The Portugal D7 visa is a residence program for non-EU nationals with regular passive income earned outside Portugal, such as pensions, rental income, dividends or intellectual property royalties. Governed by Law No. 23/2007, it is not just a travel document but the first step towards permanent residence after 5 years and Portuguese (EU) citizenship after 10 years. To qualify, you basically need passive income of at least €920 a month, set by the current minimum wage, accommodation in Portugal and proof of the required funds in a Portuguese bank account.
Who can apply for the D7? How are family members included? What are the current costs and steps? In this guide we bring together all the legal and practical details you need for a new start in Portugal.
What Is the Portugal D7 Visa?
Officially the “Visto de residência para obtenção de autorização de residência”, the D7 visa is based on Article 58(1) of Portugal’s main immigration law, Law No. 23/2007. Also known as the “Portugal passive income visa” or “Portugal retirement visa”, it lets retirees, religious workers and people with regular income settle in Portugal.
The D7 is designed for people who can support themselves from their own income without having to work. Applicants must prove income of at least €920 a month (about €11,040 a year), linked to the Portuguese minimum wage.
Can Family Be Included?
Yes. D7 holders have full family reunification rights under Law No. 23/2007. The following family members can be included:
- Spouse: a legally married spouse.
- Minor children: all children under 18.
- Dependent children: unmarried children over 18 who are students and financially dependent on the family.
- Parents: parents financially dependent on the applicant or spouse.
Under Article 58(5), family members can be included when the main applicant applies, or later through family reunification once the main applicant has the residence permit.
Portugal Passive Income Visa: The Residence Permit
The D7 is a 4-month (120-day), two-entry visa that lets you enter Portugal legally and obtain the actual residence permit (Título de Residência). The residence permit itself is issued after arrival by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA, formerly SEF). Once your AIMA interview is approved, the first residence card is posted to your address and is valid for 2 years. At the end of the two years you must renew it by showing that you still meet the income and accommodation requirements; the renewed permit is valid for 3 years.
After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residence. For citizenship, the new Nationality Law in force since May 2026 requires 10 years of legal residence for most applicants. See our guide How Many Years Does Portugal Take to Grant Citizenship?
Portugal D7 Visa Requirements
Applicants must meet all criteria, including financial means, accommodation, administrative and health requirements. Non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals over 18 can apply. The current requirements are:
- Passive income of at least €920 a month (about €11,040 a year).
- An extra €460 a month for a spouse and €276 a month for each child included in the application.
- Proof of income: pensions, rental income, company dividends, interest from financial or term investments, or royalties are valid passive income sources. Active salary income does not count.
- A Portuguese bank account (opened with a NIF) before applying. Proving monthly income alone may not be enough; transferring savings equal to at least one year of minimum subsistence (about €11,000–12,000) greatly improves your chances.
- A lease of usually at least 12 months (preferably notarised) showing your address in Portugal.
- International travel/health insurance valid across the Schengen Area, covering medical evacuation, emergency care and repatriation, with at least €30,000 cover.
Portugal D7 Visa: Required Documents
- Completed D7 visa application form
- Valid passport
- 2 biometric photos
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of your application
- Apostilled criminal record certificate
- Proof of regular passive income
- Bank statements for the last 6 months
- Portuguese tax number (NIF) and bank account details
- Proof of accommodation (lease or title deed)
- Flight reservations
- International travel health insurance
- If applying with family: civil registry record and marriage certificate
All documents in a language other than English or Portuguese must have sworn translations and, where needed, an apostille. Contact us for detailed information and professional support on your D7 application.
How to Apply for the Portugal D7 Visa
The application needs careful preparation and consists of four main stages, carried out both in your home country and in Portugal. Before submitting your file to the consulate, you must complete certain registrations with Portuguese authorities:
- Preparation in Portugal: Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF), open a bank account at a Portuguese bank and transfer the required savings (at least €11,040 a year for a single applicant plus extra amounts for family members), and provide a lease of at least 12 months or a title deed.
- Consulate application: Apply at the Portuguese consulate or authorised visa centre (VFS Global) and submit all documents (proof of income, criminal record, health insurance and so on) on your appointment day. Official documents must be apostilled and translated.
- Visa decision: Consular review usually takes around 60 days. If approved, a two-entry D7 visa is placed in your passport allowing you to enter Portugal and stay for 4 months (120 days).
- AIMA appointment in Portugal: After arriving, you attend your AIMA appointment, where your biometrics are taken and original documents checked. Because AIMA appointments are busy, follow up closely after you arrive. Your approved residence card (Título de Residência) is posted to your address and is usually valid for 2 years. To renew it, you are expected not to be away from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 months in total.
Professional support reduces delays and the risk of refusal due to missing documents. With Golden Visa Solutions, our lawyers in Portugal can organise your NIF, bank account and accommodation without you having to travel, using a power of attorney, and manage your consulate application professionally.
Portugal D7 Visa Costs
Compared with investment visas like the Golden Visa, the D7 has low official fees. But when budgeting you should consider not only the fees but also the funds you must show and indirect costs. Current cost items are:
- Visa application fee (consulate): €110
- Residence permit application fee (AIMA): €99.80
- Residence card issue fee: €85.80
- Funds for a single applicant: €11,040 a year
- Main applicant + spouse: €16,560 a year
- Main applicant + spouse + 2 children: €23,184 a year
Other costs to include in your budget:
- NIF and fiscal representative fees
- At least 12 months of accommodation in Portugal (rent or purchase)
- Comprehensive private health insurance
- Sworn translations and apostilles
Portugal D7 Visa Advice
Contact us for professional support with your D7 visa. Golden Visa Solutions, Türkiye’s first Golden Visa platform, manages Portugal Golden Visa and D7 applications together with expert lawyers in Portugal.
Related guides: What Is a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) and How Do You Get One?
