Portugal D7 Visa: Eligibility & Requirements

Dreaming of moving to Portugal? Have a steady passive income (e.g. pension or US social security) that amounts to €870 per month or more? Have a year’s worth of savings? (That’s €10,440 if you’re applying as a single applicant).

If so, Portugal’s D7 visa might be your ticket to a new life in Portugal.

I’ve been helping people move to Portugal since 2016, and the D7 visa is by far the most popular visa option as it’s one of the most attainable residency visas in the whole of the EU.

Ready to join the thousands of others who’ve made Portugal their home? Fill out the form to see if you’re eligible.

Overview of Portugal’s D7 Visa

Nicknamed the “passive income visa” or Portugal’s “retirement visa,” the D7 is aimed at those with a regular, passive income.

What’s passive income? Basically, income that you don’t actively work for. Think pensions, social security, rental income, royalties, or dividends. And the regular part? That’s income that you receive on a monthly or regular basis (as opposed to income you get paid in a lump sum).

How much do you need? As much as the Portuguese minimum wage. That’s just €870 per month as of 2025, if you’re applying as an individual (see below for couples and those with children as the amount is higher).

As mentioned, these figures are for 2025 and as the Portuguese minimum wage increases annually, so does the D7 visa income requirements. Expect it to be roughly €50 per month higher each year.

Year	Monthly Income	Savings
2023	€760	€9,120
2024	€820	€9,840
2025	€870	€10,440
2026	€920	€11,040
2027	€970	€11,640
2028	€1,020	€12,240

Figures for single applicant

There’s no need to invest, to buy a property here (unless you want to), or anything else. This gives you more flexibility than the golden visa, for example, which typically requires you to invest €500k in order to qualify for residency. With the D7, there’s no investment requirement – you just need to have an income that’s regular and passive.

Given the low income requirements, this visa is particularly popular with retirees from the US, Canada, and the UK. However, it’s not exclusively for retirees — anyone with regular passive income can apply, so it’s also popular with those that have rental income, dividends (investors), or royalties (think writers and musicians).

Main Requirements for the D7

Let’s break down the main requirements, shall we?

Income requirement: The minimum income requirement for a single applicant is €870/month (2025 figures).
- Bringing your better half? Add 50% or €435.
- What about dependent children? Add 30% or €261 per kiddo.
Passive income: Now, when we say passive income, we mean the kind of money that rolls in while you’re busy working on your tan.
- We also typically mean foreign sourced income (as opposed to income earned in Portugal).
- Think pensions, US social security, dividends, royalties, or that rental property back home. Savings, freelancing income, or a remote job typically won’t be accepted (but don’t worry: there are other visas if you have those types of income).
Savings: Don’t forget your financial safety net – you’ll need a year’s worth of savings which will need to be put into a Portuguese bank account (don’t worry: we can help you open one).
- Single applicants – that’s €10,440 (€870 X 12).
- Couples – bump it up to €15,660 (€1,305 X 12).
- Parents – Add €261 X 12 per dependent child (children typically need to be under 18 or in full-time education to be considered dependent).
Stay requirement: This visa is for people who want to make Portugal their new home.
- Within the first two-year period, you should not leave Portugal for more than six months in a row or eight months in total.
Age: There’s no upper limit, so whether you’re 18 or 80, you’re able to apply. In fact, most D7 applicants are of retirement age.

Here’s what those income requirements look like on paper (as of 2025).

	Monthly passive income	Savings Requirement
Single Person	€870 per month	€10,440
Couple	€1,305 per month	€15,660
Couple + Child	€1,566 per month	€18,792

Note: Many websites show out-of-date and incorrect information for the D7 visa e.g. they show the old income requirement of €760, they suggest NHR is still an option for pensions and social security, or they suggest you can apply with freelancing income. Do your research and contact us if in doubt.

But what about…?

Savings? Savings are great, but Portugal’s not keen on you spending it all on a seaside villa (or a wild night in Vegas). They prefer steady, predictable income. If you only have savings, consider the golden visa.
Remote work or freelancing income? Having a side hustle may benefit your application, but remember – you need to meet the minimum amount with passive income. If you don’t have enough passive income but have a remote job or freelancing income, consider the digital nomad visa.
A work visa? The D7 is for those that can support themselves through passive income. You can still work, either remotely or for a Portuguese company, but to apply for this visa you should have passive income (there are work visas too).

Still interested in the D7? Another option is to buy a rental property and qualify using the rental income or to buy an annuity. These are both examples of regular passive income and so are liked by the Portuguese tax authorities.

Additional Requirements

Meet the above requirements? Let’s delve a little more into the weeds.

