There’s been a lot of turmoil in the world of visas in the last year, none more so than in Portugal, where the country’s once-popular Golden Visa has been significantly altered.
The good news for fans of ‘the oldest nation-state in Europe’ is that Portugal’s D7 visa –often known as the ‘passive income visa’ –remains an excellent residency route for investors, entrepreneurs and retirees looking to acquire Portuguese citizenship a few years down the road.
This southwestern corner of the continent is already among the most popular jurisdictions in the European Union (EU) for establishing second residency. So, if you’re looking for an EU residency that leads to citizenship, Portugal’s D7 visa might be the perfect fit.
There are plenty of residence and citizenship options to explore both in Portugal and across Europe. Reach out to us and let us guide you in understanding which option can help you go where you’re treated best.
Portugal – Country Overview
Situated on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Portugal is among the oldest European countries. The nation shares its only land border with Spain and has two autonomous island chains, Azores and Madeira, both with their own regional governments.
Portugal’s current population is just over 10 million, the official language is Portuguese and the official currency is the euro. Lisbon is the capital and the largest city in Portugal and, unsurprisingly, is the economic and cultural powerhouse in the country.
Once continental Europe’s greatest power, Portugal is home to excellent cuisine, rich culture and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its climate is just as diverse, with its cold and rocky northern coast contrasted by the year-round sunny south.
Portugal – Passport
One of the most powerful documents in the world according to the Nomad Passport Index, the Portuguese passport is the third-best in the world in terms of travel freedom, tax-friendliness, dual citizenship and general perception. Portuguese citizens enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival and eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation) access to 175 countries. At five years, Portugal’s naturalisation timeline is one of the shortest in Europe, making it an excellent second citizenship option.
Portugal – Economy
Portugal’s history has been rich and diverse, with both incredibly successful and equally challenging periods. Once one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential countries, Portugal’s economy gradually deteriorated until it was one of the poorest European countries in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Much of that economic low-point coincided with Portugal being an effective dictatorship from 1926-1974, when the bloodless Carnation Revolution reintroduced democratic rule. After its accession to the EU in 1986, Portugal finally began to experience reasonable economic growth and offer its citizens a high quality of life.
Today, Portugal has a developed, high-income economy with the 13th largest gold reserve in the world. The country also boasts thriving business opportunities and a hyper-active services sector.
What is the Portugal D7 Visa?
Portugal introduced the D7 Visa in 2007 to offer non-EU/ EEA/ Swiss citizens a chance to live in Portugal with a pathway to Portuguese permanent residence and citizenship.
The D7 visa is also called the ‘Portugal Passive Income Visa’ since you must fulfil specific passive income requirements to obtain it.
Once you acquire your residence permit, you can live, study or work in Portugal without any restrictions. The visa is valid for two years and can be extended for another three. After five years, you may apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship.
Depending on the length and type of permit, whether temporary or permanent, there’s a physical presence requirement of between six and 30 months.
It’s an excellent option for investors, entrepreneurs and retirees who want to establish long-term residency in Portugal and work toward citizenship.
Minimum Passive Income Requirements for the Portugal D7 Visa
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum passive monthly income of €820 (€9,840 per year) to acquire the D7 visa in 2024 (the figure is updated yearly) and the passive income must be foreign-sourced.
The threshold for the minimum passive income is based on the minimum wage set by the Portuguese government and this requirement also applies to any dependent in the following way: an accompanying dependent adult (spouse or parent) must demonstrate 50% of the principal applicant’s income, or €4,920 annually. Each dependent child must demonstrate 30% of the threshold figure, or €2,952 annually.
Rental income, annuity, pension, share dividends, royalties and other passive income streams are all acceptable sources of passive income an applicant can demonstrate to acquire the D7 visa.
Eligibility Requirements for the Portugal D7 Visa
To be eligible for the D7 visa, you must:
- Be a non-EU/ EEA/ Swiss citizen
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have health insurance
- Meet the minimum passive income requirements
- Demonstrate proof of accommodation (rental or purchase agreement)
- Proof of monthly income of €820 per month.
Some of the items mentioned above are not explicitly required by Portuguese law. However, in our experience, your inability to fulfil the above criteria can certainly affect your application process.
Required Documents for the Portugal D7 Visa
The following are the required documents to obtain the Portuguese D7 visa:
- Filled-out application form
- Passport or another valid travel document
- Two passport photos
- Valid health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Portuguese NIF (income tax number)
- Letter of intent
- Proof of accommodation (rental or purchase agreement)
- Proof of means of subsistence.
The list of documents mentioned above is not exhaustive and you may be asked to submit additional documents depending on your income source or other factors.
Step-by-Step Procedure for the Portuguese D7 Visa
The application process for the D7 visa starts in your country of residence or origin and ends in Portugal, where you receive a Portuguese residence permit. The following are the major steps you’ll have to go through to obtain Portuguese residency through a D7 visa:
- Book an appointment with the Portuguese Consulate or embassy in your country of origin or residency.
- Gather supporting documents for your application.
- Submit the application along with the relevant documents at the embassy.
- If approved, you’ll typically receive your dual-entry D7 visa via mail. The D7 visa is valid for four months from the date of issuance and allows you to enter Portugal under the status of an Applicant for D7 Residency.
- Once in Portugal, you must attend your appointment with the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). The AIMA authorities will ask you to demonstrate several documents, including your NIF number, Portuguese bank account details, and purchase or rental agreement. They’ll also collect your biometrics data.
- Pay the residence permit fee.
- Collect the residence permit via mail at your Portuguese address.
D7 Visa Minimum Physical Presence Requirements
An applicant for D7 residency must establish tax residency in Portugal, meaning that they must live in Portugal for four to six months each year to maintain their residency.
