The Portuguese D7 visa can be obtained by financially independent foreigners with passive income. The main advantage of the permit is the ability to issue a residence permit in the country for a period of 2 years. Find out what conditions for obtaining a Portuguese D7 visa are relevant in 2025

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The Portuguese D7 visa, also known as the passive income visa, grants foreign citizens the right to reside in the country, provided that they have sufficient funds to live in Portugal and purchase or rent real estate. For example, retirees, digital nomads or investors can move to Portugal on the basis of this visa.

The D7 visa has become a good alternative to the Portuguese Golden Visa, after the latter abolished the “real estate” option. Representatives of countries that are not part of the EU/EEA and Switzerland can obtain a permit. Also considering that after the 2024 presidential elections, many Americans are thinking about immigrating to Portugal. The Portuguese D7 visa will be a good way for US citizens to start a new life on the other side of the ocean.

Find out what this permit is and what are the conditions for obtaining a Portuguese D7 visa in 2025.

What is a D7 visa?

The D7 visa is a special residence permit that can be obtained if you buy or rent a property in Portugal and prove that your monthly passive income from abroad is not less than the minimum wage in Portugal (as of the end of 2024, around 820 euros or 879 USD per month).

The D7 visa is issued for four months. During this period, the foreigner must come to Portugal and apply for a residence permit with the right to work.

The initial validity of the residence permit is two years. After that, it can be extended for three years, provided that the foreigner does not leave Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 months in total during the validity of the PR.

What are the benefits of a D7 visa?

1. Moving to Portugal with the lowest costs

Expats will get a residence permit for less money than participating in the investment residence permit program. It is enough for the applicant to buy or rent a residential property and confirm that his monthly passive income from sources abroad is at least €820. It is not necessary to invest in the country's economy from 250,000 euros.

2. Visa-free travel to Schengen countries

Expats with a residence permit in Portugal have the right to visit other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days every six months.

3. Working and doing business in Portugal

After the D7 visa, applicants receive a residence permit that gives them the right to work and open companies in Portugal.

4. Access to quality education and medicine

Children of holders of a residence permit in Portugal can teach children in local schools and universities, as well as apply for medical services at the country's clinics.

5. A simple way to obtain a residence permit

The applicant does not need to look for a job in Portugal or present a business project to obtain a visa and then a residence permit. In addition, obtaining a D7 visa may take less time than other visa categories.

6. The prospect of becoming a citizen of Portugal in five years

After five years as a resident of Portugal, an expat can apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship. A Portuguese passport allows you to travel without visas to 172 countries and choose any European Union state to live.

7. Portugal recognizes second citizenship

A foreigner will not have to give up the passport of the country of origin, if its legislation allows citizens to acquire the citizenship of other countries.

8. The possibility of obtaining Portuguese citizenship for children

A child receives Portuguese citizenship if born in Portugal to foreigners who have a residence permit in the country for at least one year.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Requirements for obtaining a D7 visa

- Confirm the presence of reasonable passive income

This can come from movable property, real estate, rental income, intellectual property, pensions, dividends if you do not work for a company, interest on savings, royalties, income from long-term fixed-rate financial investments, transferable capital, etc.

The minimum passive income for obtaining a D7 visa is tied to the minimum wage in Portugal. In 2024, it is 820 euros, or 879 US dollars per month.

The amount must be increased by 50% if the foreigner indicates a spouse or one of the parents in the application, and by 30% for each child.

- Demonstrate the presence of savings

Applicants also confirm the presence of savings in the amount of at least 12 Portuguese monthly salaries. In 2024, the required amount is 9,840 euros, or 10,550 US dollars. When applying with a family, the savings requirements are increased by 50% for the spouse and 30% for each child.

- Have real estate in Portugal

Before applying for a visa, applicants must provide proof of residence in Portugal. There are no restrictions on the type, age, value or location of property that the applicant buys or rents to obtain a D7 visa.

- Personal requirements

The applicant must be over 18 years old, have no criminal record and have health insurance policy.

Is it possible to move to Portugal on a D7 visa with my family?

Yes, in addition to the main applicant, members of his family can apply for a visa:

- husband/wife (without criminal record, in an officially registered or civil marriage),

- children under the age of 18,

- children from 18 to 21 years old (unmarried and not working),

- disabled children without age restrictions,

- brothers and sisters of the investor (under the age of 18, who are under the guardianship of the main applicant),

- parents of the investor and his wife/husband (financially dependent on the investor).

Importantly! If relatives receive a visa together with a foreigner, 50% of the income for an adult relative and 30% for each child must be added.

A package of documents for obtaining a D7 visa

The package of documents for submitting a visa application includes:

- foreign passport;

- health insurance policy;

- two color photographs;

- a certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence;

- lease agreement or title documents for real estate;

- confirmation of family ties for family members: marriage or birth certificates;

- statement from a Portuguese bank;

- a document on the assignment of a taxpayer number in Portugal.

The D7 visa processing period is up to 60 days, provided that the applicants provide all the necessary documents.

How much does it cost to apply for a Portuguese D7 visa?

- Visa fee – 90 euros or 96 USD per family member.

- Residence permit card – 80 euros or 85 USD processing fee per family member and 70 euros or 75 USD for each card issued.

How does a US citizen get a Portuguese D7 visa?

The D7 visa application process can take 6 months or more, but the advantage is that it can be done in the United States. Once the visa is obtained, the US citizen must visit Portugal and apply for a residence permit. The visa process itself includes the following steps:

Step 1 – Obtain a NIF number in Portugal

The Taxpayer Identification Number, or Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), will allow the applicant to open a bank account and buy or rent real estate in Portugal. For applicants from the United States, this can be done remotely through a tax representative in Portugal.

Step 2 – Buy or rent a property in Portugal

Applicants can choose a property remotely from the United States or travel to Portugal. Buying a home can take several months, while finding a rental property is usually faster.

Step 3 – Opening a Portuguese bank account

The applicant opens a Portuguese bank account using their NIF number. In some cases, documents proving the legality of their income are required.

Step 4 – Appointment at the Portuguese consulate

Once all documents have been collected, applicants can visit the Portuguese consulate in their country to submit their application. The process can take more than 3 weeks, depending on the consulate’s workload.

Step 5 – Application approval

The Portuguese D7 visa is usually issued within 60 days of the application date.

Step 6 – Entering Portugal with a valid D7 visa

The Portuguese D7 visa is valid for 4 months. During this period, applicants travel to the country. They can reside in Portugal during this period, but are not allowed to work. This is only allowed if they obtain a residence permit.

Step 7 – Obtaining a residence permit

The application is submitted in person to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).

Step 8 – Obtaining a residence permit

Once the application is approved, the holder of a Portuguese D7 visa can receive a residence permit card by post.

We will remind you! Portugal is an interesting country that is one of the leaders in the number of tourists. Considering the large number of sights, fantastic nature and delicious cuisine, tourists will be very interested here. We talked about the main sights of Portugal in detail in our guide.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Portugal, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

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