NIF Number: This is a Portuguese personal tax identification number. You probably won’t have one yet, but we can help you get one.
- The easiest way to get one is online using Portugalist – we can help you get a NIF number for as little as €68.
- You can also come to Portugal and obtain one at a Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão (however, you’ll likely need someone to come and act as your fiscal representative, so it usually makes more sense to do the online route).
Portuguese Bank Account: You’ll need to load this up with the required amount of savings, and start receiving that passive income in there too.
- It isn’t possible to open a Portuguese bank account online (with mainstream banks like Millennium bcp and Novobanco) before you become a resident.
- App-based international banks like Wise and Revolut don’t count. Neither does your bank in the US, UK, or anywhere else outside Portugal.
- The main ways to open a Portuguese bank account are either:
  - To come to Portugal to open an account in-person
  - To use a lawyer or relocation company to obtain one remotely (we can help you open a Portuguese bank account here).
  - Opening an account remotely is cheaper than traveling here. We can help you open a Portuguese bank account for as little as €269.25.
An address in Portugal: You’ll need an address in Portugal before you submit your visa application. Yep! It may sound like the cart before the horse but, unfortunately, that’s just the reality. There are several ways to get an address in Portugal.
- By coming to Portugal to find a property to rent or purchase (rentals typically need to be 12 months or more).
- By contacting landlords and rental agencies directly and renting over the internet (Idealista and OLX are popular websites).
- By using a rental agency or immigration company to find a rental for you (we can put you in touch here). Expect to pay 1-2 month’s rent as a finder’s fee.
- It is also possible to get a letter of invitation (aka “term of responsibility”) from someone willing to host you. However, most people moving to Portugal don’t already know someone living in Portugal.
Personal Statement: Your “Why I’m moving to Portugal” love letter.
- This is your chance to convince the Portuguese immigration authorities why you should be allowed to move here.
Criminal Record Certificate: You’ll need a criminal records check (or FBI report for Americans) from every country you’ve been resident in.
Portuguese Criminal Check Consent: Even though you haven’t lived in Portugal yet, they will still want to run a background check on you. You simply need to consent for them to do run this background check.
Marriage and Birth Certificates: If you don’t already have these documents in your sock drawer, you’ll need to request them from the relevant government departments.
Travel Insurance: You’ll need travel insurance to cover you during that 120-period while you’re in Portugal waiting for your AIMA (previously known as SEF) appointment.
- This insurance should include repatriation and include at least €30,000 worth of cover.
Health Insurance: Officially, you won’t need this until you attend your AIMA interview, but due to coverage waiting periods, it can be a good idea to get it slightly earlier. There are several ways to get Portuguese health insurance.
- Through an insurance broker (get a quote here).
- Through your Portuguese bank (many offer health insurance as well as other financial products. However, it’s always worth comparing with a broker).
Passport Photos: 2 X European-sized passport photos.
Flight Itinerary: You’ll need to have your flight to Portugal booked — even before you know whether your application will be approved or not, and some consulates ask for a return flight rather than a one-way flight.
Visa Application Form: The form itself. Usually available in English and Portuguese.
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of the visa application, and have at least two blank visa pages.
- Passport expiring soon? Maybe this is a good time to renew anyway?

More requirements? Maybe. Consulates and VSF offices often have their own unwritten requirements that you won’t know about unless you work with a lawyer who’s familiar with them or speak to someone who’s applied through that particular Portuguese consulate or VSF office recently. This is why it’s typically a good idea to work with a lawyer.

What are the Pros of the D7?

Easy Income Requirements: Showing just €870 per month? That’s doable! Due to Portugal’s lower minimum wage, many Americans and Brits will meet the minimum passive income requirements with their pension or social security. Easy peasy!
Family-Friendly: Bringing your better half? Just add €435 to your monthly requirement. Compare that to the D8 (digital nomad) visa, where you’d need to show a whopping €3,480 base income + 50% for your spouse or partner.
Budget-Friendly lawyer fees: Typically €1,000-€3,000 per person. Compare that to the golden visa’s eye-watering €10,000, and you’re practically getting a bargain!
No Property Strings Attached: Want to test the waters before diving into Portuguese real estate? Rent away! No need to commit to buying right off the bat.
No Investment Requirement: Unlike its flashy cousin, the golden visa, the D7 doesn’t demand you pour hundreds of thousands into Portuguese companies or funds. That means your money isn’t tied up and you can spend it on that new home in Portugal (or just traveling around Europe).
Speedy Processing: You’ll have your application processed at least 3 times faster than the golden visa.

And what About the Cons?