Any consecutive absence longer than six months, or non-consecutive absence longer than eight months, can land you in hot water with the authorities at the time of renewal.
Portugal D7 Visa Timeline
The Portugal D7 visa application process comprises two stages – the Portuguese consulate application process and the AIMA residence permit process.
The Portuguese consulate application process may take four to eight weeks, while the AIMA proceedings may take six to eight weeks to complete.
Portugal D7 Visa Renewal
The Immigration and Border Services renews Portuguese residence permits.
Your first D7 residency permit will be valid for two years. After two years, you’ll need to renew the permit if you wish to prolong your residency in Portugal.
To renew your residence permit, you must:
- Continue to meet the conditions of your existing residence permit
- Demonstrate proof of accommodation
- Have a clean criminal record
- Still qualify for the D7 visa (this means fulfilling requirements such as meeting the passive income threshold).
If you meet all necessary conditions for renewal, your residence permit will be renewed for another three years.
How can Permanent Residency and Citizenship in Portugal be obtained through a D7 Visa?
After five years of legal residency in Portugal (via your initial D7 visa and its renewal) you can apply for permanent Portuguese residence or citizenship. A Portuguese permanent residence permit must be renewed every ten years.
Be aware that neither permanent residence nor citizenship will be granted automatically after five years of legal residence, so you’ll need to apply for both of these privileges. But once you get your permanent residence permit, you’ll no longer need to meet the D7 visa requirements.
As a Portuguese citizen or resident, you’ll be able to qualify for a range of benefits.
Benefits of Acquiring the Portugal D7 Visa
Excellent for Retirees
The retirement pension is an excellent source of income for the D7 visa since it is passive and continuous. Many retirees treat the D7 visa as a retirement visa thanks to its retiree-friendly requirements and benefits.
In short, the D7 visa is an excellent option for retirees who want to settle long-term in an EU jurisdiction.
Access to Quality Healthcare and Education
The EU has one of the world’s best healthcare and education systems and Portugal is no exception in this regard. The D7 residence permit allows non-EU citizens to give themselves and their families a chance at an excellent standard of living, including quality universal healthcare and education, among other perks.
Business-Friendly Environment
Lisbon is the heart of Portugal’s entrepreneurial and digital nomad community. The city is an excellent start-up hub with plenty of co-working spaces, chic cafes and an overall business-friendly environment. Its proximity to beaches, vibrant culture and colourful streets make it a nomad favourite.
Portugal has consistently proved its mettle by emerging stronger when confronted by economic instability. Its vast consumer market and EU membership make it an excellent corporate base from which to run business activities and access regional markets.
Fast-Track to Portuguese Citizenship
Portugal offers one of the quickest naturalisation periods in the EU which, at just five years makes it an excellent option for obtaining a second citizenship.
Moreover, a Portuguese passport comes with EU citizenship, allowing you to move freely within the EU and avail of all the perks that come along with this highly sought-after privilege, such as quality healthcare, an excellent business environment and tremendous travel opportunities.
According to the Nomad Passport Index, the Portuguese passport ranks third globally and allows visa-free travel to 175 countries worldwide.
Immense Travel Freedom
Even before gaining citizenship, you’ll enjoy ample travel freedom. As a Portuguese resident, you can travel the EU Schengen zone visa-free, making it an excellent option for freedom seekers and travel enthusiasts.
Bring the Family
Portugal allows the primary applicant to include family members in the D7 application as long as they are dependent on the applicant.
This can include parents, spouse or children and, once in Portugal, they’ll qualify for all the perks of Portuguese residency.
How to Get the Portugal D7 Visa in 2024: FAQs
Does Portugal have a Golden Visa Program?
Portugal updated its Golden Visa program in 2023. See our article on it here.
What’s the personal income tax rate in Portugal?
Portugal’s personal income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 13.25% to 48%.
Is it better to retire in Spain or Portugal?
Retiring in Spain is generally more affordable than retiring in Portugal, making it a more cost-effective option for many. However, Portugal is often considered the best European country for retirement due to factors such as healthcare and standard of living.
How long does it take to get a D7 visa in Portugal?
The processing time for a D7 Visa application typically ranges from 60 to 90 days. Upon receiving your visa, the Portuguese Consulate will schedule an appointment at AIMA for you.
How many days can I stay in Portugal on a D7 visa?
The D7 visa initially allows for two entries and permits a maximum stay of four months in the country. Subsequently, the Portuguese AIMA will issue your residence permit card.
How do I prove my income for Portugal D7?
When applying for a residence visa, you will provide the following documents, among others, in order to prove your income:
Proof of a bank account in Portugal
Document proving ownership of passive income source
Bank statements from the foreign account identifying the income received.
Should You Apply for the Portugal D7 Visa?
If you’re a non-EU national looking to stay in an EU jurisdiction for a long time, the D7 visa is an excellent option for you.
It’s suitable for people looking to gain EU citizenship in five years and retirees can also benefit from this visa as the income requirements and the perks are all very retiree-friendly.
For a long time, establishing tax residency through a D7 visa gave holders access to one of the best tax rates in Europe, thanks to Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) program. This program has since been replaced by the International Taxation System (ITS). Those who qualified before the program’s discontinuation can still benefit from the NHR, but it’s not an option for new applicants.
Step forward the D7 visa which still comes with various personal and corporate benefits for the right person. There are a number of other alternatives available but having a wide variety of options doesn’t guarantee they’re all suitable for your individual asset management and lifestyle needs.
That’s where we can help. At Nomad Capitalist, we assess your personal and corporate portfolio to curate a tailored holistic strategy that addresses all your needs. We explore your options so you don’t have to and devise a bespoke plan that works best for you.
If you want a considered, all-in, expert approach to resolving your offshore woes, reach out to us today. We’ll help you go where you’re treated best.
