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Portugal D7 Visa >> COMPLETE 2022 GUIDE + HOW TO APPLY

Published March 21, 2022 | Last Updated November 18, 2022
Written by Alastair Johnson

Remote workers are loving the Portugal D7 passive income visa as a way of living in this country #portugal #visa #remoteworker via @wherecaniliveA move to Portugal may be easier than you think.  This visa type is the most popular.  Find out how you can get it #portugal #visas #expat via @wherecanilive

Sources: Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) & our recommended Portuguese D7 Expert Immigration Lawyer

The Portugal D7 Visa, or Portugal passive income visa, is an excellent option for any non-EU citizen looking to live in Portugal. It is also often used as a Portugal retirement visa. To qualify, you must show that you have reasonable passive income to support yourself. We’ll show you how to apply for this popular Portuguese residency permit successfully.

  • What is the Portugal D7 Visa?
  • What are the D7 Visa requirements in 2022?
  • How to get the Portugal D7 Visa?
  • What are the D7 application process and fees?
  • What are the benefits of being a Portuguese resident on the D7 Visa?

A quality Portuguese Residency and Immigration lawyer will improve your chances of a successful application and save you time and effort. You can book a consultation with our expert D7 partner here.

YouTube video
Our easy YouTube guide to the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa.

Our expert Portuguese immigration law partner verified this information in October 2022.

Table Of Contents
  1. What is the Portugal D7 Visa?
  2. Who is eligible for the D7 Passive Income visa?
  3. 2022 Portugal D7 visa Passive income requirements
  4. Residency Requirement for the Portugal D7 Visa
  5. How to get your D7 residency in Portugal
  6. Portuguese D7 visa fees
  7. How long does the application process take?
  8. How long is the Portugal D7 visa valid?
  9. Portugal D7 visa renewal process
  10. You get some great benefits with the D7 visa
  11. Portugal Retirement Visa
  12. Can I work on the Portugal D7 visa?
  13. What family can you include under the D7 program?
  14. You can transfer to another residence permit.
  15. D7 vs. Portuguese Residency by Investment (Portugal Golden Visa)
  16. Next steps for your Portugal D7 Visa
  17. D7 Visa Portugal FAQ from Where Can I Live
  18. Appendix A: Relevant Portuguese Legislation

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

  • The D7 Visa provides long-term Portuguese residency status to non-EU / EEA / Swiss citizens.
  • It is a Passive Income Visa – you must show you have a minimum passive income and resources to provide for yourself during your stay. Please see the D7 financial minimums below.
  • The Portuguese government introduced the visa in 2007 to give you the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
  • It is an excellent Portugal retirement visa option for anyone looking to retire in Portugal.
  • After five years, it is a pathway to Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport.
  • And, it is an opportunity to apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax residency status and pay 0% tax.

Who is eligible for the D7 Passive Income visa?

  • This Portugal passive income visa program is open to non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens; there are no restricted countries. EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens can live in Portugal without a visa but must register.
  • You can include dependent family members of the primary applicant for legal residency.
  • Those able to meet the financial requirements (detailed below.)
  • People willing to live in Portugal for at least four to six months per year.
  • People who have no disqualifying crimes on their criminal record.
  • Retirees can use the D7 as a retirement visa.

2022 Portugal D7 visa Passive income requirements

The minimum passive income required to obtain Portuguese residency with the D7 Visa is based on the minimum wage set by the Portuguese government.

UPDATE: On December 2, 2021, the Portuguese government increased the 2022 minimum wage from €665 to €705, an increase of €40 per month.

New 2022 D7 visa minimum Passive Income requirement

  • Lead applicant – €8,460 a year.
  • Dependent adults – €4,230 a year each (50% of the minimum wage).
  • Dependent children – €2,358 a year per child (30% of the minimum wage).

Expert D7 Visa Immigration Lawyer Advice on 2022 financial requirements

Important: Remember, SEF looks at the entire application when deciding to approve or reject. So, if your application is strong in one area, that may offset a weakness. Our recommended Portugal D7 Expert Immigration Partners have successfully managed many applications globally and understand where there is flexibility. They base their advice on many years of experience with the consulate’s interpretation of the financial requirements.


Looking for an immigration lawyer in Portugal you can trust?

Well, search no more! We have done the research and vetting for you!

We’ve referred loads of satisfied clients to Goncalo and his team. You can see the excellent feedback on them here.

