Portugal Passive Income D7 Visa

The Portugal Passive Income Visa, or D7 Visa, is part of the Portugal residence permits program introduced by the Portuguese government in 2007.

For D7 visa purposes, passive income includes earnings from activities not actively pursued, such as rents, royalties, dividends, and interest from financial investments, among others.

The Passive Income Visa serves as a temporary residence permit designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens not dependent on active salaried income. This encompasses income from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, and intellectual property. The visa aims to attract retired individuals and those relying on passive income to live in Portugal, contributing to the country's economic growth.

However, it is important to note that this visa also allows the applicant to pursue any professional activities while residing in Portugal, broadening the individuals who want to apply for this type of Visa.

To qualify, applicants need a minimum yearly income of €9,840, equivalent to Portugal's minimum wage. If a second adult is involved, such as a spouse or partner, they must have 50% of that amount (€4,920 per year), and for each dependent child, 30% (€2,952 per year). These criteria apply universally, regardless of the applicant's country of origin.

Notably, applicants for a Portugal Passive Income Visa possess the opportunity to extend residence permits to immediate family members, in accordance with Family Reunification regulations.

Free Circulation

Permanent free entry and circulation in the Schengen Space, comprising 26 European countries.

Live in Portugal

Freedom to live in Portugal and, if so wished, to have a professional activity in this country.

Family Reunification

Possibility to extend residence permits to immediate family members.

Access to the National Health Service

Access to quality free Healthcare services is available to all residents.

Access to the Portuguese School System

A wide array of opportunities exists for study, along with the chance for academic progression.

Resident's Rights

Access to other Portugal residents’ rights, such as education, healthcare, social security.

The Portugal Passive Income Visa provides the holder with the privilege of visa-free travel to all 26 countries within the Schengen area. Possessing a D7 Visa enables individuals to navigate multiple countries seamlessly, eliminating the inconvenience and expense associated with acquiring separate visas for each destination.

The Portugal D7 visa, when converted into a residency permit, grants applicants access to Portuguese Citizenship or Permanent Residency after five years of legal residency, provided the applicant obtains an A2 level language certificate.

It is important to note that the initial residency card has a validity of two years, after which it can be renewed for an additional three years.

When considering residency in Portugal, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the range of advantages offered. One of the most significant benefits is access to the National Healthcare Service, which provides free or affordable medical care to all Portuguese residents. Residency allows the option to enrol in the National Education Service school, offering a comprehensive education system for minors and young adults.

Furthermore, residency status permits engagement in a professional activity as an independent professional and entails legal protection under the Portuguese legal system, conferring the same legal rights and protections as any other Portuguese citizen.

Additionally, residents are eligible to access vocational schooling in Portugal, providing an excellent avenue for developing new skills and career progression. These examples highlight just a selection of the numerous benefits accessible to residents in Portugal.

At any point after receiving a Portugal residence permit, the main applicant can initiate the process of obtaining residence permits for family members through the Family Reunification rules. To proceed, an application must be submitted either directly to the competent authorities in Portugal or simultaneously at the Consulate along with the main applicant.

It is important to note that not all family members are eligible for the Portuguese Passive Income Visa. Eligible family members include:

• The spouse or partner, the quality of the partner having to be proved under existing law;
• Under-18-year-old children, dependent incapable children, or over-18 dependent children, as long as the latter are under 25, unmarried and enrolled as full-time students in Portugal (the reunification of an under-aged or dependent incapable child of only one of the spouses must be authorised by the other parent or by the official body that decreed the custody of the child by the applicant parent);
• Dependent parents of either spouse or partner;
• Under-18-year-old siblings of either spouse or partner if legally under their supervision.   

Access to the National Health Service

In Portugal, both public and private healthcare options are available. The public healthcare system, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is accessible to all residents of Portugal, mostly free of charge, regardless of their income or social status.

For those preferring private healthcare, various infrastructures and private health insurances fulfil to specific needs.

Portugal's national health service is highly regarded for its quality and accessibility. Equipped with modern facilities, advanced medical technologies, and well-trained healthcare professionals, it offers exemplary healthcare services to both citizens and visitors.

Access to the Portuguese School System

In Portugal, the education system is regulated by the State through the Ministry of Education. The system includes both public and private institutions.

Education is free in public schools and compulsory until the age of 18.

The Portuguese education system is renowned for its excellence, offering comprehensive and high-quality options for students at all levels - from primary schools to prestigious university institutes. The system is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing world.

All foreign students are welcome to join and integrate into the Portuguese education system, making it an inclusive and welcoming environment for learners from all over the world.

If considering a relocation to Portugal for long-term residency, the Portuguese Passive Income Visa offers a viable option worth exploring. This visa is a preferred choice among non-EU/EEA citizens seeking to reside in Portugal and enjoy its associated benefits. 

However, to qualify for the visa, you must meet specific criteria. 

Please note that under Portuguese law, applicants for this Residence Visa must provide evidence of having a net regular passive income - such as a pension, rental income, interest, dividends, or intellectual property income - deemed sufficient to support their family unit in Portugal. 

