Applying For Portugal’s D7 in 2026? Here’s Exactly How to Qualify (and What’s Changed)

Dreaming about applying for Portugal’s D7 Visa in 2026 basically boils down to two questions:

1. Is this still doable, and
2. Is it still worth it?

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.

This updated guide is designed to answer that honestly, using 2026 rules, and to hit all the real-life worries people have (money, taxes, healthcare, time in Portugal, citizenship, pets, rejection… all of it).

Are You D7 Material?

If you can say “yes” to the following, you’re in the right ballpark:

• You have steady passive income (for example, pension, US Social Security, rental income, dividends, royalties) of at least €920 per month (single applicant).
• You have at least 12 months of that amount in savings (so from €11,040 if you’re applying alone), ready to park in a Portuguese bank account.
• You’re genuinely planning to live most of the year in Portugal, not just collect a residency card and disappear around Europe or back to your home country.

That’s right: in 2026, you need at least €920 per month in passive income. Most lawyers recommend you have at least €11,040 in savings as well.

(Ignore blogs and websites that say less than this. They are using figures from previous years and haven’t been updated yet!)

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). Oh, and did we mention there’s no age requirement: whether you’re 18 or 108, you can apply.

If that sounds like you, Portugal’s D7 visa might still be one of the most attainable routes to EU residency — even in 2026.

Ready to see if you qualify?

What Is the D7 — And Who Is It Really For?

The D7 is often called:

• the “passive income” visa, or
• Portugal’s “retirement visa”.

But basically, it’s aimed at people who can support themselves from regular, predictable passive income.

What counts as passive income?

Think:

• State or private pensions
• US Social Security
• Rental income
• Dividends and investment income
• Royalties (e.g. books, music, software)

The golden rule: this income should be recurring and stable, not a one-off windfall.

And what doesn’t usually count?

• Freelancing income
• A regular remote job
• A big pile of savings with no recurring income

The Digital Nomad Visa is a better fit for active income like freelancing or a remote job; and generally speaking, the Golden Visa is a better fit if you only have savings. Alternatively, if you currently only have savings, some people create qualifying passive income by buying an annuity or a rental property and using that income to qualify.

Can you work on the D7 visa?

This is a bit of a gray area, but the general rule seems to be: you are able to work on the D7 visa unless your permit explicitly states otherwise. This includes both remote work and local work for a Portuguese company.

However, it is worth noting that:

1. This is not a work visa primarily (it’s for those with passive income and who ideally don’t need a job)
2. You normally can’t work until your residency permit has been granted (which could be several months after arriving in Portugal)
3. You may be told that you cannot work in Portugal

If your primary goal is to work in Portugal, there are more suitable visas like the D1 and D3.

	D7 (Passive Income)	Golden Visa	Digital Nomad (D8)
Income requirement	€920/month	None (focus is investment)	€3,680/month
Income type	Passive (pensions, US Social Security, rental, dividends, royalties)	None specified	Active (remote job, freelancing)
Investment required	No	Yes (typically €500k or €250k donation)	No
Physical stay	Majority of the year in Portugal	~7 days/year on average	Majority of the year in Portugal
Tax residency	Yes, usually	Often avoidable	Yes, usually
Typical legal fees	~€1,000–€3,000 per person	Often €10,000+ per person	~€1,000–€3,000 per person

• If you’re a retiree or investor with passive income and want to actually live in Portugal → D7.
• If you’re a remote worker / freelancer with strong active income → Digital Nomad Visa.
• If you want a “foot in the door” with minimal time spent in Portugal and have significant investable assets → Golden Visa.

2026: What’s Changed (And Why It Matters)

The basics of the D7 haven’t changed, but 2026 brings three big changes you need to know about.

1. Higher income threshold (because of the minimum wage)

The D7 is pegged directly to the Portuguese minimum wage, which has gone up again for 2026 to €920/month.

Your baseline requirements are now:

• Single person:
  – Monthly passive income: €920
  – Savings: €11,040 (12× monthly)
• Couple:
  – Monthly passive income: €1,380 (€920 + 50%)
  – Savings: € (12× monthly)
• Each dependent child:
  – +30% income: €276
  – +12× that amount in savings

	Monthly passive income	Savings Requirement
Single Person	€920 per month	€11,040
Couple	€1,380 per month	€16,560
Couple + Child	€1,656 per month	€19,872

How savings fit into the picture

You’re expected to show at least 12 months of the required income sitting in a Portuguese bank account:

• Single: €11,040
• Couple: €
• Couple + child: €19,872

Some lawyers now recommend 24 months of savings, but 12 months remains the standard guideline.