Income Requirements: Got a fat savings account? Sorry, that’s definitely helpful but won’t be enough on its own. Portugal’s looking for steady, passive income, not just a lump sum. (tip: if you have significant savings but don’t have a passive income, consider the golden visa).
Physical Stay Requirements: The physical stay requirements might cramp your globetrotting style. Although the authorities don’t typically count the exact number of days you’ve been in and out of the country, you’ll need to spend the majority of your time here (tip: if you want more flexibility, consider the golden visa).
Tax Talk: Unlike its fancy cousin the golden visa, the D7 will likely make you a Portuguese tax resident. Don’t panic! Even though the non habitual resident regime (NHR) no longer benefits retirees, there are tax treaties that will likely save you from double taxation. It’s also worth noting that the savings from things like the lower cost of living and healthcare costs, make any additional taxes a lot more palatable. However, it’s important to speak to a tax professional.
Accommodation Requirement: You’ll need a Portuguese address to apply. That often means renting sight unseen or buying a property straight away – and all before your application is even accepted. Sorry, Airbnb, hotels, and short-term rental contracts are typically not accepted.
Conflicting Requirements: This happens with all visas (not just the D7) but you may find that different consulates and different VSF offices have different requirements (and they don’t publish those requirements). Generally, the best way to find out exactly what you need is to work with a lawyer that has experience with that particular consulate or VSF Office.

However, even though there are some annoying requirements, it’s still worth it as the D7 is one of the most attainable routes to residency in Portugal – and one of the fastest routes to obtaining EU citizenship.

What’s so Great About Having Residency in Portugal?

Sunshine? Check. Beaches? Check. Affordable wine? Check. But what about the practical benefits of having a Portuguese residency permit?

Healthcare Benefits: The tax-funded Portuguese national health service (SNS) offers a safety net no matter what goes wrong. Want to use private hospitals as well? You’ll find they’re quite affordable and, if you want to reduce your private healthcare costs, so is health insurance too.
Ease of Travel Within Europe: Rome for lunch, Alps for dinner? Maybe that’s an exaggeration but with visa-free Schengen travel, Europe’s your oyster.
Portuguese Citizenship: After five years of legal residency in Portugal (or even a tad less), you could be submitting your application for Portuguese citizenship. With that passport, you’ll be able to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU/EEA or Switzerland. In practice, the application process takes around two years but it’s still one of the fastest routes to an EU passport.
Affordable Education: Fancy a degree without the fancy price tag? Your residence permit is your golden ticket to public education at local rates. Kids in tow? They’re covered too.
English Widely Spoken: No need to be fluent in “obrigado” just yet as there’s no language requirement to make the move. (Though you’ll need to show an A2 level Portuguese when you apply for citizenship.)
Side-Hustle Friendly: Freedom to work in Portugal or start a business (although you must initially qualify with passive income.

What About Couples & Kids?

Thinking of bringing the whole clan to Portugal? Let’s break down whether this visa works for families. There are two main things to think about.

Are those family members eligible?
Do you have sufficient income to cover those additional family members?

In terms of eligibility, the following family members can typically be added to a D7 application:

Spouse or long-term partner (typically a long-term partner is someone you’ve been living at the same address for 3+ years).
- Add 50%. As of 2025, that means adding €435.
Dependent children (typically this means children under 18 or in full-time education).
- Add 30% per child. As of 2025, that means adding €261.
Your parents or your spouse/partner’s parents (as long as they are dependent on you, either financially or physically).
- There’s no official requirement, but assume you should add 50% (although some lawyers suggest 30% is enough).
You or your partner’s minor siblings.
- Add 30% per child.

Don’t forget that when you add family members, not only does your monthly income requirement increase but so does your savings requirement.

Here’s the kicker:

Only the main applicant’s income counts. So if you’re applying as a power couple, one of you needs to bring in the whole €1,305 — even if the other person has a pension, social security, or other income as well.
Applying together usually makes more sense than going solo. This way you only need to add 50% for that spouse or partner. If they apply separately, they’ll need to show the full amount as an individual. However, there may be some instances where applying separately makes more sense.
What if the main applicant doesn’t have enough passive income to cover both? This would be a good time to have a chat with the Portuguese consulate (ideally through a lawyer). Who knows? There may be some leeway.

Process

The following is an overview of what typically happens when you apply for the D7 residency visa.

