Portugal’s D7 Visa: Updated for 2024

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Written by: | Last updated on March 8, 2024 | Est. Reading Time: 15 minutes

Introduced in 2007, the D7 visa has become one of the most popular routes for people from outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland to move to Portugal.

The D7 is sometimes referred to as the passive income visa or retirement visa as it’s especially popular with retirees, particularly those from the US and UK. However, it isn’t just a retirement visa. As well as retirees, the D7 is also popular with those that own rental properties, have income from royalties, or those that have income from investments.

Would I Qualify for the D7?

Let’s take a look at the requirements. There are other requirements (such as a clean criminal record) but from a financial point of view the main requirements are:

  • You have a passive income (i.e. income you don’t actively work for) such as a pension, social security, dividends, royalties, interest, or income from a rental property. Unfortunately, savings or income from a remote job aren’t usually accepted, but don’t worry: there are other residency visas that you could qualify for, such as the digital nomad visa (D8) or golden visa.
  • That income is at least equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage, which as of 2024, is €820 per month. This is the amount for one person. If you’re including other family members, such as a spouse or dependent child, the amount will be higher (but will be slightly less for additional people).
  • You have at least one year of savings, which means 12 * €820 per month for a single applicant or €9,840 in total.

If you can answer yes, there’s a good chance that you would qualify for the D7 visa.

Can I bring family members?

Family members, such as a spouse or partner and dependent children, can be added to your application. There are two things to consider here:

  1. Are those family members eligible?
  2. Do you (or your partner) 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 Partner.
  • Dependent children (typically this means children under 18 or in full-time education).
  • Your parents or your spouse/partner’s parents (as long as they are dependent on you).
  • You or your partner’s minor siblings.

As well as eligibility, there are financial factors to consider. For a spouse or partner, you would need to show an additional 50%. For each child, you would need to show an additional 30%.

Monthly passive incomeSavings Requirement
Single Person€820 per month€9,840
Couple€1,230 per month€14,760
Couple + Child€1,476 per month€17,712

Will I be Able to Apply for Citizenship?

After five years of residency in Portugal, you will be able to apply for citizenship via naturalisation. This applies if you are on the D7 visa.

In fact, you may even be able to apply sooner. As of 2024, the clock starts ticking from the moment you apply for residency—not when you get your residency card as before. In the past, it could take 6-12 months to move to Portugal and get your residency permit, adding an extra year onto the citizenship process.

Now, by the time you move to Portugal, you will already have earned a few months towards your ability to apply for citizenship.

What about Taxes?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer as everyone’s tax situation will be different. This is due to Portugal having different tax treaties with different countries, and different people receiving different types of income. Some people may also be taxed under the NHR tax regime, if they moved to Portugal before 2023.

Someone receiving a pension from ‘Country A’ might be taxed differently to someone receiving a pension from ‘Country B’, due to the different tax treaties between ‘Country A’ and ‘Country B’. Even two people receiving pensions from country A might be taxed differently if, for example, one person had a pension from a state job and the other didn’t. Basically, you should speak to an accountant to get a tax simulation and work out how much you will be expected to pay.

Those still working may be able to take advantage of Portugal’s “new NHR” tax regime, which offers a 20% flat rate of tax for those in certain professions or carrying out certain types of work.

Generally speaking, when it comes to pensions and social security, most pensions will be taxed at progressive rates from 14.5% to 48%. Passive income, such as dividends, is likely to be taxed at 28%. However, thanks to Portugal’s tax treaties with different countries, it’s normally possible to apply a ‘tax credit’ if you’ve already paid tax elsewhere.

Again, everyone’s situation is different and you should speak to a tax expert to get an estimation of what taxes you will need to pay.

