D7 Visa Portugal – Visa for Retirees, Pensioners or Investors

The Temporary Residence Visa, also known as the D7 Visa, is one of the most popular options for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens planning to live in Portugal without working locally. This visa is ideal for retirees, investors, and people with passive income. With the D7, you don’t need to invest large amounts of money, buy a property, or start a business- you just need to prove that you can support yourself in Portugal with a regular overseas income. This income can include pensions, investment income, rentals income, dividends, among others.

Application Process:

 You’re expected to initially spend at least 4 to 6 months in Portugal to start the application process. As this visa caters to individuals with passive income, it is particularly suitable for retirees or remote workers who can support themselves without relying on the Portuguese job market.

Residency Requirements

You are obligated to physically reside in Portugal for a certain period to maintain the validity of your visa and subsequent residency. In the first two years, you are expected to be in Portugal for at least 16 months. Following this, a two-year temporary residence permit is usually granted, which can lead to permanent residency and potential citizenship with continuous presence in the country. It is also essential to maintain valid health insurance coverage throughout your stay.

What is the Cost of Obtaining the D7 Visas and How Long Does the Process Take?

The application fee is €90, and the process is usually completed in less than 2 months. Later, the issuance of the permanent residence permit costs €222.

What is the Minimum Own Income Required to Obtain This Visa?

This amount varies depending on the number of people in the household. The income obtained by an adult must correspond to at least 100% of the minimum wage in Portugal (€820 per month in 2024). A second adult will add 50% of that amount. Each child, up to 18 years old, represents an additional 30% of the same amount.

For example, for a family of 2 adults and 1 child, a minimum fixed monthly income of around €1,482 is required.

It is also mandatory to have, in a Portuguese bank account, the total amount of sufficient funds for 1 year. In the example given above, it would be necessary to have a total of approximately €17,784 in that account to apply for the D7 Visas.

What are the Main Advantages of the D7 Visas?

In addition to allowing living, working, and studying in Portugal, the D7 Visas offer many advantages:

• Tax benefits for "Non-Habitual Residents";
• Free movement in the Schengen Area;
• Access to the Portuguese National Health System, which is often free;
• Freedom and ease in investing in Portuguese real estate, which is on the rise.

What is Required to Access the D7 Visas and Where to Apply?

The application for D7 Visas is always done in the citizen's country of origin (outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland). The necessary documents to apply for these visas are:

• Visa application form;
• Passport or other travel document;
• Recent photographs;
• Travel insurance covering medical expenses;
• Proof of funds (or proof of income sufficient to support yourself in Portugal);
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin (or from the country of residence for more than one year);
• Request for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF);
• Proof of accommodation conditions in Portugal;
• Proof of means of subsistence.

Dependent Visa

The D7 visa allows the following family members to obtain a dependent visa:

a) Spouse;

b) Minor or dependent children of the applicant;

c) Adopted minors;

d) Adult children dependent on the applicant;

e) Direct ascendants in the 1st degree of the applicant;

f) Minor siblings under the guardianship of the applicant.

Submitting Your Portugal Residency Application: The Review Process

Ready to take the next step? Here's what to expect after you've gathered your application documents:

• Application Submission: Schedule an appointment with your local Portuguese consulate or embassy. At the appointment, you'll officially submit your application package, which includes your completed form and all required supporting documents.
• Application Fees: Don't forget to pay the application fee associated with your visa type.
• Review Timeline: Be prepared to wait while the consulate reviews your application. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. During this time, the consulate may contact you if they require additional information or documentation to proceed.
• SEF's Role: Portugal's immigration office, SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), will conduct a preliminary review of your application.

Almost There! Final Steps and Your Portugal Residency

Here's what to expect after the consulate approves your visa application:

• Temporary Residence Visa: You'll receive a visa that allows you to enter Portugal. This is your temporary permit to reside in the country.
• Biometric Appointment: Once you arrive in Portugal, you'll need to schedule an appointment with SEF (the immigration office) within four months. During this appointment, they'll collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
• Temporary Residence Permit: After your biometric appointment, you'll be issued a temporary residence permit valid for two years. This permit is renewable.
• Long-Term Residency Options: After five years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or even citizenship, provided you meet all the required criteria.

The investment in real estate in Portugal has been growing, which may increase the interest in the D7 Visas by foreign citizens.

Whether you're looking to buy a property, sell a property, or need legal assistance, REMAX Cidadela can help. Our experienced agents and lawyers can provide you with the support you need to make informed decisions and achieve your goals.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

Ready to start your adventure in Lisbon or Cascais? Contact RE/MAX Cidadela today.
Avenida 25 de Abril 722, C-9, Cascais or Avenida 25  de Abril 890, Cascais,
+351 214826710,    ppettermann@remax.pt

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