Book a 30-minute consultation to understand your immigration plan.


1. Consulates can interpret the guidelines differently.

The same application may be approved in one consulate and rejected in another. Individual embassies interpret the financial requirement differently. These complexities mean getting quality advice can save you an unnecessary rejection.

2. Our partner recommends depositing the minimum income amount into a Portuguese bank account for every D7 application.

Opening a bank account in Portugal and making a transfer before your application is strongly recommended. While increasing the deposited amount helps, there isn’t a magic minimum to guarantee a successful application. The total income requirement for everyone included in your application is the absolute minimum amount you should transfer to your bank account. Again, our partner is well placed to assess your entire application and guide you on the best chance of success.

Who is applying2022
Single Applicant €8,460
Applicant + 1 Adult €12,690
Applicant + 1 Adult + 1 Child €15,228
Applicant + 1 Adult + 2 Children €17,766

3. All evidence of financial support helps your overall application.

You should include evidence of all sources of qualifying income on your application. Importantly, the embassy will look at your situation as a whole, and every little bit helps. Your income, savings, and motivation letter will help to achieve the right outcome.

And individual Embassies interpret the standards differently. These complexities mean getting quality advice can save you an unnecessary rejection.

Important D7 2022 financial requirement considerations

  • People on the application can pool their income. For example, a husband and wife have a pension income of €7,000 each, making €14,000 in total. Although neither reaches the €8,460, their cumulative income exceeds the €12,690 for a joint application (€8,460 + €4,230).
  • You should show a minimum of three months of historical income.

Acceptable income sources for the Portugal D7 visa

There are many sources you can use to show D7 income.

  • A retiree pension (as a Portugal visa for retirees).
  • Annuity.
  • Rental income.
  • Trust fund disbursement.
  • Dividends from shares.
  • Dividends from a business (that you don’t actively manage).
  • Royalties or other intellectual property income. This includes app development income from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
  • Interest from savings.
  • Other regular investment income.

You’ll need proof that the income is stable and will continue for the life of the visa. Again, specific embassies do make exceptions in some cases.

NOTE: Income from professional employment, including remote and freelance, will generally not be considered. However, there is no restriction on employment once you have your temporary residency permit.

Using savings

Having substantial savings will help to support your case. However, it always helps to show some form of regular income, like a pension or investment.

You should always aim to transfer at least the minimum income requirement to a Portuguese bank account in your name.

Pretty buildings in Lisbon, where most Portugal D7 visa holders live.
Pretty buildings in Lisbon, where most Portugal D7 visa holders live.

Residency Requirement for the Portugal D7 Visa

As a D7 visa resident, there is a “minimum stay” time you must be in Portugal.

Visa StageVisa ValidityRequired Minimum Stay
Initial D7 Visa2 YearsMinimum 16 months. No continuous absence longer than 6 months.
D7 Renewal3 YearsMinimum 28 months. No continuous absence longer than 6 months.
Minimum Stay Residency Requirement for the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa

Is there any wiggle room on this? The exact quote from the SEF website is, ” “Notwithstanding applicable special provisions, residence authorisation may also be cancelled if the interested party, without justifiable grounds is absent…”. There is room for exceptions, but you should have a good reason for your absence and use a good immigration lawyer to submit your exception request.

How to get your D7 residency in Portugal

There are six steps to complete the process. You will start in your home country’s Portuguese Embassy and receive your resident card in Portugal.

  1. Obtain a Portuguese bank account to allow for the transfer of sufficient funds. Sufficient funds depend on minimum income requirements.
  2. Apply for a temporary Portuguese residence permit or D7 visa at your nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy. You cannot apply if you are in Portugal.
  3. Once your visa has been granted, you have 120 days (4 months) to move to Portugal.
  4. At this point, you should have a rental agreement or buy a property to give you a Portuguese residential address. You do need proof of adequate accommodation in Portugal. Our partner has had a request to use a campsite to meet the property requirement. While there is no direct restriction on campsites, our partner recommended against proceeding as it would weaken the overall application.
  5. Request and attend an interview with Servicio De Extrangeiros e Fronteiras or SEF (the Portugal Immigration & Border service).
  6. SEF will issue your D7 temporary residency permit; this type of permit is valid for one year.

Documents for your Portugal D7 visa application

You’ll need the following documentation as well as evidence of your financial status. You may provide other documents depending on your circumstances and the embassy you apply to.

