About Portugal:
Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic. Portugal is a beautiful and welcoming country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and excellent quality of life. It offers abundant opportunities for Education, business, and employment, making it an attractive destination for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs alike. With a pleasant climate, affordable living costs, and a peaceful lifestyle, Portugal is one of the best places to live in Europe. Its strategic location also provides easy access to the rest of Europe, opening doors to global opportunities.
What is D7 visa?
The D7 Visa for Portugal, also known as the Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa, is ideal for individuals who have a stable passive income and want to live in Portugal. It is commonly used by retirees, freelancers, remote workers, or financially independent individuals.
Duration/What we can do on this visa:
The initial D7 visa is a temporary, multi-entry visa valid for 4 months, allowing you to enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit. It is valid for 2 years, followed by a renewal for another 3 years. This process can eventually lead to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after five years of holding the permit, provided you meet residency requirements.
Resident’s Rights in Portugal
Once you become a resident in Portugal, you become entitled to certain benefits offered by the state. These benefits include:
- Access to the National Health Service Care
- Access to the National Education Service and school in Portugal
- Conducting any professional activity as an independent professional
- Access and protection from the Portuguese Law and Legal System
- Access to Vocational Schooling in Portugal
Family Reunification
Once you have the D7 visa, your family is entitled to join you in Portugal. You’ll need to request family reunification in AIMA. You will have to legally prove your relationship
The following is the list of family members who may qualify for family reunification under the D7 visa:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your children under 18 years of age, or incapacitated children of the couple or of one of their spouses/partners
- Children over 18 years of age who are dependent on you or your spouse. This means that they are single and studying in an educational establishment
- Your parents or your spouse/partner’s parents, as long as they are dependent on you
- You minor siblings
Expenditure:
The monthly cost of living in Portugal depends a lot on where you live (Lisbon/Porto vs smaller towns or rural areas), your lifestyle, family size, etc
Living modestly in a mid-sized city or smaller town
Single person €1,200 – €1,800
Couple ~ €1,800 – €2,600
Family of 3-4 (with kids, private schooling etc.): €2,800 – €5,000
Age limit:
There is no maximum age limit for the Portugal D7 visa.
Minimum age to apply independently is 18 years
Eligibility Criteria:
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
Must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. - Stable passive income
Must prove sufficient and regular passive income from one or more of the following sources: - Pension
- Rental income
- Dividends
- Royalties
- Remote freelance
Examples of people eligible to apply
- Retired government employee, Retired private company , Retired university professor
- Owner of 2 residential apartments, Owner of commercial property
- Shareholder receiving from stocks, Investor receiving from mutual fund dividends and Owner of small business shares in dividends
- Author from book royalties, Music composer and Patent owner in intellectual property royalties
- People earning from online work, investments, rental income, or business profits. A software developer working remotely for an international company
- Minimum income requirement
The main applicant must show income equivalent to 100% of the Portuguese minimum wage per month:- As of 2025, minimum wage is approx. €820/month
- Spouse: additional 50% (€410)
- Each dependent child: additional 30% (€246)
- Accommodation in Portugal
Must provide proof of long-term accommodation (rental agreement, property ownership, or invitation letter). - Clean criminal record
Police clearance certificate required from your country of residence (valid within 90 days). - Health insurance
Private health insurance valid in Portugal until you are eligible for public healthcare.
Employment & Job Market
Portugal has a growing economy and is becoming an attractive destination for skilled professionals from around the world. Key industries include
- Tourism,
- Healthcare
- Renewable energy
- IT
- and business services.
In-Demand Jobs
- Information Technology (IT): Software Developers, Data Analysts, Cyber security Experts
- Healthcare: Doctors, Nurses, Radiologists, Care Workers
- Education: English Language Teachers, University Lecturers
- Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel Managers, Chefs, Tourism Consultants
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers
- Business & Finance: Accountants, Business Analysts, Marketing Specialists
Average Salaries
Average annual salaries range between:
- IT & Engineering Roles: €25,000 – €45,000
- Healthcare Professionals: €20,000 – €40,000
- Hospitality & Tourism: €15,000 – €25,000
- Finance & Business Roles: €20,000 – €35,000
Step by step process
➡ Check the basic Eligibility
➡ Prepare documents
➡ Book & attend your consulate/embassy appointment
➡ Pay the visa fee and submit the documents
➡ Wait for the visa decision
➡ If visa approved — travel to Portugal
➡ Apply for your residence permit at SEF
➡ Post-arrival registrations (do these soon after you receive permit)
➡ Get your NIF (tax ID) — needed for opening bank accounts, contracts,
Required Documents:
- D7 visa application form
- Valid passport (Minimum validity of 6 months)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of income
- Bank statements (last 6–12 months)
- Pension slips, rental contracts, dividend reports, etc.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Criminal background check
- Private health insurance certificate
- Portuguese NIF number (Tax number) – recommended before applying.
- Cover letter (Explaining your reasons for relocating, financial sustainability, and long-term plans)
- Proof of travel and accommodation bookings (initial entry)
Processing Time:
- Consulate processing: 60 days (varies by location)
- Residence Permit appointment in Portugal: (Immigration) appointment within 90–120 days after arrival.
Visa application fee
- €90 per person.
- Residence permit / permit card fees €83 processing + €72 issuance per family member.