Benefits of the D7

  • Affordable fees: Typical lawyer fees for the D7 are in the region of €2,000-€3,000 per person, and services vary from a no-frills box-ticking service to a concierge-style service that includes someone who accompanies you to your AIMA appointment. In comparison, the fees for the golden visa are around €10,000 per person.
  • Citizenship: Moving to Portugal on the D7 puts you on the path to Portuguese citizenship, which you will be able to apply for after 5 years of living here (and, as of 2024, the time spent from the point of application counts). And you only need to show an A2 level of Portuguese when you apply, which is just the upper beginner level. You don’t need to show any level of Portuguese to apply for the visa itself (just when you apply for citizenship). Once you have a Portuguese passport, you can move anywhere within the EU.
  • Healthcare: As someone resident on the D7 visa, you’ll be able to enjoy full access to Portugal’s tax-funded public healthcare system. There is also a private healthcare system, which you can pay to use, either directly or through private health insurance.
  • No property purchase requirement: Although you normally need to show an address in Portugal, you don’t need to purchase a property. This allows you to rent for a year or two before you decide to put down more permanent roots in a location.
  • No work restrictions: The D7 doesn’t restrict you from working in Portugal or starting a business, and so many people continue working remotely or earning a little income on the side to supplement their other earnings.
  • Family members welcome: It’s possible to add certain family members to your application (such as a spouse or dependent children). If they are unable to move right now, it’s also possible from them to join you via the D6 or family reunification visa.
  • Schengen travel: As a resident of Portugal, you’ll be able to travel within the Schengen Area (most of Europe essentially) without needing a visa. This doesn’t mean you can spend as long as you want there or move there, but if you come from a country where obtaining a Schengen Visa is normally difficult, this can be a selling point.

However, this wouldn’t be a Portugalist article if we didn’t examine both sides of the coin. The D7 does have some cons as well as pros, and it’s important to consider them before applying.

  • Physical Stay Requirements: You’ll typically need to spend 6 months per year in Portugal without leaving the country or 8 months per year if you have gaps (e.g. you visit Paris for the weekend). Exceptions are given in certain cases, e.g. family emergencies.
  • Tax residency: Because you’ll be spending more than 183 days per year in Portugal, it’s likely that you’ll be considered tax resident in Portugal and taxed on your worldwide income. However, it’s important to also realise that Portugal has some tax incentives as well as tax treaties with other countries (like the US and UK) which effectively prevent you from being taxed twice.
  • Address: This visa normally requires you to have an address in Portugal before you apply. For most people that means renting an apartment in advance, which is probably the biggest downside to the D7 as it can mean renting an apartment that you won’t be able to live in. Some Portugalist readers have had to rent apartments for six months before they were able to move to Portugal.
  • Consulate differences: Different consulates may have different requirements (e.g. the consulate in San Francisco may have different requirements to the one in Washington or London. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to get information about what exactly you need, however, a good lawyer will be up-to-date with any unique requirements. This issue isn’t unique to the D7, and you may encounter it if you apply for another visa like the D8 as well.
  • NIF & Bank Account: You will need to obtain a NIF number and open a Portuguese bank account before you move to Portugal. Most people will need to pay a lawyer or company to do this for them, which would set them back around €400. This requirement isn’t unique to the D7.
  • Waiting time: The D7 is very popular and so it can take a few months to get your initial appointment. However, the processing time is generally faster than the golden visa.

However, despite these small downsides, it’s still worth it as it allows you to move to Portugal, live here, and in 5 years apply for a Portuguese passport, which would then allow you to live and work anywhere in the EU.

D7 Requirements Checklist

The following are the full requirements for the D7. Note: these can vary depending on the consulate or VSF office you apply through.

RequirementDetails
Income typeYou have an income that comes from passive sources such as a pension, social security, rental property, dividends, interest, or royalties.
Income (first applicant)You have a passive income of at least €820 per month (as a single applicant). Although this is the minimum requirement, it’s likely that you will need more than this to live in Portugal.
Income (spouse/partner)You, or the second applicant, has an additional income of 50% of the main amount or an additional €380 per month.
Dependent ChildrenYou have an additional income of 30% of the main amount, or €228 per month.
Portuguese NIF NumberYou have a Portuguese NIF number. View this comparison table for companies that offer this service online.
Portuguese Bank AccountYou have a Portuguese bank account. This typically needs to be a bank that has physical branches in Portugal as opposed to an app-based bank like Revolut or Wise.