Step	Explanation
Consult Lawyer	Speak to an immigration lawyer or relocation company (hint: Portugalist can arrange a free consultation) to determine if the D7 is right for you.
Scouting Trip (optional)	You may want to come to Portugal to see if it’s the right fit for you. This is a good opportunity to find a property to rent or buy (tip: you’ll need to have a NIF number and Portuguese bank account before you can rent or buy).
Gather Documents	You will need to gather the required documents (e.g. birth certs and background checks). This includes more complicated requirements like a NIF number, Portuguese bank account, and address in Portugal.
Apply	Submit your documents to your nearest Portuguese consulate or VSF Office (this is always done in your country of residency). It’s recommended that you do this through a lawyer, but it is possible to apply directly. Note: this interview is usually to go through your documents. Don’t think of it like a job interview.
Receive Visa	Following a successful interview with the nearest Portuguese consulate or VSF Office, you will receive a temporary visa which allows you to move to Portugal and stay there for 120 days.
Fly to Portugal	Fly to Portugal. (Tip: try to bring as much as you can on the plane with you).
Arrange Health Insurance	You will have taken out travel insurance for your initial 120-day visa, but now you’ll typically need health insurance (they’re different). You can arrange this before you move to Portugal, but at the very least you should arrange it before attending your AIMA appointment.
Attend Interview	During that 120-day period, attend an interview with AIMA. Normally, this interview is scheduled in advance by the consulate or VSF Office. If this doesn’t happen, you will need to contact AIMA to arrange your appointment (note: getting an appointment can be challenging).
Receive Residency Permit	Shortly after your AIMA interview, you will receive your temporary residency permit (this initial residency permit is valid for 24 months). Congrats! You are now a Portuguese resident.
Register for Healthcare	You will probably already have health insurance, but as a legal resident you are now entitled to apply for an SNS number (número de utente) and start using the public healthcare system.
Renewal	After two years, attend another interview with AIMA to renew your temporary residence permit (valid for 36 months this time).
Portuguese Exam	If you’re applying for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency, you will need to show an A2 level of Portuguese (upper-beginner). Most people sit an exam but it’s also possible to attend a government-approved course (typically 150 hours in length).
Renewal & Citizenship Application	After 36 months, renew you residence permit. Around the five-year mark, you will also be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization (due to the new rules, this is likely to work out at less than five years). You can also apply for permanent residency at this point, should you wish.
Receive Passport	Portuguese citizenship applications are taking around 2 years at the moment, so you should expect to receive your Portuguese passport around 12-24 months after applying. Congrats! You are now a Portuguese citizen and can live anywhere in the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

Example Costs

Although the government fees on the D7 are low, that doesn’t mean it’s completely free. The following are some of the costs you should factor in:

Cost Type	Estimated Cost	Notes
NIF Number	From €69 (see here)
Bank Account Opening	From €269.25	It is also possible to get a bank account for free if you come to Portugal.
Lawyer Fees	Around €1,500-€3,000 per person	May include NIF, bank account, and application fee
Criminal Record Checks	Varies	Required for both your current country and Portugal
Scouting Trip Costs	Varies	For scouting trips or apartment hunting
Schengen Travel Insurance	Varies	Required for visa application
Health Insurance	Varies	Typically required for the AIMA interview, although some travel insurance may still be valid
Document Certificates	Varies	For birth, marriage, and other required certificates
Passport Photos	€10-€20	A small but necessary cost

How Does the D7 Compare With Similar Visas?

Let’s play “Visa Matchmaker” with the D7’s top contenders: the golden visa and digital nomad visa (or D8). Figures are based on a single applicant, so you’ll need to adjust the numbers if you’re moving with a spouse or children.

	D7 (this visa)	Golden Visa	Digital Nomad Visa
Income Requirement	€870 p/month	None	€3,480 p/month
Income Type	Passive (e.g. pension or social security)	None	Active (e.g. remote work or freelancing)
Investment/Donation Required	No	Yes (€250,000-€500,000)	No
Physical Stay	Majority of year	7 days p/year	Majority of year
Tax residency requirement	Yes	No	Yes
Typical Fees	€1,000-2,000 p/person	€10,000 p/person	€1,000-2,000 p/person

The Verdict:

Here’s the deal:

If you have passively-earned income (e.g. a pension or social security) and you want to live in Portugal for the majority of the year, the D7 visa is probably the best visa for you.
If you have actively-earned income (e.g. a remote job or freelancing income) and you want to live in Portugal for the majority of the year, the Digital Nomad Visa is best for you.
Qualify for both the D7 and Digital Nomad Visa? Best to speak to a lawyer or immigration consultant (like Portugalist).
Not ready to move to Portugal full-time? Want to maintain tax residency elsewhere? Have significant savings but no passive income or active income? Portugal’s golden visa program is probably the best option for you.

