In 2018, there were under 480,000 foreigners in Portugal; however, that number jumped up to over 1 million just five years later in 2023, indicating that there’s a large draw to this country. When you consider Portugal’s nice weather, low crime rate, and low cost of living, it’s easy to see why love this European nation.
Those with an EU passport enjoy freedom of movement, meaning they can just move to Portugal if they want. But it’s a little harder with a non-EU passport.
If you’re in this group, then one route to consider is the Portugal D7 visa. In this article, we’ll discuss what this visa is, what the requirements are, and how you can get one.
What Is the D7 Visa in Portugal?
The Portugal D7 visa is a popular option for non-EU citizens, as well as those from the EEA or Switzerland.
This visa allows you to live in Portugal if you’re able to support yourself financially. Because this means that you won’t need formal employment, this makes it ideal for those who are:
- Retirees
- Freelancers
- Digital nomads
This is also a great visa for those with passive income, which is why it’s known as the Portugal passive income visa (its other name is the retirement visa). Do note that there’s also the Portugal D8 visa, which is a digital nomad visa too, so you may have to weigh up the pros and cons of each to decide which one’s right for you if you’re in this group.
Do note that the D7 visa is a residency visa that allows you to stay in the country for one year; after receiving it, you can apply for temporary residency. If you want to stay in Portugal on a long-term basis, the temporary residency will open the door to permanent residency or citizenship in the future.
Portugal D7 Visa Requirements
Essentially, you can get the D7 visa as long as you have sufficient income from things like pensions, real estate, or investments. But what other requirements are there?
Non-EU Nationality
This visa is only available to those who are non-EU nationals. As we’ve said above, this includes the EEA and Switzerland.
Proof of Sufficient Income
Obviously, you’ll have to prove that you have a stable passive income to support yourself in Portugal so that you’re not a burden on the system. The required minimum income is based on the nation’s minimum wage, which is €820 per month in 2024.
If you’re applying for a visa on your own, then you have to earn 100% of the minimum wage, which is €9,840 a year. If you’re applying for your spouse as well, then it’s an additional 50% of the minimum wage, which works out to €4,920 a year. For each dependent child, it’ll be 30% of the minimum wage, or €2,952 a year.
Earlier, we mentioned a few acceptable forms of passive income. More specific examples include pensions, rental income, dividends, interest, and remote work salary.
Accommodations in Portugal
You’ll have to prove that you have a place to stay for your duration. This can be either a rental or owned property, and you’d show the rental contract or the property deed.
A Clean Criminal Record
You must have proof that you have a clean criminal record. You can obtain a police clearance certificate from your original country of residence.
How to Apply for the D7 Visa in Portugal
After you’ve read the above, you might be satisfied that you meet all the requirements for a Portugal D7 visa. So how can you apply for one?
Prepare Documentation
There are several documents you’ll need for the D7 visa. Two were already mentioned: proof of accommodation and a criminal record certificate (issued within the last three months).
Here are the other documents you’ll have to gather:
- Current passport (valid for at least six months before your intended stay with at least two blank pages)
- Proof of sufficient income (up to a year’s worth)
- Health insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000 per person)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Motivation letter
- Visa application form
Submit Your Application to the Portuguese Consulate
Once you’ve gathered your documents (and filled out/signed them), you’ll have to make an appointment with the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
On the day of your appointment, you’ll submit the application in person. You’ll also pay the fee, which is €90 per person.
Wait and Receive Your Visa
Of course, processing times will vary, but in general, it’ll take between 30-60 days. There’s a chance that the consulate or embassy will need more information, so keep a close eye on your mail.
If you’re approved, you’ll get a four-month D7 visa, which allows you to enter Portugal.
Apply for Residency
After you arrive in Portugal, you must schedule an appointment with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service, or Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF).
At your appointment, bring the original documents you submitted for your visa application. You’ll also need to provide additional documentation proving residence in Portugal, such as your rental contract or utility bills.
If you’re approved, this temporary residence permit will allow you to legally live in Portugal for two years. After that, you can renew it for a two-year extension, and after five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Important Things to Know
To maintain your residency, you must be in the country for at least 16 months of the two years. You must maintain the minimum income requirement too.
Because of this minimum stay requirement, this makes most people tax residents in Portugal. There’s the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) special tax regime to get out of this, but in 2024, the current regime was repealed and the new one is much harder to qualify for. So if you don’t get approved, then you’ll most likely be a tax resident in Portugal.
Apply for a Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 visa is a very appealing pathway to residency in the country if you want to live there and make a passive income. Not only is it straightforward and simple, but it’s also easy to qualify for.
So if you’ve always wanted to move to Portugal and enjoy the high quality of life there, try the D7 visa. It can lead to permanent residency and citizenship, which can open up the rest of Europe to you too.
Contact us today to learn more about tax minimization while living overseas. We at Global Wealth Protection also have a GWP Insiders program to help with internationalization strategies.