Expect to show several months of bank statements plus supporting documents like pension award letters, Social Security letters, rental contracts, or dividend statements that match the deposits.

2. Citizenship very likely becoming a 10-year game

Portugal’s parliament has approved a reform to increase the standard residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years (7 for EU/CPLP nationals). As of late 2025, the law is approved in parliament but still awaiting final presidential/constitutional steps, so it’s not yet in force — but the political direction is clear.

What this means if you’re moving in 2026:

• You should mentally plan for 10 years to citizenship, not 5. And then potentially another 2-3 years of processing your citizenship application.
• You will likely need to pass a civics exam and show stronger ties to Portugal.
• You can still typically apply for Portuguese permanent residence after 5 years, which already gives you a stable, long-term status in Portugal.
• After 5 years you may also be able to apply for EU long-term resident status, which can open doors to living and working in other EU countries, even before citizenship.

In other words: Portugal is still a good long-term base, but if you’re mainly chasing a “fast EU passport,” this is no longer the quick route it once was. However, countries that offer a faster route to citizenship are, unfortunately, not as easy to move to as Portugal.

2026 applications are under tighter scrutiny

Compared with a few years ago, consulates and AIMA are now much stricter on the requirements for D7 applications. Here are a few things that are scrutinized more:

• Accommodation must be fully documented and verifiable.
  A simple rental contract isn’t always enough anymore. In many cases, you may be asked for:
  • A 12-month lease (some consulates accept six, but this is rare)
  • Proof that the lease has been properly registered with the Portuguese tax authorities (Finanças)
  • Recent rent receipts (at the time of the AIMA appointment)
  • The landlord’s details (e.g., NIF number or maybe even cell phone number)
  • Occasionally, even a parish residency certificate known as an atestado de residência, if AIMA needs extra confirmation that you truly live at the address
    Basically, they want to ensure the rental is real, legal, and not a “paper lease” created just for the visa.
• Criminal record checks must be fresh.
  For Americans, this usually means an FBI background check that’s well within its validity period. If the report is close to expiring, some consulates may reject it and ask for a new one.
• Travel insurance needs to cover a full year.
  The old 120-day policy is falling out of favour with some consulates and VFS Offices. Many consulates now expect 12 months of Schengen-compliant travel insurance.
• Social security status must be clear.
  You may be asked to show either:
  • A Portuguese NISS number, or
  • Proof that you’re exempt or not required to have it yet
    This helps AIMA confirm you’re properly registered in the system once you become a resident.
• Your time in Portugal is now trackable.
  With the new EU Entry/Exit System automatically recording every Schengen border crossing, it’s much easier for AIMA to check whether you’re meeting the stay requirements.

The bottom line:
2026 isn’t the year to submit a “good enough” application. If you want a smooth approval, assume they will check everything, ask for evidence of anything, and expect your file to be organised, consistent, and easy to verify.

Core Financial Requirements: Income, Savings & How Much You Really Need

If you’re from the UK or US and read that you only need €920 per month to live in Portugal, you would assume that life here is exceptionally cheap. And some things are. However, property prices have risen considerable and even the cost of eating out, which is still comparatively very affordable, is now much more expensive than it used to be.

Minimums vs “comfortable reality”

Legally, you need at least:

• €920 per month (single)
• €1,380 per month (couple)
• +€276 per child

But if you’re coming from the US or UK, the real question is:

“Is that actually enough to live on?”

Rough ballpark (very general):

• Smaller inland town: many couples feel okay from around €2,000–€2,500/month total
• Porto / mid-size city: more like €2,500–€3,000/month
• Lisbon or pricier Algarve bits: often €3,000+ feels more comfortable

With prices creeping up — especially rents and eating out — it’s wise to aim above the bare minimum, especially if you have kids.

Couples, Kids, & Dependent Parents

You can usually attach to your D7:

• Spouse or long-term partner (often defined as cohabiting 3+ years)
• Dependent children (under 18, or older if in full-time education)
• Dependent parents (yours or your spouse’s)
• Sometimes minor siblings, if you’re their legal guardian

Financially:

• Spouse/partner = +50% of €920 (so +€460)
• Each child = +30% of €920 (so +€276)
• There’s no official requirement for dependent parents. Some lawyers suggest +50% of €920 (so +€460) while others say +30% of €920 is fine (so +€276)

And remember:

• Only the main applicant’s income counts for the D7 calculation. Even if your spouse has their own pension, the consulate may ignore it and expect one person to meet the full couple requirement (€1,380).
• When you add family members, your savings requirement rises too (12 months of the total household amount).

