Portugal D7 Visa: A Definitive Guide for 2025 

If you’re planning to move to Portugal and have a steady source of passive income, the D7 Visa is one of the best residency options for you.

This visa is for non-EU citizens who can support themselves through income, like pensions, rent, or dividends. It offers a clear path to live legally in Portugal while enjoying benefits like public healthcare, Schengen travel, and Portuguese citizenship after five years.

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Portugal D7 visa, including eligibility and income rules. See the complete timeline, tax implications, and how to speed up your application process.

TL;DR — Portugal D7 Visa at a Glance (2025)

• What It Is: A residency visa for non-EU citizens with passive income (e.g., pensions, dividends, rentals) to legally live in Portugal.

• Who Can Apply: Retirees, financially independent individuals, and remote passive income earners with no need to work in Portugal.

• Minimum Income (2025): €870/month (or €10,440/year) + ▸ +50% for spouse ▸ +30% for each dependent child

• Accommodation Requirement: Must show proof of long-term housing in Portugal (e.g., 12-month rental contract or property ownership).

• Key Documents: Valid passport, clean criminal record (apostilled), travel insurance, bank statements, proof of passive income, proof of accommodation.

Timeline:

▸ Visa processing: 30–90 days at your consulate
▸ Post-arrival: Book and attend AIMA (residency) appointment within 120 days
▸ Residence card: Issued for 2 years, renewable

• Minimum Stay: ▸ 16 months in Portugal during the first 2 years ▸ No absence longer than 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months

• Path to Citizenship: Eligible after 5 years of residency, A2-level Portuguese language proficiency test, and a clean criminal record.

• Tax Regime: D7 holders do not qualify for Portugal’s new IFICI (NHR 2.0) unless working in a high-value profession. ▸ Foreign pensions now taxed under normal income brackets

• Costs (Estimate): ▸ €90–€120 for visa fee ▸ €400–€1,000/year for travel insurance ▸ €1,000–€3,000 for legal assistance ▸ Rent or home purchase required

• Touchdown Visa Package Includes:

• Portuguese bank account

• Portuguese NIF (Fiscal Number)

• Dedicated immigration lawyer

• Lease agreement review

• Continuous legal support

• 1 hour immigration consultation

• Document preparation & review

• Appointment management 

• Real estate legal assistance

What Is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The Portugal D7 Visa, also called the D7 Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa, is a Portugal residency visa for non-European citizens. It’s designed for people who earn passive income from sources like pensions, rent, dividends, or royalties.

You don’t need a job offer or business setup to qualify. With this visa, you can live in Portugal full-time, access public healthcare and services, and apply for permanent residency and/or citizenship after 5 years. 

Who Is the Portugal D7 Visa for?

Here’s who can apply for a Portuguese D7 visa:

• Retirees and pensioners: People who receive a regular pension and want to live in Portugal long-term without needing to work.

• Financially independent individuals: Applicants who earn passive income from sources like property rentals, dividends, royalties, or trust income.

<table border="1" cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0">

<thead>

<tr>

<th></th>

<th>D7 Visa</th>

<th>D8 Visa</th>

<th>Golden Visa (ARI)</th>

</tr>

</thead>

<tbody>

<tr>

<td>Residency Type</td>

<td>National residence visa</td>

<td>National residence visa</td>

<td>Investor residency permit (ARI)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Basis for Eligibility</td>

<td>Passive income from abroad</td>

<td>Remote/stable income from abroad</td>

<td>Investment in funds, jobs, and research</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Investment Required</td>

<td>None</td>

<td>None</td>

<td>Yes</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Income + Proof Required</td>

<td>Must prove average passive income at or above Portugal’s monthly minimum wage (≈ €870/month)</td>

<td>Remote work income should be 4x the minimum wage of Portugal (≈ €3,480/month)</td>

<td>No minimum income required. Eligibility is based on investment amount and legal compliance</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Path to Citizenship</td>

<td>Eligible after 5 years + language test</td>

<td>Eligible after 5 years + language test</td>

<td>Eligible after 5 years + language test</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

Benefits of D7 Passive Income Visa

The following are the benefits you get if you apply for a D7 visa:

Residency Rights in Portugal

The Portugal D7 visa grants you the legal right to live in Portugal as a non-EU national, with renewable residence permits.