You might be able to open an account in Portugal. However, cost-wise, it often makes sense to use a company to do this for you. We list companies that offer this service in our article about bank accounts.
SavingsYour Portuguese bank account shows at least one year of savings. For a single person this would be €9,120. For a couple this would be €13,680.
Proof of accommodation in PortugalYou have own a property, have a one-year or longer rental contract, or a letter of invitation from someone resident in Portugal inviting you to stay with them.

For rentals, some people rent sight-unseen over the internet while others come to Portugal. Airbnbs are unlikely to be accepted by most consulates.
Personal or motivational statementA statement detailing why you want to move to Portugal.
Criminal record certificate
Portuguese criminal record approval formA form stating that you are willing for a criminal records check to be run in Portugal.
Marriage and birth certificatesThe birth and marriage certificates of anyone included on the application.
International medical travel insurance
2 X European-sized passport photos
Flight itinerary
Visa application form
A Valid Passport

Application Process

The process for applying for the D7 can be broken down into a few steps.

Find a LawyerWhile some people submit the D7 application themselves, working with a lawyer significantly increases your chances of approval.
Document GatheringGather the required documents, such as birth certificates and a NIF number. If you need proof of address, this may require you to come to Portugal.
Scouting TripThis is optional, but many people come to Portugal to get a feel for it. If you need to rent an apartment for the proof-of-address requirement, this is a good time to do it.
Document SubmissionSubmit all of these documents at the consulate or VSF office in the country in which you are resident.
WaitWait for a decision (which usually takes up to 60 days).
Move to PortugalCome to Portugal on your D7 visa, allowing you to attend an interview with AIMA (previously known as SEF) where you visa will be turned into a residence permit.
Receive residence permitNormally the residence permit arrives in the mail a few weeks later. You are now a resident of Portugal and entitled to the benefits that come with that (such as healthcare and access to Portuguese education). In practice, you will also need to register for the healthcare system and this can take a little while longer.
RenewalsYou residence permit is typically valid for 2 years initially. This means that after 2 years, you will need to attend another interview to ensure you are still meeting the original requirements (e.g. you still have a passive income of €820 per month or more, as a single applicant).

During the 5 years you live in Portugal, you will need to focus on learning Portuguese to at least an A2 level as this is typically required for a citizenship application. It’s also highly recommended that you develop ties with the Portuguese community (e.g. membership of clubs) and are able to demonstrate this on your citizenship application.
Permanent Residency & CitizenshipAfter 5 years of residency in Portugal, you will be able to apply for both permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship. Once submitted, the Portuguese citizenship application can take 1-2 years to be approved.

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:

  • NIF and bank account costs: Around €300-€350 through companies like Bordr or Anchorless.
  • Lawyer fees: If you use a lawyer, expect to pay €1,000-€2,000 in legal fees, per person although this figure will typically include costs like your NIF, bank account, and application fee.
  • Criminal records checks: You’ll need to pay for criminal records checks in the country you’re living in now and, even though you haven’t lived there yet, Portugal
  • Flight & accommodation costs: If you come to Portugal to find an apartment or just to see if it’s right for you, you’ll need to consider the travel costs of a short visit
  • Travel and/or health insurance:
  • Obtaining certificates: If you don’t already have copies of certain documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, you’ll need to request these.
  • Passport photos: A small costs, but still a cost.

Comparing Similar Visas

There are pros and cons to the D7, especially when you compare it to other visas like the golden visa (officially the ‘ARI’) or the digital nomad visa (officially the ‘D8’).

D7Golden VisaD8 (Digital Nomad Visa)
Income Requirement€820 p/monthNone€3,280 p/month
Income TypePassive (e.g. pension)None.Active (e.g. remote job, freelancing)
Investment RequiredNoYes (€250,000-€500,000)No
Physical Stay6-8 Months p/year7 days p/year6-8 Months p/year
Tax residency requirementYesNoYes
Typical Fees€1,000-2,000 p/person€10,000 p/person€1,000-2,000 p/person

Essentially, this means:

  • The golden visa offers the most flexibility but has the highest fees as well as requiring you to invest anywhere between €250,000 and €500,000. Expect to pay fees of around €10,000 per person on top of your investment.
  • If you want to move to Portugal now and spend the majority of the year there, look at the D7 or D8 (digital nomad visa). However, if you want more flexibility, choose the golden visa as this only requires you to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal.
  • If you have a passive income, such as a pension, it’s likely that the D7 will be the best visa for you. If you have a job, it’s likely that the D8 or digital nomad visa will be the best visa for you.
  • If you have savings and no income, opt for the golden visa.