Want more in-depth comparisons? Check out our comparisons of:

What about other visas? Yes, there’s the D2 for entrepreneurs, employment visas like the D1 and D3, and study visas like the D4 and D5.

Generally, these aren’t as ideal because:

D2 (or entrepreneur visa): Setting up a business is hard – as is getting a D2 application approved.
D1 and D3 (work visas): It’s hard to find companies willing to hire non-EU citizens.
D4 and D5 (study visas): This is an option, but be sure to factor in university fees. Be aware also that many courses last less than 5 years – so not quite long enough for you to qualify for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.

FAQs

Q: If applying with rental income, is this profit after the mortgage and other costs?

A: The law doesn’t specifically state, so your profit could technically be less than the Portuguese minimum wage. However, the authorities reviewing your application will sense-check it to make sure you have enough income to live in Portugal.

Read more about applying with rental income

Q: How long does the visa application process typically take?

A: Usually 2-4 months. But that’s not including the time it takes to figure out where you want to live, gather documents, etc.

Q: Do I need to prove Portuguese language proficiency for the visa?

A: Nope! Move first, learn “obrigado” later. (But you’ll need A2 level for citizenship or permanent residency down the road.)

Q: What healthcare options are available for D7 permit holders?

A: You will get access to the Portuguese national health service (SNS) once you’re a resident. However, you will likely need valid health insurance coverage for your AIMA interview and, despite having access to the public healthcare system, an increasing number of people now have a medical insurance and use the private hospitals for routine procedures (and the public system for the big stuff and emergencies).

Q: How long should my lease be?

A: Typically a rental agreement should be at least 12 months but some consulates will accept a 6-month rental agreement (assume 12 months though). Some consulates will even accept Airbnb or hotel bookings, but that really isn’t the norm anymore (especially for those applying from the US).

Q: Can I work remotely for a non-Portuguese company while on this visa?

A: Sim! Work from your balcony overlooking the Atlantic or work in a Portuguese cafe. Just remember, this is called “the passive income visa” for a reason: you need a stable passive income to initially qualify for the visa, but that doesn’t prevent you from working in Portugal or remotely.

Q: What are the tax implications for D7 holders?

A: You will likely be a tax resident and Portuguese tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income. But fear not, tax treaties usually prevent double taxation. Want to avoid becoming a Portuguese tax resident? Check out the Portuguese Golden Visa, which only requires you to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal (potentially allowing you to avoid becoming a Portuguese tax resident).

Q: How long can I stay out of Portugal without jeopardizing my visa status?

A: Stick around for most of the year. No more than 6 months away in one go or 8 months total in your first two years.

Q: Are there specific areas in Portugal that are popular among D7 visa holders?

A: Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Cascais, and the Silver Coast are expat favorites. But Portugal’s full of hidden gems and you could settle anywhere in Portugal – including Madeira and the Azores islands.

Q: Can I purchase property in Portugal while on the D7?

A: Absolutely! You don’t need to purchase a property to qualify for this visa but you can if you want to — either before or after qualifying for the visa.

Q: What are the disadvantages of the D7?

A: You’ll need to spend the majority of the year in Portugal, and you’ll likely become a tax resident. Another challenge is needing to rent or buy a property before moving to Portugal. But for many, the pros outweigh the cons!

Q: Is Portugal’s D7 visa ending?

A: No plans to end it as of now. It’s still Portugal’s favorite visa for passive income earners! However, it is notable that the Digital Nomad Visa requires four times the income the D7 does, meaning it’s possible they may increase the income requirements in the future.

Q: How long is the residency permit valid for?

A: Initially 2 years, then renewable for 3 years. After 5 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit (valid for 10 years) and Portuguese citizenship (valid forever).

Q: How do I prove my income?

A: Bank statements, pension letters, rental income proof – anything showing steady passive income.

Q: Can I apply for the D7 with a criminal record?

A: Yes, but it depends. You don’t need a completely clean criminal record to move to Portugal but the crime would need to warrant a prison sentence of one year or less in Portugal. Let us help you figure this out (and craft a personal statement that is upfront about it).

Q: What if they reject my visa application?

A: We recommend working with a fantastic lawyer or relocation company to make sure this doesn’t happen. However, if it does, Portuguese law gives you a chance to state your case before a final decision is made. You can also re-apply.

Q: Do I need a Portuguese bank account?

A: Yes, it’s part of the application process for the D7 (and other visas like the Digital Nomad Visa). You’ll need to show your passive income coming into your Portuguese bank account and you’ll need to add at least a year’s worth of savings to the account.

Ready to turn these FAQs into your Portuguese reality? Let’s make it happen!