and emergency services.
Portugal D7 Visa Income Requirements
To qualify for the Portugal D7 Visa, applicants must demonstrate a stable passive income that meets or exceeds the national minimum wage. As of 2025, this means proving at least €870 per month (or €10,440 per year) in guaranteed passive income. If you plan to include family members, additional income is required:
- Main applicant: €870 per month (€10,440 per year)
- Spouse or dependent parent: +50% (€435 per month)
- Each dependent child: +30% (€261 per month)
Acceptable sources of passive income include:
- Pension payments
- Dividends or investment returns
- Rental income from real estate
- Royalties, trust income, or other recurring earnings
Supporting documents may include:
- Recent bank statements
- Tax returns or official proof of income
- Investment or pension statements
In addition to demonstrating monthly income, it’s recommended to maintain a minimum bank balance of €18,240 in a Portuguese bank account throughout the application process. This helps confirm your financial stability and strengthens your residency application.
D7 Visa Minimum Stay and Residency Requirements
To maintain your Portugal D7 Visa and later qualify for permanent residency or citizenship, you must comply with specific residency rules. Before applying, it’s a good idea to take a D7 eligibility test or consult an immigration expert to confirm that you meet all financial and residency criteria.
Minimum Stay Requirements
- First two years: You must live in Portugal for at least 183 days per year, or a combined 16 months within the first two years.
- After two years: You must spend a minimum of 28 months in Portugal within each three years.
As a D7 Visa holder with a temporary residence permit, you may be absent from Portugal for:
- Up to six consecutive months, or
- Eight non-consecutive months during the validity of your permit.
Exceptions can be made for professional, business, social, or cultural reasons, provided these are communicated in advance to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA, formerly SEF).
Exceptions and Extensions
If you must spend longer periods abroad, you may be exempt from standard absence limits if you can demonstrate that your time overseas was for legitimate professional, cultural, or social purposes — for example, temporary employment in another country or a business project linked to your Portuguese enterprise.
While the D7 process is relatively straightforward, working with an experienced immigration lawyer can be invaluable. A qualified expert can ensure you meet Portugal’s minimum stay requirements, maintain the proper documentation, and avoid administrative complications during renewal or permanent residency applications.
How to Apply for D7 Visa Portugal? Step-by-Step Guide
How to apply for the D7 Visa Portugal is relatively easy. To start the D7 visa application, Portugal needs you to fulfill specific requirements and go through a two-stage process:
- Apply for a temporary D7 Visa in your home country
- Attend an appointment with AIMA to approve your D7 Residence Permit
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a D7 Visa in Portugal:
1. Apply for a temporary D7 Visa from your home country
The first step in the visa application process is to apply for a temporary residency permit from the Portuguese Consulate or Portuguese Embassy in your home country.
The temporary residency permit lasts four months from the date of issue and allows you to travel to Portugal and book an appointment at AIMA. You must submit all required documents to the Consulate or Portuguese Embassy to apply for a temporary stay visa.
2. Attend your AIMA appointment and submit your biometric data
Once you enter Portugal, you'll need to attend an appointment with the Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA). The Portugal D7 visa processing time depends on how busy AIMA is.
During this appointment, you must provide your biometric data and complete the D7 application process. You'll also need to pay the residence permit fee and provide all the correct documents, such as:
- A copy of your temporary D7 Visa
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- A Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
3. Get your residency card
After your AIMA appointment, you'll receive your D7 residency card, which is valid for one year. You can renew your temporary residence permit after two years for a further three years if you meet all the requirements.
After five years, you can convert your temporary permit into a Portuguese permanent residence permit. You'll also be able to request Portuguese nationality if you fulfill all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law.
It is important to note that obtaining a residency permit is a crucial step in the process of becoming a Portuguese resident with a permanent residence permit and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship. Failure to obtain a residency permit within the required timeframe may have serious consequences under Portuguese law. With this in mind, ensuring that all the necessary documentation is in order before applying for the D7 Visa is essential.
