D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (2024)

Table of Contents
What is the Portugal D7 Visa? Portugal D7 Benefits Exceptional travel mobility Portugal permanent residency and pathway to Portuguese citizenship Acquire residence rights in Portugal Family reunification Attractive tax benefits Is NHR ending? Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Passive Income Visa? Portugal D7 Visa Requirements Criminal record certificate Residency requirements Portugal D7 Visa income requirements Is health insurance necessary for the Portugal Passive Income Visa? Getting a NIF Number and Portuguese Bank Account Portugal D7 Visa Application Process Portugal D7 Visa required documents D7 Visa application process: step-by-step guide 1. Apply for the temporary D7 visa from your home country 2. Attend your AIMA appointment and enroll your biometric data 3. Get your residency card D7 Visa application process overview Portugal D7 Visa Processing Time D7 Visa application timeline The Cost of the Portuguese D7 Visa in 2024 Getting a Residence Permit in Portugal Through the D7 Visa Portugal D7 Visa residency requirements How to get a Portuguese residence permit Tax Considerations Is NHR ending? Passive Income Visa Acceptance Rate and Reasons for Rejection D7 Alternative: Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa Successful D7 Visa Journey: How We Can Help Frequently Asked Questions About the Portugal D7 Visa What is the Portugal D7 Visa? Who is eligible for the D7 Visa? What are the D7 Visa income requirements? Can I benefit from the Portuguese healthcare system with a Portugal D7 Visa? What are the Portugal D7 Visa requirements? Is Portugal a good place for retirement? Is Portugal expensive? Can I become a Portuguese citizen with a D7 Visa? How long does it take to get a D7 Visa for Portugal? Can you work in Portugal on a D7 Visa? Who is eligible for a D7 Visa? What are the benefits of a D7 visa? How long does a D7 Visa typically last? What documents are typically required for a D7 Visa application? Can I work or start a business with a D7 Visa? Can I bring my family members with me on a D7 Visa? Can I convert my existing visa to a D7 Visa? What is the Portugal D7 Visa minimum stay? What is the disadvantage of the Portuguese D7 Visa? How much tax do I pay on a D7 visa in Portugal? Portuguese Golden Visa, D2 Visa, or D7 Visa, which one to pick? Who is the Portugal D7 Visa for? How can I apply for the Portugal D7 Visa? How often do I need to renew my Portugal D7 Visa? Can I travel within the Schengen Area with the Portugal D7 Visa? What are the health insurance requirements for the Portugal D7 Visa? More on Portugal

The Portugal D7 Visa, sometimes called the Portugal Retirement Visa, was established by the Portuguese Government in 2007. This residence visa enables non-EU/EEA/Switzerland to apply for residency in Portugal.

Whether you are a retiree or an entrepreneur from a non-EU country, you can enjoy Portuguese residency privileges thanks to this handy visa. To be eligible for the D7, you must prove that you have sufficient passive income to maintain yourself in Portugal. These funds can come from pensions, real estate, transferable equity, intellectual property, or financial investment.

The Portugal D7 Visa serves as a pathway to obtaining a permanent residency permit and, in the long run, the possibility of attaining Portuguese citizenship.

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (1)Do you have a stable source of passive income and are seeking Portuguese residence? This article will help you understand everything you need about the Portugal D7 Visa.

We will cover the following:

  • What is the D7 Visa?
  • What are the benefits of the D7 residence permit?
  • Free D7 Visa eligibility test
  • How to get the D7 residence permit in Portugal
  • Getting a NIF number and opening a Portuguese bank account
  • What are the D7 Visa requirements?
  • Minimum passive income requirements
  • D7 Visa application process
  • D7 Visa processing time

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa or the Portugal Retirement Visa, is a special special visa type introduced by the Portuguese government in 2007. This temporary to permanent residency visa allows non-EU/EEA or non-Swiss citizens to apply for residency in Portugal, provided they have a reasonable passive income. It’s an attractive option for UK citizens and Americans moving to Portugal.