Visa-free Travel in the Schengen Area

As a D7 visa holder and legal resident of Portugal, you can travel visa-free to other Schengen countries and stay in them for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, even though your main residency must remain in Portugal.

Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

You can apply for permanent residency in Portugal after five years of legal residence under the D7 Visa. To qualify for citizenship, you must have no serious criminal record and pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level).

Family Reunification

You can bring your spouse or legal partner, dependent children, parents, or minor siblings in your care under this visa. 

Access to Portugal’s Public Services

As a D7 Visa holder, you can access Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS), including subsidized doctor visits and hospital care. 

You’re also eligible to enroll your children in public schools and access legal protections and residency rights available to all foreign residents under Portuguese law.

What’s the Eligibility Criteria for the Portugal D7 Visa

Here’s what you need to know about Portugal D7 visa eligibility requirements:

Country Eligibility

Only citizens of non‑European Union (EU), non‑European Economic Area (EEA), and non‑Swiss countries can apply.

Means of Subsistence

You must demonstrate stable passive income that meets the Portuguese minimum monthly wage (approx. €870 as of 2025). This is confirmed via bank statements, pension letters, investment documents, or similar financial proof.

Required Documentation

To apply for a long-term national visa like the D7, you must provide:

• A valid passport or travel document with at least six months' validity beyond the visa period

• Two recent passport-style photos

• 1-year lease agreement as proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental agreement, property deed, or invitation letter)

• A clean criminal record certificate from your country of residence.

• Proof of passive income

Proof of Status

If you’re applying for the D7 Visa from a country that isn’t your country of nationality, you must submit a valid resident card or permit to show you’re allowed to live there legally.

D7 Visa Eligibility Criteria for Families & Partners

The D7 visa also allows you to include your spouse or legal partner, children under 18, dependent parents, and minor siblings who are legally under your care.

To qualify, you must prove that your passive income and housing are sufficient to support yourself and your dependents. This means adding:

• 50% of the required income for your spouse or partner

• 30% of the required income for each dependent child.

Required Documentation for Spouse or Family Member

You must provide the required documents for dependent applicants, including:

• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)

• Valid passports with at least six months’ validity beyond the stay

• Clean criminal record for 16 year old+

• 6-month travel insurance

• Proof of housing in Portugal (showing space for all family members)

• Documents must be legalized or apostilled if issued outside Portugal.

Portugal D7 Visa Income Requirements 2025

You must show proof of consistent passive income from the recent months equivalent to at least 100% of Portugal’s monthly minimum wage, which is currently €870/month (≈ €10,440/year). 

You must demonstrate that you:

• Regularly receive passive income per month

• Hold a year's worth of suggested savings (€10,440) equal to Portugal’s yearly minimum wage

• Can support yourself month to month without relying on employment in Portugal

• Can prove this income is documented through bank statements, pension letters, or similar records

Passive income can include pensions, rental properties, dividends, royalties, or interest

Recommended Documentation

Provide clear financial evidence, such as pension letters, dividend slips, or rental contracts, along with corresponding bank statements.

Portuguese consulates may request additional savings or income documentation if they exercise discretionary judgment.

Here’s a table to show you the income requirement breakdown for a family of four applying for a D7 visa:

<table border="1" cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0">

<thead>

<tr>

<th>Applicant Type</th>

<th>Minimum Annual Passive Income Needed</th>

</tr>

</thead>

<tbody>

<tr>

<td>Single Applicant</td>

<td>€10,440</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>+ Spouse (50%)</td>

<td>€10,440 + €5,220 = €15,660</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>+ One Child (30%)</td>

<td>€10,440 + €3,132 = €13,572</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Family of Four</td>

<td>€10,440 + €5,220 + €6,264 = €21,924</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for the D7 Visa?

Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare the documents for your D7 visa application form:

• Valid passport (6+ months beyond your intended stay)

• Two recent passport-style photos

• Bank statements (last 6 months) showing passive income

• Supporting documents (e.g., pension letters, rental income proof, dividend slips)

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property deed)

• 6-month travel insurance

• Police clearance certificate from your country of residence (issued within the last 90 days)

• NIF

• Portuguese Bank Account

D7 Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

The Portugal D7 visa for U.S. citizens follows the same core rules as for non-EU applicants, but there are a few U.S.-specific details to note. 

You must submit an FBI-issued criminal background check, not a state-level report. It must be apostilled at federal level before submission.

Other documents, like marriage or birth certificates, also need to be apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention. This is a special certificate that makes a document legally valid for use in another country.

The D7 Visa Timeline: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide on your D7 visa application process:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Collect your required documents for the visa application. You’ll need to gather:

• Passport 

• Financial statements showing passive income funds equivalent to Portugal’s minimum wage 

• Criminal background check from your country of residence

• Proof of health insurance covering your stay

• Proof of legal status in your current country of residence (if not your country of citizenship)

• Two recent passport-style photos

• A travel insurance valid for 6 months and covers the Schengen area

💡 Touchdown Insight:

Start collecting key documents before you even plan your move, especially those that need apostilles or translations (like birth/marriage certificates or FBI background checks for U.S. citizens). Many of these take 4–8 weeks, and rushing can delay your entire visa process.

Step 2: Get Your NIF (Portuguese Tax Number) 

You need a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), Portugal’s tax identification number, to sign an accommodation lease and prove financial readiness for a better chance of acceptance.

If you’re applying for NIF from abroad, you’ll need a legal representative in Portugal to file the request on your behalf. 

Touchdown acts as the legal representative in Portugal to submit your NIF application on your behalf. Our team also assists with opening your Portuguese bank account using your NIF and proof of funds, both of which are prerequisites for your D7 visa application.

Step 3: Secure Accommodation 

After setting up your tax number, the next step is to secure a place to live in Portugal.

Most consulates require proof of long-term accommodation in Portugal. This could be a signed 12-month rental agreement, a property deed, or an invitation letter from a host. 

💡 Touchdown Insight: Don’t just choose any rental, pick accommodation in an area with easy access to public services and language schools if you’re new to Portugal. 

Step 4: Submit Your Application at the Portuguese Consulate

Once your documents are ready, the next step is applying for the Portugal D7 passive income visa at your local Portuguese consulate or embassy in the country where you legally reside.

• Schedule an appointment early. Some consulates book out weeks or months in advance.

• At the appointment, you’ll present your full dossier: visa forms, passport, proof of income, bank statements, housing confirmation, criminal record, insurance, and legal status documents.

• You may be interviewed about your relocation plans, but many consulates simply process by reviewing your paperwork.

Processing time varies by location, but most applicants receive a decision within 30–90 days. 

Step 5: Receive Your D7 Visa & Travel to Portugal

If your consulate approves your application, you’ll be issued a temporary D7 visa valid for 120 days. This visa allows two entries into Portugal and gives you time to attend your residence permit appointment once you arrive.

It’s important to enter Portugal within the visa’s 4-month validity, even if your appointment for residence permit is still not set up. 

Step 6: Attend Your AIMA Appointment

After you land in Portugal, you need to attend a scheduled appointment with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). The agency takes your photo, fingerprints, and signature to start your residence paperwork. But not all visas come with a pre-scheduled appointment, so you need to book one yourself.

This step officially turns your visa into legal residency. If you miss it, you risk delays or even losing your spot. 

After your AIMA visit, your residence card gets mailed to your Portuguese address. This card is your official proof of residency and is valid for two years. 

