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How to Get the D7 Visa, Portugal in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

Global Citizen

January 6, 2025

The D7 visa in Portugal, also known as Portugal’s passive income visa, can be an ideal route to permanent residence and citizenship in the country. Here’s everything you need to know about the D7 visa requirements, application process and benefits.

There’s been a lot of turmoil in the world of visas recently, none more so than in Portugal, where the country’s once-popular Golden Visa has been significantly altered.

The good news for fans of ‘the oldest nation-state in Europe’ is that Portugal’s D7 visa – often known as ‘Portugal’s passive income visa’ – remains an excellent residency route for investors, entrepreneurs and retirees looking to acquire Portuguese citizenship a few years down the road.

This southwestern corner of the continent is already among the most popular jurisdictions in the European Union (EU) for establishing second residency. So, if you’re looking for an EU residency that leads to citizenship, Portugal’s D7 visa might be the perfect fit.

There are plenty of residence and citizenship options to explore both in Portugal and across Europe. Reach out to our team at Nomad Capitalist and let us guide you in understanding which option can help you go where you’re treated best.

Portugal D7 Visa
Portugal D7 Visa Ultimate Guide

Portugal D7 Visa Requirements and Benefits

The D7 visa is a popular option for non-EU citizens, including retirees and remote workers who have passive income and want to establish long-term residency in Portugal. 

You’ll need to meet minimum passive income requirements (€820 per month) and show proof of accommodation to get the visa. 

In addition to offering a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship after five years, the D7 visa grants access to Portugal’s high-quality healthcare, education and the freedom to travel within the Schengen Area.

Why Portugal?

The better question is: why not Portugal?

Nestled in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, this country is, despite being so popular, still an ideal destination for those seeking cultural richness and a sunny climate. 

Its storied history manifests through 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a culinary tradition that ensures there’s something here for every palate. 

The capital, Lisbon, is a great place to settled after obtaining your D7 visa. It’s the country’s cool economic and cultural hub. 

However, visit any other Portuguese city and you’ll likely instantly fall in love, too, with places like Braga, Porto, Coimbra and all of the Algarve popular with Portuguese residents on the D7 visa.

Most love the country so much they stay for years, which is great if you are after Portuguese citizenship. And, we definitely do recommend Portuguese citizenship.

The passport is ranked third globally for travel freedom and super-quick five-year naturalisation process. 

Ultimately, Portugal is on the up and up. Since joining the EU in 1986, Portugal has transformed into a high-income economy, offering robust business opportunities and a superior quality of life. 

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

Portugal Economy
The Portugal Passive Income Visa requires specific passive income requirements.

The D7 visa in Portugal is also called the ‘Portugal Passive Income Visa’ since you must fulfil specific passive income requirements to obtain it. The visa allows anyone with a qualifying passive income to gain a residence permit in Portugal.

Portugal introduced the D7 Visa in 2007 to offer non-EU/ EEA/ Swiss citizens a chance to live in Portugal with a pathway to Portuguese permanent residence and citizenship.

Once you acquire your residence permit, you can live, study or work in Portugal without any restrictions. 

The visa is valid for two years and can be extended for another three. After five years, you may apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship.

Depending on the length and type of permit, whether temporary or permanent, there’s a physical presence requirement of between six and 30 months.

It’s an excellent option for investors, entrepreneurs and retirees who want to establish long-term residency in Portugal and work toward citizenship.

What are the Portugal D7 Visa Requirements?

In terms of the requirements for this visa, there’s a lot to unpack. From the minimum passive income requirements to the physical presence requirements, we’ll go over it all.

Portugal D7 Visa Income Requirements

Portugal D7 visa applicants must demonstrate a minimum passive monthly income of €820 (€9,840 per year) to acquire the D7 visa in 2024 (the figure is updated yearly) and the passive income must be foreign-sourced.

The threshold for the minimum passive income is based on the minimum wage set by the Portuguese government.