FAQs

If I rent a property, do I need a 6 or a 12-month lease?

It depends on the consulate. Some places accept a six-month lease, while others require a 12-month lease as a minimum. Note: that even if a six-month lease is allowed, it can be hard to find a landlord that wants to rent for that short a period [source].

How do I get my AIMA appointment?

It varies. Sometimes the appointment is given automatically, following your appointment at the consulate, and sometimes you need to get in touch with AIMA to arrange an appointment. If that’s the case, you’ll need to phone AIMA or, the easier option: have your lawyer call AIMA to get an appointment on your behalf. Many law firms actually employ people just to phone AIMA to try and get through [source].

What happens if my visa is rejected?

In Portuguese administrative law, it’s important to remember that you’re entitled to make your case if the authorities are about to take a step that could harm your chances of success [source]. It’s recommended that you work with a lawyer at this point.

Should a couple apply on the same application or two independent visas?

The challenge of applying separately is the costs. If a husband and wife apply for a D7, for example, the amount required is the main amount + 50%. However, if there are two separate applications, each would have to show €820 (the amount for the main applicant) [source].

Can I move to Portugal if I have a criminal record?

The crime would have to have a prison sentence of more than one year in Portugal to affect your D7 visa application. However, it is important that you make note of this in your personal statement. A lawyer can not only help write a suitable personal statement but also can include the applicable Portuguese law [source].

Written by

James Cave is the founder of Portugalist and the author of the bestselling book, Moving to Portugal Made Simple. He has visited just about every part of Portugal, including Madeira and all nine islands of the Azores, and lived in several parts of Portugal including Lisbon, the Algarve, and Northern Portugal.

You can contact James by emailing james@portugalist.com or via the site's contact form.

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There are 56 comments on this article. Join the conversation and add your own thoughts, reviews, and stories of life in Portugal. However, please remember to be civil.

Comments

  1. So, what’s the deal with these SEF (AIMA) appointments? You get this appointment on your visa, or maybe you don’t. It’s like flipping a coin, isn’t it? Nobody seems to have a clue why it’s like this!

    Does that mean you don’t have to attend an interview? NO! Sometimes there’s no SEF appointment listed on your visa, right? But then, you make the effort, create an account on the SEF website, and lo and behold, there’s an appointment sitting there waiting for you! It’s like playing hide and seek with bureaucracy!

    And other times, you’re not that lucky. No appointment listed anywhere, so you’re stuck there, phoning them over and over, trying to get an appointment. It’s like banging your head against a brick wall, innit? No rhyme or reason to it at all! This can happen whether you’ve got a D8, a D7, or any other long stay visa. It’s all a big, confusing mess! Why can’t there be a straightforward system, eh? Why’s it all got to be so bleeding complicated?

    Reply
    • Hi Michael,

      Thanks for commenting. Yes, getting your SEF appointment can be challenging. Thanks for sharing that it’s a good idea to check the SEF website to see if there’s an appointment listed in there.

      Reply
  2. After much research we have decided to apply for the D7 visa. This is despite the NHR going away as we are unlikely to qualify for the new NHR regime, whatever that is called. Besides the D7 we also looked at Spain’s Nonlucrative visa, France’s VLS-TS Visiteur visa, and Italy’s elective residence visa. We also looked at Portugal’s D8 and golden visa.

    The main reason for this is citizenship. In Portugal you can apply after 5 years and you keep your old passport. In Spain that’s ten and they don’t recognise dual citizenship. Italy was also 10 years.

    Will we stay after we have our Portuguese passports? Only time will tell. We may fall in love with the country or we may not. But this gives us the most options.

    Reply
    • Hi Haley,

      Yes, I think the time to citizenship is a big factor. Don’t forget the processing time, which could be around two years. So it might be seven years before you get your passport in Portugal, but more than 10 years in Spain.

