Home
D7 VISAS IN PORTUGAL
your gateway to european and portuguese residency and citizenship
YOUR D7 VISA
IS JUST A CLICK AWAY
Submit your details to receive personalized legal assistance and next-step guidance.
D7 VISAS IN PORTUGAL
your gateway to european and portuguese residency and citizenship
The D7 Visa is ideal for economically independent individuals looking to relocate to Portugal.
It is mainly used by retirees and passive income holders and does not require investment, property purchase, or business activities—only proof of stable income to support life in Portugal.
WHY D7 VISA IN PORTUGAL?
Live in Portugal with the Right to Work
for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for successive three-year periods.
High Quality of Living
with access to Portuguese National Health Service, remarkable English education and over 3000 hours of sunshine a year.
Travel Freely With the D7 Visa
across the Schengen Area, with visa-free access to 27 European countries.
Permanent Residency After Five Years
since you only need to spend 14 days in Portugal per each 2 years, making it ideal for those with a busy lifestyle.
Family Accompaniment Visa and Family Reunification
allowing eligible family members to obtain residency permits through a single main applicant.
Access to Tax Benefits
including the possibility to apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR 2.0 / IFICI) tax regime.
More Accessible Residency Option
as the D7 Visa does not require significant financial investment, but proof of sufficient passive income to support life in Portugal.
Safety and Security
as Portugal ranked 7th globally in the Global Peace Index 2025.
D7 VISA REQUIREMENTS
Without prejudice to a case-by-case assessment, applicants for the D7 Visa must generally meet the following eligibility requirements:
Passive Income of €920+ Per Month
with higher thresholds applicable for dependents. Accepted income sources may include rental income, pensions, dividends, interest, royalties, or other passive income.
Portuguese Tax Number & Bank Account
prior to submitting the visa application. These are required to demonstrate financial capacity and available funds in Portugal.
Proof of Accommodation in Portugal
may include a long-term rental agreement (minimum one year), ownership of residential property or sponsored accommodation from a family member or friend who owns property in Portugal.
Valid Travel Insurance
covering medical expenses, emergency treatment, hospitalization, and medical repatriation. The minimum required coverage is €30,000, valid for at least the duration of the residency visa.
Criminal Record
issued by the country of origin or the country where applicants have resided during the previous 12 months. Documents must be legalized to be recognized in Portugal.
Savings of € 11,040.00 & Legal Eligibility
Applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, intend to reside in Portugal and should hold at least minimum savings corresponding to one year of subsistence in Portugal, with additional amounts required for dependents. Residency permit holders are expected to spend a minimum period in Portugal, with absences not exceeding 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months during the validity from the residency card, except in legally justified circumstances.
D7 VS D8 VISA: A PRACTICAL COMPARISON
|
Criteria
|
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
|
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
|
|---|---|---|
|
Target Profile
|
Individuals with stable passive or recurring income wishing to reside in Portugal
|
Remote workers or freelancers actively employed or contracted outside Portugal
|
|
Income Requirement
|
Generally linked to 100% of the Portuguese minimum wage for the main applicant, with increases for dependents
|
Commonly assessed at approximately 4x the Portuguese minimum wage
|
|
Type of Income Accepted
|
Passive or semi-passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends, interest, royalties)
|
Active income from remote employment or freelance services
|
|
Retirees, investors, financially independent individuals, families
|
Digital nomads, remote employees, international freelancers
|
Target Profile
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
Individuals with stable passive or recurring income wishing to reside in Portugal
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Remote workers or freelancers actively employed or contracted outside Portugal
Income Requirement
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
Generally linked to 100% of the Portuguese minimum wage for the main applicant, with increases for dependents
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Commonly assessed at approximately 4× the Portuguese minimum wage
Type of Income Accepted
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
Passive or semi‑passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends, interest, royalties)
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Active income from remote employment or freelance services
Savings Requirement
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
Minimum savings typically equivalent to one year of subsistence in Portugal
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Savings may be required but are secondary as proof of active income
Best Suited For
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
Retirees, investors, financially independent individuals, families
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Digital nomads, remote employees, international freelancers
PORTUGAL D7 FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
The Portugal D7 Visa allows the main applicant to bring eligible family members to Portugal through the family Accompaniment visa or family reunification.
Eligible family members may include:
✓ A spouse or legally recognized partner
✓ Minor children or dependent adult children
✓ Dependent parents of the main applicant or spouse
Family members do not need to demonstrate independent income, although they might.
However, the main applicant must demonstrate increased financial capacity and suitable accommodation to support the entire household, in accordance with Portuguese law.
Once approved, family members receive residency permits with the same validity as the main applicant and may:
✓ Live, work, or study in Portugal
✓ Travel freely within the Schengen Area
D7 VISA STEP-BY-STEP
Step 1
Eligibility Assessment
Assess eligibility and confirm qualifying passive income sources, savings, and personal circumstances.
Step 2
NIF
Obtain a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF), required for financial and legal procedures in Portugal.
Step 3
Portuguese Bank Account
Open a Portuguese bank account, which can often be completed remotely, to demonstrate financial capacity.
Step 4
Accommodation in Portugal
Secure suitable accommodation in Portugal (rental, property ownership, or sponsored accommodation) and gather supporting documentation.
Step 5
Travel Insurance
Arrange valid travel insurance that meets Portuguese legal requirements, including medical and repatriation coverage.