During this time, you need to meet the visa’s conditions, keep your local address updated, and spend enough time in Portugal to keep your status active.

Step 7: Renew Residency and Apply for Citizenship or Permanent Residency

To continue living in Portugal, you must apply to renew your residency before it expires. The first renewal extends your residency for 3 years. You’ll need to show updated proof of income, housing, and legal stay in Portugal.

After 5 years of legal stay, here’s what you need to apply for citizenship:

• Pass the A2-level Portuguese language test

• Have a clean criminal record

• Prove a consistent legal stay 

Minimum Stay and Residency Requirements

Here’s what you need to know about the minimum stay and residency requirements for D7 visa holders:

Years 1 & 2 (Temporary Residence Permit)

You must spend at least 16 months in Portugal over your first two years (roughly the same as around 183 days per year) to maintain your residency status.

If you’re absent for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months in that period, you could lose your permit unless AIMA grants an exception.

Maintaining these presence thresholds supports eventual eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship.

Full Cost Breakdown of the Portugal D7 Visa 

Here’s a complete cost breakdown of the D7 visa:

Government Fees

You’ll need to pay around €110 for the national D7 visa when applying through your local Portuguese consulate or a VFS Global center (a government-appointed visa submission service).

Once you arrive in Portugal, you need to book an appointment for your residence permit at AIMA. If you apply through the VFS Global Center, you need to pay an extra €40–€44 in service fees. 

Altogether, government-related charges range from approximately €245 to €315 per person.

Document Notarization, Apostille & Translation

Many documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and criminal records may need to be translated into Portuguese, depending on the original language and consulate requirements. They must also be notarized and apostilled to be legally valid. This may cost you around €100–€500 or more.

Housing Costs

A rental contract is required for your application. You'll usually need to pay at least the first month and one or two months’ deposit and also two rents in advance. Rent prices greatly vary by city.

If you choose to purchase property, you have to pay taxes like stamp duty (0.8%) and annual municipal property tax (IMI), which ranges from 0.3% to 0.8%.

Legal or Professional Support

If you hire an immigration consultation or relocation service, you’ll get help with paperwork, income proof, NIF setup, and AIMA booking. 

Portugal’s Tax Incentives for D7 Visa Holders

D7 visa holders do not automatically qualify for tax exemptions in Portugal. To access any tax benefits, you must first become a Portuguese tax resident and apply for the IFICI regime (Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation), also known as NHR 2.0, Portugal’s new tax regime launched in 2024.

However, eligibility for IFICI is limited to qualified professionals working in approved high-value sectors, such as science, technology, engineering, research, or executive management. Retirees and passive income earners (e.g., dividends, pensions, rental income) are no longer eligible, unless they are actively employed in one of the recognized roles.

Foreign pensions are now taxed under Portugal’s standard income tax brackets, rather than the former flat 10% NHR rate.

Common Mistakes People Make When Applying for a D7 Visa

Here are some common mistakes applicants make when they apply for a Portuguese D7 visa:

Passive Income vs. Active Work Misunderstanding

Many applicants mistakenly treat the D7 as a remote work visa. A user on Reddit discussed “Authorities have become more strict on the passiveness of the income of D7…” So, unless you earn passive income, officials are likely to reject your D7 application.

Outdated DIY Guides and Complex Paperwork

Some applicants rely on outdated blog posts, Facebook groups, or free templates for D7 applications. But immigration laws and documentation standards in Portugal change frequently, and many of these unofficial resources miss critical updates.

A user notes, “Many of the 'do it yourself' papers are outdated or flat‑out wrong. I went through the D7 application process a month ago, and almost nothing they said was accurate.”

Only follow guides published on official government websites, or hire dedicated professionals to handle it.

Touchdown provides international relocation services for Portugal, specializing in visa applications, legal paperwork, and local setup tasks. Book a call to learn how we combine expert legal guidance, smart tools, and human support into a single platform to help you move to Portugal. 