We recommend having at least €12,000.00 per year, with an additional 50% of this amount for the spouse and 30% for each dependent child, as this is generally considered sufficient. However, please be aware that Consulate officers assessing your request have discretionary power.

Furthermore, the applicant for the D7 Visa must satisfy the following conditions:

• Attain adulthood, being 18 years or older.
• Maintain a clean criminal record, with consideration given only to offences punishable under Portuguese law.
• Possess a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
• Establish a bank account in Portugal.
• Secure a rental agreement and/or specify a residential address within Portugal.
• Commit to residing in Portuguese territory for a minimum of 16 months within the initial two-year period.

Throughout the application procedure, it is imperative to submit a diverse range of documents to AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, previously known as SEF. These documents act as proof of the individual's adherence to the specified requirements.

A crucial element of this documentation involves providing supporting evidence confirming compliance with the prescribed minimum passive income criteria. Importantly, note that these income prerequisites may be subject to adjustments based on the number of accompanying family members during your relocation to Portugal.

Securing the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) in Portugal is vital for various aspects of daily life. This unique 9-digit Portuguese taxpayer identification number is essential for entering into contracts, opening bank accounts, and conducting transactions for goods and services. The NIF is integrated into the citizen’s card.

The process to obtain the Portuguese Taxpayer number involves submitting a formal request to the Tax Authorities. In the majority of cases, individuals seeking to relocate to Portugal do not have a Portuguese address. In such situations, it becomes necessary to appoint a fiscal representative, who must have a fiscal address in Portugal.

In Portugal, having a bank account is an absolute necessity for completing day-to-day financial tasks. From paying bills and receiving wages to making purchases and managing investments, a bank account provides a secure and convenient way to handle your money. Regardless of your status as a resident or visitor, access to a dependable banking can make your life easier and help you achieve your financial goals.   

It’s possible to open one remotely, and choosing the right bank to suit your needs is also an important consideration.

Securing accommodation is a vital prerequisite when applying for the Passive Income Visa in Portugal. This involves establishing a stable and secure living arrangement through options such as property ownership, renting, or organizing temporary lodging. The visa application process places considerable importance on providing comprehensive evidence of a carefully considered and dependable accommodation plan. This underscores the critical significance of having a permanent and secure residence in Portugal to enhance the likelihood of a successful visa application.

The specific requirements may vary for each consulate, but all consulate interviews will necessitate the submission of the following documentation:

• Completed D7 Visa application form;
• Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the expiry date of the Portugal D7 visa being applied for (which will be valid for 4 months);
• Two recent passport-size colour photos;
• Declaration outlining reasons for obtaining Portuguese residency;
• Health insurance policy valid in Portugal.
• Criminal record certificate or Police clearance letter (FBI report in the case of a US resident) issued no more than 90 days before the date of submission to the Consulate.
• Documentary evidence of having accommodation in Portugal (property title deed, rental agreement, or property 
• Documentary evidence of having sufficient funds available for the applicant’s subsistence in Portugal (e.g., a local bank statement showing the recommended balance) and having a net regular passive income of at least €12,000.00 per year, plus 50% of this amount for the spouse and 30% for each dependent child.
  

In order to apply for the residence permit, a specific visa is essential for entry into Portugal. This special visa, issued by a Portuguese Consulate, allows for a maximum of two entries and a stay in Portugal of up to 4 months.

The appointment with AIMA ( Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum) will take place once the applicant is in Portugal. 

It will be required to submit the following documents at the AIMA appointment:

• Passport having the special visa issued by the Portuguese Consulate;
• The documentary evidence of having sufficient financial means and permanent accommodation in Portugal, as submitted to the Portuguese Consulate;
• Health insurance policy valid in Portugal;

It is also recommended to keep copies of all documents submitted at the Consulate.

A holder of a temporary residence permit, such as the Portuguese Passive Income Visa, must meet specific minimum stay requirements to maintain the validity of the permit. The requirements are as follows:

First 2-Year Period: The individual is expected to spend at least 16 months in Portugal.

Subsequent 3-Year Period: For the next 3-year period, a minimum of 28 months in the country is required. Importantly, no absence should exceed 6 consecutive months during this period.

For those who transition to a permanent residence permit:

Minimum Stay: The holder of a permanent residence permit must stay in Portugal for a minimum of 30 months during each 5-year period.

Absence Limit: no absence should exceed 24 consecutive months.

Complying with these stay requirements is crucial to avoid the revocation of the residence permit. Permit holders are recommended to maintain precise records of their time spent in Portugal and carefully plan their stays to align with these regulations.

The initial D7 visa application results in the issuance of a residency card valid for two years. Subsequently, it becomes necessary to renew the residency permit, extending its validity for an additional three years.



Upon reaching five years of legal residency, applicants can apply for permanent residency (which entails five more years of legal residency in Portugal) or for Portuguese Citizenship. Both applications require demonstrating basic proficiency in the Portuguese language by successfully completing a language proficiency test at the A2 level. This process signifies a significant milestone for those aiming to establish a lasting connection with Portugal.