Portuguese Republic
D7 visa (passive income / retirement) processing time
2–6 months consular processing; AIMA residence-card appointment after arrival adds a further 6–12 months in backlog.
Typical window
2 months – 6 months
Government fees
Visa application fees from approximately €90; residence permit issuance around €170; family members additional.
Last checked
20 April 2026
Priority / premium notes
AIMA replaced SEF in late 2023; appointment backlogs are the binding constraint, not the visa decision itself.
What drives the timeline
D7 visa (passive income / retirement) sits in the residence general category. Typical duration: Initial 4-month entry visa; 2-year residence card renewable for 3 years; leads to permanent residence or citizenship after 5 years.. Indicative government fees: Visa application fees from approximately €90; residence permit issuance around €170; family members additional..
- Does not require a sponsor.
- Leads to settlement / permanent residence.
- Suited for: Retirees with pension income, Individuals with rental, dividend, or other passive income, Remote workers whose income structure is more passive-than-active (though D8 may be more suitable for active remote workers).
Primary source
Portuguese Consulate network — D7
https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/necessary-documents
Frequently asked questions
How long does the D7 visa (passive income / retirement) take to process?
2–6 months consular processing; AIMA residence-card appointment after arrival adds a further 6–12 months in backlog. These figures come from Portuguese Consulate network — D7 and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
AIMA replaced SEF in late 2023; appointment backlogs are the binding constraint, not the visa decision itself.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.