      Hopefully, you will fall in love with Portugal and make it your new home.

      Reply
  3. I just want to let people know that it is possible to pay yourself an income and have that count for the D7. I did it and was fully expecting to be rejected but instead my application was allowed. The one thing they really examined was how long I would be able to keep paying myself for.

    Reply
    • Hi Steve, Thanks for the idea. I am just a little short of the income required, but have enough savings to create an income double the requirement , for several years.

      Who determines the possibility and amount necessary for such an application. ?

      Reply
  4. My husband is the main applicant for the D7 and we were initially puzzled by the process. Our lawyers said pouses can’t apply together for the D7. So, I had to go for a Schengen visa to stay in Portugal. Apparently spouses must have their own income to apply as main applicants, especially involving children.

    We’re hoping to apply for reunification once my husband secures his residence permit. However, the Schengen’s limited stay period is a bit of a snag. It’s a common issue here; many friends have shared similar stories. There’s this ongoing question about whether there’s a specific visa for those in the midst of family reunification. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to come across such an option.

    A personal anecdote – a friend from Manchester, currently navigating the same path, was told by their lawyer that there’s no special visa for this situation. Many families on a tourist Schengen end up overstaying the 90-day limit, which seems to be tacitly accepted by SEF (now AIMA) due to their capacity constraints. But it’s a tricky situation if you need to leave and re-enter the Schengen zone. The key, it seems, is either to stay put in Portugal for a while or strategically plan exits and re-entries from the Schengen area.

    Reply
    • Hi Yvonne,

      Thanks for sharing. Interesting that you were told not to put your husband on the same application.

      Yes, it does seem that you just have to overstay and wait for an appointment. Hopefully you won’t need to leave for anything.

      Reply
    • Yvonne, I hope your strategy works out well. We struggled on how to apply as well and ultimately went another way. I’m describing it below in case it helps others.

      In May 2023 they introduced a new Visa type that allows you to apply at the same time as your spouse who is applying for the D7 Visa, as long as your spouse’s passive income can cover 1-1/2 Portugal’s minimum wage (children would each require +1/4, I believe). It’s called “Residency Visa for Accompanying Family Member Applying for a Residence Visa.” It was developed as a way to avoid the long wait times that have been required to pursue Family Reunification. My husband and I applied this way in the second half of 2023 (him as D7 and me as the new Visa type), and were were both granted Visas. Note that I have no passive income in my name, only held investments. (Again, in case it helps someone else, I also know a person who successfully for the new “accompanying” Visa type with their spouse who applied as D8.)

      Interestingly, when we applied for our Visas at VFS San Francisco, the staff who took our documents was adamant that I would still be considered by SEF/AIMA to be a “D7 applicant” since I was on the lease and joint bank account; however, when the Visa stamp came back in my passport it had been approved as the new “accompanying” Visa not as a D7.

      Reply
  5. Oh boy, where do I even start? Moving to Portugal has been such an adventure for my husband and me! We kicked off the D7 visa process with an immigration lawyer in November 2022, and by March, 2023, we were already settling into our new life in Lisbon. Let me tell you, Lisbon is a dream with its charming streets and vibrant culture, but getting here was a journey in itself.

    First things first, the housing situation. We had to pay for our apartment a whopping ten months in advance! That’s six months of rent plus a four-month refundable deposit to secure the place. I remember thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot of pastéis de nata I could’ve bought with that money!” But, in the end, it was all worth it for our cozy little spot in the city.

    Now, about our lawyer. They charged us €2,500 for the entire D7 process, and honestly, it was the best money we ever spent. My husband was included in my application since we weren’t sure if he’d be able to get a contract job at the time. There’s still one more payment of €1,000 due around our residency meeting this month, but considering how smooth they’ve made things, I’m not even sweating it. So that’s €3,500 total.

    Here’s a heads-up for anyone thinking of doing this: SEF (the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) is super backed up! Our visas expired, and we’re still waiting for our residency meeting, which is a few weeks away. Then, we have to hang tight for another month or so to get our residency cards. During this time, we can’t travel, which is a bummer because there’s so much of Europe we want to explore.

