Portugal D7 Visa

A residence visa that allows individuals with regular and sustainable income to live in Portugal and work towards long-term residence.

What Is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The Portugal D7 Visa is a national residence visa designed for individuals who receive regular and sustainable income from sources such as pensions, rental income, investments or other private income and wish to relocate to Portugal.

Although it is commonly referred to as the “D7 Visa”, the Portuguese authorities officially describe this category as a residence visa for retirees, religious workers and individuals living on their own income.

This visa is intended for people who genuinely plan to reside in Portugal, rather than those who only wish to visit the country for a short period.

After entering Portugal with a D7 residence visa, the applicant must complete the residence permit process before the relevant Portuguese authority.

Who Can Apply for the D7 Visa?

Individuals who can support themselves in Portugal through regular and sufficient income received from outside Portugal may be eligible for the D7 Visa.

This route is commonly chosen by:

• Retirees receiving a pension,
• Individuals receiving regular rental income from property,
• Individuals receiving investment or dividend income,
• Individuals receiving interest or capital income,
• Individuals receiving royalty income,
• Individuals with other regular and sustainable private income,
• Families wishing to establish long-term residence in Portugal.

It is not enough for income simply to exist. The applicant must demonstrate that the source of income is lawful, regular, sustainable and supported by appropriate evidence.

A one-off lump sum or temporary transfer is not assessed in the same way as regular income. However, sufficient savings and a healthy bank balance may strengthen the financial aspect of the application.

Is the D7 Visa a Passive Income Visa?

The D7 Visa is commonly described as the “Portugal Passive Income Visa”.

However, Portuguese legislation does not provide a single standard list limited only to specific forms of passive income. The main requirement is that the applicant has sufficient and regular financial resources to support themselves in Portugal without relying on public funds.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, eligible income sources may include:

• Pension income,
• Rental income,
• Dividend income,
• Investment income,
• Interest income,
• Royalty income,
• Regular profit distributions from companies,
• Other long-term and regular private income.

Each type of income should be supported by appropriate official documentation.

Advantages of the D7 Visa

The Portugal D7 Visa may offer a number of benefits to eligible applicants:

• The opportunity to live in Portugal on a long-term basis,
• No requirement to obtain a job offer,
• No requirement to be sponsored by a Portuguese employer,
• The possibility of applying with eligible family members or later using the family reunification route,
• The opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit in Portugal,
• The possibility of renewing the residence permit if the relevant conditions continue to be met,
• Short-term travel within the Schengen Area,
• The possibility of applying for permanent residence once the relevant requirements are met,
• The possibility of applying for Portuguese citizenship once the relevant requirements are met.

The D7 Visa does not directly grant Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence. These statuses are considered through separate applications after the required period of lawful residence and other conditions have been completed.

Is a Job Offer Required for the D7 Visa?

No.

You do not need a job offer from Portugal or sponsorship from a Portuguese employer in order to apply for the D7 Visa.

The application is mainly assessed on the basis of the applicant’s existing and regular income.

The D7 Visa is different from a work visa based on an employment contract in Portugal. The main basis of the application is the applicant’s ability to support themselves financially while living in Portugal.

D7 Visa Income Requirement for 2026

The Portuguese minimum wage is used as the basis for calculating sufficient financial resources.

For 2026, the relevant monthly minimum wage in Portugal is €920.

The general calculation is as follows:

• Main applicant: 100% of the minimum wage,
• Second adult: 50% of the minimum wage,
• Each child or dependant: 30% of the minimum wage.

Based on these percentages, the approximate monthly calculation for 2026 is:

• Main applicant: €920,
• Spouse or second adult: €460,
• Each child: €276.

For example, the basic monthly income calculation for a family consisting of two adults and one child would be approximately €1,656.

For annual calculations, these amounts may be assessed over a 12-month period.

However, meeting these figures does not automatically guarantee approval. The consulate or authorised visa centre may assess:

• The source of the income,
• The regularity of the income,
• The sustainability of the income,
• The applicant’s savings,
• Accommodation costs,
• The size of the family,
• The document requirements applied by the relevant country or consulate.

