D7 Visa
Portugal
Live in Portugal on passive income. The D7 Visa is ideal for retirees, pensioners and investors who receive regular income without needing employment.
Who is the D7 Visa for?
The D7 Visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to reside in Portugal as long as they prove regular passive income. No employment needed — just demonstrate sufficient income.
Retirees and pensioners
People receiving retirement or pension from any country who wish to enjoy Portugal's quality of life.
Passive income investors
Property owners with rental income, dividend holders, royalty recipients or other regular investment income.
Financially independent individuals
Anyone who can prove sufficient regular income, without needing employment or business activity in Portugal.
D7 Visa Benefits
Accessible requirements
One of the visas with the lowest income requirement: just €870/month in proven passive income. Ideal for retirees with a moderate pension.
Free movement in Europe
With a Portuguese residence permit, travel visa-free across 27 Schengen Area countries.
2-year residency
The first residence permit is valid for 2 years, renewable for 3 more years. You can engage in any activity in Portugal, including starting a business.
Family together
Family members apply for visa and residence permit at the same time as the main applicant. Spouse and dependent children travel together.
Simple renewal
While in Portugal, you can renew your permit based on passive income or even switch to a business activity residence type.
Permanent residency and citizenship
After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship with an EU passport.
Essential requirements
D7 Visa requirements focus on proving passive income and financial capacity to reside in Portugal.
Minimum passive income
- €870/month for the main applicant
- €1,305/month for couples (50% additional)
- €261/month additional per dependent minor child
- Income proof for the last 6 months
- Accepted sources: rental income, dividends, royalties, pensions, retirement benefits
Savings and financial guarantees
- Minimum savings of €10,440 for individual applicants (in a Portuguese bank account)
- Minimum savings of €15,660 for couples
- Higher amounts increase approval chances
- Demonstrates ability to sustain yourself for 12 months
Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond expected return date)
- NIF (Tax Identification Number) — we handle remote obtainment
- Portuguese bank account — we can open remotely on your behalf
- Health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage (for 6 months)
- Criminal background certificate (apostilled)
- 12-month rental contract or proof of property in Portugal
- Motivation letter explaining the purpose of your stay
Additional requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship
- Proof of passive income (bank statements, rental contracts, etc.)
- Statement of responsibility from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- 2 recent passport-size color photographs
Step-by-step application process
NIF and bank account setup
The first step is to obtain a NIF (Tax Identification Number) and open a bank account in Portugal. Both can be done remotely — our team handles the entire process on your behalf.
Deposit financial guarantees
Transfer the minimum required savings (€10,440 for individuals or €15,660 for couples) to the Portuguese bank account before submitting your application.
Documentation preparation
We gather all documents: proof of passive income for the last 6 months, health insurance, apostilled criminal records, accommodation contract and motivation letter.
Consulate submission
The application is submitted at the Portuguese consulate in your country of citizenship or permanent residence. The consular fee is €90. Can be done in person or through the E-Visa portal.
Approval and travel to Portugal
Upon approval, you receive a double-entry visa valid for 4 months. You travel to Portugal to begin the second phase of the process.
Residence permit at AIMA
In Portugal, you attend AIMA for biometric data collection and submission of additional documents. The residence permit is issued within 90 days, valid for 2 years.
D7 Visa vs D8 Visa (Digital Nomad)
Both visas allow you to reside in Portugal, but they target different candidate profiles and have different requirements.
- Passive income only (rentals, dividends, pensions)
- Minimum income: ≈€870/month
- 6-month income proof required
- 2-year residence permit
- Permanent residency after 5 years
- Active income only (remote salary, freelancing)
- Minimum income: ≈€3,480/month
- 3-month income proof required
- 2-year residence permit
- Permanent residency after 5 years
NHR Tax Regime
D7 Visa holders can benefit from the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, one of the greatest tax advantages for those moving to Portugal.
- Flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-source employment income (in eligible categories)
- Possible exemption or reduced rate on foreign-source income
- Regime applicable for 10 consecutive years
- Especially advantageous for retirees with pensions from another country
- Tax optimization that can result in as low as 5.44% tax in the first year
- We recommend consulting a tax specialist for personalized analysis
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum income required for the D7 Visa?
The minimum passive income is approximately €870/month for the main applicant. For couples, €1,305/month. Each minor child adds €261/month. Additionally, you must demonstrate minimum savings of €10,440 (individual) or €15,660 (couple) in a Portuguese bank account.
What types of income are accepted?
Accepted income includes rental income, investment dividends, royalties, pensions and retirement benefits. The essential requirement is that income must be regular, verifiable and passive in nature.
Can I work in Portugal with the D7 Visa?
Yes! After obtaining your residence permit, you have full freedom to engage in any professional activity in Portugal — you can start a business, work as an employee or become self-employed.
Do I need to go to Portugal before applying for the visa?
Not necessarily. The NIF and bank account can be obtained remotely through a fiscal representative. The accommodation contract can also be arranged from abroad. Our team handles the entire process.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and minor dependent children can apply for visa and residence permit at the same time as the main applicant, traveling together to Portugal.
How long does the process take?
The complete process, from documentation preparation to visa issuance, typically takes 6 to 7 months. The criminal background certificate can take up to 4 months to obtain and apostille.
Can I benefit from the NHR tax regime?
Yes. The Non-Habitual Resident regime offers significant tax advantages for 10 years, with the possibility of reduced rates on foreign-source income. It is especially advantageous for retirees.
Ready to live in Portugal on your income?
Our team analyzes your profile for free and recommends the best path to obtain your D7 Visa and residence permit.