What Is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa — also known as the Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa — allows non-EU citizens to live in Portugal long-term, provided they can demonstrate a stable, regular passive income from abroad. Introduced in 2007, it remains one of the most affordable and accessible residency pathways in Europe.

Unlike the Golden Visa, which requires a large investment, the D7 Visa requires a passive income of at least €920 per month and proof of accommodation — making it significantly more accessible for retirees and financially independent individuals.

Who Is the D7 Visa For?

The D7 Visa is well-suited for retirees receiving pensions, individuals living off rental income, holders of dividend-paying investments, and people with royalties or other steady passive income streams. It is also increasingly popular among remote workers whose income qualifies as passive or recurring.

Key Benefits

Visa-free travel across Europe — With the D7 Visa, you can explore the Schengen Area and move freely across the EU without additional visas.

Path to permanent residency and citizenship — After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese nationality, along with a Portuguese passport granting access to 187 countries.

Rights as a Portuguese resident — You gain access to the Portuguese national health service (SNS) and the country’s robust education system. 

Right to work — Those residing in Portugal on the Passive Income Visa have the same fundamental rights as other Portuguese residents, including the right to work in the country.

Family inclusion — Your spouse, dependent children, and parents can be included in the same application.

Income Requirements (2026)

As of January 1st, 2026, applicants must show at least €920 per month (€11,040 annually) to qualify. This threshold is linked to Portugal’s minimum wage and may increase in future years.

The required income scales as follows:

It is also recommended to maintain a balance in a Portuguese bank account equivalent to 12 months’ income (€11,040 for a single applicant), as many consulates prefer this as a financial safety net.

Accepted Passive Income Sources

Pensions are among the most widely accepted forms of income, including public and private retirement pensions. Rental income from residential or commercial property also qualifies — supported by lease agreements and bank statements. Earnings from dividends on stocks or mutual funds are eligible when consistent and well-documented with brokerage statements. Other accepted sources include royalties and recurring business profit distributions.

Required Documents

A completed visa application form, proof of passive income, recent bank statements, a criminal record check, valid health insurance, a Portuguese NIF (tax ID number), and proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property deed). 

All documents typically need to be translated into Portuguese or English, and where applicable, notarised or apostilled.

The Application Process

1. Eligibility Assessment — We review your income, documents, and personal situation.
2. NIF & Bank Account — We help you obtain your Portuguese tax number and open a bank account.
3. Document Preparation — We compile and certify your full application file.
4. Consulate Appointment — You apply at the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
5. Entry & AIMA Appointment — After entering Portugal on a D7 visa, you schedule an appointment with AIMA to obtain a two-year residence permit, which is renewable for another three years and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship after five years.

Timeline: A realistic timeline from application to receiving your residence permit is between 6 and 9 months.

Important 2026 Update: Citizenship Timeline

In April 2026, a parliamentary session approved amendments requiring most nationals to have 10 years of legal residency in Portugal before being eligible for citizenship. This is a significant change from the previous 5-year rule — we recommend booking a consultation to understand how this affects your long-term planning.

Why Work With Residency.pt?

• Based in Lisbon — we know the local process inside out
• End-to-end support from NIF to residence permit
• Transparent, fixed-fee consulting
• Personal case manager for every client
• Experience with clients from the US, UK, Brazil, and beyond

FAQ Section

Can I work in Portugal on a D7 Visa? Yes. While the visa is based on passive income, once you obtain your residence permit, you are allowed to take up employment in Portugal if you choose. 

Can remote workers apply? Yes, it is possible for remote workers to qualify if the income is considered stable and recurring — for example, if it comes from business ownership or profit distributions rather than an active employment salary.

Do I need to buy property? No. Renting is sufficient as proof of accommodation. Property ownership does not improve your application if passive income requirements are not met.

How long must I stay in Portugal each year? The minimum stay is 16 months within the first two years — generally six consecutive or eight non-consecutive months per year.