Indeed, the D7 is an affordable and attractive Portugal immigration visa allowing non-EU citizens to get Portuguese residency provided they have sufficient funds to sustain themselves during their stay in Portugal.

This stable passive income can come from movable property, rental income, real estate, intellectual property, or financial investments. Individuals in this category may be eligible to apply for the D7 Portuguese Visa and, subsequently, a residency permit.

The minimum income requirementis that the applicant makes at least the Portuguese minimum wage of €820.00 per month. This income also applies to the applicant’s dependents. Moreover, the passive income must be foreign-sourced.

Pensioners, entrepreneurs who want to live in Portugal, retired foreign citizens, or other expats living off stable passive income can apply for the visa.

The temporary residence permit granted through the D7 is valid for two years and can be renewed for three years.

After the five-year period of holding a permanent residency permit, you can request Portuguese nationality.

Portugal D7 Benefits

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (2) Permanent free entry and circulation in the Schengen area

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (3) Live, work and study in Portugal

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (4) Tax benefits via NHR

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (5) Benefit from the Portuguese healthcare system

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (6) Fast visa process

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (7) Entire family is eligible

The D7 Visa provides an array of benefits for foreigners seeking Portuguese residency. Some of the attractive advantages of this visa are:

Exceptional travel mobility

The residence permit facilitates visa-free travel and movement throughout the Schengen region, allowing a non-EU citizen residing in Portugal to circulate freely within the European Union (EU) for a set number of days.

Portugal permanent residency and pathway to Portuguese citizenship

Once you’ve secured the D7 Visa, you can obtain a residence permit in Portugal, valid for two years. After that, you can renew your residence permit, valid for three years. After the five-year mark of holding legal residency, you can apply for Portuguese permanent residence and citizenship if you wish.

After acquiring citizenship, you can obtain a Portuguese passport and enjoy visa-free travel throughout 174 countries worldwide.

Acquire residence rights in Portugal

As a Portuguese resident, you can enjoy a myriad of benefits. These include access to the national health service and to the Portuguese National Education Service and schools. With legal residence in Portugal, you can also conduct professional activities there, have full protection under Portuguese law, and be granted access to vocational schooling and professional training.

D7 Visa holders can also become Portuguese tax residents.

Family reunification

The D7 Visa allows for family reunification. This means that the main applicant can apply for the D7 Visa so that the applicant and the family can move to Portugal together.

The following family members are eligible for family reunification through the Portugal D7 Visa program: your spouse or partner, children under 18, children over 18 who are dependents, your parents or spouse/partners’ parents, as long as they depend on you, and your minor siblings.

Attractive tax benefits

As a D7 Visa holder, you can enjoy an array of tax benefits through Portugal’s Non-Habitual Tax (NHR) Regime. This regime allows individuals to establish their tax residency in the country.

The NHR program offers tax-free incentives in certain categories, such as foreign-sourced income, for those who haven’t been Portuguese tax residents in the past five years.

Is NHR ending?

The State Budget Law for 2024 determined the end of the NHR regime from 1st January 2024. However, certain individuals can still apply up until 31st March 2025, and the scheme is being replaced by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation, which has now been implemented. To learn more, please refer to Is The Portugal NHR Ending?

Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Passive Income Visa?

To be eligible for the Portuguese D7 Visa and begin your journey to obtain Portuguese residency, the primary applicant must be a non-EU national and meet the minimum passive income requirements. This means you’ll have to prove that you have sufficient funds in a Portuguese bank account to sustain yourself during your stay.

To secure an initial residency permit, the Portugal D7 Visa requirements for the application process are as follows:

  • Nationality: You must not be a citizen of the European Union (EU).
  • Financial self-sufficiency: You need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself throughout your stay in Portugal.
  • No criminal background: You must possess a clean criminal record.
  • Portuguese residency proof: You are required to have a confirmed address where you will be residing in Portugal. This can be shown through documents such as a rental agreement or a term of responsibility issued by a Portuguese resident affirming that you will live in their accommodation.
  • Physical presence: You are expected to spend a minimum of 16 months in Portugal within the initial two-year period.

