Portuguese Republic · residence general
D7 visa (passive income / retirement)
Residence visa for non-EU nationals with stable passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends).
Last reviewed:
Overview
The D7 visa is Portugal's long-standing residence route for retirees and other passive-income earners. Applicants must evidence regular income at or above Portuguese minimum-wage multiples, along with accommodation and tax residency intent. It leads to a 5-year temporary residence and subsequently permanent residence or citizenship.
Processing time
Consulate visa decision typically 2–3 months; AIMA residence card appointment can extend timeline further.
See source window: 2 months – 6 months →Government fees
Visa application fees from approximately €90; residence permit issuance around €170; family members additional.
Typical duration
Initial 4-month entry visa; 2-year residence card renewable for 3 years; leads to permanent residence or citizenship after 5 years.
Primary source
VistosMNE — Residence visas · Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal)
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
Regular monthly passive income of at least the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately €820 in 2025; verify current figure). Spouse and dependants require additional uplifts.
Accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property ownership).
Portuguese tax number (NIF).
Clean criminal record.
Common blockers
Income classified as active rather than passive by the consulate.
Insufficient uplift for dependants.
Typical evidence
Bank statements and income evidence for 12+ months.
Rental contract or deed of property in Portugal.
Criminal record certificate.
Proof of health insurance.
Application pathway
Step 1
Obtain NIF and open Portuguese bank account
A Portuguese tax number and bank account are typically prerequisites for the application.
Step 2
Secure accommodation
Rental contract or purchased property.
Step 3
Apply at Portuguese consulate
Submit application with income evidence, accommodation, criminal record.
Step 4
Receive 4-month residence visa and travel
Enter Portugal within the visa validity.
Step 5
Attend AIMA appointment for residence card
Appointment scheduled on arrival; receive 2-year Título de Residência.
Step 6
Renew and progress to permanent residence or citizenship
After 5 years of lawful residence, apply for permanent residence or citizenship.
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Related routes
D8 visa (digital nomad / remote work)
Residence visa for remote workers employed by or freelancing for companies outside Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa (residence by investment)
Residence-by-investment route; real-estate and capital-transfer pathways were closed in October 2023, but fund-investment and other options remain.
Frequently asked questions
Does the D7 visa lead to Portuguese citizenship?
Yes. After 5 years of lawful residence, D7 holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting the language (A2 Portuguese) and other naturalisation requirements.
Can D7 holders work in Portugal?
D7 is structured around passive income but Portuguese residence typically permits employment and self-employment activities once granted. Always verify current scope on the VistosMNE portal.
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