In tricky cases (e.g. the main applicant is just short), it’s worth having a lawyer speak to the consulate to see whether there’s any flexibility.

Non-Financial Requirements (Where Most Stress Actually Happens)

NIF number (Portuguese tax ID)

You’ll need a NIF fairly early:

• To open a Portuguese bank account
• To sign a rental contract
• Eventually for most bureaucratic things in Portugal

You can:

• Get it online (Portugalist can help you obtain one for as little as €68); or
• Get it in person at Finanças / Loja do Cidadão, often needing a fiscal representative if you’re not yet resident.

Portuguese bank account

You MUST have a Portuguese bank account (not just Wise, Revolut, or your home-country bank):

• This is where your savings go (the 12-month buffer)
• Ideally, this is where your passive income deposits go as well

You can:

• Fly to Portugal and open one in person, or
• Use a lawyer/relocation company to open one remotely (Portugalist partners typically charge from around €269.25 for this).

Accommodation: yes, you really do need a lease before you apply

This is one of the most painful parts for anyone (particularly those in places like the US or Canada).

“Do I actually need to sign a 12-month lease before I even know if my visa will be approved?”

In practice, yes. Most consulates and AIMA expect:

• A rental contract, usually at least 12 months
• OR property deeds if you’ve bought a home
• In 2026, AIMA may also ask for:
  • Lease registered with Finanças
  • Rent receipts
  • Landlord ID and an additional landlord declaration
  • Sometimes a residency certificate from your local parish

Previously, hotel and Airbnb bookings were commonly accepted. This is now much rarer.

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.
• By contacting landlords and rental agencies directly and renting over the internet (Idealista and Imovirtual are popular websites).
• By using a rental agency or immigration company to find a rental for you. 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.

Criminal record checks

You’ll need:

• A criminal record / police check from your country of residency, which often needs to be apostilled.
• For Americans, that usually means an FBI report — and consulates are now stricter about the validity period (they don’t want one that’s nearly “expired” in their eyes).

You’ll also usually sign a consent form allowing the Portuguese authorities to pull your Portuguese criminal record (even if you’ve never lived here before).

Travel insurance & health insurance

Up until recently, most people would get a 4-6 month travel insurance policy to cover them for the period in Portugal but before their AIMA appointment. Before the AIMA appointment, they would get health insurance.

However, it’s important to realize that some consulates now want to see one year of travel insurance and not just 4-6 months. Note: this doesn’t apply to all consulates and VFS offices, so it’s important to research thoroughly or work with a competent immigration lawyer.

If your goal is to eventually get private health insurance, you may want to get a travel insurance policy you can cancel once you arrive in Portugal and have private health insurance.

The travel insurance must:

• Be valid for the entire intended stay (now commonly interpreted as 12 months)
• Cover the Schengen Area (Portugal included)
• Have minimum €30,000 emergency medical cover
• Include emergency repatriation
• Have no deductible
• Not exclude COVID-19 (particularly where VFS is involved)
• Start on the date of your planned arrival

You can still use the public healthcare system. However, you typically won’t be able to register for your número de utente or SNS number until you’re received your residency permit (which comes a few weeks or months after a successful AIMA appointment).

Most expats use a combination of the public and private system: public for big issues and emergencies, but the private system as a starting point or for routine checkups and smaller surgeries.

Highlights:

• Public healthcare (SNS) is heavily subsidised and excellent for emergencies and big things.
• Private healthcare and health insurance is relatively affordable compared to the US/UK, and many people use it for routine appointments and tests.
• English-speaking doctors and specialists are widely available in bigger cities and the Algarve.

If you’re American, it will feel cheap vs US healthcare. If you’re British, it’s a bit like getting a hybrid of NHS + affordable private.

Flight Itinerary

Many consulates still expect a booked flight itinerary, and some insist on a return ticket rather than one-way, even if you intend to stay.

Valid Passport

A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and at least two blank visa pages.

Personal statement

This is your “why Portugal?” letter — a chance to:

• Show that you’re genuinely planning to live in Portugal
• Explain your income, lifestyle, and connection to the country
• Reassure them that you won’t be a burden on the state (in short: show them that you have enough passive income and savings to live in Portugal)

How Much Time Do You Actually Need to Spend in Portugal?