Assuming the Visa Covers All Legal Requirements

Many applicants think that once their D7 visa is approved, all the paperwork is done. But there are other important steps you must complete after arriving in Portugal to avoid legal or tax issues. Many miss this and run into trouble when renewing their visa.

What Happens After You Land in Portugal With a D7 Visa?

Once you arrive in Portugal with your approved D7 visa, you must follow the compliance steps to obtain legal residency and settle in. These are usually handled within 30 to 120 days of your arrival.

You must: 

• Schedule your AIMA appointment: If your visa didn’t come with a pre-scheduled appointment, you must book one yourself within 120 days of arrival to exchange your visa for a residence permit.

• Update your NIF with Portuguese address: After receiving your residence card (Título de Residência), you must visit Finanças or use their online portal to change your address. 

• SNS (health service): Use the residence card to register with the national health system (SNS).

💡 Touchdown Insight: Your first 30 days in Portugal are more than sightseeing, it’s the critical legal setup window. Set reminders for tasks like updating your NIF, registering with health authorities.  Many applicants forget to update their Portuguese tax address after receiving their residence card, which can affect their tax status.

How Touchdown Has Helped 500+ Expats to Relocate and Settle in Portugal

Touchdown is built by expats, for expats, to simplify the D7 visa process and everything that comes after. Our team specializes in relocation, legal tax advisory, and business setup

We are a registered legal firm and work with top legal, financial, and real estate organizations across Portugal. Our team provides you with end-to-end guidance to help you confidently relocate, set up your life, and meet compliance after your visa is approved.

At Touchdown, we’ve experienced visa processing first-hand and we understand your concerns deeply. Our services are personalized to your needs, combining legal expertise, smart tools, and human support in one platform.

Here’s how Touchdown helps you apply for a D7 visa:

Eligibility & Initial Planning

Use our free Eligibility Checker to see if the D7 visa is the right fit for you. It only takes a few minutes and gives you a clear picture of which visa is right for you.

After that, we schedule a 1:1 session to walk you through your options and build a step-by-step plan around your timeline and goals.

Legal Review & Application Prep

Our licensed Portuguese lawyers review every document, line by line. This includes your income statements, lease, travel insurance policy, and other required documents. 

We make sure your application meets your consulate’s requirements and is ready to submit without errors or delays.

Bank Account & NIF Setup

We handle your Portuguese bank account and NIF remotely.

Our team works with trusted financial institutions to set everything up in your name, meet compliance, and be ready for your visa submission. You'll get all the documents you need for your application, with clear instructions and support throughout.

Consulate Scheduling & Support

Once your paperwork is ready, we take care of booking your visa appointment at the right consulate based on your location. We also walk you through what to expect during the interview, what to bring, and how to present your case confidently. 

If your consulate requires extra documents, reschedules your appointment, or updates its process, we’ll help you respond quickly and adjust your timeline as needed.

Post-Arrival Guidance

Your relocation doesn’t end with visa approval, and neither does our support. After you land, we help you prepare for your AIMA appointment, register your Portuguese address, update your NIF, and set up your tax residency. 

D7 Visa Made Easy: Touchdown vs. DIY

Here’s a comparison table to help you understand how our services simplify your D7 visa application process:

<table border="1" cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0">

<thead>

<tr>

<th>Step</th>

<th>DIY</th>

<th>With Touchdown</th>

</tr>

</thead>

<tbody>

<tr>

<td>Application Form</td>

<td>You download, fill in, and sign manually</td>

<td>Filled and reviewed by our experts</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Proof of Legal Residence (if applicable)</td>

<td>You scan and include your residence card</td>

<td>You upload the file, and we confirm if it’s required</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Criminal Record Authorization</td>

<td>You write and submit a permission for AIMA to obtain your criminal record in Portugal</td>

<td>Our legal team does this for you</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Personal Statement</td>

