Portugal’s D7 visa (also known as the Passive Income or Retirement Visa) is ideal for individuals who want to live in Portugal long-term and can support themselves through stable passive income. Originally designed for retirees, it’s now popular among remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers, and financially independent individuals.

Suppose you're a citizen of a country that is not portugal with a consistent income source (such as rental income, dividends, or a pension). In that case, this visa provides a pathway to Portuguese residency and, ultimately, EU permanent residence or citizenship. This guide explains eligibility, required documents, the application process, and what to do if you're missing certain documents.

What Is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The D7 visa enables non-EU/EEA nationals to reside in Portugal without requiring a job offer, provided they possess sufficient passive income or financial means. Unlike tourist or Schengen visas, the D7 is a long-term national visa (type D) and leads to residency status.

Key Benefits:

• Renewable residency permit (initially 2 years, then 3 years, extendable)

• Access to Portugal’s healthcare, education, and banking systems

• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

• Path to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years

• Option to include spouse, dependent children, or parents

Who Is Eligible For The Portugal D7 Visa?

You must:

• Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

• Show a stable passive income source (not necessarily from Portugal)

• Have a Portuguese tax number (NIF)

• Secure accommodation in Portugal (rental or owned)

• Stay in Portugal for at least 183 days/year

• Hold valid travel insurance until your Portuguese residency card is issued

One of the most important aspects of the Portugal D7 visa application is proving that you have enough financial means to support yourself and your family, if applicable, during your stay in Portugal. The D7 visa is designed for individuals who can sustain themselves through passive or remote income without relying on Portuguese employment.

The Portuguese government bases the income requirements on the Portuguese minimum wage, which as of 2025 stands at approximately €820 per month. You must show that your income consistently meets or exceeds this amount for the entire year, not just as a one-time bank deposit.

Minimum Monthly Income Guidelines (2025):

• Main Applicant: €820 per month (or €9,840 per year)

• Spouse/Partner: +50% of the minimum wage (€410 per month)

• Dependent Child/Parent: +30% of the minimum wage (€246 per month, per dependent)

For example:

• A single applicant requires at least €9,840 per year.

• A couple would need a combined annual income of around €14,760.

• A family of three (two adults and one child) would need around €17,220 per year.

Keep in mind, these are minimum thresholds. It is recommended to show slightly higher income (about 10-20% more) to account for living expenses and inflation.

What Counts as Acceptable Income?

The D7 visa is designed for people with passive income streams or consistent, remote income. Acceptable income sources include:

• Pensions or Retirement Income

• Rental Income from properties in home country or abroad

• Dividends from stocks or business investments

• Fixed Deposits or Interest Income

• Royalties or Licensing Fees

• Freelance or Remote Work Income (accepted if it's consistent and proven over time)

Salary from an employer may be accepted if your work is fully remote. However, the Portuguese consulate may request additional proof that your job does not require your physical presence in another country.

Proof of Financial Means

You’ll need to provide evidence of your financial stability through:

• 6 months of personal bank statements, showing regular income deposits

• Proof of income sources: pension certificates, lease agreements, dividend reports, or client contracts

• Tax returns from home country to demonstrate income compliance

• Savings: Some consulates prefer you also show lump-sum savings equivalent to 12 months of expenses in your bank account, to act as a financial safety net

All documents must be translated into Portuguese or English and, where possible, notarised or apostilled for authenticity.

Does the Income Have to Be in Portugal?

No. Your income can originate from your home country or anywhere globally, but it must be accessible to you while residing in Portugal. You can initially keep your funds in a home country bank account. Still, eventually, you will be expected to open a Portuguese bank account and transfer funds regularly for daily living expenses.

While the financial minimum is clear, many successful applicants aim higher, showing at least €12,000 to €15,000 in annual income for a single person to provide a financial cushion. Present your financial story clearly in your cover letter to reassure the visa officer of your self-sufficiency.

Required Documents for Portugal D7 Visa

You’ll apply at the Portuguese Visa centre in your country. Standard required documents include:

• Completed Portugal National Visa Application Form

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa duration, with 2 blank pages

• Two Passport-Sized Photos: As per Visa Requirements.

  Easily create a Portugal visa photo with Atlys's user-friendly Portugal Visa Photo Maker.

• Cover Letter: Explains your purpose, income source, and accommodation.

• Proof of Income: Six months of bank statements and proof of income source (e.g., pension slips, rental agreements, dividend reports)

• Portuguese NIF (Tax ID): Can be obtained through a local fiscal representative

• Proof of Accommodation in Portugal: Rental contract, property deed, or invitation letter from a host

• Criminal Background Check: From the home country's police department with an apostille

• Health Insurance: Coverage in Portugal until your residence permit is issued

• Marriage/Birth Certificates: For family members applying with you

• Proof of Funds: Personal savings, at least 12 months’ income in your Portuguese or home country's bank account

• Flight Reservation: Optional, but sometimes requested

What If You’re Missing Some Documents?

Portugal’s consulates assess your application holistically. If one item is missing, you can often provide an explanation and alternate proof.

Common Issues and Alternatives:

• No Portuguese NIF yet? Hire a Portugal-based lawyer or tax consultant to generate one remotely before your appointment.

• No long-term accommodation yet? A 1-year rental agreement is ideal, but short-term leases accompanied by a letter of intent to relocate can be accepted with an explanation.

• No local bank account? Not mandatory at the application stage. Just show funds in your home country bank account with consistent income.

• No health insurance yet? Purchase travel medical insurance covering 90 days. You can purchase Portuguese public or private insurance upon arrival.

• Low income? Submit combined family income (e.g., rental + dividends) and strong savings to prove financial independence.

• Background check delay? Apply early for your PCC and apostille. Some consulates allow temporary clearance from third-party vendors.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Gather Documents: Including NIF, proof of income, and accommodation.

2. Book an Appointment: Select the nearest Portuguese visa centre in your home country.

3. Submit your application at the Portuguese visa centre. Bring originals and copies.

4. Attend Visa Interview (if required): Some consulates conduct in-person interviews.

5. Receive Visa Decision: Processing time is 30–90 days, depending on volume.

6. Travel to Portugal: Within the visa validity.

7. Apply for Residency Permit (SEF Appointment): Within 4 months of arriving.

What Happens After Approval?

Once in Portugal:

• Register with the local town hall (for your residence certificate)

• Apply for a residence permit at SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras)

• Open a local bank account and obtain health insurance (if not already done)

• Apply for NHR (Non-Habitual Resident tax regime) if eligible

Can You Work on a D7 Visa?

You cannot take on a local salaried job, but you can continue with remote work, freelancing, or managing your investments. Portugal is flexible as long as your income originates outside Portugal and meets the D7 criteria.

The D7 visa is one of the most accessible EU residency pathways for people with passive income. If you can demonstrate financial stability and genuine intent to reside in Portugal, the process is relatively smooth. Even if you’re missing some documentation—like a long-term lease or Portuguese bank account—you can still make a strong case with alternate proof and a well-written cover letter.

Need help preparing your cover letter, sponsorship declaration, or accommodation plan? Atlys offers expert templates tailored for Portugal D7 visa applicants.