General residence routes — non-lucrative and passive-income options
General residence routes suit retirees, independently wealthy applicants, and those living on passive income. Examples include Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa and Portugal's D7.
Typical characteristics
- Applicant must prove sufficient passive or private income, typically 1–4× national minimum wage.
- Active work for the destination's employers is typically prohibited.
- Physical-presence requirements apply (e.g. 183 days per year in Spain).
- Most lead to permanent residence after 5 years.