Want to make sure the Portugal D7 is the right choice for you? Take a free test now to know if you are eligible for the D7 Visa.

Take a free test now to
know if you are eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa

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Portugal D7 Visa Requirements

Criminal record certificate

As previously mentioned, you must provide a criminal record certificate. To apply for Portugal’s D7 Visa, US citizens need a criminal background check similar to what the FBI provides. In general, Portuguese immigration favors applicants with no criminal history. As a general rule, you cannot have a criminal conviction for a crime punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year in Portugal.

In some cases, applicants with criminal records can apply; in these instances, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer. Global Citizen Solutions can advise you if you have any concerns about this aspect of your application.

Residency requirements

You can spend a minimum of 16 months in Portugal on your temporary visa within the initial two-year period to maintain your visa’s validity and residency. After this two-year period, you’ll likely be granted a two-year temporary residence permit. If you maintain civil residence in Portugal for five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. You must also maintain valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

Portugal D7 Visa income requirements

There’s a minimum income requirement to qualify for the Portugal D7 Visa and residence permit. The applicants must demonstrate a regular and stable passive income that should be at least equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage, which is currently €820.00 per month. This income can come from pensions, rental income, dividends, or other non-salaried sources. Our legal experts can further clarify the specifics of the passive income requirements based on your unique situation.

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (9)The higher the passive income shown, the smoother the process, as it confirms your ability to sustain your lifestyle in Portugal without needing to work or produce additional income locally.

In compliance with Portuguese law, the main applicant is advised to provide and maintain a Portuguese bank statement with a minimum balance of €19,680.00 in a bank account in Portugal throughout the application period (two years).

This balance increases with additional family members:

  • An extra 50 percent (€9,840.00) is needed for a spouse or any other family member over 18,
  • An extra 30 percent(€5,904.00) is needed for each family member under 18.

For example, a family of four with two adults and two minors must meet minimum income requirements and maintain at least €41,488.00 in their Portuguese bank account during the family reunification period.

Is health insurance necessary for the Portugal Passive Income Visa?

Yes, 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 paid through direct debit 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.

Getting a NIF Number and Portuguese Bank Account

Please note that you must obtain an NIF number to live in Portugal. This is your Portuguese tax number allowing you to carry out fiscal activities in Portugal. You can have a power of attorney to obtain this number before you enter the country.

After you have obtained your Portuguese tax number, you will be required to open a Portuguese bank account, which you can also set up remotely. Having a bank account in Portugal will enable you to make transactions in the country much easier, saving on potential currency exchange fees that would cost you if you relied on the bank account of your home country.

To learn more about opening a bank account in Portugal, please refer to the following articles:

  • The Best Banks in Portugal for Foreigners
  • The Top 50 Safest Banks in Europe

Portugal D7 Visa Application Process

Portugal D7 Visa required documents

This is a comprehensive list of all the required documents that will help secure your residency status when you apply:

  • 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)
  • Proof of regular passive income
  • Proof of adequate accommodation (it can be a 12-month lease or a property purchase agreement)
  • Clean criminal record background check
  • Valid travel insurance with health coverage
  • Six months of bank statements
  • Portuguese tax number (NIF)
  • Previous year’s tax statement
  • Medical insurance

D7 Visa application process: step-by-step guide

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (11)

1. Apply for the temporary D7 visa from your home country

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (12)

2. Attend your AIMA appointment and enroll your biometric data

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (13)

3. Get your residency card

D7 Visa application process overview

Residence visas are obtained before entering Portugal at the Portuguese Consulate/Embassy, Consular Post, Consular Section, or Visa Request Center in the applicant’s country of origin or residence.

Here is an overview of the process:

  1. Schedule an appointment and submit your visa application along with the supporting documents.
  2. Pay the application fee.
  3. Await the review period, which may take a few weeks to several months. This timeline is entirely subject to the discretion of the Portuguese Consulate. The Portuguese Consulate may request additional information or documentation if necessary during this time.
  4. You’ll receive a temporary residence visa, allowing you to enter Portugal.
  5. Within four months of arrival, you must schedule an appointment with AIMA, the Portuguese Immigration Agency – formerly Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras SEF – for an interview and biometric data collection.
  6. You’ll then be issued a temporary residence permit valid for two years, which can be renewed.