At the Portuguese embassy/Portuguese consulate in your home country

  1. Portugal D7 application form.
  2. A personal letter with information to support your case.
  3. Proof of income (bank statements, financial investment certificate, etc.).
  4. Proof of accommodation.
  5. Copy of your passport.
  6. Two passport photos.
An example of the official Portugal D7 Visa application form
An example of the official Portugal D7 Visa application form

At the SEF appointment in Portugal

  • A valid Health Insurance policy until your temporary residence permit is granted. This could be an Expat health insurance coverage policy, a Private Health Insurance Policy, or a Travel Insurance Policy. If you are looking at long-term private health coverage we recommend using our recommended Expat Health Insurance brokers as an easy way to get the best quotes for your situation.
  • Police records from your home country.
  • SEF authorization to check if you have a clean criminal record in Portugal.

Note: You should provide certified translations of documents not in Portuguese.

Make sure you include all the correct documents. You will be delayed or rejected if you apply with incorrect or missing documents. For this reason, we always recommend using a Portuguese Immigration Lawyer. They will save you time, money, and hassle!

We have done a lot of research, assessed, and trialed several immigration lawyers for you. We have partnered with a company that has helped loads of our clients and received great feedback from them. You can book an initial consultation with them to decide if you are eligible and what documentation you need for your D7 Visa.

Portuguese D7 visa fees

The exact fee depends on the embassy you apply to. If you budget €80 to €100 for the visas and the same for the residence permit, you’ll have some change left over.

How long does the application process take?

The two parts are processed separately. In total, it can take up to four months to complete the process. This time excludes the gap between the visa approval and your move to Portugal for the SEF meeting.

  • Portuguese consulate application processing – four to eight weeks.
  • SEF residence permit – six to twelve weeks.

Getting an appointment with the immigration and borders service (SEF) and the processing time can be longer in Porto and Lisbon.


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How long is the Portugal D7 visa valid?

Portugal recently changed the D7 residence permit period, and many web pages still show the old information.

  • The D7 residence permit is issued for two years.
  • After that, you can extend for three years if you still meet the D7 requirements. There is no restriction on how many times you can renew. However, it’s not a permanent residence permit. You’ll have to apply for permanent residency in Portugal separately.
  • After five years (2 + 3) of legal residence, you can qualify for a Portugal permanent residency (PR) to become a Portuguese citizen. Once you have a permanent residence permit, you no longer need to meet the Portugal d7 visa conditions.

OR

  • After five years of legal residence, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship naturalization for permanent residency. Through this process, you can become a Portuguese citizen.

Portugal D7 visa renewal process

You can renew your visa in Portugal through Immigration and Border Services (SEF).

You’ll need to show that you:

  • Met the conditions of your existing residence permit.
  • Have qualifying accommodation (own a home or have a rental agreement).
  • Have a clean criminal record.
  • Still qualify for the D7 visa.

You get some great benefits with the D7 visa

  • As a D7 permit holder, you can live and work in Portugal.
  • Access to Portugal’s excellent public healthcare system coverage. Once you have your residence permit, you’ll need to register with the National Health Service (SNS).
  • You have entry and freedom of travel in the SCHENGEN area and 26 European Union nations.
  • You can register as a non-habitual resident (NHR) of Portugal for tax reasons. This tax residency gives you exemptions and exceptions on international income.
  • You can get a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
  • You are entitled to access Portugal’s excellent education system.
  • Additional members of a family can be included on your residence permit.
  • Transferring to another immigration permission while living in Portugal is allowed.
  • There is no Portuguese language test when applying.
  • Travel to EU and SHCNEGEN countries without a tourist visa.

As you can see, there are crucial differences between this program and Spain’s non-lucrative visa.

Colorful street art in Lisbon, Portugal
Some street art we liked in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal Retirement Visa

The Portugal D7 visa is the best visa for many retirees. If you want to retire to Portugal, this may be the best option.

Many people have a qualifying passive income like a pension or annuity when they retire.

If you plan to purchase a home for your retirement, the Portugal Golden Visa may be a better option.

Can I work on the Portugal D7 visa?

Yes, you can work in Portugal on a passive income visa. This makes Portugal one of the easiest European countries to move to without a job offer.

However, generally that foreign income won’t count when you apply. Our partner has handled cases where embassies have approved remote or foreign employment pay, but this is not standard.

