Portugal: Safe, Affordable and Welcoming with the D7 Visa

International Retirement Migration (IRM) is not a new phenomenon, but its evolution, particularly in Southern Europe, offers compelling insights into how ageing, mobility, and lifestyle choices intersect. IRM refers to the movement of retirees, generally but not limited to wealthier nations, who choose to spend their post-work years abroad in pursuit of a better quality of life, lower living costs, favorable climates, and relaxed social environments.

Driven by socio-economic changes and more accessible global travel, international retirement migration has expanded beyond traditional North–South routes, with Northern Europeans increasingly choosing destinations like Malta and Turkey over Spain and even relocating to more distant countries such as Malaysia and Senegal1. In regions like Southern Europe, IRM has become a defining feature of local transformation, influencing housing markets, healthcare planning, and cross-cultural integration.

Eurostat reports that over the next thirty years, the median age of the EU population is expected to rise by 4.5 years, reaching 48.2 by 2050. All EU Member States are anticipated to experience this upward shift, with Poland, Slovakia, and Malta projected to see the most significant increases, each with a rise of over 8 years. Rather than posing certain challenges, this demographic evolution opens the door to reimagined retirement lifestyles, with a focus on wellbeing, healthcare, and community support. In fact, Europe’s commitment to these values underscores why it became a popular and attractive choice for those seeking a fulfilling and secure retirement.

An interesting observation is that, regions experiencing higher levels of senior immigration tend to exhibit substantial long-term increases in total employment, population, and gross domestic product, relative to regions with lower inflows of senior migrants.

According to Global Intelligence Unit Retirement Guide for US Citizens published in 2024, top 5 locations to retire for Americans are Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica, Uruguay and Mexico.

Portugal has firmly established itself as one of the leading destinations for retirement in recent years. This growing appeal is largely attributed to a favorable combination of relatively low living costs, a high standard of healthcare, strong public safety, and an overall high quality of life. Additionally, the country’s temperate climate and hospitable cultural environment further enhance its attractiveness, making Portugal an increasingly preferred option among expatriate retirees seeking both comfort and security.

An increasingly attractive pathway for non-EU retirees considering relocation to Portugal is the D7 Visa, often referred to as the Passive Income Visa. This visa category is specifically designed for individuals with a stable, recurring income, such as pensions, rental earnings, or dividends. Furthermore, the visa does not require active employment. As of 2025, the minimum monthly income threshold stands at approximately €870, making it a relatively accessible option for many retirees.

The D7 Visa offers several notable advantages. It grants access to Portugal’s public healthcare system, permits visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and enables applicants to pursue permanent residency or citizenship after five years of legal residence. The visa also allows for family reunification, facilitating the inclusion of spouses and dependents in the migration process. The Portuguese passport ranks 24th globally on the Global Passport Index, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 126 countries. It is considered highly desirable due to strong mobility and quality of life scores. Holders can travel freely to places like Belgium, Japan, the UK, and the US, though visas are still required for around 17 countries, including China, Algeria, and Syria.

For retirees seeking a seamless transition to life in Portugal, the D7 Visa stands out as a practical and advantageous option, combining financial feasibility with the rich cultural and lifestyle offerings of the country. Given Portugal’s favorable climate, comparatively low cost of living, and high quality of life, the D7 Visa serves as a compelling legal route for retirement migration in Southern Europe.

Portugal, a country known for its history of exploration, is located on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

A key factor contributing to Portugal’s appeal is its relatively low cost of living. Prices for consumer goods and services are significantly below Western European norms, roughly 15–20% lower than the EU average in 2024. This means that everyday expenses, from groceries to utilities, are more affordable. Housing costs in particular tend to be lower than in many other EU countries, allowing retirees to enjoy comfortable accommodations or real estate purchasing options for less. Although Portugal, like the rest of Europe, experienced rising inflation in 2022, price pressures eased by 2024, helping preserve its cost advantage.

As of 2023, Portugal’s GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), was recorded at approximately $41,498.37 USD. Portugal also demonstrates strong performance in the environmental quality dimension of the OECD Better Life Index, surpassing the OECD average.

The country boasts a diverse climate, ranging from the cooler, maritime north (~15°C) to the sunny Mediterranean south (~18°C), with the Algarve and Madeira offering particularly mild and pleasant weather year-round. Other indicators to consider are mentioned below according to the Global Retirement Guide, 2024:

Healthcare in Portugal is well-regarded, with residents able to choose between the public system (SNS) and private providers. The latter is especially popular among expats for its shorter wait times and access to English-speaking professionals. Private insurance options are varied and affordable, with basic plans starting around $50/month for retirees. Expats often opt for private healthcare, which offers quicker access to a wider network of modern facilities and specialists, along with more personalized care. This is especially true in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto, where private hospitals and clinics are well-equipped and commonly cater to international communities.

Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and regions such as the Azores and Madeira offer both security and high standards of living.

Other key advantages include:

• High English proficiency – 8th globally, easing daily life and access to services.
• Welcoming environment – Ranked 12th in Europe for migrant acceptance.
• Cost of living – Up to 130% lower than in New York, especially for rent, dining, and groceries.

These factors combine to make Portugal a standout choice for those seeking a secure, affordable, and culturally rich retirement abroad.

Portugal has steadily built a reputation as one of Europe’s most attractive retirement destinations – and for good reason. Through a combination of relatively low living costs, a high standard of healthcare, environmental quality, and personal safety, the country offers a retirement lifestyle that is both comfortable and accessible. The D7 Visa further enhances Portugal’s appeal, offering a legal and practical pathway for non-EU retirees to relocate and thrive in a new environment.

From mild weather and diverse landscapes to high English proficiency and welcoming communities, Portugal delivers on the key elements retirees prioritize when seeking a better quality of life abroad. As demographic trends continue to favor retirement migration, and as retirees seek both affordability and enrichment, Portugal is well-positioned to remain a top-tier destination in this evolving landscape.