Following five years of legal residency, you can apply for a permanent residency permit and/or citizenship, given you meet all the necessary criteria. If all the necessary criteria is met, applicants are on their way to receiving a Portuguese residency card.

Portugal 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 get an appointment with AIMA (the Portuguese immigration and border services, which replaced SEF), booked by the Portuguese Consulate, 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.

D7 Visa application timeline

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D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (15)

Book a one-on-one consultation with our Portugal D7 visa specialist

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The Cost of the Portuguese D7 Visa in 2024

The D7 Visa Portugal cost is relatively low compared to other programs, such as the Portugal Golden Visa. For the Portugal Golden Visa Program, you must invest significantly in the country, starting at €200,000. However, the Passive Income Visa is a much more affordable alternative.

You can expect the following costs:

  • For your D7 Visa application, you can expect to pay €90
  • For your residence permit, you can expect to pay around €160

The primary costs during the immigration process will likely be airline tickets, relocation fees, health insurance coverage for all medical expenses, and adequate accommodation. You should also factor in costs, such as hiring an immigration specialist to help you with your application and getting documents translated.

Note: Also, remember that the above fee can be changed at any time by the responsible Portuguese immigration authorities.

Getting a Residence Permit in Portugal Through the D7 Visa

Portugal D7 Visa residency requirements

D7 holders must make Portugal your primary country of residence; you can’t move freely to another country in the European Union. As a holder of the D7 residence card, you may be absent from Portugal for the following periods within the validity of the permit:

  • Six consecutive months or
  • Eight non-consecutive months

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (17)In the initial two years after obtaining this residency visa, you must reside in Portugal for a minimum of 12 to 16 months. Following this period, you are expected to spend no less than 28 months in the country every three years.

Some exceptions (work-related or for certain other reasons) must be explained to AIMA before the person leaves the country or in other exceptional cases.

Additionally, visa holders can be exempt from this rule if they can provide evidence that they resided in their home country during their time abroad and were engaged in professional, business, social, or cultural activities.

As a D7 Visa holder, you are advised to inform AIMA before leaving the national territory if you intend to be absent from Portugal during the validity period for a timeframe exceeding six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months.

How to get a Portuguese residence permit

To obtain the D7 Visa permit, you must fulfill several requirements. Obtaining Portuguese residency status takes place in two stages.

  • Apply in your home country for a temporary D7 Visa (which lasts for four months)
  • Attend the appointment with AIMA in Portugal, who will approve your residence card

First step

  • Submit all required documents to your local Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence or VFS Global (if this is the case). Ensure you have all the correct documents, which can slow down the process.
  • If your visa application is approved, the Portuguese Consulate will deliver your D7 temporary visa, allowing you to travel to Portugal and grant an appointment at AIMA to formalize the permit request.
  • This temporary visa is valid for four months (120 days) from the issue date.

Second step

  • After your visa is issued, you must attend your appointment in Portugal with AIMA, where you will enroll your biometric data.
  • Your temporary residency is granted for a two-year period. After this period, the permit must be renewed, which is then valid for three years.
  • After five years, you can exchange this for permanent residency.
  • You can also apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law. You must pass a basic Portuguese language test and hold a clean criminal record, among other conditions.

Tax Considerations

A Portugal D7 Visa holder must establish tax residency in Portugal, as they must spend more than 183 days per fiscal year in the country. That said, tax residents in Portugal are entitled to benefit from the Non-Habitual Tax (NHR) Regime. The NHR is a generous tax program with numerous benefits pertaining to your global income. It offers tax-free incentives on certain categories for a period of up to ten years, should you register with an address in Portugal.

