The Portugal D7 Visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Portugal if they have a stable passive income.
This visa targets retirees and remote workers earning at least €870.00 per month. It grants residency, access to healthcare, and visa-free Schengen travel.
Also known as the Portugal Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa, the D7 Visa is particularly favored by non-EU retirees who want to set up a base in Portugal and enjoy the country’s stunning landscapes and exceptional living standards.
One of the top D7 Visa benefits is that it allows holders to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency in Portugal, provided the requirements are met.
We’ve compiled this expert guide to help you understand the D7 Visa Portugal easily. Inside, you’ll find valuable information about:
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government announced plans to amend the Nationality Law and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals have passed the plenary vote on October 28, 2025, which marks a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are an increase in the residence requirement for nationality from five years to ten years – seven years for nationals of CPLP and EU countries – and a change to how residency time is calculated, so that the clock would start when residency is issued rather than when the application is submitted.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review. At that stage, the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including any transitional provisions or possible grandfathering rules, but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Portugal D7 Benefits
The D7 Visa is ideal for retirees or individuals with stable passive income. Benefits include residency rights for the applicant and family, access to healthcare, Schengen mobility, and eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after five years — all without a mandatory investment requirement.
1. Visa-free travel: Holders of the D7 Visa Portugal can explore the Schengen area and move freely across the European Union for a specified period without being required to produce additional visas or travel permits.
2. Permanent residency and citizenship: After five years of legal residency, holders can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese nationality, enabling them to obtain a Portuguese passport with visa-free access to 174 countries.
3. Rights as a Portuguese resident: You gain access to the Portuguese national health service system and the country’s robust education system. You can work, enjoy legal protection, and access vocational training and professional development opportunities.
4. Family reunification: The Portugal D7 Visa allows the main applicant to bring family members, including spouses, children under 18, dependent parents, siblings, or children over 18, who can enjoy similar benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Passive Income Visa?
To be eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Portugal Retirement Visa, and start your journey toward obtaining Portuguese residency, the main applicant must be a non-EU national and meet certain passive income requirements. You’ll need to show that you have enough funds in a Portuguese bank account to support yourself during your stay.
Here are the key requirements for the initial residency permit under the Portugal D7 Visa:
- Nationality: You must not be an EU citizen.
- Financial self-sufficiency: You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself while living in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: A background check is required to ensure you have no criminal history.
- Proof of residency: You must have a confirmed address in Portugal. This can be shown with a rental agreement or a document from a Portuguese resident confirming that you will live in their home.
- Physical presence: You must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the initial two-year period.
Portugal D7 Visa Requirements 2025
Proof of sufficient passive income
Meeting the minimum income requirement is crucial for the Portugal D7 Visa. You must demonstrate a stable and regular passive income that is at least equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage, which is €870.00 in 2025. This income can come from various sources, such as:
- Social Security benefits (Pensions)
- Rental income
- Dividends
- Transferable equity
- Intellectual property
Additionally, you must provide Portuguese bank statements showing a minimum balance equal to one year’s minimum wage (€10,440.00) during your two-year application period. This amount is calculated as €870.00 x 12 months.
This balance increases if you have family members:
- An extra 50% (€5,220.00) for a spouse or any family member over 18.
- An extra 30% (€3,132) for each child under 18.
Proof of accommodation
A D7 Visa application requires you to provide evidence of where you will stay in Portugal. This can be a rental agreement, a lease, or a property deed if you own a home in Portugal. However, all long-stay visas require a lease of at least 12 months, and the property must be registered with the authorities.
The documentation should clearly state the address of the property, the duration of the rental or stay, and the names of the tenants or occupants. The agreement should also include the rental amount and payment terms if you are renting.
If you are staying with a friend or family member, a signed declaration from your host confirming that they will provide accommodation may be required. This should include their address, the duration of your stay, and their contact details.
Get a NIF number
Securing a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is essential for living in Portugal, as it allows you to engage in various fiscal activities. Non-residents like D7 applicants just starting the process, must appoint a fiscal representative to apply for their tax identification number in Portugal on their behalf. Each individual is assigned a unique, nine-digit NIF for tax purposes.
Opening a Portuguese bank account
Once you have your NIF, you can open a bank account in Portugal, often remotely, which simplifies transactions and helps avoid currency exchange fees. If you are a non-resident with an NIF, banks like ActivoBank, Banco N26, and Millenium BCP allow you to open accounts online. However, you often need a video call to verify your identity. In most cases, some of the required documents include proof of address, confirmation of NIF, a Portuguese phone number, and a minimum cash deposit, typically €250-300.