This requirement also applies to any dependent. You must demonstrate an additional:

  • 50% of the threshold figure, or €4,920 annually, for each accompanying dependent adult (which includes spouses and parents)
  • 30% of the threshold figure, or €2,952 annually, for each dependent child

This means that, for a family of four that consists of two parents and two children, you would need to be able to demonstrate that you have at least €20,664 in annual passive income.

Rental income, annuity, pension, share dividends, royalties and other passive income streams are all acceptable sources of passive income an applicant can demonstrate to acquire the D7 visa.

This figure is updated each year, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the Portugal d7 visa official website.

Eligibility Requirements for the D7 Visa Portugal

To be eligible for the D7 visa, you must:

  • Be a non-EU/ EEA/ Swiss citizen
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Have health insurance
  • Meet the minimum passive income requirements (€820 per month or €9,840 per year)
  • Demonstrate proof of accommodation (rental or purchase agreement)
  • Show proof of monthly income.

Some of the items mentioned above are not explicitly required by Portuguese law. However, in our experience, your inability to fulfill the above criteria can certainly affect your application process.

Required Documents for the D7 Visa Portugal

The following are the required documents to obtain the Portuguese D7 visa:

  • Filled-out application form
  • Passport or another valid travel document
  • Two passport photos
  • Valid health insurance
  • Clean criminal record
  • Portuguese NIF (income tax number)
  • Letter of intent
  • Proof of accommodation (rental or purchase agreement)
  • Proof of means of subsistence.

The list of documents mentioned above is not exhaustive and you may be asked to submit additional documents depending on your income source or other factors.

D7 Visa Minimum Physical Presence Requirements

An applicant for D7 residency must establish tax residency in Portugal, meaning that they must live in Portugal for four to six months each year to maintain their residency.

Any consecutive absence longer than six months or non-consecutive absence longer than eight months can land you in hot water with the authorities at the time of renewal.

The bottom line is that if you want to gain citizenship in Portugal on the D7 visa or maintain and renew your residence, then you need to be serious about living in the country.

How to Apply for the D7 Visa for Portugal

The application process for the D7 visa starts in your country of residence or origin and ends in Portugal, where you receive a Portuguese residence permit. 

Here are the major steps you’ll have to go through to obtain Portuguese residency through a D7 visa:

  1. Gather all of the supporting documents for your application (listed above).
  2. Book an appointment with the Portuguese Consulate or embassy in your country of origin or residency.
  3. Submit the application along with the relevant documents at the embassy.
  4. If approved, you’ll typically receive your dual-entry D7 visa via mail. The D7 visa is valid for four months from the date of issuance and allows you to enter Portugal under the status of an applicant for D7 residency.
  5. Once in Portugal, you must attend your appointment with the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). The AIMA authorities will ask you to demonstrate several documents, including your NIF number, Portuguese bank account details and purchase or rental agreement. They’ll also collect your biometrics data.
  6. Pay the residence permit fee.
  7. Collect the residence permit via mail at your Portuguese address.

How to Add Dependents to Your Portugal D7 Visa

You can also bring dependents (including your spouse, children or parents) with you under the D7 visa. To do this, you can either apply for their visas alongside your own or opt for family reunification after you’ve received your residence permit. 

Here’s how the process works:

  • Apply with dependents at the consulate: In most cases, dependents can apply for their visas at the same time as the main applicant. We recommended this for families from countries that are not on Portugal’s visa exemption list. Once approved, the dependents can go to Portugal with the main applicant, and their AIMA appointment will follow soon after the main applicant’s or even be booked on the same day.
  • Family reunification after residence permit approval: If you prefer or need to apply for dependents separately, family reunification is possible through the AIMA after the main applicant has received their residence permit. The dependents must attend an interview to prove their relationship with the main applicant. This reunification process can be done at AIMA if the dependents are in Portugal or through the Portuguese Consulate in their home country.

In both cases, dependents will have to provide supporting documents such as proof of relationship to the main applicant, accommodation and financial stability. 

How Long Does the Portugal D7 Visa Take?