D7 Visa Portugal 2024: Complete Guide + Free Eligibility Test (18)Below are the types of income that may qualify under the NHR program:

  • Dividends
  • Real estate income
  • Capital gains from the disposal of real estate
  • Occupational pensions
  • Royalties
  • Personal income tax
  • Business and self-employment profits derived from eligible occupations (but be mindful of relevant double taxation agreements)

As of 2020, pensioners registering for the NHR tax scheme are taxed at a rate of 10 percent on all foreign-sourced pension income.

Is NHR ending?

The State Budget Law for 2024 determined the end of the NHR regime from 1st January 2024. However, certain individuals can still apply up until 31st March 2025, and the scheme is being replaced by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation, which has now been implemented. To learn more, please refer to Is The Portugal NHR Ending?

Passive Income Visa Acceptance Rate and Reasons for Rejection

As long as you meet the requirements, you should be able to get a D7 Visa in Portugal. The D7 Visa rejection rate is quite low, as it is for most visas in Portugal. Invalid travel insurance, insufficient reasons to stay in Portugal, fake travel documents, and the inability to provide evidence of accommodation (such as a valid rental agreement) can all lead to your D7 Visa application being rejected.

If you have any concerns about your visa application, contact Global Citizen Solutions for specialist advice.

D7 Alternative: Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

If you’ve taken the test above and found out you’re not eligible for the D7 Visa in Portugal – don’t worry! The Portuguese government has recently introduced a great alternative – the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa lets digital nomads live or work in Portugal for a set period. The application process began on 30 October, 2022.

The Digital Nomad Visa aims to control the short-term residence or stay of remote employees in Portugal. Remote workers can use the Digital Nomad Visa to apply for either a temporary residency permit that can be extended for up to five years or a temporary stay visa with a maximum validity of one year. You are eligible for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa if you make four times Portugal’s minimum wage or more from your remote work. This comes to €3,280.00 every month.

The Digital Nomad Visa is perfect for remote workers and entrepreneurs. You can apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa at the local Portuguese Consulate in your home country.

Successful D7 Visa Journey: How We Can Help

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens.

With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.

From helping individuals find their dream homes or investments to providing successful immigration and relocation services, our international team is with you every step of the way.

Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) has extensive experience in immigration law and offers a comprehensive service for your D7 Visa application in Portugal, including:

  • Immigration planning: Our legal team organizes a call with you to understand your needs and plans and create a personalized immigration plan.
  • Appointing a fiscal representative: GCS appoints a tax representative in Portugal for you. This representative applies for your NIF and communicates with the Portuguese tax authorities on your behalf.
  • Preparing required documents: GCS handles all paperwork, writes necessary letters/declarations, and guides you through the required documentation tailored to your circumstances.
  • Securing accommodation: Our team assists you in securing long-term accommodation in Portugal by either buying or renting a property.
  • Visa application process: We assist by collecting necessary documents, scheduling the visa interview appointment, and helping you prepare for the interview. We also provide information on processing times and requirements for handling your passport during this time.
  • Conversion of the visa into a residence permit: After arriving in Portugal with the D7 Visa, we assist with the conversion process, accompany you to the Immigration Office, oversee the application process, and aid in the final collection of the residence card.

We can start working towards your D7 Visa application.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Portugal D7 Visa

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa, also called the Retirement Visa, is a Portuguese immigration permit allowing you to enter Portugal in order to apply for a residency permit, provided you have enough funds to sustain yourself during the duration of your stay and that you can prove that you live off your own passive income. After five years, you can exchange it for a permanent residence permit.

Who is eligible for the D7 Visa?

Portugal D7 Visa requirements are:

  • Be a non-EU national
  • Have the funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Have a rental agreement or property deed as you’ll need to provide a residential address in Portugal.
  • Are able to spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2-year period.

What are the D7 Visa income requirements?

D7 Visa Financial Requirements:

In order to apply for the D7 Visa, the minimum passive income requirements are €820.00 per month.

An additional 50 percent would be needed to include a spouse in your application, and an extra 30 percent per dependent child.

Your foreign sourced income can come from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial equity. You must show bank statements as proof that you meet the financial requirements.

