What Is the D7 Visa?
The D7 Visa, formally known as the Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa, is a long-stay visa that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Portugal provided they can demonstrate a regular passive income. It's popular with retirees, remote workers, freelancers, and anyone with rental income, dividends, or pension payments.
Unlike the now-closed Golden Visa (which required significant investment), the D7 is accessible to a much wider range of people — you don't need to be wealthy, just financially self-sufficient.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for the D7 visa, you generally need to:
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Have a stable, regular passive income (pension, rental income, dividends, remote work income)
- Show proof you can support yourself financially in Portugal
- Have no criminal record
- Have accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property ownership)
The minimum income threshold is tied to Portugal's minimum wage. The principal applicant typically needs to show at least the equivalent of the national minimum wage per month, with reduced amounts for dependents. These figures are updated periodically, so always check current guidelines with the Portuguese consulate.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Gather your documents — passport, proof of income, proof of accommodation, health insurance, criminal background check, bank statements
- Apply at your local Portuguese consulate — this step is done in your home country before moving
- Receive your D7 visa — valid for 4 months, allowing two entries
- Travel to Portugal and register your address — within 90 days of arrival
- Book an appointment with SEF/AIMA — Portugal's immigration authority, to obtain your residency permit
- Receive your residency card — valid for 2 years, then renewable for 3-year periods
After Five Years: Permanent Residency & Citizenship
After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship. Portugal's citizenship pathway is one of the more accessible in Europe — it requires basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level) and ties to the Portuguese community.
Tax Considerations: The NHR Regime
Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime historically offered significant tax advantages for new residents, including flat rates on certain foreign income. The regime has undergone changes in recent years, with a new IFICI scheme replacing the original NHR in 2024. Before applying, consult a qualified Portuguese tax advisor to understand your obligations and any available benefits.
Practical Tips for D7 Applicants
- Apply well in advance — consulate appointments can be months away
- Get your documents officially translated and apostilled where required
- Open a Portuguese bank account early (some banks allow non-residents to open accounts)
- Join expat Facebook groups and forums — the community experience is invaluable
- Consider hiring a advogado (lawyer) to guide you through the process
Is the D7 Right for You?
If you have a reliable income source and dream of Mediterranean weather, affordable living costs, excellent healthcare, and a safe, welcoming country — the D7 is one of the most straightforward paths to making Portugal your permanent home. Thousands of expats from the US, UK, Canada, and beyond have used it to start their new chapter in Portugal.