Portugal D7 Visa Cost in 2025
The D7 Visa application fee is €90 per person. Additionally, the AIMA processing fee is €156 and the residence permit issuance fee is €160. These costs are in addition to the expenses of relocating to Portugal and maintaining a residence there, including renting or buying property, and other living expenses.
The D7 Visa's costs can be broken down into several parts:
- Entry visa application: Approximately €90 at the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
- Resident permit fee: Around €170 for submission and receipt from the AIMA in Portugal.
- AIMA appointment fee: About €156.
- Portugal D7 Visa application fee: Approximately €90.
- Residence permit fee: Around €160.
Portugal D7 Visa Processing Time
The Portugal D7 Visa process typically takes three to nine months from application submission to receiving your residence permit, depending on the consulate and case complexity.
Once AIMA has collected your documents and biometric data, it will take about three weeks for them to send your residence card to your Portuguese address. The legal deadline for this is 90 days. To avoid delays, ensure all documentation is complete, your income meets the minimum threshold, and your background checks are clear.
Common Reasons for Portugal D7 Visa Rejection
While the Portugal D7 Visa has a relatively high approval rate, applications can still be refused if key requirements are not met. Understanding the most common reasons for rejection can help you avoid costly delays or denials. Here are some common reasons for visa rejection:
1. Insufficient proof of passive income: The most frequent reason for refusal is failing to meet the minimum income requirement or not providing adequate documentation to prove financial stability.
2. Missing or incomplete documentation: Portugal’s consulates require a complete set of official documents, correctly translated and apostilled where applicable. Missing forms, expired certificates, or inconsistencies between documents can cause the application to be rejected outright.
3. Insufficient funds in a Portuguese bank account: Applicants are advised to maintain a minimum balance in a Portuguese bank account to demonstrate financial stability.
4. Criminal record or security concerns: Any criminal history or pending legal proceedings in your home country or elsewhere can lead to automatic refusal. Portugal conducts international background checks and prioritizes applicants with clean records.
5. Poorly prepared application: Even when all requirements are met, presentation matters. Disorganized or contradictory information, incomplete translations, or errors in forms can cause consulates to return or reject applications. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer or visa specialist greatly reduces these risks.
Getting a NIF Number and Opening a Portuguese Bank Account
Getting a NIF (Portuguese tax identification number) and opening a bank account are crucial steps in the D7 Visa process. A NIF is required to pay taxes, open a bank account, sign a contract, and access public services in Portugal.
Because the D7 Visa requirements demand proof of a place to live in Portugal, getting a NIF is essential. Most landlords, letting agents, or real estate agents will require you to have a NIF to buy or rent property in Portugal.
The process for applying for a NIF is relatively straightforward; you can simply complete an online form, pay a fee, and grant power of attorney to a representative, such as GetNIF.
Having a Portuguese bank account will facilitate the payment of bills and other expenses while living in Portugal. It will also allow you to show Portuguese bank statement that demonstrates you are continuing to meet the passive income requirements while you have the visa.
It is advisable to things such as these place before starting the D7 Residency Visa application process to avoid processing delays and ensure a smooth transition to life in Portugal.
We can help you obtain the necessary documents, such as the Portuguese tax number (NIF) needed to open a bank account or rent/purchase property.
D7 Visa Alternatives
Portugal offers a wide range of visas tailored to different lifestyles and goals. Whether you're looking to retire, invest, work remotely, or start a business, there's a pathway to residency—and eventually citizenship.
Here's how the Portugal Passive Income Visa stacks up against other options, keeping in mind that the Portugal D7 Visa requirements are different from many others:
D8 Visa Digital Nomad Visa: Built for digital workers and freelancers who earn income from clients or employers outside Portugal. Applicants must show proof of earning at least four times Portugal’s minimum wage (€3,440/month). It’s a strong choice for those wanting flexibility, but it's not designed for integrating into the local job market.
Portugal Golden Visa: A residency-by-investment route requiring capital allocation into approved sectors (e.g., funds, tech, or cultural projects). It demands no fixed residence in Portugal—just seven days per year—and is ideal for high-net-worth individuals. It includes family and offers a direct path to citizenship after five years, without a stay requirement.