Can I benefit from the Portuguese healthcare system with a Portugal D7 Visa?

Once you enter Portugal and your residency permit has been approved by AIMA, you will be considered a Portuguese resident. You can, therefore, benefit from the Portuguese healthcare system. Keep in mind that you will need to register with the National Health Service (SNS) in order to benefit from its services.

What are the Portugal D7 Visa requirements?

Several requirements need to be met to be eligible for the Passive Income Visa:

  • Nationality: You must be a non-EU citizen above 18 years old.
  • Financial self-sufficiency: You need to demonstrate enough stable, foreign sourced income to maintain yourself throughout your stay in Portugal.
  • No criminal background: You must possess a clean criminal record.
  • Portuguese residency proof: You are required to have a confirmed address where you will be residing in Portugal.
  • Physical presence: You are expected to spend a minimum of 16 months in Portugal within the initial two-year period.
  • Portuguese NIF Number: You must obtain a tax identification number.

Is Portugal a good place for retirement?

Portugal is indeed an excellent destination for retirees. Not only is it a safe and stable country, but the climate, friendly people, and high standards of living at a relatively affordable rate are all big draws for retirees seeking a permanent residence permit in Portugal.

Is Portugal expensive?

No, Portugal is by no means considered an expensive country. In the more urban areas of Portugal, it’s possible to live comfortably at €1,500 a month. In the less populated areas of Portugal, that figure is even less.

Can I become a Portuguese citizen with a D7 Visa?

While a Portugal D7 Visa doesn’t automatically grant you citizenship, it does enable you to obtain Portuguese residency permit. In Portugal, all Portuguese residents can apply for citizenship after five years. Therefore, the D7 residency visa can indirectly lead you to obtain citizenship after the five-year mark.

How long does it take to get a D7 Visa for Portugal?

Securing the temporary four-month D7 Visa in your home country can take up to 60 days, and you must submit all the required documents and information.

Can you work in Portugal on a D7 Visa?

You cannot officially work in Portugal. However, if the main applicant later obtains a residency permit, they can work then in the country.

Who is eligible for a D7 Visa?

Eligibility includes:

  • Retirees receiving a pension.
  • Individuals who hold securities such as shares, investment funds, bonds, real estate, or intellectual property that generate regular income that meets the passive income requirements.

The applicant must provide proof of regular income, which could be monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually from pensions, investment dividends, or royalties. This proof can be made by presenting the Annual Tax Return from the applicant’s place of residence or other relevant documents to the competent authorities.

What are the benefits of a D7 visa?

The D7 visa provides several benefits:

  1. Free Entry and Circulation in Schengen Zone: Upon receiving their residence permit, the applicant can freely enter and circulate in the Schengen Area.
  2. Freedom to Live and Work in Portugal: The visa holder can live and, if desired, engage in professional activity in Portugal.
  3. Family Reunification: The applicant can apply for any family members covered by the Family Reunification Program. This includes a spouse or partner, minor or disabled children, adult children dependent on the applicant or studying in Portugal, first-degree ascendants in the direct line who are dependent, and minor siblings who are dependent.
  4. Access to Health System and Resident Rights: Visa holders can enrol in Portugal’s national health system and have access to high-quality and affordable healthcare. They also have access to education, can request recognition of diplomas and qualifications, and gain access to Portugal’s social security system.
  5. Obtain Portuguese Non-Habitual Residency: With this status, individuals can access a tax exemption and tax deduction regime for ten years. After obtaining their residence permit, they become Portuguese tax residents, making it possible to apply for this regime.
  6. Pathway to permanent residency: After five years of legally residing in Portugal, D7 holders can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.

How long does a D7 Visa typically last?

The D7 residency visa is valid for a period of four months and allows a maximum of two entries into the Schengen Area. Within the validity of the visa, the holder has to travel to Portugal to apply for a temporary residency permit.

A D7 residence permit is initially granted for a period of two years. After this period, it can be renewed for successive periods of three years. After five years of legal residency in Portugal, the visa holder may apply for a permanent residence permit or Portuguese citizenship.