This used to be a bit vague; 2026 will likely be less forgiving.

Legally, for the initial 2-year permit, you’re generally expected not to:

• Be absent from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months, or
• More than 8 months total during those first 2 years.

And with the new EU Entry/Exit System, your comings and goings are recorded automatically, making it easier for AIMA to check.

What this means in real life:

• If your plan is to live mostly in the US/UK and only drop into Portugal occasionally, the D7 isn’t a good fit anymore.
• If you want to base yourself in Portugal but still travel, that’s absolutely fine — just don’t disappear for most of every year.

Once you reach the 5-year mark and qualify for Permanent Residency, the rules become much more flexible.

Permanent residents can usually:

• Be outside Portugal for up to 24 consecutive months without losing their status, and
• Be outside Portugal for 30 non-consecutive months over any 5-year period.

This is a major relief for people who want long travel periods, second homes abroad, or extended stays in the US/UK to see family.

Residency Stage	Maximum Time Abroad (Consecutive)	Maximum Time Abroad (Total)	Notes
Temporary Residency – First 2 Years	6 months	8 months	Applies across the whole 2-year period; tracked via the EU Entry/Exit System.
Temporary Residency – Next 3 Years	6 months	8 months	Same pattern; long absences can jeopardize renewal.
Permanent Residency (after 5 years)	24 months	30 months within a 3-year cycle	Far more flexible; designed for long-term residents who still travel frequently.

Taxes: Will You Be Taxed on Everything?

Short answer: probably yes — but not twice.

While there are exceptions, if you live in Portugal for more than 183 days a year or have a habitual home there, you’re generally treated as a Portuguese tax resident. That means:

• Portugal can tax your worldwide income, including pensions, dividends, and US Social Security.

But:

• Portugal has tax treaties with the US and the UK, which usually prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income.
• Exactly who taxes what (and at what rate) depends on your mix of income, where it’s paid, and how the treaty applies.

The old NHR regime has been heavily scaled back and no longer offers the simple “10% tax on pensions” that many earlier movers enjoyed.

For Americans and Brits, the smart move is to:

• Assume you will become a Portuguese tax resident
• Speak to a cross-border tax advisor familiar with Portugal + US or Portugal + UK
• Plan your move date and asset structure before you apply, if possible

Want to avoid Portuguese tax residency?

Unfortunately, almost all visas (including the D7 and Digital Nomad Visa) assume you will spend the majority of the year in Portugal and become a tax resident. The exception is the Golden Visa, which requires a minimum of 7 days per year. Because of this, it’s possible to spend less than 183 days in Portugal. However, doing this would prevent you from properly settling in Portugal (assuming that’s your goal).

Do You Need to Speak Portuguese?

Here’s the simple version: you don’t need any Portuguese to get the D7 visa, and you don’t need it to live in Portugal long-term unless you want permanent residency or citizenship later on.

For the visa

No Portuguese required. You can apply, get approved, and settle in without speaking a word.

For permanent residency (year 5)

You’ll need to show A2 Portuguese, which is “upper-beginner” level. Think basic conversations, simple reading, and the essentials of everyday life.

For citizenship (year 10)

Same requirement: A2 level Portuguese.

Do you have to do this?

No. You can live in Portugal forever as a temporary resident, renewing your residency every five years, and never take the exam if you prefer.

How do most people pass?

You’ve got two main options:

• Sit the official A2 exam (the most common route)
• Complete a government-approved Portuguese course (around 150 hours)

Both are very doable with a bit of commitment — especially if you start early.

What about day-to-day life?

In most coastal areas — Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, the Algarve, and many popular expat towns — you’ll find plenty of English speakers. You can comfortably get by while you learn.

Of course, learning some Portuguese makes daily life easier and helps you integrate, but you certainly won’t be lost on day one.

The D7 Process in 2026: Step-By-Step

In very simplified form:

