The Portugal D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa): A 2024 Step-By-Step Guide

The Portugal D7 Visa could be a great way for you to start a new life in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve. Popular among retirees, crypto traders, individuals and families seeking second residencies (particularly non-EU citizens), the D7 Visa enables successful applicants to move to Portugal and gain permanent residency.

 

What is the D7 Visa?

The Portugal D7 Visa — also known as the Portugal Passive Income Visa or the Portugal Retirement Visa — grants legal Portuguese residency status to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens looking to relocate to Portugal. 

The Portuguese government introduced the D7 Visa in 2007. The visa is designed for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient passive income —  at least €9,120 per year —  to support themselves without engaging in employment within Portugal. Qualifying income includes sources such as pensions, dividends, rental income, and interest.

After five years of legal residence in Portugal, D7 Visa holders can eventually gain permanent residence, with the option to eventually become a Portuguese citizen, provided they fulfill all the requirements under Portuguese Nationality Law. 

 

 D7 Visa Benefits

The Portugal D7 Visa provides significant benefits such as the opportunity to:

• Live and study in Portugal
• Visa free travel across the Schengen Area
• Access a free or low-cost public healthcare system (the National Health Service)
• Bring your partner, children, or other family members to Portugal under the EU family reunification scheme
• Qualify for a permanent residency or obtain citizenship in Portugal after five years of legal residence in the country, provided you meet all the requirements
• The D7 Visa also allows you to obtain full Portugal residency rights without the investment needed for the Golden Visa Program or without having to meet Portuguese Work Visa requirements.

 

Residence rights in Portugal

The D7 Visa program allows individuals to acquire residence rights in Portugal. Portuguese residency makes it easier to live and study in Portugal; this legal status provides access to various public services such as healthcare, the Portuguese National Education Service, schools and professional training institutions, and social security, and it guarantees protections under Portuguese Law and the national legal system.

Enhanced mobility

The D7 Visa provides enhanced mobility for its holders, as Portuguese residents, they’re able to travel freely within the Schengen Area without needing a separate visa. You can travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

This means that D7 Visa holders can easily explore and visit other European countries while residing in Portugal.

Family reunification

Another significant benefit of the D7 Visa program is that it allows for family reunification. Spouses and children under the age of 18, or any other dependent family members can also apply for the visa and reside in Portugal with the primary D7 Visa holder.

Portugal permanent residency and pathway to Portuguese citizenship

One of the most significant benefits of the D7 Visa program is that it provides a pathway to permanent residency, Portuguese citizenship, and a Portuguese passport.

After residing in Portugal for five years as a D7 visa holder, individuals can apply for a Portuguese permanent residence permit, which allows them to live and work in Portugal indefinitely.

D7 Visa holders can also apply to become a Portuguese citizens after five years of residency. It’s worth bearing in mind that Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you wouldn’t have to give up any existing citizenships provided those countries also permit it.

Attractive tax benefits

A key benefit of the Portugal D7 Visa is that successful applicants can qualify for Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme easier and become Portuguese tax residents. Through the NHR status, they can enjoy lucrative tax benefits, such as its favourable personal income tax rate, for ten years.

Portuguese Non Habitual Residency Program (NHR): A 2024 update

In 2024, while the D7 Visa remains an attractive path to residency, the NHR has undergone crucial changes impacting new applications.

As of December 31, 2023, the previous NHR program, with its 20 percent flat income tax rate and tax exemption on most foreign-sourced income, is no longer accessible to new applicants. This means aspiring D7 Visa holders won’t automatically qualify for the old NHR’s tax benefits upon residency.

A temporary grace period exists for those who met the NHR eligibility requirements before December 31, 2023. These individuals can still apply for the old NHR program until December 31, 2024, with a March 31, 2024 application deadline.

Stay updated on potential adjustments to the NHR landscape or other residency-related regulations. Consult immigration lawyers and tax advisors for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation and eligibility for applicable programs.

