Want to live in Portugal? Check out the possibility of obtaining a D7 residence visa.
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If you have taxable income of any kind and want to live in Portugal, it is crucial to understand the main eligibility requirements and the steps in the D7 visa application process.
Who can apply for a D7 visa?
The D7 visa is intended for any citizens of nationalities other than those of European Union member countries, i.e. Americans, Brazilians, Canadians, British, etc., who have regular passive income directly in their bank account and intend to live in Portugal for a period of more than 1 year.
What is passive income and how can you prove it?
As the name implies, passive income is income that doesn't depend on work and happens independently of work.
These are examples of passive income:
- Retirements and pensions
- Rental income from real estate and other assets
- Interest and dividends from financial investments (on stock exchanges and the like)
- Dividends (distribution of profits from participation in companies)
- Receipt of royalties or copyright
- Other non-wage sources
It is important to note once again that this income must be received regularly into the D7 visa applicant's personal bank account, and must be equal to or higher than the national minimum wage in Portugal, currently (2024) €820 per month or a total of €9,840 per year.
In addition to proving the amount of passive income, the applicant must prove that they have the financial capacity to support themselves in Portugal for a period of 1 year. In the case of families, the above amounts must be increased by 50% of the minimum amount mentioned above for the dependent spouse, and by 30% for each dependent child. See below about visas for accompanying family members.
Other important considerations:
- The gross value of passive income, before tax, is taken into account.
- Passive income can be combined to prove the minimum amount.
- D7 visa applicants must maintain the minimum level of income (€820 per month) for the duration of their stay in Portugal.
- If the applicant's income fluctuates, they may need to provide additional documentation to demonstrate that they have sufficient means to support themselves.
Can the family also immigrate to Portugal on a D7 visa?
The main applicant for the D7 visa can apply for residence visas for their immediate family members at the same time as their D7 visa application, which will allow the family to immigrate together.
The following family members can obtain a residence visa under the D7 visa, provided they can prove the links and situations indicated:
- Spouse (wife or husband, even of the same gender);
- Minor or incapacitated children dependent on the applicant;
- Adopted minors;
- The applicant's adult dependent children;
- Applicant's parents;
- Minor siblings who are under the guardianship of the applicant.
Where to apply for a D7 visa and how much does it cost?
D7 visas must be applied for at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in the applicant's country of residence, i.e. before traveling to Portugal, together with the various documents required by the applicable legislation.
Fee: €90
What to do after obtaining the D7 visa? Residence permit and costs
D7 visas are valid for 4 months and allow 2 entries into Portugal. During this period, the visa holder must attend the appointment made with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) in Portugal, by the Consulate or Embassy, at the time of handing in the passport with the D7 visa. If the appointment has not been made at this time, it will be necessary to request an appointment with AIMA by telephone.
On the date of the appointment, biometric data will be collected and the necessary documents will be submitted for the granting of a residence permit in Portugal, under the terms of the applicable legislation.
Fees: €170.08
The residence permit for passive income earners is issued for a period of 2 years and is renewable for a further 3 years, making a total of 5 years of legal residence required to be granted a permanent residence permit and to apply for Portuguese nationality.
Main benefits of living in Portugal on a D7 visa
- Apply for family reunification;
- Travel within the Schengen Area as a tourist for a period of 90 days without the need for a Schengen visa;
- Access to the Portuguese National Health System;
- Access to the justice system, education and the entrepreneurial environment in Portugal;
- After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, the D7 visa holder is eligible to obtain (i) a permanent residence permit; and (ii) Portuguese nationality.
Do you want to live in Portugal?
Consult one of our experts and find out more about your case and this residence visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the D7 visa?
To be eligible, applicants must have a stable source of passive income, meet a minimum income threshold, have health insurance and prove accommodation in Portugal.
What are the income requirements for the D7 visa?
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €1,200 (or €2,400 for couples) from passive sources such as pensions, rental income or investment returns.
What types of passive income qualify for the D7 visa?
Any type of income that is generated without active work or employment, such as:
- Retirements
- Rental income
- Dividends
- Interest on savings
- Return on investment
How long is the D7 visa valid for?
The D7 visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for two further periods of two years each, provided the eligibility criteria are still met. After five years, D7 visa holders can apply for permanent residence.
Can I take my family with me on a D7 visa?
