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Everything you need to know about the D7 Visa Portugal
Portugal’s D7 Visa is an excellent residency option for individuals with a stable passive income, including retirees, investors, and financially independent individuals. The Passive Income Visa also provides a pathway to residency in Portugal and even Portuguese citizenship.
In this article, the lawyers from Fresh Portugal cover all essential details about the D7 Visa in Portugal, including the D7 Visa Portugal requirements, income criteria, and application procedures.
A short D7 Visa Portugal Overview
- Who is eligible for the Portuguese D7 Visa? This is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with regular passive income.
- What are the Portugal D7 Visa requirements? There are certain financial requirements, and you need a NIF and Portuguese bank account, amongst some other requirements, to apply for the D7 Visa.
- Discover the step-by-step Portugal D7 Visa application process!
Work with Experts: Do you want to ensure your application meets all the latest Portuguese D7 Visa requirements? Schedule a consultation with Fresh Portugal’s legal team today.
What is the Portuguese D7 Visa?
The Portugal D7 Visa—also known as the D7 Passive Income Visa—was introduced to attract individuals with a steady source of passive income who want to reside in Portugal long-term. The Portugal Passive Income Visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to live in the country while enjoying benefits like access to the Schengen Zone, healthcare, and the opportunity to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
Benefits of the Passive Income D7 Portugal Visa
A D7 Visa holder will have certain benefits while they live in Portugal. In summary, the D7 Visa benefits are:
- Residency rights: Live, work, or study in Portugal.
- Family reunification: Spouses and dependent children can be included in the visa.
- Schengen Zone access: The visa allows you to travel freely within 26 European countries.
- Apply for residency in Portugal and a path to citizenship: After five years of legal residence in Portugal, applicants can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
👨💻 Contact Fresh Portugal’s legal experts for detailed insights into the D7 Visa offers and process.
What are the Portugal D7 Visa requirements?
There are some income requirements to be aware of to qualify for the Portuguese D7 Visa. Take a look below to check if you meet the following conditions:
- Financial stability: Meet the minimum passive income amount of €12,000 per year. Additional amounts apply for dependents:
- Spouse: 50% of the primary requirement (€6,000 per year)
- Dependent child: 30% of the primary requirement (€3,600 per year per child)
- Note: The more net worth and monthly passive income provided, the better the chances of a successful application for your move to Portugal.
- Eligible D7 Passive Income Visa sources:
- Dividends and investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, REITs)
- Rental income (residential, commercial, or vacation properties)
- Pensions and annuities (government pensions, employer-sponsored pensions)
- Interest income (savings accounts, CDs, peer-to-peer lending, bond interest)
- Royalties and licensing fees (books, music, patents, trademarks, franchises)
- Passive business income (profits from passive ownership in businesses)
- Digital product sales (e-books, online courses, automated businesses)
- Real estate crowdfunding (returns from investments in real estate projects)
- Retirement savings withdrawals (annuitized retirement accounts, pension plans)
- Agricultural income (leasing farmland, investments in agribusiness)
- Cryptocurrency investments (Bitcoin, Ethereum, staking, DeFi income, mining)
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal: Applicants must show evidence of a long-term rental agreement or property ownership in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: A criminal background check from the applicant’s country of residence, issued no more than 90 days before submission.
- Health and travel insurance: Applicants must obtain valid health insurance covering Portugal’s medical expenses.
- Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF): Before applying, individuals must acquire a Portuguese NIF number, which is essential for financial transactions in Portugal.
- Portuguese Bank Account: A bank account in Portugal is required, demonstrating sufficient funds to support residency in Portugal. The cost of living in Portugal is rising, so keep that in mind when calculating your income.
🤔💭 Thinking about moving to Portugal? Apply for the D7 Visa today with Fresh Portugal’s expert help.
How to apply for a D7 Visa in Portugal?
Step 1: Obtain NIF and meet banking requirements for Portugal’s D7 Visa
- The NIF number is required for financial activities when you are a tax resident in Portugal.