    By the way, if you’ve heard about easy back-and-forth travel while you wait for your paperwork, take it with a grain of salt. We’ve learned that you’ll likely be in Portugal for a good while as the paperwork gets processed. But hey, there are worse places to be stuck, right? Lisbon’s got this magical charm, with every cobblestone street telling a story. And the pastries here? To die for!

    So, that’s our journey so far. Moving countries is no small feat, but with a little patience and a lot of pastéis de nata, it’s an incredible adventure. Can’t wait to see what’s next for us in this beautiful country!

    Reply
    • Hi Diana,

      Thanks for commenting.

      It’s interesting that your husband was included in the application. Another commenter said their partner couldn’t be included because they didn’t have their own income. Good to know that it’s at least possible.

      And yes, I think the lawyer option is worth it for a lot of people. You can do it yourself, but I find a lot of people make a mistake or get stuck in the system and go looking for a lawyer afterwards, when they would have been better off having one from the very beginning.

      Reply
  6. Hi James,
    I would like to to apply for D7 visa. I am married and have 3 children age over than 18. They ( children and my husband) don’t want to change their country. Can I apply this visa alone or I should apply with them?
    Thanks

    Reply
  7. Hi James, the Golden Visa route offers low tax rate on your pension – 10% flat rate. What is the tax rate for the D7 Visa ? Thanks

    BR Peter

    Reply
  8. Hi Lisa,

    I applied for the D7 and had much less than 30,000 in a savings account. I actually had less than the minimum that people suggest (think its 8,500 Euros). I had a good income from a job though. I think they take into account your income and I’ve heard that it depends on where you live as well. We are moving to a remote place where rental prices are not high so maybe they are more comfortable with that than say Lisbon. Also the consulate you apply for makes a difference. They all have their own rules.

    Reply
  9. We have been advised that we should fund our bank accounts with €30k to €50k to qualify for the D7. This is much more than the blogs say. We are concerned about moving so much money to a foreign bank account.

    Reply
  10. For those with questions about the bank account, the amount needed is:

    €8.460 for the main adult applicant
    €4.230 or 50% for any additional adults (e.g. partner)
    €2820 or 30% for any children

    Some people say that you increase your chances of being approved by adding more money to your bank account. There is probably some sense in this.

    Reply
  11. I understand we’re not allowed to work for a Portuguese company while obtaining the d7 (the 120 day period) but can work for one once we have residency. How hard will it be to find a job with a Portuguese company then?

    Reply
  12. Hi James
    We have an appointment at the consulate in Manchester on 1st July 2022. Do you know once the D7 visa is approved by the SEF in Portugal how long do you have before you actually have to move to Portugal.

    Reply
    • Hi there

      How did you get your appointment at the consulate pls?
      We’ve tried everything, but the VSF site doesn’t work despite multiple attempts, and the telephone is a no go.
      We have all our paperwork and are desperate for an appointment, although preferably in London rather than Manchester …

      Help please!

      Regards

      Reply
  13. Hello,
    I have a question on whether the authorities would accept income from crypto wallets instead of bank statements?

    Maybe this is technical, but freelancers working in crypto can choose to get paid in crypto. Therefore the salary that matches the contract arrives in crypto wallets.

    Have you seen this examples for freelancers?

    Thanks

    Reply
  14. Would it not be more helpful to get more detail, information, from people who did and did not get D7? The woman who’s been denied but seems to have more than enough financial requirements from her spouse, but thinks it may be because of an erroneous background check, we would like to know how your appeal went. For those who are seeking the D7 now, from all I’ve seen approved in the last 6 months, it’s October 2021 now, the common denominator was income, proof of much more than the minimum wage of about 700 euro and substantial savings, minimum of 30000 euro plus. In balance this means if you had 6 figure savings and passive income of 3++× the minimum and all other requirements. You’re going to get approved. Let’s be honest here and frank. This is not even close to reality for most. But for the privaleged who meet these unwritten requirements congratulations. I hope you do adapt and integrated with respect. Certainly Portuguese people recognize the changes good for the foreign immigrants with money and the bad that the locals cost of living and quality of life is becoming to expenses. Again in balance I hope that all who seek a better quality of life try to participate in where’s best to make the world a better place for all and not the few….

