Retiree Visa in Portugal 2025: Complete Guide to the D7 Visa

Portugal is considered one of the best countries in the world for retirees, according to international rankings such as International Living and the Global Retirement Report. With a high quality of life, safety, an excellent healthcare system, and a mild climate, the country offers everything you need to live your retirement in peace. Discover how to obtain the retiree visa (D7) and make this dream come true.

🎯 What is the Retiree Visa in Portugal?

The retiree visa in Portugal, officially known as the D7 Visa, is intended for foreigners who live off passive income – pensions, retirement funds, rents, dividends, or investments – and wish to reside legally in the country.

This visa allows the retiree to enter Portugal with the intention of establishing residence, functioning as an initial authorization that enables the subsequent obtaining of the Autorização de Residência (Residence Permit).

✨ Why is Portugal ideal for retirees?

• 🏥 Quality public healthcare system (SNS)
• ☀️ Mild climate all year round
• 🔒 One of the safest countries in the world
• 🗣️ Language ease for Brazilians and English speakers in tourist areas
• 💶 Affordable cost of living compared to other European countries
• 🛂 Social security agreement with Brazil

👥 Who can apply for the D7 Visa?

The visa is intended for non-European citizens who can prove stable and sufficient passive income to live in Portugal without needing to work.

Types of accepted income:

• Retirement and pensions (public or private)
• Income from rented properties
• Profits and dividends from companies
• Income from investment funds
• Stock market investments
• Intellectual or industrial property rights

The essential factor is that the income is recurring, stable, legally recognized, and proven by official documents.

⚠️ Warning: Do not enter as a tourist!

Those who enter as a tourist and exceed the permitted 90 days may face restrictions on returning to Portugal for up to 5 years and pay fines of up to €700. With the end of the Manifestação de Interesse (Expression of Interest), regularizing your status within the country has become very difficult.

💰 Minimum Income Required in 2025

To apply for the D7 visa, it is necessary to prove a monthly income equivalent to or higher than the Portuguese minimum wage, which in 2025 is €870.

💡 Tip: The higher the proven income, the easier the visa approval will be.

📄 Required Documents

📋 Proof of Income

Bank statements, INSS retirement slips, income tax returns with proven passive income.

🏦 Bank Deposit in Portugal

Portuguese bank account with a deposit equivalent to 12 minimum wages (approximately €10,440 in 2025) as a guarantee of subsistence.

🏠 Proof of Accommodation

Rental agreement (minimum 12 months), invitation letter from a legal resident, or deed of owned property.

🏥 Health Insurance or PB4

Valid insurance in Portugal or the PB4 certificate (free for Brazilians), which allows access to the public healthcare system.

📜 Criminal Record Certificate

Document issued by the Brazilian Federal Police, with a Hague Apostille and valid for 90 days.

🛂 Valid Passport

With a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the intended stay period.

🔄 Step-by-Step Process

Check the requirements

Confirm that you meet all income and documentation requirements.

Gather the documents

Arrange for sworn translations, apostilles, and updated certificates.

Schedule an appointment at VFS Global

VFS receives documents and forwards them to the Consulate of Portugal for analysis.

Wait for analysis (up to 60 days)

The legal period is 60 days, but in practice, it can take 2 to 3 months.

Receive your passport with the visa

The D7 visa is affixed to the passport, valid for 4 months.

Apply for a Residence Permit

Upon arriving in Portugal, schedule an interview at AIMA to obtain residency (valid for 2 years, renewable for another 3).

⏱️ Estimated total time: From 4 to 6 months from the start of preparation until arrival in Portugal.

💶 Visa and Residency Costs

🏦 How to Receive Your Pension in Portugal

It is perfectly possible to receive your INSS pension while living in Portugal, thanks to the Social Security Agreement between Brazil and Portugal.

Options for receiving the benefit:

💳 Account in Portugal

Banks partnered with INSS, such as Banco do Brasil and Caixa Geral de Depósitos, allow direct receipt into a Portuguese account.

🔄 International Transfer

Maintain an account in Brazil and transfer monthly via Wise, Remessa Online, or other services with competitive rates.

💡 Contribution time adds up!

The social security agreement allows time worked in Brazil to be counted toward retirement in Portugal (and vice versa).

🏡 Best Cities for Retirees in Portugal

☀️ Algarve

The most sought-after region by foreign retirees. Warm and sunny climate almost all year round, paradise beaches (Lagos, Faro, Albufeira). Higher cost of living, but exceptional quality of life.

Ideal for: Those seeking beach, sun, and a relaxed lifestyle.

🍷 Porto

The country's second-largest city, the birthplace of Port wine. Offers big-city services with historical charm, excellent gastronomy, an international airport, and nearby beaches.

Ideal for: Those who want an urban environment with a calm pace.

🌊 Cascais

Elegant coastal town 30 minutes from Lisbon. Combines tranquility, sophistication, and easy access to the capital. Very popular among Americans and Europeans.

Ideal for: Those seeking luxury and proximity to Lisbon.

⛪ Braga

One of the oldest cities in Portugal, in the north of the country. Combines tradition, safety, and an affordable cost of living. Strong presence of Brazilians and only 50 minutes from Porto by train.

Ideal for: Those seeking a cultural and economical environment.

🏛️ Évora

Capital of Alentejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rich in history and culture, with a calm pace of life and affordable cost. 1h30 from Lisbon.

Ideal for: Those who value history, tranquility, and rural life.

🐟 Setúbal

Coastal city 40 minutes from Lisbon, known for fresh fish and the Arrábida Mountains. Lower cost of living than Lisbon with similar quality.

Ideal for: Those who want proximity to Lisbon without the high cost.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

The D7 Visa requires proof of passive income (pension, rents), with no minimum investment. The Golden Visa requires an investment starting at €250,000 in Portugal. The D7 is more accessible for retirees.

It is not mandatory for the D7 visa. However, to obtain Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, you will need to prove an A2 level of Portuguese.

Yes! After obtaining the Residence Permit, both the holder and dependents can work legally in Portugal.

After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you prove a link to the country and basic knowledge of the language.

Adult children and dependent parents can be included through reagrupamento familiar (family reunification), provided they prove economic dependence and sufficient income.

Yes, the PB4 is accepted as proof of health coverage for Brazilians. It is free and allows access to the Portuguese public health system (SNS).

🇵🇹 Realize your Dream of Retiring in Portugal

The D7 visa is the gateway to a peaceful retirement in Europe. With proper planning and correct documentation, you could be living in Portugal in a few months.

Studio Cidadania offers complete assistance for your visa and residency process. Get in touch and start planning your new life!