<td>You write it yourself from scratch</td>

<td>Handled by our team</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Apostilled Criminal Record</td>

<td>You request, apostille, and upload independently</td>

<td>You provide the document, and we review</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Apostilled Marriage Certificate</td>

<td>You handle this separately if applicable</td>

<td>Same process, and we review</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Travel Insurance</td>

<td>You research, buy, and provide proof</td>

<td>Our team recommends, based on your compliance policies, and confirms they meet consulate standards</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Proof of the Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF)</td>

<td>You obtain and provide the number manually</td>

<td>We handle the NIF setup remotely</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Portuguese Bank Account</td>

<td>You research banks, schedule visits, and submit proof</td>

<td>We open the account remotely and provide valid proof for your application</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Bank Statements (Foreign)</td>

<td>You collect and format them yourself</td>

<td>You upload, while we review and flag any missing details</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Proof of Passive Income</td>

<td>You identify, compile, and translate the documents</td>

<td>You upload, and we review and format to meet consulate expectations</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

Legal Services Included in Touchdown Packages

Our expert legal team handles visa processing and helps you meet compliance to avoid delays, penalties, or cancellations. You won’t have to chase different lawyers for every task. Touchdown handles it all in one place and works with you based on your specific case.

Our legal services include:

• NIF registration

• Portuguese bank account setup

• Lease agreement review

• 1:1 immigration consultation

• Dedicated immigration lawyer

• Appointment booking and document prep

• Ongoing legal support

See more details on our D7 visa application package.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Moving abroad isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you're planning for retirement, relocating with family, or starting fresh in Portugal, Touchdown gives you the legal support, local know-how, and clear residency plan to get there with confidence.

Use our free Eligibility Checker to see which visa is right for you.  

Or book a one-on-one consultation with our team for more information. 

Portugal D7 Visa FAQs 

Is the D7 Visa easy to get?

The D7 visa is easy to get if you meet the income and documentation requirements. But you may face rejection if you provide insufficient financial proof, don’t have a valid accommodation, or submit incomplete documents.

Touchdown helps lower your D7 visa rejection rate by offering expert immigration and relocation services. Our legal team reviews your financial documents, housing proof, and application forms to make sure they meet consulate requirements.

How long does it take to see approval for a D7 Visa?

The D7 visa approval process usually takes around 60 days after you submit all required documents. But some consulates may take up to 90 days, depending on their workload. Delays can happen if additional paperwork is requested or if your consulate has a backlog.

Once you arrive in Portugal, you need to attend an appointment with AIMA to apply for your residence permit. This second stage depends on appointment availability. 

How much income do I need for a Portugal Retirement Visa D7?

To qualify for the D7 visa, you must have consistent passive income equal to Portugal’s monthly minimum wage, which is  €870 as of 2025. You must also show €10,440 suggested savings, equal to 12 months of minimum income for financial preparedness. 

If you're including a spouse or dependents, you’ll need additional income: 50% more for a spouse and 30% more per child.

Do I need to buy property for a Portugal D7 visa?

You don’t need to buy property to receive a D7 (Passive Income) visa in Portugal. But you must provide proof of accommodation, which can be a 12-month rental contract or a property ownership deed (if you choose to buy).

What happens if I don’t meet the minimum stay requirement?

If you don’t meet the minimum stay requirement under the D7 visa, your residence permit could be denied renewal or revoked entirely. Portugal expects you to spend at least 16 months in the country during the initial 2-year period.

You also can’t be outside Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months in a year. Talk to our team to help you plan your timeline, track key deadlines, and stay compliant to get permanent residency.

Do I need to legalise documents?

Yes, all documents must be apostilled or certified before you apply for the D7 visa. These include your criminal background check, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and other official records.

Touchdown guides you on which documents need to be apostilled based on your country and visa type. Our legal team checks each document before submission to confirm it meets Portugal D7 visa requirements. This includes apostille, translation (if needed), and expiration timelines.