The Portugal D7 Visa — sometimes called the Portugal Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa — is a residence permit that enables non-EU citizens to apply for residency in Portugal.
To be eligible, you must prove that you have a stable source of passive income. These funds can come from pensions, real estate, transferable equity, intellectual property, or financial investments.
Established by the Portuguese government in 2007, the D7 Visa Portugal is a pathway to obtaining a permanent residency permit. In the long run, it can be the first step in attaining Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport.
Navigating the intricacies of the D7 Visa application process can be complex, given its bureaucratic nature and the need for careful planning. That’s why hiring the services of a Portugal D7 Visa lawyer is invaluable in streamlining this journey. These experts guide you through the process, provide insights into eligibility criteria, and address any queries you may have.
This article provides useful information and guidance on hiring a consultant for the D7 Visa.
⚠️ 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
Why work with an immigration lawyer for your D7 Visa application?
Immigration law services are professional individuals or an entire law firm providing legal advice, handling procedures, and submission services. Experienced immigration lawyers can benefit you and your family looking to secure a residence permit in Portugal.
Aside from the obvious benefits of having an experienced lawyer in your corner, they can be particularly useful in certain circumstances.
Suppose you are thinking about working with immigration lawyers in your home country. In that case, we recommend that you instead work with local Portuguese lawyers who know Portuguese law well and speak Portuguese.
Enlisting the help of a law firm with experience in dealing with D7 Visa, also referred to as the Portugal Retirement Visa applications, is a good idea if you:
- Don’t have the time or patience to navigate past Portuguese bureaucracy and the country’s legal system
- Don’t speak Portuguese
- Want to avoid the common pitfalls of making a poor investment in Portugal that could cost you your visa
- Prefer to let an experienced D7 Visa lawyer guide you forward, helping you with the paperwork requirements and contracts
- Want to avoid making a mistake in documentation which can result in the rejection of your visa application
The Role of Portugal D7 Visa Services
Provide initial consultation and assessment: A D7 Visa lawyer can provide an initial consultation to assess your eligibility for the visa and discuss your specific circumstances. They can also review your documentation and provide feedback on the completeness and accuracy of your application.
Assist with application preparation: D7 Visa lawyers can help you prepare all the necessary documentation for your application. This includes gathering personal information, financial statements, a clean criminal record, and proof of passive income for retirees and digital nomads. They can also ensure that your application is completed correctly and under Portuguese immigration law. This can include forms for health insurance, a bank account, or family reunification.
Review and revise documents: D7 Visa lawyers can review your application documents carefully to ensure they are complete, accurate, and compliant with all immigration requirements. They can also identify any potential issues or inconsistencies and guide you through rectifying them.
Draft application forms: D7 Visa lawyers can draft the required application forms for you, ensuring they are filled out correctly and accurately. As part of the legal services, they can also help you translate the forms into Portuguese if necessary.
Apply to immigration authorities: D7 Visa lawyers can submit your application to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) immigration authorities on your behalf and track your application status.
Representation at interviews: In some cases, D7 Visa applicants may be required to attend an interview with AIMA. A D7 Visa lawyer can represent you at the interview and provide legal advice and support throughout the process.
Negotiate with immigration authorities: If your application has any issues, your D7 Visa lawyer can negotiate with immigration authorities to resolve them and represent your appeals if they are rejected.
Provide ongoing support: D7 Visa lawyers can provide ongoing support throughout the application process and beyond. They can answer your questions, provide guidance, and ensure that you know of any changes to Portuguese immigration law that may affect your visa status.
After five years with a D7 Visa, you can apply for permanent legal residence provided you meet certain conditions. In the long term, immigration lawyers can also assist applicants in becoming Portuguese citizens.
Hiring a Portugal D7 Visa Lawyer for Your Application
When looking for a lawyer to work with, you should choose one that specializes in D7 Visa applications and has a high success rate.
At Global Citizen Solutions, our Portugal D7 Visa lawyers can help you lodge your application, taking you through legal loopholes and ensuring the best possible chance of a successful outcome.