Travel and health insurance
Portugal D7 Visa applicants must have travel insurance at the time of the visa application and have health insurance coverage by the time of their AIMA appointment, ensuring coverage while residing in Portugal during the application process. Numerous private insurance plans in Portugal can be directly debited from your newly opened Portuguese bank account. After moving to Portugal, you can enroll in the Portuguese public health system (SNS), which can be used to renew your residence permit later.
Criminal record certificate
To apply for the Portugal D7 visa, you must provide a criminal record certificate. For US citizens, this means obtaining a criminal background check similar to the one from the FBI. Portuguese immigration generally favors applicants with a clean criminal record, meaning no convictions for crimes that carry a prison sentence of more than one year. In some situations, applicants with criminal records may still be eligible, so it’s wise to consult an immigration lawyer for specific guidance. Global Citizen Solutions can assist with any concerns regarding this aspect of your application.
Maintain minimum residency
Once you receive your temporary residency permit, you must be present in Portugal for a minimum of 12 to 16 months in the initial two years after receiving your residency permit. This changes to 28 months in the country every three years after the first renewal.
Exceptions can apply for work-related reasons or other specific situations. In such cases, you must explain your absence to AIMA before leaving. Additionally, you may be exempt if you can prove residency in your home country while abroad, supported by professional, business, social, or cultural activities.
It’s also essential to keep valid health insurance coverage throughout your stay.
Portugal D7 Visa Required Documents
Here’s a complete list of the necessary documents you’ll need to secure your residency when applying for the Portugal D7 Visa:
- Proof of regular passive income
- Proof of accommodation in the form of a 12-month lease or a property purchase agreement
- Confirmation of Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Six months of bank statements
- Clean criminal record background check
- Medical insurance
- Completed Portugal D7 Visa application form
- Valid passport (your passport needs to have an expiry date at least three months later than the duration of your stay in Portugal, and it must have at least two blank pages)
- Two passport photos (passport-sized)
- Valid travel insurance with health coverage
Portugal D7 Visa Application Process
To obtain your Portugal D7 Visa, you’ll need to start the process at the Portuguese Consulate in your home country. Here’s a simple overview of the steps involved:
- Schedule an appointment: Book a time to submit your visa application and all required documents.
- Pay the application Fee: Pay the necessary fee when you submit your application.
- Wait for review: The review period can take a few weeks to several months. This timeline depends on the Portuguese Consulate, which may request more information during this time.
- Receive a temporary residence visa: Once approved, you’ll get a 120-day visa to enter Portugal.
After you receive the D7 Visa, you’re allowed to enter Portugal. There, you must complete a new set of related administrative tasks to obtain your residency permit, which we’re outlining in the section below.
Getting your Portugal residency permit
The D7 Visa includes a date for your interview and biometric data collection for your temporary residence permit at AIMA in Portugal. This in-person interview should take place within four months of your arrival.
About three weeks after the appointment, you’ll receive a temporary residence card, called a Título de Residência, which is your form of identity in Portugal. It allows you to freely travel around the European Union without additional visas.
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The temporary residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for another three years. After five years of legally living in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residency permit or Portuguese citizenship if you meet the necessary criteria.
D7 Visa processing time
Obtaining a temporary four-month visa in your home country can take up to 60 days, provided you submit all the required information. When you receive your visa, you will also have an appointment with AIMA, which the Portuguese Consulate books when they issue your visa.
Once AIMA has collected your documents and biometric data, it will take about three weeks for them to send your residence card to your Portuguese address. The legal deadline for this is 90 days.
Getting Portuguese Citizenship Through the Portugal D7 Visa
Once you’ve established your residency with the D7 Visa, you can work towards obtaining Portuguese citizenship. Here’s what you need to know:
- Residency duration: After five years of holding your D7 residency, you are eligible to apply for citizenship. Ensure you’ve adhered to the residency requirements outlined earlier, including spending time in Portugal.
- Language proficiency: To demonstrate your integration into the country, you’ll need to pass a basic Portuguese language test.
- Clean criminal record: It’s important to maintain a clean criminal record throughout your residency. You’ll need to provide documentation proving your good standing in both Portugal and your home country.
- Application process: Begin gathering the necessary documents for your citizenship application, such as proof of residency and evidence of language proficiency.