Rather than demonstrating only the minimum amount, applicants are generally advised to provide stronger evidence of sufficient income and savings.

Income Calculation for Family Members

For family applications, sufficient financial resources are calculated according to the number of people in the household.

The general percentages are:

• 100% for the first adult,
• 50% for each additional adult,
• 30% for each child under the age of 18 or dependant child.

Suitable accommodation and sufficient financial resources for family members may also be assessed as part of the family reunification or residence application.

The appropriate application procedure may vary depending on whether the family members are inside or outside Portugal at the time of application and according to the current family reunification rules.

Are Savings Alone Sufficient for a D7 Visa?

A substantial bank balance may strengthen the application, but the main purpose of the D7 Visa is to demonstrate that the applicant has a regular and sustainable source of income.

For this reason, a lump sum deposited into a bank account may not always replace evidence of regular income.

Savings may provide stronger support when submitted together with:

• Regular pension income,
• Tenancy agreements and rental payments,
• Dividend payment records,
• Investment account statements,
• Interest income,
• Tax returns,
• Bank statements showing the continuity of the income.

It is important that the income evidence is consistent with the applicant’s bank transactions.

Portuguese NIF Number

A NIF is the Portuguese tax identification number.

It may be required in Portugal for:

• Opening a bank account,
• Renting a property,
• Completing tax procedures,
• Entering into contracts,
• Issuing invoices,
• Completing certain official transactions.

Having a Portuguese NIF number may help demonstrate that the applicant has taken practical steps towards relocating to Portugal.

Obtaining a NIF does not, by itself, provide any right to a D7 Visa.

Portuguese Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Portugal may be an important part of the D7 Visa preparation process.

The applicant may be asked to keep sufficient funds in a Portuguese bank account to demonstrate that they can cover their living costs in Portugal.

The amount to be held in the account should be assessed according to:

• The applicant’s income,
• The number of family members,
• The intended period of residence,
• The practice of the relevant consulate.

Having a Portuguese bank account does not automatically guarantee visa approval. The applicant must also explain the source of their funds and their overall financial circumstances.

Accommodation Requirement in Portugal

Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they have suitable accommodation in Portugal.

Accommodation may be supported by:

• A long-term tenancy agreement,
• A title deed for a property owned by the applicant,
• An acceptable accommodation declaration,
• Another form of accommodation evidence accepted by the relevant consulate.

A short-term hotel or tourist accommodation booking may not be accepted as sufficient in every application.

A tenancy agreement may strengthen the application where it is:

• Genuine and verifiable,
• Valid for the period during which the applicant plans to live in Portugal,
• Issued in the name of the applicant or relevant family member,
• Consistent with the Portuguese tax and registration system.

Registration of the tenancy agreement with Finanças, the Portuguese Tax Authority, may also support the verifiability of the agreement.

D7 Visa Application Process

The D7 Visa application process generally consists of the following stages.

1. Eligibility and Financial Assessment

The applicant’s circumstances should first be assessed, including:

• Sources of income,
• Regularity of income,
• Annual income,
• Bank savings,
• Number of family members,
• Accommodation plans in Portugal,
• Genuine intention to live in Portugal.

Before applying, it should be determined whether the income is suitable for the D7 route and which documents can be used to prove it.

2. Obtaining a Portuguese NIF Number

A Portuguese tax identification number may be obtained at an early stage of the process.

A NIF may be required for later steps such as opening a bank account and entering into a tenancy agreement.

3. Opening a Portuguese Bank Account

The applicant may need to open a Portuguese bank account in their own name and maintain funds sufficient to support the application.

Account-opening requirements may vary between banks.

4. Arranging Accommodation in Portugal

The applicant must prepare suitable evidence of where they intend to live in Portugal.

This process may involve:

• Searching for a property,
• Preparing a tenancy agreement,
• Signing the agreement,
• Completing the relevant registration procedures.

