Portugal’s D7 Visa for US Citizens in 2026

The D7 visa lets Americans with passive income — such as Social Security, 401(k) or IRA distributions, or rental income — move to Portugal and live here full-time.

You’ll enjoy Portugal’s beautiful beaches, lower cost of living, and safety — plus access to the universal healthcare system and affordable education.

The best part? In 2026, an individual only needs €920 per month to qualify — well within reach for many Americans, particularly retirees.

⚠️ Important for Americans: As a US citizen, you’ll still need to file US taxes after moving — the US taxes Americans citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. The US–Portugal tax treaty helps prevent double taxation, but you’ll want a US expat tax accountant before you move.

The D7 Visa Is Best For

✔ American retirees on Social Security
✔ Those living off 401(k) or IRA distributions
✔ Investors earning dividends
✔ Property owners with rental income
✔ Anyone with passive investment income

Not ideal for:

✖ Remote workers & freelancers (look at the D8 Digital Nomad Visa instead)

Request A Free D7 Visa Consulation

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Benefits of Living in Portugal for Americans

🏥 Healthcare at a fraction of US costs: Portugal has a universal healthcare system (SNS) that residents can access. Unlike the US, you won’t need employer-sponsored insurance to get care. Most American expats also take out private health insurance in Portugal — and even premium private plans typically cost far less per month than a US insurance premium.

💰 Dramatically lower cost of living: Americans from high-cost cities like San Francisco, New York, Boston, or Los Angeles typically see the biggest savings — but even those from mid-cost states find Portugal offers exceptional value. Outside of Lisbon and the Algarve, everyday expenses are noticeably lower than most of the US.

🌐 English widely spoken: Especially in Lisbon, the Algarve, and coastal areas — making the transition far easier than moving to most non-English-speaking countries.

🔒 Significantly safer than the US: Portugal is consistently ranked among the world’s safest countries, with very low violent crime rates and a stable, peaceful society.

💼 Right to work or start a business: Under the D7, you can legally work for a Portuguese employer, work remotely, or set up a business in Portugal if you choose to.

🛂 Path to EU citizenship: After 10 years on the D7, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship — giving you an EU passport and visa-free access to all 26 Schengen countries. For Americans, this is a significant long-term benefit.

🎓 Affordable education: Public schools are free and higher education is very affordable — a major contrast to US tuition costs if you’re moving with children.

D7 Visa Requirements for Americans

The following are the main requirements for a D7 application. Americans apply through the Portuguese consulate that covers their state of residence — and requirements can vary slightly between consulates. (A more in-depth explanation of the D7 requirements can be found here.)

⚠️ Which consulate do you use? Americans apply through one of several Portuguese consulates based on their state of residence. Consulates are located in Washington DC, New York, Newark, Boston, New Bedford, San Francisco, and Houston. Wait times for appointments vary significantly — some consulates are booking 3–6+ months out. Check your consulate’s website early and factor this into your timeline.

Key Requirements

☐ Main applicant is 18+

☐ Criminal record check (apostilled)¹

☐ Proof of accommodation in Portugal (e.g. rental lease, property deeds, or terms of responsibility form)²

Financial Requirements

☐ National Visa application form

☐ Sufficient passive income: e.g. €920 (~$) per month for an individual in 2026

☐ Sufficient savings: e.g. €11,040 (~$) for an individual in 2026

☐ Supporting evidence — for Americans this typically means: Social Security award letters, 401(k) or IRA distribution statements, pension documentation, US brokerage statements showing dividend income, or rental lease contracts.

Additional Requirements

☐ Authorization for a criminal record check in Portugal

☐ Personal statement

☐ Portuguese NIF number (Portuguese tax ID — you can get this before moving)

☐ Portuguese bank account³

☐ Valid US passport (6+ months validity beyond the 120-day visa, 2 blank pages)

☐ Completed D7 application form and 2 passport photos — note these must be EU-sized (35x45mm), which is different from the standard US 2×2 inch format

☐ Travel insurance with €30,000 hospitalization cover and repatriation⁴

Optional Requirements

☐ Proposed flight itinerary or ticket⁵

☐ Marriage certificate (if applying as a couple) and children’s birth certificates (if applying as a family)⁶

What Counts As Passive Income

✔️ US Social Security

✔️ 401(k) and IRA distributions

✔️ State or private pensions

✔️ Rental income⁷

✔️ Dividends and other investment income

✔️ Interest⁸

✔️ Annuities

✔️ Royalties (e.g. books, music, software)

What Doesn’t Count

✖️ Income from a remote job — even from a US employer⁹

✖️ Freelancing income (from US or international clients)¹⁰

✖️ Savings alone (unless they generate ongoing passive income such as interest)

Which Family Members Can You Include?

The D7 allows you to include certain family members (dependents) on your application. You can also bring them to Portugal on the D6 Visa later if they’re unable to move at the same time as you. Note: each additional person requires additional passive income and savings.

Spouse/Partner

An elderly couple is walking down a narrow street lined with shops and cafes. Both are smiling and holding coffee cups, with one arm around each other. The man carries a backpack, and colorful hanging lanterns decorate the street above them.

