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D7 Visa Portugal: The Passive Income Path to Living in Europe

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in Portugal — enjoying sunny days, fresh seafood, and a slower pace of life — the D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, could be your gateway. Designed for retirees, and financially independent individuals, it offers a straightforward and affordable way to live in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries.

What Is the D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa is a residence visa introduced by Portugal in 2007 to attract people with a stable source of passive income — such as pensions, rental income, dividends or royalties.

Unlike other residency programs, the D7 doesn’t require a large real estate investment. Instead, it focuses on proof of regular income that allows you to support yourself while living in Portugal.

Minimum Income Requirements (2025)

To qualify for the D7 Visa, applicants must show they have sufficient financial means to live comfortably without burdening the Portuguese state. The minimum income thresholds are based on Portugal’s national minimum wage.

As of 2025, the general guideline is:

• Main applicant: approx. €870 per month (€10,440 per year)

• Spouse or partner: 50% of that amount (around €435 per month)

• Each dependent child: 30% (around €261 per month)

These amounts can be met through bank savings or proof of regular income (e.g., pension statements, dividends, or property rent).

Accommodation Requirement

Before applying, you must show proof of accommodation in Portugal. This could be:

• A rental contract

• A property deed (if you own a home in Portugal)

• Or even a formal invitation letter from a host

Many applicants choose to rent a home for six to twelve months initially — often in the Algarve or Lisbon — to meet this requirement.

Documents You’ll Need

Here’s what most applicants will need for a D7 Visa application:

1. Completed visa application form

2. Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)

3. Proof of income or savings

4. Proof of accommodation in Portugal

5. Health insurance covering at least €30,000

6. Criminal background check from your country of residence

7. NIF (Portuguese tax number) – this can be obtained remotely before arrival

8. Two passport photos

The Application Process

1. Apply for a Portuguese NIF (Fiscal Identification Number) remotly or through a lawyer.

2. Open a Portuguese bank account.

3. Apply at your regional VFS Global office (Visa Facilitation Service Global) who will send your application to the Portuguese consulate in your home country (or nearest jurisdiction).

4. Once approved, you’ll receive a temporary visa valid for 4 months.

5. During this time, travel to Portugal and apply for your residence permit (Autorização de Residência) at AIMA (Intergration, Imigration and Asylum Agency).

6. The residence permit is typically valid for 2 years, renewable for 3 more years, and after 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Benefits of the D7 Visa

• Live and work legally in Portugal

• Travel freely within the Schengen Zone

• Access to public healthcare and education

• Pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years

• Family reunification rights (your spouse and children can join)

• Enjoy Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax benefits for 10 years

Why Choose Portugal?

Portugal offers everything that makes relocation worthwhile:

• One of the safest countries in the world

• Affordable cost of living

• Warm climate and beautiful scenery

• Friendly, English-speaking communities

For many Americans, Brits, and Canadians, the D7 Visa represents the easiest and most rewarding way to start a new life in Europe without major investments.

If you have a steady income stream and are seeking a calm, sunny, and affordable European lifestyle, the D7 Visa is one of the most accessible immigration routes available today. With professional guidance and the right preparation, your move to Portugal could be simpler than you ever imagined.