5. Booking the Visa Appointment

The application is submitted through the Portuguese Consulate or authorised visa application centre responsible for the country in which the applicant lawfully resides.

The appointment system and application procedure may vary by country.

6. Preparing the Documents

The application form and supporting documents must be prepared in accordance with the current requirements of the relevant consulate.

Documents issued outside Portugal may need to be:

• Apostilled,
• Legalised,
• Translated into Portuguese,
• Issued within a specified period.

7. Submitting the Visa Application

The completed documents are submitted to the relevant consulate or visa application centre on the appointment date.

The applicant may be asked to provide:

• Biometric information,
• Passport,
• Application form,
• Supporting documents,
• Visa fee.

8. Entering Portugal

The residence visa issued under the D7 route allows the applicant to enter Portugal and complete the residence permit process.

The national residence visa generally:

• Is valid for four months,
• Allows two entries into Portugal.

This visa is not the final residence card.

9. AIMA Residence Permit Process

After entering Portugal, the applicant must complete the residence permit process with the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo — AIMA.

At this stage, the applicant may generally be asked to provide:

• A valid passport,
• A valid residence visa,
• Proof of address in Portugal,
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources,
• Tax registration details,
• Social security information, where applicable,
• Health insurance or healthcare coverage,
• Criminal record and suitability documents.

The final document list will depend on the applicant’s circumstances and AIMA’s current procedures.

Documents Required for the D7 Visa

The documents required for a D7 Visa application may vary depending on the consulate and the applicant’s personal circumstances.

The following documents may generally be required:

• Valid passport,
• National visa application form,
• Biometric photographs,
• Evidence of lawful residence in the country of application,
• Travel medical insurance,
• Criminal record certificate,
• Consent allowing the Portuguese authorities to check the applicant’s criminal record,
• Evidence of accommodation in Portugal,
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources,
• Evidence of the source of income,
• Bank statements,
• Portuguese bank account documents,
• NIF document,
• A personal statement explaining the applicant’s relocation plans,
• Civil status documents relating to family members,
• Required translations, apostilles and legalisation documents.

This is not a fixed or exhaustive document checklist.

The current document list of the relevant Portuguese Consulate or authorised visa application centre should always be checked separately.

How Can Income Be Proven?

Different documents may be used depending on the applicant’s type of income.

Pension Income

• Pension confirmation letter,
• Pension entitlement decision,
• Bank statements showing pension payments,
• Annual pension income summary,
• Tax documents.

Rental Income

• Property ownership documents,
• Tenancy agreements,
• Bank statements showing rental payments,
• Tax returns,
• Rental income calculations.

Dividend or Company Income

• Company ownership documents,
• Dividend resolutions,
• Company accounts,
• Tax returns,
• Regular payments into the applicant’s bank account,
• Accountant’s letters.

Investment and Interest Income

• Investment account statements,
• Interest payment records,
• Portfolio reports,
• Bank statements,
• Tax returns.

The documents should clearly demonstrate the source of the income and that it is regularly paid to the applicant.

Can You Work in Portugal with a D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa is primarily based on the applicant’s own regular income.

The right to work or carry out self-employed activities in Portugal is assessed according to the residence permit held by the applicant and the legislation in force.

The D7 Visa is not the same as a work visa based on an employment contract in Portugal. At the initial application stage, the applicant is expected to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially without needing to work in Portugal.

Individuals planning to work, become self-employed or operate a business in Portugal should also consider their tax, social security and professional registration obligations.

Validity of the D7 Visa

The initial national residence visa issued under the D7 route allows the applicant to enter Portugal and complete the AIMA residence permit process.

This visa generally:

• Is valid for four months,
• Allows two entries.

After entry into Portugal and completion of the AIMA process, a temporary residence permit may be issued.

Temporary residence permits in Portugal are generally valid for an initial period of two years and may then be renewed for further periods of three years, provided that the relevant conditions continue to be met.

The exact validity period should be checked against the dates shown on the residence card and the applicant’s individual circumstances.