D1 Visa Work Visa: For non-EU nationals with a confirmed job offer from a Portuguese employer. Applicants must show a valid employment contract and that the position can't be filled locally. This visa is straightforward for those with employment lined up and leads to permanent residency and citizenship with continued employment.
Get NIF: Who We Are and What We Do
Here at GetNifPortugal, we can help get you set up with a NIF. Simply apply through our website, and we'll get a NIF on your behalf.
Our service is beneficial, as you usually have to be in the country to get a NIF, and if you're a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you need to hire a fiscal representative.
We can be your fiscal representative and get you the NIF remotely. You'll have your documents sorted before you enter Portugal. Having a NIF will also allow you to access accommodation before moving to Portugal, a requirement of the D7 Visa.
We can also help you open up a Portuguese bank account from anywhere in the world, with one of Portugal's leading banks. We'd recommend opening a Portuguese bank account as soon as possible, for ease of access to funds when in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Portugal Passive Income Visa
What is the Portugal D7 Visa?
The Portugal D7 Visa is a residency visa for non-EU citizens who earn passive income, such as pensions, investments, or rental income. Applicants must show a minimum monthly income of €870, prove accommodation in Portugal, and stay in the country for at least 183 days per year.
Can you work on a Portugal Passive Income Visa?
You cannot actively work in Portugal on the Portugal D7 Visa. The visa is intended for individuals with stable passive income like pensions, dividends, or rental earnings. However, remote or freelance work for non-Portuguese clients is generally allowed if it does not rely on the local job market.
What are the Portugal Passive Income D7 visa requirements?
The minimum passive income requirements state that you must have a consistent monthly income of at least €870 from a passive income source such as a pension, intellectual property rights, capital gains, real estate income, or financial investments. The Portuguese government set this minimum passive income threshold based on the national minimum wage.
How much money do you need for the D7 Visa in Portugal?
Applicants must show a minimum monthly income of €870.
What are the Portugal D7 Visa minimum stay requirements?
During the first two years after obtaining the D7 Visa residence permit, you're required to live in Portugal for a minimum consecutive period of 12 to 16 months. Following the first two years on your Portugal D7 Visa residence permit, you need to spend no less than 28 consecutive months in the country every three years.
A holder of the Portugal D7 temporary residence permit may be absent from Portugal for the following periods within the validity of the permit:
- Six consecutive months, or
- Eight non-consecutive months
Can self-employment earnings count toward passive income for a D7 Visa?
Self-employment earnings do not count as passive income for the D7 Visa. The D7 Visa is designed for individuals with stable, recurring income not tied to active work, such as pensions, rental income, or dividends. Freelance or remote work may qualify under different visa categories like the D8 Digital Nomad Visa.
What is the standard processing time of a D7 visa application?
The standard processing time of a D7 visa application is 60 (sixty) calendar days.
What is the D7 visa rejection rate?
The rejection rate for the Portugal D7 Visa is quite low, primarily because many applicants seek assistance from experts to ensure that their documentation is accurate and complete. When rejections do occur, they are often due to missing or incorrect documents, or failure to meet the minimum passive income criteria.
Can I bring my family members with me on a D7 Visa?
Yes, the D7 Visa allows family reunification. You can bring your spouse, dependent children, and financially dependent parents. You must prove sufficient income to support each family member: 100% of the Portuguese minimum wage for yourself, 50% for your spouse, and 30% for each dependent child or parent.
Do I need to open a Portuguese bank account for the D7 Visa?
Yes, applicants are typically required to open a Portuguese bank account and deposit sufficient funds to support themselves for at least one year. This step shows financial stability and helps demonstrate ties to Portugal, which supports your residency case.
Is private health insurance required for the D7 Visa?
Yes, you must have private health insurance that covers you in Portugal until you’re eligible to register with the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS). The insurance should include medical coverage for the entire duration of your temporary stay until your residence permit is granted.
Can D7 Visa holders travel in the Schengen Area?
Yes, once your residence permit is issued in Portugal, you are allowed visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. This makes the D7 Visa a great option for those who want residency in Portugal but also easy access to much of Europe without the need for additional travel insurance.
