The D7 Visa, often called the ‘retirement’ or ‘passive income’ visa, is a popular residency route for non-EU citizens who have a stable, recurring income from sources outside of Portugal.
It is specifically designed for those whose money ‘works for them’.
To qualify, you must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national over the age of 18 with a clean criminal record. The defining factor is your passive income.
What defines passive income for a D7 visa in Portugal?
The key passive income streams are:
- Retirement pensions: State or private pensions.
- Rental income: Revenue from properties you own anywhere in the world.
- Dividends and investments: Payouts from stocks, bonds, or private companies (where you aren't an active manager).
- Intellectual property: Royalties from books, music, or patents.
The D7 visa requires a significant commitment to living in the country to qualify.
To ensure you meet the minimum income requirements, you need to be able to demonstrate a passive income which at least matches the Portuguese minimum wage. As of February 2026, that stands at €920 a month – or €11,040 a year.
The D7 visa provides successful applicants with a residence permit in Portugal for two years, initially, which can then be renewed for two years successively.
As of February 2026, after five years, you can apply for citizenship.
Under the D7 visa, holders also have the option of 'family reunification' where family members will be granted a residence visa that is valid for one year. You will, however, need to demonstrate additional income for your spouse or each dependent child. This equates to an extra 50% for your spouse and additional 30% for each dependent child.
How to apply for a D7 visa for Portugal
- Before applying, you must obtain a NIF (Portuguese Tax Number) and open a Portuguese bank account. Most applicants use a fiscal representative to do this remotely. You must then transfer your required 12-month savings buffer into this Portuguese account.
- You must provide proof of long-term housing for at least 12 months. This can be a deed for a property you've bought or a registered rental contract.
- You will need to provide a NIF, supporting bank statements, private health insurance and proof of your clean criminal record.
- If approved, you receive a four-month entry visa. Once you arrive in Portugal, you must attend an appointment with AIMA to provide biometrics and receive your two-year residency card.
What is the criteria for a D7 visa in Portugal?
- You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
- You need to be able to demonstrate the minimum passive income highlighted above.
- You will also need to have at least one year’s income in a bank account – so the equivalent of €11,040 for the applicant – and more is recommended. This will increase if dependents are to join you.
- You will need to demonstrate a minimum 12-month rental agreement for property in Portugal – or property deeds for a home you own in the country.
- You will need comprehensive private medical insurance.
- You will need to obtain a Portugal bank account which will require obtaining Portugal Tax Number (NIF).
- You must not be absent for more than six consecutive months – or eight non-consecutive months – during your initial two-year permit period.
To find out more about applying for a D7 visa in Portugal, contact Portugal Pathways
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways website and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice.