Physical Residence Requirement in Portugal

The D7 Visa is a residence route intended for individuals who genuinely plan to live in Portugal.

It is not sufficient merely to obtain a residence card. The applicant must maintain their residence in Portugal and comply with the renewal requirements.

Spending extended periods outside Portugal may affect:

• Renewal of the residence permit,
• A permanent residence application,
• A citizenship application,
• The applicant’s tax position.

The permitted period of absence and any available exceptions should be assessed according to the applicant’s residence status and personal circumstances.

Travel within the Schengen Area

Holders of a valid Portuguese residence permit may travel to other Schengen countries for short stays, subject to the Schengen rules.

This does not provide the right to:

• Settle in another Schengen country,
• Work without restriction in another country,
• Travel continuously around Europe without maintaining residence in Portugal.

Portugal should remain the applicant’s main country of residence.

Spouses, Partners and Children

Eligible family members of a D7 applicant may be included in the application process or may use the family reunification route, depending on the circumstances.

Eligible family members may generally include:

• Spouse,
• Legally recognised partner,
• Children under the age of 18,
• Dependant adult children who meet the relevant requirements,
• Dependant parents who meet the relevant requirements.

The family relationship must be supported by official documentation.

The applicant may also need to demonstrate:

• Sufficient financial resources for the family members,
• Suitable accommodation for the family,
• Valid evidence of the family relationship.

Family reunification rules and application timing may be affected by legislative changes. Each family application should therefore be assessed under the rules in force at the time of application.

Permanent Residence

Individuals who have lawfully resided in Portugal for the required period may apply for permanent residence if they meet the relevant conditions.

The following may be assessed as part of a permanent residence application:

• Period of lawful residence,
• Physical residence in Portugal,
• Financial resources,
• Accommodation,
• Criminal record and general suitability,
• Knowledge of Portuguese,
• Tax and social security compliance.

Permanent residence is not granted automatically. A separate application must be submitted once the relevant period has been completed.

Portuguese Citizenship

Individuals who have been legally resident in Portugal for at least five years may apply for Portuguese citizenship if they also meet the other nationality requirements.

Completing five years of residence alone is not sufficient.

The applicant must also satisfy:

• The lawful residence requirement,
• The required level of Portuguese language knowledge,
• Criminal record and security requirements,
• Other conditions under the citizenship legislation in force.

The D7 Visa does not directly grant citizenship. Citizenship is a separate process that may be pursued after the relevant conditions have been met.

How Long Does a D7 Visa Application Take?

The official Portuguese public service page states a decision period of 60 days for this category.

However, the overall process may take longer due to:

• Appointment availability,
• The country of application,
• Consular workload,
• Document verification,
• Requests for additional evidence,
• Security checks.

The stated period is not a guaranteed processing time.

Additional time may also be required to complete the AIMA residence permit process after entering Portugal.

D7 Visa Application Fee

The official Portuguese public service page states that the application fee for a residence visa for retirees, religious workers and individuals living on their own income is €90.

Applicants may also incur additional costs, including:

• Visa application centre service fees,
• Document translation fees,
• Apostille and legalisation fees,
• Health insurance,
• NIF and banking services,
• Accommodation costs,
• AIMA residence permit and card fees.

As fees may change, they should be checked again with the consulate, authorised visa centre and AIMA at the time of application.

Important Considerations for D7 Visa Applications

A D7 Visa application is not a simple process based only on showing a certain amount of money in a bank account.

The application must be consistent as a whole.

The following issues are particularly important:

• The income must be regular and sustainable,
• The lawful source of the income must be explained,
• Bank transactions must be consistent with the income evidence,
• Genuine and suitable accommodation in Portugal must be demonstrated,
• The applicant’s intention to live in Portugal must be clear,
• The application form and supporting documents must be consistent,
• Sufficient additional funds must be shown for family members,
• Required apostille, legalisation and translation procedures must be completed,
• The current document requirements of the relevant consulate must be followed.

