D7 Passive Income Visa: Your Path to Portugal Residency
The D7 visa is Portugal's most accessible residency option for retirees, pensioners, and individuals with stable passive income. With low financial requirements and a clear path to citizenship, it's no wonder the D7 is the top choice for expats worldwide.
D7 Visa Requirements
- Minimum income: €760/month (single), €1,140 (couple), +€228 per child
- Proof of stable passive income (pension, rental, investments, dividends)
- Valid for 2 years initially, renewable in 3-year increments
- Must spend at least 6 months per year in Portugal (16 months in 2-year cycle)
- Clean criminal background check from all countries of residence
- Portuguese health insurance or equivalent coverage
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership)
- Valid passport with minimum 3 months validity beyond stay
Key Benefits
- Low financial requirements compared to other EU countries
- Includes spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents
- Access to Portuguese public healthcare system (SNS)
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
- Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
- No Portuguese language requirement for initial application
- NHR tax regime available (reduced taxation for 10 years)
- Freedom to travel in 26 Schengen countries
- Ability to work and study in Portugal
- Family reunification rights
D7 Application Process
Complete timeline from start to residence card
Document Preparation
2-4 weeksGather income proof, criminal records, and supporting documents
Apostille & Translation
1-2 weeksGet documents officially certified and translated to Portuguese
Submit Application
1 dayApply at Portuguese consulate in your home country
Processing Period
2-4 monthsConsulate reviews application and supporting documents
Visa Approval
1 weekReceive D7 visa valid for 4 months entry
Travel to Portugal
FlexibleEnter Portugal within 4-month visa validity period
Apply for Residence Card
1-2 monthsVisit SEF/AIMA to finalize 2-year residence permit
Total Timeline: 4-6 months from start to residence card
D7 Visa Costs Breakdown
Real D7 Visa Success Cases
See exactly how people like you qualified and succeeded
Sarah, 55 - Early Retiree from California
Moved to Lisbon with husband. Living on €2,500/month comfortably. Applied for NHR tax status - saves €8,000/year on US dividends.
Key Success Factors
- Showed 12 months of consistent dividend payments from Vanguard statements
- Rental property managed by property management company (easy documentation)
- Used health insurance from Cigna Global (€180/month for couple)
- Rented apartment in Alfama for €1,200/month before buying
Carlos, 42 - Airbnb Property Owner from Brazil
Relocated to Porto with wife and 2 kids. Kids enrolled in international school. Now buying 4th property in Portugal for personal use.
Key Success Factors
- Provided Airbnb income reports + bank deposits for 18 months
- Hired accountant to create official income statement
- Showed property ownership docs + property management contracts
- Applied for entire family - total cost €3,200 in government fees
James, 48 - Semi-Retired Consultant from UK
Lives in Cascais. Does occasional consulting remotely. Enjoys 300+ days of sunshine and beach lifestyle.
Key Success Factors
- Pension statements from UK government (straightforward proof)
- Consulting shown as passive income (royalties for past work)
- Alternatively could have done D8 visa for active consulting
- Healthcare through NHS reciprocal agreement initially
Maria, 38 - Digital Product Creator from Canada
Living in Madeira Digital Nomad Village. Courses run on autopilot. More time for surfing and exploring.
Key Success Factors
- Stripe/PayPal statements showing consistent monthly deposits
- Considered D8 but chose D7 for lower time commitment (6 months/year)
- Digital products count as passive income (not active work)
- Madeira offers additional tax benefits for digital workers
D7 Visa FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Can I work in Portugal with a D7 visa?+
Yes, D7 visa holders can work in Portugal, though it is designed for passive income earners. If you plan to work actively, consider the D8 Digital Nomad visa instead.
What counts as passive income for D7?+
Pension, rental income, dividends, interest, royalties, investment income, and annuities all qualify as passive income for D7 purposes.
Can I bring my family?+
Yes. Your spouse/partner, dependent children under 18 (or under 26 if studying), and dependent parents can all be included in your application.
How long does the D7 process take?+
Total timeline is typically 4-6 months from document preparation to receiving your residence card in Portugal.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?+
Not for the initial D7 application. However, basic Portuguese (A2 level) is required when applying for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.
Can I buy property with a D7 visa?+
Yes, D7 visa holders can purchase property in Portugal. However, property ownership is not a requirement for the visa.
Success Stories
Real experiences from people who successfully obtained their Portugal residency
Sarah Mitchell
From USA to Lisbon
"The entire process was so smooth! I was nervous about moving to Portugal, but the team connected me with an excellent lawyer who guided me through every step. My D7 visa was approved in just 6 weeks. Now I'm living my dream retirement in Lisbon!"
Marcus Chen
From Singapore to Porto
"As a software developer, the D8 digital nomad visa was perfect for me. The assessment was incredibly thorough and I received personalized advice within 24 hours as promised. The lawyer they recommended made everything painless. Highly recommended!"
Emma & James Thompson
From UK to Algarve
"We relocated with our two children and the family reunification process was handled beautifully. The team understood our unique situation and connected us with a lawyer who specialized in families. We got our residence cards in 3 months!"
Rafael Santos
From Brazil to Lisbon
"Starting my tech company in Portugal seemed overwhelming, but this service made it possible. They connected me with lawyers who understood startup visas and helped me navigate the incubator requirements. My visa was approved and my business is thriving!"
Yuki Tanaka
From Japan to Cascais
"The 24-hour assessment was genuine! I submitted my information on Monday evening and received a detailed roadmap by Tuesday afternoon. The lawyer explained everything in perfect English and helped me gather all documents efficiently."
Hans & Ingrid Weber
From Germany to Madeira
"We wanted to retire somewhere with great weather and lower costs. Portugal was perfect! The service was professional, transparent about all costs, and the lawyer they recommended was excellent. We've been in Madeira for 6 months and couldn't be happier."
Join thousands of successful applicants who trusted us with their Portugal residency journey
Ready to Apply for Your D7 Visa?
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your eligibility and get personalized guidance