If you have a passive income stream available, the D7 is a great option for:

  • Remote workers and those with a remote job.
  • An Independent professional.
  • Freelancers.
  • Digital nomads.
  • Location-independent business owners.
  • Crypto traders and investors.

You can also accept a job in Portugal.

You’ll need to understand the implication of where you pay taxes; we’d suggest chatting with a cross-border tax specialist about your specific circumstances. You can book a consultation with our recommended Portugal Tax consultant, Rodolfo here.

This may be less of a concern if you are retired and use the D7 as a Portugal retirement visa.

What family can you include under the D7 program?

You can add dependent family members.

  • A spouse or de facto (Portugal does recognize same-sex marriages).
  • Minor children.
  • Parents of the applicant or the applicant’s spouse, if they are dependent on you.

Remember, you’ll need to prove you have the resources to cover any dependents. If they have any income, you can combine it on your application.

If you are already living in Portugal with a D7 residence permit, you can request family reunification for direct members of the family.

You can transfer to another residence permit.

Once in Portugal, you can transfer your D7 residence permit to any other program. You’ll need to apply for your new Portugal residence permit or visa in the standard way.

The process and application depend on your new visa or residence permit.

D7 vs. Portuguese Residency by Investment (Portugal Golden Visa)

Portugal has a residency by investment program, often called the Golden visa. This program is a pathway to Portuguese citizenship.

There are three significant differences to consider.

  1. You’ll need to invest a minimum of €280,000 (usually in Real Estate) to qualify for the residency by investment program.
  2. You only have to visit Portugal for one week per year to maintain your Portuguese residence permit. This makes it an excellent “Plan B” while remaining in your home country.
  3. The Golden Visa application cost is significantly higher than the D7.

The D7 is the most common visa for retiring in Portugal, with many advantages. However, the Golden Visa may be a better option for retired foreign citizens looking to invest in qualifying real estate.

Learn all about Portugal’s Golden Visas in our article.

Next steps for your Portugal D7 Visa

What are your next steps if you meet the minimum income requirements?

  1. Identify the correct embassy for your application and start gathering all available documentation.
  2. Ensure you have accurate translations and certified copies.
  3. Remember that all aspects of the application are considered together, so you’ll want to ensure yours is perfect to avoid disappointment.
Local Portugal Embassy or Consulate where all intial D7 applications must be submitted.
Portugal Embassy

Our immigration partner offers a no-obligation consultation for Where Can I Live readers. In the consultation, you’ll meet with a D7 expert who will:

  • Take the time to understand your situation and needs.
  • Make sure that this is the correct visa for you and if not, recommend the easiest path to Portugal residency.
  • Outline the steps you should take and the documentation to collect.
  • Provide a transparent quote on managing your application to completion.

You can see great feedback from other Where Can I Live clients who have used Rodolfo and his team on Trustpilot.

D7 Visa Portugal FAQ from Where Can I Live

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa Portugal is a popular residence visa option for non-EU citizens looking to live in Portugal for more than six months on their own income. It allows you to enter Portugal to apply for legal residency.

Who is eligible for a Portugal D7 visa?

Any non-EU citizen who meets the Portugal D7 visa requirements can apply, and if successful, enter Portugal. No countries or citizens are excluded from the D7 visa program. Members of the EU and some other countries like the US can enter Portugal visa-free, but only for a limited time.

Is there an age limit for the Portugal D7 visa?

The primary applicant must be over 18 years, but there is no upper age limit.

Can retirees use the D7 Visa to retire in Portugal?

Yes, the D7 visa is an excellent option for anyone looking to retire in Portugal.

Can I include family members on a D7 visa application?

Yes, you can include dependent members of your family on your D7 visa application. Qualifying members include your spouse or de facto partner, minor children, parents, and parents-in-law. You can request family reunification for direct members of the family if you are currently living in Portugal with a D7 residence permit.

Can I move to Portugal after Brexit?

Yes, the D7 visa Portugal is a popular option for UK citizens moving to Portugal after BREXIT.

What are the benefits of the D7 visa?

ou can live, work, or study in Portugal. You have access to Portugal’s healthcare and education systems. The D7 visa has no restriction on working, either remotely or in Portugal. You have freedom of movement (visa-free access) in the SCHENGEN area and the 26 European Union Countries. It is a pathway to obtaining citizenship in Portugal or a permanent residence (PR) permit.