 

D7 Visa Portugal 2024 Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for the D7 residence permit if you meet these requirements:

• Being a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
• A clean criminal record
• Meet the minimum passive income requirements: A minimum regular passive income of €760 per month, plus 50 percent for a spouse and 30 percent for each dependent. Qualifying income includes dividends, income from real estate, financial investment(s), capital gains, royalties from intellectual property, and/or your pension.
• Proof of savings that could support you and any dependents for at least one year ( you can provide evidence through bank statements or savings accounts)
• Proof of a place to live in Portugal (12-month lease agreement)
• You are able to spend a minimum of 16 months in Portugal within the initial two-year period.
• Proof of your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) number: You can obtain this after opening a Portuguese bank account.
• Declaration of intent to reside in Portugal: This is a written statement expressing your intention to live in Portugal and establish tax residency in the country

Portugal D7 Visa minimum stay period and residency requirements

To qualify for a D7 Visa in Portugal, you must meet certain residency requirements. A good place to start is to take a D7 eligibility test to determine whether you meet the requirements.

During the first two years after obtaining your D7 visa, you will be required to live in Portugal for a minimum of 12 to 16 months. After two years, you need to spend a minimum of 28 months in the country every three years.

A holder of a temporary residence permit can be absent from Portugal for either:

• Six consecutive months or
• Eight non-consecutive months

There are exceptions to this rule, such as work-related or other reasons, which may be arranged with the SEF before leaving the country.

As a holder of this temporary permit, you can prove that during a stay abroad, you resided in your country of origin to carry out a professional or business activity or one of a social or cultural nature; a longer absence may be deemed an exception to the rule.

Although the process is fairly straightforward, it can be worth working with an experienced immigration lawyer or immigration lawyers to ensure that you comply with the Portugal D7 Visa minimum stay requirements, that you have the required documents, and that the process runs smoothly.

Sufficient income requirements

One of the primary Portugal D7 visa requirements is that you must have enough passive income to support yourself and your family members while living in Portugal. If you’re the primary applicant, you must meet minimum passive income requirements, a regular income of at least €760 per month in 2024 (this amount is equal to the Portuguese minimum wage).

This income can come from various sources, such as pensions, investments, or real estate (such as rental income). The specific minimum income requirements vary depending on the number of dependents accompanying the main applicant.

To ensure that you meet the D7 Portugal Visa income requirements, it’s advisable to maintain a minimum balance of €18,240 in a Portuguese bank throughout your application period.

Health insurance

As a D7 Visa applicant, you must also provide proof of health insurance for your stay in Portugal. Your health insurance coverage should include medical, hospital, and emergency services.

Clean criminal record

You must also provide a recent clean criminal record check from your home country or any other country where you have resided for more than one year in the past decade. While there is no specific rule forbidding applicants with criminal records, the Portuguese authorities have the right to assess each case and deny visas based on concerns about public safety and/or public order. 

Proof of accommodation

To apply for a D7 Visa, you must also submit proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental agreement or proof of residential property ownership.

 Residency permit

Once your D7 Visa is approved, you must go to the immigration office and obtain a residency permit within four months of arriving in Portugal. You can obtain this permit from SEF (immigration and border services).

Portugal D7 Visa application form

To apply for the D7 Visa, you can request an application form from your local Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Ensure you have all your documents for your application to be processed.

 

Documents required for D7 Visa Portugal: A checklist

• 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 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

To get the D7 temporary visa, you need 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 SEF (the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) to approve your D7 Residence Permit

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a D7 Visa in Portugal:

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.

To get the initial residence permit, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• A completed D7 Visa application form
• A valid passport
• Recent passport photos
• Proof of income or financial resources
• Proof of a medical insurance policy
• A criminal record certificate from your home country
• Proof of adequate accommodation within Portugal

The temporary residency permit lasts four months from the date of issue and allows you to travel to Portugal and book an appointment at SEF.

You must submit all required documents to the Consulate or Portuguese Embassy to apply for a temporary stay visa.

Attend your SEF appointment and submit your biometric data

Once you enter Portugal, you’ll need to attend an appointment with the Portuguese immigration authorities (SEF).

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)

Get your residency card

After your SEF 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. The Portugal D7 Visa provides a pathway to EU citizenship and a Portuguese passport.

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.

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.

 

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.

 

D7 Visa Cost in 2024

The D7 Visa’s costs can be broken down into two parts:

You can expect to pay around €90 for your application
You can expect to pay around €160 for your residence permit

There might also be additional costs associated with the visa application, e.g., paying a fiscal representative to obtain a NIF on your behalf, legal fees, or getting official translations of essential documents.