1. Check if the D7 is the right visa
   – Compare with D8 (Digital Nomad), D2 (entrepreneur), or the Golden Visa if you don’t plan to live in Portugal full-time.
2. Talk to a lawyer or relocation specialist (strongly recommended)
   – Especially if you’re moving with family, have complex income, or are worried about citizenship law changes.
3. Scouting trip (optional but helpful)
   – Test locations, understand rents, choose where you’ll live.
4. Get a NIF number
   – Do it online or in person.
5. Open a Portuguese bank account
   – Deposit your 12+ months of savings.
   – Start (or be ready to start) receiving passive income there.
6. Secure accommodation
   – Rental contract (ideally 12 months) or property purchase.
   – Make sure the lease is solid and can later be registered properly.
7. Gather documents
   – Criminal background checks (FBI etc.), apostilles, translations.
   – Marriage and birth certificates.
   – Your income proof (pensions, rental contracts, dividend statements).
   – Travel insurance (often 12 months now).
   – Personal statement.
8. Submit your D7 application at your Portuguese consulate / VFS
   – In your country of residence (US, UK, etc.).
   – Pay the fee (note: some consulates are now card-only).
9. Get your 120-day visa
   – This lets you enter Portugal and stay while you attend your AIMA appointment.
10. Fly to Portugal & attend your AIMA appointment
    – Bring updated bank statements, proof of rent, proof of health insurance, and any other requested documents (including NISS or social security exemption if applicable).
11. Receive your residence card (usually 2-year validity)
    – Congratulations, you’re a resident of Portugal.
12. Renew, then choose your long-term path
    • Year 2: renew your temporary permit (often for 3 more years).
    • Year 5: apply for permanent residence and/or EU long-term resident status if you qualify.
    • Years 7–10: depending on the final form of the new law and your nationality, you may later apply for citizenship if you still wish to.

Rapid-Fire FAQs (Answering the Big Questions + More)

Is €920 really enough to live on?
Legally yes, comfortably no — especially not in Lisbon or the Algarve. Treat that as the bare minimum for the visa, not your ideal living budget.

Do I need a lease before applying?
In almost all cases, yes. Assume a 12-month lease or property purchase before your consulate appointment.

If I’m applying with rental income, is the €920 profit after the mortgage and other costs?
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.

Can I apply with a criminal record?
It depends. Minor offences are often fine, but more serious crimes (especially those punishable by more than one year in prison under Portuguese law) are likely to cause problems. This is definitely one to discuss with a lawyer.

What’s the maximum time I can spend in Portugal?
365 days (or 366 during a leap year!). This visa allows you to spend as much time as you want in Portugal, but note: there are restrictions on how much time you can spend outside.

Can I buy property on the D7?
Absolutely. In fact, you can buy property in Portugal if you’re not a resident. What the D7 does is allow you to live in your property year-round (otherwise, you’d likely be impacted by the Schengen 90/180-day rule).

How often do I need to be in Portugal?
Plan to spend most of the year in Portugal, with no absences longer than 6 continuous months and not more than 8 months total in your first 2-year period.

Will I be taxed on my worldwide income?
If you become tax-resident (very likely on the D7), yes — but tax treaties with the US/UK should prevent double taxation.

What’s healthcare really like?
Good. Use private insurance initially and alongside a very capable public system (SNS) once registered. Most expats rate it highly, especially given the cost.

How much Portuguese do I need?
For the visa: none formally. For integration and permanent residence/citizenship: A2 level and a bit of cultural knowledge. Start early; future rules are moving toward more emphasis on integration.

Where should I live?
Depends on what you value: city culture (Lisbon/Porto), beaches (Algarve/Silver Coast), affordability (Silver Coast/Central), or islands (Madeira/Azores). You’ll find D7 holders in all of them.

Is citizenship still possible?
Yes — but very likely on a 10-year timeline for most non-EU nationals moving from 2026 onwards, subject to final law details.

Do I need a car?
Not strictly in central Lisbon/Porto. Almost everywhere else, a car makes life dramatically easier. However, it is possible to survive without a car in many medium sized towns and small cities.

Can I work remotely for a US/UK company on the D7?
In practice: usually yes, as long as you qualified primarily with passive income and remain within tax rules. If your main income is your job, the Digital Nomad Visa might be a better fit.

Will I be lonely?
Only if you hide at home. There are huge expat communities, local clubs, sports, language schools, coworking spaces, and plenty of ways to meet people.

Is Portugal still “worth it” with rising prices?
If you want sunshine, safety, slower pace, and stability in an EU country — many would say yes. Just don’t base your move on 2016 cost-of-living blog posts.

Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but it involves vet certificates, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and sometimes EU pet passports depending on your route. Build this into your timeline.

What happens if my visa is denied?
You can usually appeal or re-apply. A good lawyer can help figure out what went wrong (often documentation, timing, or insufficient income) and fix it. However, it’s better to work with a good lawyer beforehand as appeals can be time-consuming and costly.

Is the D7 visa ending?
No current plans to scrap it — but the rules around it (income thresholds, documentation, citizenship path) are clearly tightening. It’s possible they may increase the income requirements in future years.