How to successfully obtain a Portuguese D7 visa

The Portuguese D7 visa has become a popular way for non-EU citizens (individuals and families) to obtain temporary residence in Portugal. Successful applicants enjoy benefits such as access to healthcare and the opportunity to establish a business in Portugal.

The D7 visa is an excellent choice for those looking to relocate to Portugal and possess either a sufficient passive income or significant personal savings.


Here’s what I’ll be talking about in this article:

  1. What is a D7 visa?
  2. The benefits of a D7 visa
  3. What is ‘passive’ income?
  4. D7 visa passive income requirements
  5. D7 visa savings requirements
  6. How to obtain a D7 visa
  7. How much does a D7 visa cost?
  8. D7 visa applicant requirements

What is a Portuguese D7 visa?

Otherwise known as the Portuguese Retirement Visa, the D7 visa provides successful applicants with a host of benefits without the need to make a substantial economic investment in Portugal.

Successful applicants of the D7 visa benefit from:

  • The right to live, work, and/or study in Portugal
  • Access and protection from the Portuguese law and legal system
  • Option to include dependent family members within your application
  • Enjoy Portuguese residency rights including access to national healthcare
  • The opportunity to travel through the Schengen Area without a Visa
  • The option to take employment or establish a business in Portugal
  • The option to apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime status
  • Part of the roadmap to obtaining permanent Portuguese citizenship (after 5 years)


Unlike the Portuguese Golden Visa, the D7 visa is designed for those looking to retire to Portugal, or individuals with means of supporting themselves with a stable ‘passive’ income during their stay.

What is a ‘passive’ income?

For your D7 visa application to be successful, you’ll need to provide evidence of significant net worth savings or a sufficient passive income that can sustain you during your stay in Portugal.

“Passive income is earnings derived from a rental property, limited partnership, or other enterprise in which a person is not actively involved.” - Investopedia

Portuguese authorities are primarily concerned with your ability to sustain your stay in Portugal without having to rely on salaried income.

You should be able to prove the stability of your passive income over the last 3 years (minimum) as well as future stability.

D7 visa passive income requirements

The Portuguese immigration authority outline the minimum passive income requirements for individuals and any dependents included within the application.

I don’t have a passive income, can I apply for a D7 visa with savings?

If you don’t have a passive income you can apply for a D7 Visa based on personal savings. Applications such as this will be dealt with at the sole discretion of the Portuguese immigration authorities.


3 simple steps to obtain your D7 Visa

Obtaining a D7 Visa will grant the rights to reside in Portugal for one year. You can renew your visa for two successive periods of two years with the option to convert to a permanent resident visa after 5 years.

It’s time to find out the fastest way to obtain your Portuguese D7 Visa, and start enjoying an improved quality of life, low cost of living, and exciting investment opportunities in Portugal.


Step 1: Apply for your D7 visa 

Those seeking to obtain a D7 visa are required to submit an application to their local Portuguese embassy building within their current country of residence.

Once you’ve submitted your application, the Portuguese authority will decide whether or not to grant your temporary visa (valid for 4 months) within approximately 60 days.

To apply for your D7 you’ll need the following documents:

  • Passport or another valid travel document
  • 2 identical passport photos (see photograph guidelines)
  • Valid travel insurance
  • Application for Criminal Record consultation by Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF)
  • Certificate of criminal records issued by his/her home country of origin or the country where the applicant resided for more than one year
  • Proof of adequate accommodation in Portugal (Ownership deeds or rental agreement)
  • Proof of a valid health insurance policy to the value of at least €30,000 per family member
  • Document proving pension amount OR proof of sufficient savings and/passive income (as above)

How much does a D7 visa cost?

The cost to apply for a Portuguese D7 visa is approximately €400 per single applicant. You can complete the process with the help of a dedicated concierge service where fees range between €2,495 – €5,495.

Step 2: Attend your SEF interview in Portugal

Once your temporary visa has been granted, you need to travel to Portugal and attend your SEF interview to obtain your temporary residence permit (valid for 1 to 2 years).

Step 3: Renew your residence permit

You can renew your visa for two successive periods of two years with the option to convert to a permanent resident visa after 5 years.

Requirements for obtaining a D7 Visa

What do you need to be eligible for a D7 visa? It’s important to note that each case is handled individually and only granted at the discretion of the Portuguese immigration authority.

Generally speaking, the basic requirements include:

  • Be a non-EU national
  • Sufficient funds to sustain yourself during your stay in Portugal OR proof adequate passive income
  • A clean criminal record
  • Willing to reside in Portugal for a minimum of 183 consecutive days
  • Proof of adequate accommodation in Portugal
  • Willing to become a fiscal resident in Portugal (learn more about applying for a NIF)

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