    Reply
  15. Hi Konrad,

    I’m trying to get a source for this. I haven’t got one yet, but hope to find one in the future as, yes, it’s more based on people’s stories than from any lawyer’s website. In the meantime, you can see in this article that the reply from the VSF office in Washington DC stated that remote income was one of the acceptable options: https://www.portugalist.com/d7-savings/

    Reply
  16. Hi James, thank you very much for such an informative source! It is really becoming my Bible for the move. Do you know if, for proof of accommodation in Portugal, a consulate would accept a letter from a friend who is a Portuguese citizen stating that I will be staying with them for indefinite period of time while I look to purchase a property? Also do you by any chance know what is the approximate processing time of the visa eg how long your passport is at the consulate (I am planning to apply to a consulate in either Britain or Russia where I have citizenships). Would really appreciate your views/info. Thank you very much for your help! Inessa

    Reply
  17. Hello! Great article! I have two questions, first is about rental agreement. Is it possible to present a hotel reservation for a month or two in consulate and – a year contract during the second appointment in Portugal already or should i need to fly to Portugal on a tourist visa and secure a yearly lease before applying for D7, but….who will sign it with a tourist for a year and even if i find such opportunity – what happens if visa is denied, so we lose 2 months rent? Second – I’m an american citizen, but i lived in many countries and even right now im in Europe, so…what about criminal record? Should it be applied from my last country of residency or from each country i ever lived?…thanks!

    Reply
  18. Hi James, your article is spot on information- very rare to find on internet with so clearity .

    I’m interested for D- 7 visa and looking to take the application through a experienced relocation lawyer.
    I have job and can work remotely. My monthly salary is 900 euros and mine and my wife’s saving ( government bonds) are over 10000 euros . I have 2 kids . Do you suggest that I should apply for D7 if my finances fall to the funds requirement for D-7.
    Many thanks again for replying all the queries.

    Reply
    • Hi Malay,

      This is a question for a D7 lawyer, which I am not.

      Personally, I think Portugal is more expensive than this to live in and wouldn’t want to try and support a family of four of this salary. As well as meeting the D7 requirements, I think you should also consider the cost of living in Portugal. You can estimate some of the main costs by looking at rental prices on olx.pt and also the cost of food and drink at a supermarket website like continente.pt.

      Reply
  19. Hi James,
    Thanks for a great article. My family and I (3) are thinking to move to Portugal on D7 visa route. We hold Canadian passport.

    I think I should have enough income and saving to support my D7 application. I currently work remotely & also run an online business with total income over $5000 per month. I also have saving over $100k to support my family and I if needed.

    I have a few questions:
    – Should I apply the D7 visa in Portuguese embassy or could I apply in a Portuguese consulate.. which actually closer from where we live.

    – Should I include my spouse and son in the D7 application.. or is it better to add them under family reunification instead?

    – I have a friend who lives in Portugal, and she is willing to provide a proof of place to live in Portugal while I search for my own place once we land in Portugal. What kind of statement do I need from my friend?

    – About a Portuguese bank account. How do I open a Portuguese bank account if I haven’t landed in the country yet?

    – Similar question to NIF. How to get one before I land in the country?

    Thanks so much.

    Reply
  20. My family and I (3) was denied or application. 1st due to insufficient income. My husband has a Military Disability income of over $2200 monthly and he works remotely with an income of $3600 net monthly, we also have a 401k with over $20,000 in the account. We had proof of all documents.. 2nd my FBI report showed a criminal offense back in 03/1991 where I received probation and a fine. The consulate denied saying I was imprisoned for 1 year which is not true. They also didn’t take any of our income documents under consideration. We will be appealing the decision!

    Reply
  21. Hi James,

    Thanks again for your reply. Regarding racism, yes, I totally agree those perceptions tend to be subjective by nature and vary from one man to another. If you’re not ready to share it publicly, I wonder if you’d be confortable to share them with me just casually perhaps by emailing me. I’m old enough to know this is just one man’s experiences / opinion and won’t take anything personally should there be anything touchy. Thank you again for your replies. I really appreciate that 🙂

    Reply

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