If you are planning to live in Portugal, the D7 visa could be the solution. With this visa, you can obtain residency in Portugal and enjoy the country's benefits. The D7 visa is a popular option for those looking to move to Portugal, particularly those who are retired or own a business.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the D7 visa, how to obtain it, who it applies to and what the requirements are.

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What is the D7 visa in Portugal?

The D7 visa is also known as the Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa. Although the last two names give you an idea of who this visa is for, you should still read up on all the details to see if this visa is right for you.

Since 2007, citizens outside the European Union/EEA/Switzerland who have a net passive income can apply to stay in Portugal with a D7 visa. Pensions, intellectual property, shares, real estate, financial investments and savings can all generate the mentioned income.

In Portugal, the D7 visa can be renewed for two consecutive years, one year after the residence permit has been issued. After five years of legal residence in Portugal, it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit and obtain Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation (this requires passing the Portuguese language test).

What are the requirements for obtaining a D7 visa in Portugal?

To be eligible for the D7 visa, you must meet some specific criteria. Check if your situation fits these:

• Citizens who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland;
• Citizens who intend to exercise religious functions or be active in a church congregation, who are pensioners living in Portugal or who have their own income;
• They must have financial means to support themselves during their stay in Portugal;
• Have a clean criminal record;
• Proof of residence in the country;
• They must meet the minimum period of residence, i.e., they must stay in Portugal for at least 16 months during the first period of the two years;
• Have a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF);
• Have a bank account in Portugal;
• Have full health insurance coverage.

How can I meet the mandatory requirements to apply for the D7 visa?

If you are not in Portugal, you may not know what to do to meet some of the above requirements. Here are some tips on how to get started:

• How to get the tax identification number for the D7 visa?

The NIF (tax identification number) can be applied remotely through a power of attorney. You can use online platforms to help you with this process at a relatively cheap price. Without the tax identification number, you cannot carry out tax activities in Portugal.

• How to open a bank account in Portugal to obtain a D7 visa?

Once you have obtained the NIF, you can open a bank account in Portugal, even remotely. You must deposit at least €7,000 into this account if you are applying alone, or €10,500 if you apply jointly with your spouse.

• How do you prove a stable financial situation to obtain a D7 visa in Portugal?

You will need to prove that you are financially secure and can support yourself during your stay in Portugal. At this point, you will be asked to provide any documentation that proves your financial situation, such as a regular income, savings or both.

• What income requirements must be met to be eligible for the D7 visa?

Passive income is defined as Pensions, royalties, intellectual property, income from long-term and fixed financial investments, and interest from savings.

Income for individual applications must prove a passive income of at least 760 euros per month (Portuguese minimum wage) or 9 120 euros per year.

Passive income for D7 visa applications as a couple or with adult dependents (over 18) should be €13 680 per year. Plus 50% of the minimum Portuguese annual salary.

The principal applicant's passive income with a dependent child under the age of 18 is increased by €228 per month.

After moving to Portugal, applicants with dependent elderly parents can apply for dependent residence status. Elderly parents who are financially dependent must live with the main D7 visa applicant, who must provide for their upkeep.

• How to prove residence in Portugal?

If you want to apply for a D7 visa, you must have a residence and prove it with documentation. This can be your tenancy agreement (minimum 12 months) or a letter from a relative confirming the situation if you want to live in their home. In Portugal, your relative must also attach a copy of their identity card and have this document signed and notarized.

Buying a house in Portugal is also valid to meet this requirement by presenting the documents proving the purchase of the property. Buying a property in the Algarve does not have to be complicated. For over 20 years, our Casas do Barlavento team has been helping families find their dream homes in the Western Algarve.

• What must health insurance cover for a D7 visa?

According to European Union regulations, the primary applicant and his or her family members must have comprehensive health insurance. You must purchase the 12 months in advance the health insurance, and it should cover each applicant for €30,000.

• Understand the minimum stay requirements for maintaining the D7 visa.

In this case, you need to comply with a minimum period of stay to maintain residence status in Portugal.

In the first period, i.e., the first and second year, you must stay for 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months per year. When you renew in the second year, you will receive a residence permit for 3 years.

The minimum stay of 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months per year is maintained in the third, fourth, and fifth years. Renewal occurs at the end of the fifth year and can result in a three-year extension, permanent residence, or citizenship.

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What documents are required for a D7 visa application in Portugal?

To apply for a D7 visa in Portugal, gather some documents. These are as follows:

• D7 visa application form;
• Valid passport (at least two years left after applying for the D7 visa) or other document issued by the government;
• Two recent passport-size photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
• Proof of regular or passive income (bank statements for the last three months, employment certificate with proof of salary, international credit card with amount limit, income from real estate or other assets, income from intellectual property, proof of pension, previous year's tax return for self-employed persons)
• Proof of accommodation or residence.
• Certified criminal record.
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance.
• Letter of intent with your details and a justification for the trip to Portugal.
• D7 Visa payment (see values here).

At the consulate, you must confirm the required documents. These documents may vary depending on the country you are currently in. If any documents are missing, your application for a D7 visa may be delayed or rejected.

What are the advantages of the D7 visa?

• With the D7 visa, you can move freely within the Schengen area;
• Residence permit and eventual citizenship after five years of legal residence, subject to the residence periods mentioned above;
• Access to the National Health Service;
• Access to the National Education Service;
• Any work activity;
• Access to the Portuguese legal system;
• Family reunification;
• Use of the non-habitual residence regime (read more).

Can digital nomads apply for a D7 visa?

Before October 2022, digital nomads obtained the D7 visa as a way to enjoy the weather in Portugal while also working. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people chose this option while the Portuguese government considered introducing a new visa for this community. The digital nomad visa went into effect in Portugal in October 2022, and as a result, the D7 visa is no longer accepted for remote workers. Learn more about the most recent digital nomad residence visa in Portugal.

Living in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve, is many people's dream, and it can be yours as well. It is one of the safest countries in the world, with gastronomy, friendliness, and climate among the benefits most frequently mentioned by those who have exchanged their home country for Portugal. If you want to retire in Portugal, in this little corner by the sea and are looking for the perfect home for you and your family, you should look up our portfolio offers. Welcome to Portugal!