A NIF number, Portuguese bank account and tenancy agreement are important preparatory steps, but none of them guarantees approval on its own.

Our Immigration Consultancy Process

Every D7 Visa applicant has a different income structure, family situation and relocation plan.

MRV Partners Consultancy can provide support with:

• Initial eligibility assessment,
• Review of income sources,
• Calculation of the required income for the family,
• Development of a tailored application strategy,
• Coordination of the Portuguese NIF process,
• Guidance with opening a Portuguese bank account,
• Assessment of accommodation and tenancy agreement requirements,
• Preparation of a personalised document checklist,
• Review of income evidence,
• Review of bank transactions,
• Preparation of the application form,
• Preparation of the supporting statement,
• Identification of translation and apostille requirements,
• Visa appointment and application file preparation,
• Planning applications for spouses, partners and children,
• Preparation of responses to requests for additional documents,
• Guidance regarding the AIMA process following arrival in Portugal.

Our aim is not simply to provide a standard document list, but to present your income, financial circumstances and relocation plans in a clear and consistent application.

Why Work With Us?

Different types of income cannot be proven using the same documents.

The evidence required from a pensioner will be different from the evidence required from an individual receiving rental income, company dividends or investment income.

Each application should be prepared by considering:

• The type of income,
• The regularity of the income,
• The applicant’s savings,
• The number of family members,
• Accommodation plans in Portugal,
• The consulate where the application will be submitted,
• The applicant’s long-term objectives.

MRV Partners Consultancy assesses each application according to the applicant’s individual circumstances and provides professional support throughout the process.

Are You Ready to Apply for the Portugal D7 Visa?

You can contact us to find out whether you may qualify for the D7 Visa or to have your income and banking documents reviewed.

During the initial assessment, we will consider:

• Your sources of income,
• Your monthly and annual income,
• Your savings,
• The number of family members,
• Your accommodation plans in Portugal,
• Your long-term residence objectives.

We will then identify the most suitable application strategy for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer from Portugal for the D7 Visa?

No. You do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship from Portugal.

Is the D7 Visa only for retirees?

No. Individuals with sufficient and regular private income may also apply.

What is the required income in 2026?

For 2026, the basic calculation is €920 per month for the main applicant, €460 for the second adult and €276 for each child. However, meeting these amounts does not guarantee approval.

Is a Portuguese bank account required for the D7 Visa?

A Portuguese bank account may be important for demonstrating financial capacity and relocation preparations. The exact requirements should be checked with the relevant consulate.

What is a NIF number?

A NIF is the Portuguese tax identification number. It may be required for opening a bank account, entering into a tenancy agreement and completing many official procedures.

Do I need to rent a property in Portugal?

The applicant must demonstrate suitable accommodation in Portugal. This may be shown through a long-term tenancy agreement, property ownership or another accepted form of accommodation evidence.

Does the tenancy agreement need to be registered with Finanças?

Registration of the tenancy agreement with the Portuguese tax system may support its authenticity and verifiability. The registration responsibility and required procedure should be checked according to the type of agreement.

Can I apply using savings only?

Substantial savings may strengthen the application, but regular and sustainable income is an important part of the D7 Visa assessment.

How long is the initial D7 Visa valid?

The initial residence visa is generally valid for four months and allows two entries. The residence permit process must be completed in Portugal during this period.

How long is the first residence permit valid?

Temporary residence permits are generally issued for an initial period of two years and may then be renewed for further periods of three years if the relevant conditions continue to be met.

Can I bring my family with me?

Eligible spouses, partners, children and, in certain circumstances, other dependant family members may be included or may use the family reunification route.

Does the D7 Visa lead to citizenship?

The D7 Visa does not directly grant citizenship. Individuals who have legally resided in Portugal for at least five years may apply for citizenship if they meet the other requirements.

Can I travel to other European countries with a D7 Visa?

A valid Portuguese residence permit allows short-term travel within the Schengen Area. It does not provide the right to settle or work without restriction in another European country.