Yes, family members (spouses, children and dependent parents) can be included in the application and receive their own D7 visas.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply for a D7 visa?
No, proficiency in Portuguese is not a requirement for the D7 visa. However, it is advisable to have some basic knowledge of the language for day-to-day life in Portugal.
How can I apply for a D7 visa?
You must apply for a visa at the Portuguese Consular Office in your area of residence. Applicants must send several documents, including proof of income, health insurance and accommodation.
How long does it take to process a D7 visa application?
Processing times vary, but on average it takes several months to receive a decision on a D7 visa application.
Once the request has been submitted to the Portuguese authorities, the maximum deadline for a response is 60 days.
What are the benefits of obtaining a D7 visa?
The D7 visa offers several benefits, including the right to live in Portugal, access to health and education, and the possibility of applying for permanent residence after five years.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship on a D7 visa?
Yes, it is possible to become a Portuguese citizen through the D7 visa.
Steps to Nationality:
Obtain a D7 visa: The D7 visa grants a one-year residence permit, which can be renewed for successive periods of two years.
Maintain Legal Residence: To qualify for citizenship, you must maintain legal residence in Portugal for a total of five years. This involves meeting the minimum stay requirements and fulfilling any other legal obligations.
Apply for Permanent Residence (Optional): After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence, which is not compulsory but provides certain benefits and facilitates the process of applying for citizenship.
Apply for Citizenship: Once you have met the residency requirements, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. This requires passing a Portuguese language test and demonstrating knowledge of Portuguese history and culture.
Additional considerations:
The citizenship application process usually takes several months to complete.
You must renounce any other citizenships you hold, unless you qualify for dual citizenship.
You may be asked to provide documentation and evidence to support your application.
It is advisable to consult the relevant authorities or legal professionals for guidance on the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining Portuguese citizenship through the D7 visa.
Can I live in Portugal as a cryptocurrency trader?
Yes, it is possible to live in Portugal as a cryptocurrency trader. Portugal has become a popular destination for cryptocurrency traders due to its favorable tax regime.
Taxation of cryptocurrencies in Portugal:
Cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in Portugal. However, they are treated as assets for tax purposes.
Capital gains from the sale of cryptocurrencies are exempt from personal income tax...
Other tax considerations:
Income generated from cryptocurrency trading activities may be subject to corporate income tax if you operate as a registered business.
It is important to consult a tax advisor to determine your specific tax obligations based on your individual circumstances.
Legal considerations:
Cryptocurrency trading is not regulated in Portugal, but it is recommended to follow best practices and comply with anti-money laundering and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
It is advisable to seek legal advice to ensure that you are operating in compliance with all applicable laws.
Additional Tips:
Consider establishing a legal entity, such as a company or individual entrepreneur, to carry out your cryptocurrency trading activities.
Keep accurate records of all your transactions for tax and compliance purposes.
Keep up to date with any changes in Portuguese tax laws and regulations relating to cryptocurrencies.
By following these guidelines and seeking professional advice, you can navigate Portugal's legal and tax landscape as a cryptocurrency trader.
How it works
1. Contact us
Contact us, make an appointment to assess the feasibility of your case.
2. Hire us
Choose the modality and we will take care of your Residence Visa process.
3. Preparing the dossier
Preparing documents, filling in applications and making appointments at the consulate
4. Process entry
Entry of the application at the consular section together with passport and other requirements
5. Visa on Passport
Within a maximum of 60 working days, a final order granting the visa (100% success rate for visas applied for).
RESIDENCE VISAS FOR PORTUGAL
- Temporary stay visa: intended for stays of one year or less. This type of visa includes students who intend to live in Portugal for less than a year;
- Residence visa: This is intended for stays of one year or more. This type of visa includes students who want to live in Portugal for more than a year, as well as retired people who want to live in the country;
- Schengen visas:
These allow third-country nationals who need a visa (non-Brazilians) to enter or transit through the countries that make up the Schengen Area. They are intended for short stays (up to 90 days).
How else can we help you today?
We want to know how we can simplify your move to Portugal, to make it as pleasant and trouble-free as possible. From buying your dream home to taking out health insurance, we want to know how we can help.
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The advice and information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and do not replace consultation with a professional.
Please consult a lawyer or financial professional for advice on your specific situation.
VP! is not a bank, accountant, tax consultant/investor or law firm.
VP! acts as an intermediary, facilitating the process with the best financial and legal professionals.
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