Portugal D7 Visa Lawyer Cost
The cost of hiring a lawyer for the Portugal D7 Visa can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services required. Typically, a Portugal D7 visa lawyer fees range from €1,000 to €2,500. This fee generally includes assistance with preparing and submitting the visa application, gathering necessary documentation, and providing legal advice throughout the process. Some lawyers may also offer additional services, such as help with finding accommodation in Portugal or setting up a bank account, which could affect the overall cost.
How can our D7 Visa lawyers help?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm that offers bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in several European countries, including Portugal. Our Portugal office provides legal expertise and assistance for foreign nationals, investors, and Golden Visa applicants.
Our immigration attorneys help the expat communities in Portugal with legal consultation and representation in the visa application process.
Portugal D7 Visa Benefits
The Portuguese Retirement Visa (D7) offers several benefits to qualifying individuals, including:
The ability to live and work in Portugal
The D7 Visa is a residency visa, which means that it allows individuals to live in Portugal permanently. This is a significant benefit for many people, as it allows them to relocate to a new country and start a new life.
D7 Visa holders are also allowed to work in Portugal without restrictions. This means they can start a business, work for a Portuguese company, or be self-employed. This is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to live and work in Portugal or become a Portuguese citizen.
Access to the Schengen Area
The D7 Visa also gives holders access to the Schengen Area. This means they can travel freely within the 26 European countries in the Schengen Area. This can greatly benefit people who want to explore other parts of Europe without applying for a separate visa.
A path to a Portuguese passport
After five years of legal residency in Portugal, D7 Visa holders can apply for a permanent residence permit and Portuguese citizenship. This can be a great opportunity for people who want to gain residence permits and settle permanently in Portugal. A successful application allows them to enjoy the same rights as all other Portuguese citizens.
⚠️ 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
Portugal Passive Income Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a temporary residence permit on the D7 visa, you must meet the following criteria: be obliged by Portuguese and immigration law and meet the requirements for your residency visa. The following eligibility criteria apply to the primary residence permit holder and immediate family members.
D7 Visa eligibility
- Be a non-EU citizen
- Have a valid passport
- Be in good health
- Have health insurance in Portugal
- Clean criminal record (issued in the last 90 days)
- Have a regular and sufficient passive income source (equal to the monthly minimum wage in Portugal, which is €870)
- Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself in Portugal
- Have accommodation in Portugal
- Have a Portuguese bank account
Passive income visa requirements
- Minimum annual income: €10,440 per year, which is equal to the Portuguese minimum wage for the main applicant
- Spouse/partner: 50 percent of the main applicant’s income (minimum €5,220 per year)
- Each dependent child: 30 percent of the main applicant’s income
- Income source examples: such as pensions, real estate investments including rental income, dividends, intellectual property, investments
- Proof of income: such as bank statements, tax returns, investment documentation
Required Documents for a D7 Visa
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the expected expiry date of your visa.
Two passport photos: The photos must be recent, passport-sized, and meet specific requirements outlined by the Portuguese authorities.
Proof of accommodation: While you don’t necessarily have to buy property to qualify for the visa, you will need to provide proof that you have secured accommodation in Portugal. You can prove this with documents such as a rental agreement, property purchase deed, or hotel reservation.
Proof of health insurance coverage: You must have private health insurance that covers you for the entire duration of your stay in Portugal.
Proof of sufficient funds: You must prove that you have sufficient income to support yourself in Portugal. This could include bank statements, tax returns, pension statements, or investment documentation. The minimum income requirement for a D7 Visa is €10,440 per year for the main applicant, plus 50 percent of an accompanying spouse and an additional 30 percent per accompanying child.
Criminal record certificate: You must provide a criminal record certificate from your home country and any other countries you have lived in for more than six months in the past year.
Completed D7 Visa application form: This form can be downloaded from the website of the Portuguese consulate or Portuguese embassy in your country. Make sure to fill it out carefully and accurately.
Additional documents
- Marriage certificate: If you are applying with your spouse, you must provide a marriage certificate.
- Birth certificates: If you are applying with children, you must provide birth certificates for each child.
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.