- Submit your application: Follow the application process through the appropriate government channels to ensure a smooth transition from residency to citizenship.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
The Cost of the Portuguese D7 Visa in 2025
The Portugal D7 Visa is a budget-friendly choice compared to programs like the Portugal Golden Visa, which requires a hefty investment starting at €200,000. The D7 Visa, on the other hand, is designed for those with stable passive income. Here’s a breakdown of the processing fees:
- Entry visa application: Approximately €80 at the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
- Resident permit fee: Around €170 for submission and receipt from the AIMA in Portugal.
- AIMA appointment fee: About €156.
- Portugal D7 Visa application fee: Approximately €90.
- Residence permit fee: Around €160.
Note: Fees may change according to the Portuguese immigration authorities.
Portugal D7 Visa Tax Considerations
D7 Visa holders who establish a permanent residence in Portugal can change their tax residency to Portugal. In practice, this involves having Portuguese proof of address and an AIMA appointment to formalize residence.
As a tax resident and if you meet specific requirements, you can take advantage of the newly enacted Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), also known as the NHR 2.0 tax regime.
D7 visa holders cannot directly benefit from IFICI’s 20% tax rate, but they may still leverage IFICI’s exemptions on foreign income if they meet residency requirements. Under the scheme, foreign pensions remain taxable at progressive rates of up to 53 percent.
However, the D7 Visa conditions allow for professional activities at non-Portuguese companies. Essentially, it permits self-employment for companies located overseas, and income earned abroad is tax-exempt in Portugal under this tax regime.
There is a caveat, though. The income can only come from highly qualified professions, such as general and executive managers, medical doctors, engineering, IT, and communication fields.
Cost of Living in Portugal
When considering a move with the D7 Visa, understanding the cost of living in Portugal is essential. Portugal offers an affordable lifestyle compared to many Western European countries, with variations depending on location. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key expenses: healthcare, living costs, and real estate.
Healthcare
Portugal’s healthcare system is known for its high quality and affordability. Residents can access the public healthcare system (SNS), where costs for consultations and treatments are minimal. For example, a basic doctor’s visit typically costs between €5 to €10. Prescription medications are also heavily subsidized.
Many expatriates opt for private health insurance to access shorter wait times and private facilities. Private insurance plans range from €20 to €100 per month, depending on coverage level and age. Even without insurance, a private consultation usually costs around €40 to €70.
Living costs
Portugal offers a comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of countries like the UK or the US. An average individual’s monthly grocery bill ranges from €150 to €250, and local markets often provide fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets.
Basic utilities like electricity, heating, water, and garbage cost between €90 to €120 per month for a standard apartment, while internet services add an additional €25 to €35 monthly. Public transport is highly affordable, with monthly passes for buses, metros, and trains costing around €40.
Portugal’s cost of living is one of the major drawcards for many expats. For example, GCS helped restaurant owner Josh Ward and his business partner, Stuart, to relocate their Palms Pizza restaurant to Lisbon on D7 visas. Stuart was looking for a better lifestyle for his wife and their two young daughters, and Josh was looking to spend less time in the UK.
“Lisbon is the first step in aspirations to expand Palms internationally and provides a really strong base for those networking and fundraising conversations. We love our location and the community here,” Ward explains. You can read about their journey here.
Real estate
The real estate market in Portugal offers diverse options, from modern apartments in Lisbon to traditional houses in smaller towns. To rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, the monthly rental is around €900 to €1,200 in cities like Lisbon and Porto. Outside the center, rental prices range between €700 to €900. Rent for a similar apartment drops to around €400 to €700 in smaller towns.
Buying property in Lisbon or Porto can cost between €3,500 and €6,000 per square meter, while less populated areas and the Algarve region can cost as low as €1,500 per square meter.
D7 Visa Alternatives
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
If you’ve taken the eligibility test and discovered you’re not suited for the D7 Visa in Portugal, don’t worry! The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a great alternative as it allows digital nomads to live and work in Portugal for a specific period.
The Digital Nomad Visa is tailored for remote workers, helping to manage their short-term stays in Portugal. You can apply for either a temporary residency permit, which can be extended for up to five years, or a temporary stay visa, valid for one year. To qualify, you must earn at least four times Portugal’s minimum wage, which amounts to €870 each month.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa program is a five-year residency by investment initiative for non-EU nationals. With it, qualifying investors and their family members are granted the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
Qualifying investments range from investing in private equity funds or the Portuguese Golden Visa venture capital fund, or donating or investing a minimum of €250,000 into qualified projects in Portuguese Arts, National Heritage, or Culture. You can also make a capital transfer equal to or more than €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