How to get the D7 Passive Income Visa?

There are two steps. 1) Apply for the visa in your home country, 2) meet with SEF in Portugal to complete your long-term residency visa application.

Do I need a lawyer for my D7 visa application?

No, but using an excellent Portuguese Immigration lawyer will save you time and money.

What are the D7 Visa requirements in 2022?

You must meet the D7 financial requirements for 2022, live in Portugal for at least six months per year, and have a clean criminal record.

What are the D7 visa Portugal income requirements in 2022?

The 2022 minimum income requirement for a D7 visa is €8,460 a year for the primary applicant. You’ll need an additional €4,230 for dependent adults and €2,358 for each dependent child.

How much do I need as a bank balance for the D7 Portugal visa?

You should deposit the equivalent of the D7 minimum income requirement into a Portuguese bank account before submitting your application. You will have to provide bank statements with sufficient funds as proof of income.

Can I apply for a D7 visa in Portugal using savings?

Yes, but you should get advice from a qualified D7 expert Portuguese immigration lawyer to prepare a successful application.

What are the D7 visa Portugal health insurance requirements?

You must have health insurance (travel, private, or Expat) for your initial trip to Portugal. Once you are living in Portugal, private healthcare is recommended for many Expats.

What are the D7 application process and fees?

For the first appointment at the Portuguese consulate, you should have your D7 visa application form, a personal motivation letter, proof of income and savings, plus a copy of your passport. The D7 Visa Portugal application fee varies depending on the Portuguese consulate you visit, but you should budget from €80 to €100.

How much does it cost to apply for a D7 Visa?

The SEF fee for issuing your D7 visa Portugal will be €80 to €100. In addition, budget the same for your residence permit in Portugal.

How long can you stay in Portugal with a D7 Visa?

You can stay in Portugal for two years on your D7 visa. After that, you extend your residency for three years as often as you like. For permanent residency, you need to legally live in Portugal for five years.

Can you renew a D7 Visa?

Yes, you can renew your Portugal D7 visa after the initial two-year period. The visa can be renewed for unlimited three-year periods if you still meet the D7 visa requirements.

What are the D7 visa Portugal residency requirements?

For the residence permit renewal, you must be living in Portugal, and there are minimum times you must be in the country. You can leave for up to six months or eight months if there are separate trips.

Can I become a non-habitual resident (NHR) for tax with a D7 Visa in Portugal?

Yes, you can. The Portuguese non-habitual residency (NHR) means you pay no Portuguese tax for up to ten years.

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

There are two parts to your D7 visa application process. In total, it can take up to four months, excluding the time it takes you to move to Portugal.

Can you work in Portugal with a D7 Visa?

Yes, there are no restrictions on working in Portugal on the D7 visa. You can work for a Portuguese company, remotely for an international company, freelance, or as a self-employed person. But if you are looking to purchase a home for your retirement, the Portugal Golden Visa may be a better option.

Can I work remotely for a foreign company on a D7 visa?

Yes, you can work remotely as an employee of a foreign country living in Portugal on a D7 visa.

Can freelancers apply for D7 Visa?

Yes, there is no restriction on Freelance work on the D7 visa, either for Portuguese or international clients.

Is the D7 visa a good option for Crypto traders?

Yes, Portugal is one of the best countries for Crypto traders, and the D7 visa is an excellent choice. Plus, qualification for Portugal’s NHR tax regime could mean paying zero personal income tax on your global income.

Is the D7 visa a good option for Digital Nomads?

Yes, there is no restriction for self-employed work on the D7 visa.

What is the D7 visa Portugal official website (SEF)?

The Portuguese Immigration and Borders service department are SFE – this is their website: https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/.

Appendix A: Relevant Portuguese Legislation

  • Article 58, paragraph 1 of Law no. 23/2007 of July 4
  • Article 24 d) of Regulatory Decree no. 84/2007 of November 5

The two statutes detail the benefits, restrictions, and requirements of the Portugal retirement visa, Portugal Passive Income Visa, and D7 Visa Portugal.

About Alastair Johnson

Alastair has lived in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia and Spain. He's travelled and worked in more than 50 countries so far. He's an owner and founder of Where Can I Live, a company created to help you share in the joy and opportunity of living abroad.

If he's not researching the latest visa, immigration, and residency opportunities he's either hiking or scuba diving.

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