Step 6
Visa Application
Prepare and submit the D7 Visa application at the Portuguese Consulate in the country of residency, including all required documentation.
Step 7
Residency Visa Issuance
Once approved, the residency visa is issued with a validity of 120 days, allowing entry into Portugal to apply for a residency permit. During the 120 days, you should spend 60 days in Portugal.
Step 8
AIMA Appointment
Attend the scheduled appointment with AIMA in Portugal to submit biometrics and apply for the residency permit.
Step 9
Residency Permit
After approval, receive the residency permit card and begin legal residency in Portugal.
WHY HAVING RME LEGAL AS YOUR PARTNER FOR D7 VISA?
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US?
“When my partner and I decided to relocate from Australia to Portugal on the D7 visa, we were overwhelmed by the paperwork and legal requirements. From our first call with RME Legal, we felt supported. They explained everything clearly, helped us prepare each document, and stayed in close contact through the entire process. Thanks to their expertise, our visa was approved smoothly and without last-minute stress. We can’t recommend them highly enough.”
“I had tried to navigate the D7 visa process on my own for months, but the complexity and frequent changes in requirements left me frustrated. RME Legal stepped in and took over with professionalism and patience. They reviewed my financial proofs, guided my interview preparation, and liaised with the consulate on my behalf. My residence permit was granted faster than I expected — and with zero surprises. Great service from start to finish.”
"Moving from South Africa to Portugal was a dream, but the D7 visa application felt like a major hurdle. RME Legal made the entire journey feel manageable and personalised. Every question I had was answered promptly, and they genuinely cared about my case. The team’s legal insight and attention to detail made all the difference — and today I’m happily settling into life in Lisbon with my family."
“Choosing RME Legal to handle my D7 application was the best decision I made during our relocation from Canada. They were professional, responsive, and knew exactly how to present our documentation to meet the consulate’s expectations. Whenever I felt unsure or stressed, they were just an email or phone call away. Thanks to them, we received our visa with minimal hassle.”
FAQS | D7 VISA IN PORTUGAL
What is the Portugal D7 Visa?
The Portugal D7 Visa is a residency visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who can demonstrate stable passive income and wish to live in Portugal legally.
Can remote workers apply for the Portugal D7 Visa?
Remote workers may apply if they can demonstrate stable and regular passive income. If the applicant only earns professional income, the D8 Visa would be the appropriate visa. Each case is assessed individually, depending on the nature and source of the income.
Who is eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, with sufficient passive income, adequate savings, suitable accommodation in Portugal, valid travel insurance, and a clean criminal record (following the Portuguese law).
How much does the D7 Visa cost?
Government fees may vary depending on the country of application, nationality of the applicant, age and stage of the process. However, the Government fees are very low, compared to options like the Golden Visa. Lawyer’s fees depend on the complexity of the case, the extent of the services required and the experience and qualifications of the professionals hired.
How do I apply for the Portugal D7 Visa?
The application is submitted at the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s country of residency, followed by an in-person appointment in Portugal to apply for the residency permit.
Can I work in Portugal with a D7 Visa?
Yes. After obtaining the residency permit, D7 Visa holders may work or engage in professional activities in Portugal.
How much passive income is required for a D7 Visa?
As a general guideline, the main applicant must demonstrate at least €920 per month, with higher thresholds applicable for dependents. Please ensure that you are consulting up-to-date information.
Do I need savings to apply for a D7 Visa?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. Applicants are generally expected to show minimum savings of €11,040, which corresponds to one year of subsistence in Portugal. Additional amounts are required for any dependents.
The Portuguese Consulate will review your available funds together with the expenses you present—such as housing, school fees, or other living costs—to assess whether your savings are sufficient to support your stay in Portugal.
What types of income are accepted for the D7 Visa?
Accepted income sources may include pensions, rental income, dividends, interest, royalties, and other investment-related income. The income must be passive, meaning it cannot come directly from traditional work or active professional services.
Is health insurance required for a Portugal D7 Visa?
Yes. Applicants must hold valid travel or health insurance covering medical expenses, hospitalization, emergency treatment, and medical repatriation.
Do I need accommodation in Portugal before applying for a D7 Visa?
Yes. Proof of accommodation is required, which may include a long-term rental agreement, property ownership, or sponsored accommodation.
Can I buy property in Portugal with a D7 Visa?
Yes. D7 Visa holders may purchase property in Portugal without restrictions.
How long do I need to stay in Portugal to maintain my D7 residency?
Absences from Portugal cannot exceed 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months during the validity of the residency permit, except in legally justified circumstances.
Can my family members be included in my D7 Visa application?
Yes. Eligible family members may apply for residency through a Family Accompaniment Visa or family reunification.
Can I apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship with a D7 Visa?
Yes. After five years of legal residency, applicants may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, subject to legal requirements.
Can I convert another Portuguese visa into a D7 Visa?
In some cases, it may be possible to change immigration status within Portugal, depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances.
What happens if my D7 Visa application is refused?
Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. A refusal does not necessarily prevent reapplication, and legal advice is recommended to address the reasons for refusal.
Contact Us
Talk to us for legal and tax questions regarding the applicability, benefits, and eligibility for D7 visas.
TELEPHONE
© 2025 RME Legal
Member of
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
Powered by Pelican Bay | Digital Agency
Copyrights and all other rights relating to all the content on this website are owned by RME Legal. No copying or distribution for any purpose is permitted. The content of this website is not considered legal advice.