Portugal D7 visa step by step-

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The Portuguese government introduced a special type of visa in 2007: the D7 Visa.  this visa is also known as Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa.

The D7 visa enables the respective holder to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for a period of one year, which can then be renewed for successive periods of 2 years and can be converted into a permanent residence permit after 5 years.

This residence visa allows any non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who has a reasonable net regular passive income to apply for residency in Portugal. This income can be from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial investment.

The minimum required value to be eligible for this visa is a yearly income of €8,460, plus 50% of this amount for the spouse and 30% for each dependent child. This is regardless of the person’s country of origin.

This visa allows you and your family legal residence in Portugal. It is intended to attract retirees and those living on passive income to reside in Portugal in an effort to boost the economy. Additionally, holders of this visa are not precluded from having a professional activity in Portugal.

You can apply for the D7 visa at the Portuguese consulate through a series of residence applications. After you have your visa, your immediate family also becomes entitled to a residence permit there under the family reunification regulations.

Additionally, this visa allows you to travel through the Schengen zone Visa-Free as it is registered with the Schengen Information system.

Once you have the D7 visa you are allowed to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for one year. After that, you can renew for two years successively.

After five years of legal residency, you may apply for permanent residency. You can also apply to become a Portuguese National through naturalization. However, to be naturalized in Portugal you’ll have to pass a Portuguese language test.

The D7 visa is a residence permit in Portugal that allows non-EU citizens to live in the country through passive income or investment. Here are the general steps to obtain a D7 visa:

  1. Research and Preparation:
    • Gather information about the D7 visa requirements and process.
    • Determine if you meet the eligibility criteria, such as having a sufficient passive income or investment funds.
  2. Document Gathering:
    • Collect all the necessary documents required for the D7 visa application. These may include:
      • Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
      • Completed visa application form.
      • Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental contract or property ownership.
      • Proof of sufficient passive income or investment funds.
      • Health insurance coverage.
      • Criminal record certificate from your home country.
      • Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable).
      • Other supporting documents as specified by the Portuguese authorities.
  3. Financial Requirements:
    • You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Portugal. The exact amount may vary, but it is generally recommended to have a monthly passive income or savings equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage.
  4. Visa Application:
    • Submit your visa application to the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the country where you have legal residence.
    • Pay the visa application fee, which may vary depending on the embassy or consulate.
  5. Application Processing:
    • The Portuguese authorities will review your application and documents.
    • They may request additional information or clarification if needed.
    • The processing time can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months.
  6. Interview (if required):
    • In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate.
    • The purpose of the interview is to assess the authenticity of your application and to clarify any doubts or concerns.
  7. Visa Decision:
    • Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision regarding your D7 visa application.
    • If approved, you will be issued a visa sticker or residence permit, allowing you to enter and stay in Portugal.
    • If denied, you will receive a notification with the reasons for the refusal.
  8. Travel and Residency in Portugal:
    • If your D7 visa is approved, you can travel to Portugal and start your residency.
    • Upon arrival, you may need to complete additional registration procedures with the local authorities, such as obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and registering your address.

Option to Become an NHR Resident

Portugal has a special tax program known as NHR(non-habitual resident). Under this program, you are exempt from or pay very little taxes on any foreign-sources income.

There is a set of criteria to be eligible for Portugal D7 Visa. You can apply for D7 visa Portugal if you:

  • Are a non-EU national,
  • Have the funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal,
  • Have a clean criminal record,
  • Can show a residence address in Portugal,
  • Are able to spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2-year period.

1: Acquiring a NIF Number

2.A rental agreement in PT for 12 months or more (legalized by an entity with a notary power in PT);

3. An opened bank account in PT, with significant funds (legalized by an entity with a notary power in PT);

4. A motivation letter, explaining the reason of moving to PT, as well as demonstrate an intention to invest in PT/buy a property;

5. Demonstrate all the sources of active income (if going to work remotely in PT, proof from a company);

6.Demonstrate all the sources of passive income (properties, bank statements and etc.)

The Cost of the Portuguese D7 Visa

The actual government fees for the D7 visa are very small. They are usually between €50 to €300 per applicant. The primary costs will be the relocation, rent or purchase of property, professional fees, and so on.

  1. Visa Application Fee:
    • The visa application fee is payable when you submit your application. The fee can vary depending on the Portuguese embassy or consulate where you apply. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the fee was around €90 to €120, but it is subject to change. It’s best to check with the specific embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
  2. Legalization and Translation Fees:
    • Depending on your country of origin, you may need to legalize and translate some of your documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or criminal record certificates. These fees can vary depending on the requirements of your home country and the service providers you use.
  3. Health Insurance:
    • As part of the D7 visa requirements, you need to have health insurance coverage during your stay in Portugal. The cost of health insurance will depend on various factors, such as your age, coverage limits, and the insurance provider you choose. The cost can range from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros per year.
  4. Proof of Sufficient Financial Means:
    • The D7 visa requires you to demonstrate sufficient passive income or investment funds to support yourself in Portugal. The specific financial requirements can vary, but as a general guideline, it is recommended to have a monthly income or savings equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage. This amount may change over time, so it’s important to check the current requirements.
  5. Other Expenses:
    • Apart from the visa-related costs, you should also consider other expenses such as travel costs, accommodation, daily living expenses, and any additional services you may require during the visa application process.

Minimum Stay Requirements for the D7 Visa Portugal

Under the D7 residence permit, you are expected to spend at least 16 months in the country during the first 2-year period. You are also expected to be in the country for 28 months in each 3-year subsequent period. If you are absent for 6 consecutive months your residence permit might be invalidated.

The permanent residence that the D7 provides, requires you to stay a minimum of 30 months during each 5-year period. If you are absent for 25 consecutive months, your residence permit might be invalidated.

Keep in mind that the absence periods might be exceeded under some circumstances such as professional duties and force majeure reasons.

The D7 visa in Portugal does not have specific minimum stay requirements. However, there are certain conditions and obligations that you need to fulfill to maintain your residency status. Here are some important points to consider:

  1. Initial Entry:
    • When you first enter Portugal with a D7 visa, you will typically receive a residence permit that is valid for one year. This initial permit allows you to reside in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
  2. Renewal of Residence Permit:
    • After the initial year, you will need to renew your residence permit annually. The renewal process involves demonstrating that you have continued to meet the D7 visa requirements, including the financial means to support yourself in Portugal.
  3. Continuous Residency:
    • To maintain your residency status, it is generally expected that you spend a significant portion of your time in Portugal. While there is no specific minimum stay requirement, you should demonstrate a genuine connection and commitment to residing in the country.
  4. Temporary Absences:
    • Temporary absences from Portugal are generally allowed, but the duration and frequency may be subject to certain limitations. It is important to consult the Portuguese immigration authorities or seek legal advice to understand any restrictions on the duration and frequency of your absences.
  5. Permanent Residency and Citizenship:
    • If you hold a D7 visa and maintain continuous residency in Portugal for a certain period (usually five years), you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet the relevant criteria.

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