The Portugal D7 visa application process comprises two stages – the Portuguese consulate application process and the AIMA residence permit process.

The Portuguese consulate application process may take four to eight weeks, while the AIMA proceedings may take six to eight weeks to complete. 

The time it takes to receive your residence permit in the mail really depends on the AIMA office you go to and current Portuguese immigration processing times.

Portugal D7 Visa Renewal Process

The Immigration and Border Services renews Portuguese residence permits.

Your first D7 residency permit will be valid for two years. After two years, you’ll need to renew the permit if you wish to prolong your residency in Portugal.

To renew your residence permit, you must:

  • Continue to meet the conditions of your existing residence permit
  • Demonstrate proof of accommodation
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Still qualify for the D7 visa (this means fulfilling requirements such as meeting the passive income threshold).

If you meet all necessary conditions for renewal, your residence permit will be renewed for another three years.

Typically, this is done via an online portal, but Portugal’s Immigration and Border Services are currently updating their procedures, so our best recommendation is to keep an eye on your email and log into the SEF portal to check for automatic renewal availability or to schedule an appointment for renewal.

Note: While you can work in Portugal under the D7 visa, it’s essential that you still maintain your international passive income to renew the visa. So, this generally means applicants should be self-employed or retired to gain permanent residence.

How to Get Permanent Residency and Citizenship through a D7 Portugal Visa

After five years of legal residency in Portugal (via your initial D7 visa and its renewal), you can apply for permanent Portuguese residence or citizenship. A Portuguese permanent residence permit must be renewed every ten years.

Be aware that neither permanent residence nor citizenship will be granted automatically after five years of legal residence, so you’ll need to apply for both of these privileges. But once you get your permanent residence permit, you’ll no longer need to meet the D7 visa requirements.

As a Portuguese citizen or resident, you’ll be able to qualify for a range of benefits.

Follow our ultimate guide on how to get Portuguese citizenship for all the details you need to know.

Benefits of Acquiring the Portugal D7 Visa
Portugal Passive Income Visa is ideal for retirees.

Benefits of the Portugal D7 Visa

The D7 visa is one of the best options for residency in Portugal – as long as it makes sense for your individual scenario. Here are some of the main reasons why the visa is worth looking into.

Excellent for Retirees

The retirement pension is an excellent source of income for the D7 visa since it is passive and continuous. Many retirees treat the D7 visa as a retirement visa thanks to its retiree-friendly requirements and benefits.

In short, the D7 visa is an excellent option for retirees who want to settle long-term in an EU jurisdiction.

Access to Quality Healthcare and Education

The EU has one of the world’s best healthcare and education systems and Portugal is no exception in this regard. 

The D7 residence permit allows non-EU citizens to give themselves and their families a chance at an excellent standard of living, including quality universal healthcare and education, among other perks.

Business-Friendly Environment

Lisbon is the heart of Portugal’s entrepreneurial and digital nomad community. The city is an excellent start-up hub with plenty of co-working spaces and an overall business-friendly environment. 

Its proximity to beaches, vibrant culture and colourful streets make it a nomad favourite.

Portugal has consistently proved its mettle by emerging stronger when confronted by economic instability. Its vast consumer market and EU membership make it an excellent corporate base from which to run business activities and access regional markets.

Fast-Track to Portuguese Citizenship

Portugal offers one of the quickest naturalisation periods in the EU, which, at just five years, makes it an excellent option for obtaining a second citizenship.

Moreover, a Portuguese passport comes with EU citizenship, allowing you to move freely within the EU and avail of all the perks that come along with this highly sought-after privilege, such as quality healthcare, an excellent business environment and tremendous travel opportunities.

According to the Nomad Passport Index, the Portuguese passport ranks third globally and allows visa-free travel to 175 countries worldwide.

Immense Travel Freedom

Even before gaining citizenship, you’ll enjoy ample travel freedom. As a Portuguese resident, you can travel the EU Schengen zone visa-free, making it an excellent option for freedom seekers and travel enthusiasts.