It’s possible to add a spouse or long-term unmarried partner to a D7 application.

For unmarried couples, you’ll typically need to have lived at the same address for 3+ years and have paper evidence of this, such as shared bills or both names on the lease or mortgage.

Dependent Children

A smiling family of four enjoys a day at the beach. The father carries a young boy on his shoulders while standing next to the mother, who holds a baby on her shoulders. The mother wears blue sunglasses and the sun is setting in the background, casting a warm glow.

Children under the age of 18 can be easily added to a D7 application.

Dependent children between 18 and around 24 and in full-time education can normally be added. If your child isn’t studying or is older than that, they will normally need to submit a separate visa application.

Dependent Parents

A multi-generational family, composed of two grandparents, two parents, and two young children, poses outdoors in a forested area. They are all smiling and appear happy. The children are being carried by the adults. Trees and sunlight are visible in the background.

Dependent parents can be added if you can show that they’re physically or financially dependent on you.

If they have their own passive income (such as their own Social Security or pension), they would normally submit their own visa application rather than apply as your dependent.

Income Requirements for Families

	Monthly passive income	Savings Requirement
Single Person	€920 (~$) per month	€11,040 (~$)
Couple	€1,380 (~$) per month	€16,560 (~$)
Each Dependent Child	€276 (~$) per month	€3,312 (~$)
Each Dependent Parent	€460 (~$) per month	€5,520 (~$)

⚠️ Note: Only one person’s income is considered for a D7 application. If one person doesn’t have enough income to cover additional dependents, check whether you would qualify with two separate applications.

What Americans Need to Know: Taxes

Tax is the area where Americans face unique considerations that other nationalities don’t. Here’s a plain-English overview — but always consult a US expat tax accountant before making the move.

You’ll still file US taxes after moving. Unlike citizens of most other countries, Americans are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Moving to Portugal does not end your US tax filing obligation.

You’ll also become a Portuguese tax resident. While a double taxation treaty typically prevents you being taxed twice, you will need to file in both countries.

The US–Portugal tax treaty helps. Portugal and the US have a tax treaty that prevents most cases of true double taxation. The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) and Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) are the main tools Americans use to reduce their US tax burden while living abroad.

Report your Portuguese bank account to the IRS. If the combined value of your foreign bank and financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). This is separate from your tax return and easy to miss.

Social Security is protected. The US and Portugal have a totalization agreement, which means your Social Security benefits are not reduced when you move to Portugal. However, Social Security is taxable in Portugal. The savings on the cost of living can make up for this, but it’s something to be aware of.

📌 Bottom line: Get a US expat tax specialist involved before you move, not after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Work on the D7 Visa?

Yes, you can generally work on a D7 visa, either locally or remotely. A more in-depth explanation on working on the D7 can be found here.

Do Americans Have to Pay Taxes in Both the US and Portugal?

This is the most important tax question for Americans specifically. Unlike citizens of most other countries, Americans must file US taxes no matter where in the world they live — moving to Portugal does not end that obligation.

You’ll also be a Portuguese tax resident. That means you’ll be filing taxes in both countries. However, the US–Portugal tax treaty exists specifically to prevent double taxation, and tools like the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) mean most Americans don’t end up paying tax on the same income twice.

Your Social Security benefits are protected by a separate US–Portugal totalization agreement — they won’t be reduced or double-taxed. However, they will likely be taxable in Portugal.

This area is genuinely complex. We strongly recommend working with a US expat tax accountant before you move, not after.

Which Portuguese Consulate Do I Apply Through?

U.S. residents generally must apply through the Portuguese consular office that has jurisdiction over their state of residence, and you usually cannot choose a different one. The consulates and their general coverage areas are:

Washington DC — DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Indiana

New York — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and Alaska

Newark — Handles some overflow — check the consulate’s website for current jurisdiction

Boston — Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

New Bedford — Serves parts of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island

San Francisco — California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, and US territories in the Pacific

Houston — Texas, Oklahoma

⚠️ Appointment wait times vary significantly between consulates and change frequently. Some are currently booking appointments 3–6+ months out. Check your consulate’s website as early as possible and build this into your timeline. Requirements can also vary slightly between consulates, so always verify the specific document list with yours directly.

Do I Need to Close My US Bank Accounts?

Most Americans keep them. You will, however, need to open a Portuguese bank account as part of your D7 application.

A few things to be aware of: some US banks do close or restrict accounts once they become aware you’ve moved abroad, so it’s worth checking your bank’s policy before you leave. Banks known to be more expat-friendly include Charles Schwab and certain credit unions.

Also important: once the combined balance of your foreign accounts (including your Portuguese account) exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year, you are legally required to file an FBAR (FinCEN 114) with the US Treasury. This is separate from your tax return. Failure to file carries significant penalties, so make sure your US expat tax accountant is handling this.

What Happens to My Social Security if I Move to Portugal?

Nothing changes. You continue to receive your Social Security payments after moving to Portugal — they can be deposited directly into your US bank account as usual.