- A Portuguese bank account should be opened, ideally with sufficient funds covering at least one year of living expenses for your stay in Portugal.
Step 2: Secure long-term accommodation
- Rent or purchase property in Portugal and obtain official documentation as proof of residence.
Step 3: Gather the necessary documents
As part of the D7 Visa application, you must compile the following:
- Valid passport (at least six months beyond visa expiration)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Declaration of intent for Portuguese residency
- Proof of passive minimum income requirement (bank statements, tax returns, pension statements)
- Health and travel insurance documentation
- Police clearance certificate
- Accommodation proof
Step 4: Submit the application at the Portuguese Consulate/VFS
- You can schedule an appointment at the nearest Portuguese Consulate or Visa Application Center (VFS) in the applicant’s jurisdiction.
- Submit all required documents and pay the visa processing fee.
- Processing time typically takes 60 days.
Step 5: Receive a D7 Visa and travel to Portugal
- Once approved, the Visa is valid for 120 days, allowing you to enter Portugal.
- Applicants must travel within this timeframe and apply for a residency permit.
Step 6: Immigration Office (AIMA) appointment for permanent residency visa and eventual citizenship
- To finalize the residency process, you must schedule and attend a meeting with the Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA, formerly SEF).
- The initial residence visa is granted for two years and renewable for three additional years.
💁♀️ Need help with the D7 Visa? Fresh Portugal’s team is ready to guide you through the application process.
FAQ
Who is eligible for D7 in Portugal?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a steady, passive income can apply for Portugal’s D7 Visa. Applicants must be 18 or older, have no criminal record, and provide proof of private health insurance.
How much money do I need for a D7 Visa in Portugal?
To qualify for the D7 Visa in Portugal, you need a minimum passive income of €12,000 per year. If you are applying with dependents, the income requirements increase. For a spouse, you need an additional €6,000 per year and an additional €3,600 per year for each dependent child. It’s also important to note that providing a higher net worth and more passive income will strengthen your application.
What is the disadvantage of a D7 Visa in Portugal?
A disadvantage of the D7 Visa is that holders must make Portugal their primary residence, meaning they cannot freely move to other EU countries. They must spend at least 183 consecutive days in Portugal annually, or 8 months, with occasional short trips outside the country. While the Visa provides long-term residency, it doesn’t allow you to work in Portugal unless you have a separate work permit.
Can I buy a house for a D7 Visa in Portugal?
Yes, you can buy a house in Portugal to meet the accommodation requirements for the D7 Visa. You must provide proof of property ownership or a long-term rental agreement as part of your application. However, purchasing property alone does not guarantee the approval of your visa; you must also meet the income and other eligibility requirements.
How long does it take to get a D7 Visa in Portugal?
The processing time for a D7 Visa in Portugal typically takes around 60 days after you submit your application at the Portuguese Consulate or Visa Application Center. Once approved, the Visa is valid for 120 days, during which you must travel to Portugal and apply for a residency permit.
What is the alternative to D7 Visa in Portugal?
The alternatives to the D7 Visa include the Portuguese Golden Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa. The Golden Visa requires an investment in Portugal, typically through real estate, business, or job creation. It offers a pathway to residency and potential citizenship, with flexible stay requirements. On the other hand, the Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers who can prove they have a stable income from outside Portugal. This visa allows you to live and work in Portugal while continuing your job abroad. Each visa has different eligibility requirements, so choosing the one that best suits your situation is important.
Conclusion
The D7 Portugal Visa offers an excellent opportunity if you are looking for a high quality of life in a beautiful European country. If you have a passive income and want to live in a safe, tax-friendly, vibrant destination. In that case, Portugal’s D7 Visa program might be the perfect choice!
You can start the Portuguese visa application if you have a passive income that meets the criteria. D7 Visa applicants can ultimately become residents in Portugal and even apply for citizenship after five years.
🌟 Apply for the Portugal D7 Visa process today. Start your journey with Fresh Portugal’s outstanding services.
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