Bring the Family

Portugal allows the primary applicant to include family members in the D7 application as long as they are dependent on the applicant.

This can include parents, spouse or children and, once in Portugal, they’ll qualify for all the perks of Portuguese residency.

Portugals Non Habitual Tax Residence Program
The Portugal passive income visa allows the applicant to include family members.

D7 Visa Portugal: FAQs

What is the D7 visa in Portugal?

The D7 visa is a residency visa offered by Portugal for non-EU citizens with passive income, such as retirees and entrepreneurs. It provides a pathway to permanent residence and eventually citizenship after five years.

Can I apply for the D7 visa in Portugal?

No, you must apply for the D7 visa at a Portuguese consulate in your country of residence. After approval, you enter Portugal on the visa and apply for a residence permit.

Can I work in Portugal with a D7 visa?

Yes, once you obtain a residence permit through the D7 visa, you are allowed to live, work and study in Portugal. However, this visa is only given to those who already have a passive income, so work on a D7 visa is mainly self-employed or freelance.

Does Portugal’s D7 visa lead to citizenship?

Yes, after five years of legal residency in Portugal on a D7 visa, you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

How much money do you need for the D7 visa in Portugal?

The minimum passive income requirement is €820 per month (or €9,840 per year), with additional amounts needed for dependents.

What is considered passive income for Portugal’s D7 visa?

Passive income includes sources like rental income, pensions, dividends, royalties and annuities, as long as they are foreign-sourced.

Does Portugal have a golden visa Program?

Yes, Portugal offers a very well-known golden visa option. However, the country updated its golden visa program in 2023 and removed the option for real estate investments. See our article on it here for more details.

What’s the personal income tax rate in Portugal?

Portugal’s personal income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 13.25% to 48%.

Is it better to retire in Spain or Portugal?

Retiring in Spain is generally more affordable than retiring in Portugal, making it a more cost-effective option for many. However, Portugal is often considered the best European country for retirement due to factors such as healthcare and standard of living. The D7 visa in Portugal offers a convenient option for retirees.

How long does it take to get a D7 visa in Portugal?

The processing time for a D7 visa application typically ranges from 60 to 90 days. Upon receiving your visa, the Portuguese Consulate will schedule an appointment at AIMA for you.

How many days can I stay in Portugal on a D7 visa?

The D7 visa initially allows two entries to Portugal and a stay of up to four months, which should be long enough for you to get your residence permit. Once you receive a temporary residence permit, it will be valid for two years and must be renewed for another three years. To maintain this permit, you cannot be away from Portugal for more than six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months during the permit’s validity.

How do I prove my income for Portugal D7?

When applying for a residence visa, you will provide the following documents, among others, in order to prove your income:
Proof of a bank account in Portugal
Document proving ownership of passive income source
Bank statements from the foreign account identifying the income received.

Should You Apply for the Portugal D7 Visa?

If you’re a non-EU national looking to stay in an EU jurisdiction for a long time, the D7 visa is an excellent option for you.

It’s suitable for people looking to gain EU citizenship in five years and retirees can also benefit from this visa as the income requirements and the perks are all very retiree-friendly.

For a long time, establishing tax residency through a D7 visa gave holders access to one of the best tax rates in Europe, thanks to Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) program

This program has since been replaced by the International Taxation System (ITS). Those who qualified before the program’s discontinuation can still benefit from the NHR, but it’s not an option for new applicants. 

Step forward the D7 visa, which still comes with various personal and corporate benefits for the right person. There are a number of other alternatives available, but having a wide variety of options doesn’t guarantee they’re all suitable for your individual asset management and lifestyle needs.

That’s where we can help. At Nomad Capitalist, we assess your personal and corporate portfolio to curate a tailored holistic strategy that addresses all your needs. We explore your options so you don’t have to and devise a bespoke plan that works best for you.

If you want a considered, all-in, expert approach to resolving your offshore woes, reach out to us today. We’ll help you go where you’re treated best.

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