In order to apply for a D7 Visa and obtain Portuguese residency, you must have proof of a place, so you should also factor in the cost of renting or buying property when calculating the total cost of the process. Overall, the amount of money you’ll need to successfully apply is likely to considerably less than for the Portugal Golden Visa program, which requires an investment of at least €250,000.

D7 Visa Application Timeline and Processing Time

Once you’ve collected all the required documents — including proof of income, medical insurance, and criminal record checks — you can apply to the Portuguese Consulate or Portuguese Embassy in your home country.

After you submit the documents, the D7 Visa processing time can be up to 90 days, and you’ll be informed of your visa status by email or phone.

The processing time for the Portugal D7 visa and residence permit can vary depending on several factors, such as the volume of applications received and whether any documents are missing from your application.

We strongly recommend having all your documents, such as your NIF, ready — to ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible.

While the rejection rate for D7 Visas is generally low, success is not guaranteed. Ensure your documents are complete and accurate, you meet the income threshold, your background is spotless, and your reason for choosing to move to Portugal is clear. These steps can greatly increase your chances of approval.

On average, it takes around 60 to 90 days to process a D7 Visa application. When you receive your visa, you will also get an appointment date with SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service), booked by the Portuguese Consulate, when they issue your visa.

Once SEF has collected your documents and biometric data, it will take between three weeks and 90 days for them to send your residence card to your Portuguese address.

Applying for your D7 Passive Income Visa well before your intended travel date is always advisable, to avoid any last-minute delays.

 

A D7 Visa Alternative: Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

If you don’t meet the requirements for the Portugal D7 residence visa, you might want to consider applying for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

The Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for remote workers who can work anywhere. It allows digital nomads to work remotely for a foreign company while residing in Portugal.

To successfully apply, you must prove that you have a minimum monthly income value of €3,040 (four times Portugal’s minimum wage) and comprehensive health insurance that meets Portuguese standards. Additionally, you must prove that you have a contract with a foreign company or are self-employed.

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa offers more flexibility regarding employment options, as you can work for a foreign company. The Digital Nomad Visa application process is generally quicker and more straightforward than a D7 application. For example, the D7 Visa application procedure begins in your home country and demands forms such as proof of accommodation, which can be challenging to obtain without being in Portugal.

The D7 residence visa might be a better fit for individuals with a lower passive income or foreign citizens who are interested in retiring in Portugal, as the income requirements are lower than the Digital Nomad Visa, which is more suited to remote workers.

Choosing between the D7 Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa depends on your circumstances and needs, including factors such as your income level, your employment situation, and your desired length of stay in Portugal.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Portugal Passive Income Visa

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The Portugal D7 Visa is designed for individuals who can support themselves financially with regular passive income, want to live in Portugal for an extended period, gain permanent residency in the country, and eventually obtain Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport. The visa is popular among a broad range of non EU citizens seeking Portuguese residency, from retired foreign citizens to crypto investors, attracting many people to make a long term move to Portugal from the US and the UK.

To qualify, applicants must meet minimum income requirements, which include a regular passive income starting at €760 per month (which is the national minimum wage) and increase for each family member who an applicant intends to move to Portugal with under the program. 

Can you work on a Portugal Passive Income Visa?

You cannot actively work in Portugal on the Portugal D7 Visa. It is known as the Passive Income Visa or the Retirement Visa because retirement pension payments and passive incomes, such as rental income, are considered two of the viable income sources for this visa. If you’re a remote worker, and you’re interested in living in Portugal, you can consider the Digital Nomad Visa. To qualify, your income from your remote work must be at least €3,040 a month.

What are the D7 Visa Portugal passive income requirements?

The minimum passive income requirements state that you must have a consistent monthly income of at least €760 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?

The amount of money you need for the D7 Visa in Portugal depends on the number of dependents and your monthly expenses. You’ll need to prove that you have reasonable passive income and financial resources to support yourself and any dependents without working in Portugal. 

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?

The D7 Visa in Portugal is designed for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient passive income to support themselves without engaging in employment within the country, or outside it. Passive income typically includes sources such as pensions, dividends, rental income, and interest.

Income from self-employment is generally considered active income rather than passive income, so it does not directly qualify for meeting the requirements of the D7 Visa, which focuses on passive income streams.