The US and Portugal have a totalization agreement, which means your benefits are not reduced and you won’t be taxed on them twice. However, the rate at which Portugal taxes Social Security can start much earlier than the US.

Do I Need to Speak Portuguese?

There’s no language requirement for the visa application itself. However, if you apply for Permanent Residency or Portuguese citizenship down the line, you’ll need to demonstrate at least an A2 level of Portuguese. Don’t worry — this is the second-most basic level on the European scale. You only need a pass mark of 55% or more on the exam, or alternatively you can complete an approved 150-hour course.

Are There Any Restrictions on Where I Can Live in Portugal?

None at all — you can live anywhere in Portugal. This includes Madeira and the Azores.

Can I Apply with a Criminal Record?

Minor offenses are often fine, but more serious crimes — especially those that would be punishable by more than one year in prison under Portuguese law — are likely to cause problems and may result in your application being rejected. See our guide to moving to Portugal with a criminal record.

How Much Time Can I Spend Back in the US?

The D7 is a residency visa — Portugal needs to be your primary home. During the temporary residency period (first five years) you can be outside Portugal for up to six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months per permit period. So you can still go back to the US for visits, holidays, or family occasions — just not for more than roughly four months per year in the early years.

After five years you can apply for Permanent Residency, which is significantly more flexible. See the full physical stay requirements section below for a breakdown.

Can I Buy Property in Portugal on the D7?

Yes — Americans can purchase property in Portugal, and you don’t need to already have residency to do so. Many Americans buy before moving and use the property as their proof of accommodation for the D7 application. Just note that buying a property does not automatically grant you residency — you still need to apply for the D7 separately.

What Happens if My Visa Application is Denied?

You can usually appeal or re-apply. A good immigration lawyer can help identify what went wrong — often it’s documentation, timing, or insufficient proof of income — and fix it before resubmitting. That said, it’s always better to work with a lawyer upfront, since appeals take time and can be costly.

Physical Stay Requirements

White house in Portugal with a blue-framed red door and window, potted plants at the entrance, and cobblestone pavement.

During the temporary residency period (first five years) you can be outside of Portugal for six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months per permit period.

The initial permit is granted for two years and the second permit is granted for three years.

This means if you split the time evenly, you can spend about four months per year back in the US (or elsewhere) during the first two years, and a little over three months per year during the following three years.

After five years, you can apply for Permanent Residency, which is significantly more flexible — allowing up to three years outside of Portugal. Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship, there are no physical stay requirements at all.

There are exemptions for travel related to work or health. And importantly: the time you spend back in the US visiting family counts toward the “time outside Portugal” limit, not against your D7 status.

Residency Stage	Maximum Time Abroad (Consecutive)	Maximum Time Abroad (Total)	Notes
Temporary Residency – First 2 Years	6 months	8 months	If split evenly, roughly 4 months per year outside Portugal
Temporary Residency – Next 3 Years	6 months	8 months	If split evenly, roughly 3 months per year outside Portugal
Permanent Residency (after 5 years)	24 months	30 months within a 3-year cycle	Almost 2.5 years outside Portugal within any 3-year period

Alternative Visa Options

The D7 is the most popular option for Americans because the income requirements are low and it’s well-suited to retirees. But it’s not the only route.

If you’re still earning income from a US employer or freelance clients and don’t have passive income, the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is usually the right choice. See our: comparison of the D7 and D8

If you’re not ready to commit to living in Portugal full-time, the Golden Visa offers residency benefits without the physical stay requirements. It requires a significant investment (typically €500,000+), so it’s most relevant for higher-net-worth Americans who want an EU foothold without relocating. See our: comparison of the D7 and the Golden Visa

A person stamps a passport at a wooden desk. Several stamps and ink pads are scattered on the desk, along with a few documents. The person is wearing a white shirt and a blue tie.

	D7 (This Visa)	Golden Visa	Digital Nomad (D8)
Income Requirement	€920 (~$) per month (+ €11,040 (~$) in savings)	None (focus is investment)	€3,680 (~$) per month (+ €11,040 (~$) in savings)
Income Type	Passive income: Social Security, 401(k)/IRA distributions, pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties	No income required — investment only	Salary from a remote job or freelancing income
Investment Required	No	Yes (€500k investment or €250k donation)	No
Physical Stay	Majority of the year in Portugal	~7 days per year on average	Majority of the year in Portugal
Tax Residency	Yes (plus ongoing US filing obligation)	Avoidable	Yes (plus ongoing US filing obligation)
Typical Legal Fees	~€1,000–€3,000 per person	Often €10,000+ per person	~€1,000–€3,000 per person

Income requirements based on an individual applicant. Couples and families require more.

Quick Guide: Which Visa Is Right for You?

If you’re retiring on Social Security, a pension, or investment income and want to live full-time in Portugal → D7.
If you’re still working remotely for a US employer or freelance clients → Digital Nomad Visa (D8).
If you want a “foot in the door” or backup plan without committing to full-time residency, and you have significant capital to invest → Golden Visa.