What documents are typically required for a D7 Visa application?

This is a comprehensive list of all the required documents that will help secure your residency status:

  • Completed 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)
  • Proof of regular passive income
  • Proof of adequate accommodation (it can be a 12-month rental agreement or a property purchase contract)
  • Clean criminal record background check
  • Valid travel insurance with health coverage
  • Six months of bank statements
  • Portuguese tax number (NIF)
  • Previous year’s tax statement
  • Medical insurance

Can I work or start a business with a D7 Visa?

While the D7 Visa does not permit official employment in Portugal, the main applicant can work in the country once they obtain a residence permit. Starting a business, however, should be checked against specific local regulations as they may vary.

Can I bring my family members with me on a D7 Visa?

Yes, you can bring your family with you on a D7 Visa under the Family Reunification Program. The program covers:

  • Your spouse or partner.
  • Minor or disabled children, including adopted minor children.
  • Children over 18 who are dependent on the couple or one of the spouses, are single, and studying at an educational institution in Portugal.
  • First-degree ascendants in the direct line of the resident or respective spouse, provided they are dependent on them.
  • Minor siblings, provided they are under the guardianship of the resident.

Note that the minimum income requirements change to ensure you have enough income to cover both yourself and any dependent family members.

Can I convert my existing visa to a D7 Visa?

There’s no general rule that allows or forbids converting an existing visa to a D7 visa. It typically depends on the specific type of your current visa. Contact us for legal advice tailored to your immigration situation.

What is the Portugal D7 Visa minimum stay?

You must be able to spend a minimum of 16 months in Portugal on your temporary D7 Visa within the initial two-year period.

What is the disadvantage of the Portuguese D7 Visa?

D7 Visa applicants are required to demonstrate a consistent stream of passive income that meets specified criteria. Moreover, they are obligated to establish Portugal as their principal country of residency and are not permitted unrestricted relocation within the European Union.

How much tax do I pay on a D7 visa in Portugal?

D7 visa holders presently benefit from tax advantages in Portugal, facilitated by the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. This scheme entails a tax rate of 20% for Portuguese-derived income and 10% for income sourced from abroad, including foreign retirement and social security payments. However, it’s crucial to note that the NHR program is ending in 2024.

Portuguese Golden Visa, D2 Visa, or D7 Visa, which one to pick?

The choice between the Portuguese Golden Visa, D2 Visa, and D7 Visa depends on your specific circumstances and objectives. If you seek residency through investment with a short stay requirement, the Golden Visa is your best option. Opt for the D2 Visa if you aim to start a business in Portugal. Alternatively, if you have passive income and desire residency, consider the D7. Assess your investment capabilities, entrepreneurial aspirations, or passive income sources to determine which visa aligns best with your goals and needs for residency in Portugal.

Who is the Portugal D7 Visa for?

The D7 Visa is aimed at non-EU nationals who are seeking portuguese residency and have a stable source of passive income.

How can I apply for the Portugal D7 Visa?

In order to apply for the D7 Visa, you will need to be a non-EU national. You will be required to launch the D7 Visa application at your home country’s Portuguese Consulate. Once you receive a temporary D7 Visa, you will have to travel to Portugal and attend an appointment with AIMA, who will grant you a residency permit. The D7 Visa is particularly popular with retired foreign citizens, who can use their passive income to apply, such as pensions, intellectual property, dividends, royalties, and rental income.

How often do I need to renew my Portugal D7 Visa?

The D7 residence permit is initially granted for a period of two years. After this period, it can be renewed for successive periods of three years.

Can I travel within the Schengen Area with the Portugal D7 Visa?

Yes. Upon receiving D7 residence permit, the visa holder can freely enter and circulate in the Schengen Area.

What are the health insurance requirements for the Portugal D7 Visa?

D7 applicants must have health insurance covering them in Portuguese territory during the application period. They must have travel insurance when they apply for the visa and health insurance by the time they have their AIMA appointment.

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