D7 Visa Portugal: Complete Residence Guide

What Is the D7 Visa in Portugal?

The D7 Visa Portugal, often referred to as the Passive Income Visa, is a Portuguese residence visa designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who can demonstrate stable and sustainable passive income.

It allows eligible applicants to live legally in Portugal and provides a clear pathway to temporary residence, permanent residency, and ultimately Portuguese citizenship.

The D7 visa is particularly popular among retirees, remote income earners, investors, and families seeking a European base with an excellent quality of life, political stability, and a relatively low cost of living.

What Qualifies as Passive Income?

For D7 visa purposes, passive income refers to regular income not derived from employment in Portugal. Commonly accepted sources include:

• Rental income from property
• Pension income
• Dividends from investments
• Interest from savings or bonds
• Royalties or long-term contractual income

Portuguese authorities focus primarily on income stability and sustainability, rather than the country where the income originates.

Minimum Income Requirements for the D7 Visa (2024)

The minimum income threshold is linked to the Portuguese minimum monthly wage, which in 2024 is €920 net.

Income Requirements Breakdown:

• Main applicant: 100% of the minimum wage (€760/month)
• Second adult or additional adults: 50% (€380/month each)
• Children and dependent young adults: 30% (€228/month each)

These figures represent the minimum requirements. Demonstrating higher income levels or additional savings can significantly strengthen your application.

The Importance of Securing Residence in Portugal

One of the key requirements for a successful D7 visa application is proving that you have accommodation in Portugal. This can be demonstrated through:

• A long-term rental contract, or
• A property purchase deed

Portuguese authorities want to see clear evidence that you intend to establish genuine residence in the country, not just hold a visa on paper.

Working with a trusted local real estate agency can make this process far simpler, especially for international applicants unfamiliar with the Portuguese property market.
Liberty Real Estate specialises in assisting foreign residents relocating to Portugal, offering a curated selection of properties suitable for long-term living.

Key Benefits of the D7 Visa Portugal

The D7 visa is one of the most accessible and flexible residency routes in Portugal because it offers:

• No upfront investment requirement
• A clear path to permanent residency and citizenship
• Access to Portugal’s public healthcare and education systems
• Free movement within the Schengen Area
• Flexibility for individuals with passive or foreign-based income

Unlike investment visas, the D7 focuses on financial self-sufficiency, not capital deployment.

Residency & Tax Considerations

D7 visa holders are required to spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal, which generally makes them Portuguese tax residents.

Depending on your personal situation, this can be advantageous. Portugal offers various tax planning opportunities, and with proper structuring, many residents are able to optimise their global tax exposure.

For official and up-to-date information regarding immigration and residency rules, applicants should consult AIMA, the Portuguese authority responsible for immigration and residence permits.

Given the tax implications of becoming a Portuguese tax resident, professional advice is strongly recommended. Many applicants choose to work with experienced international tax and wealth advisory firms such as Forvis Mazars or Spectrum IFA, who provide specialist guidance on cross-border taxation, residency planning, and long-term financial structuring before relocating to Portugal.

Is the D7 Visa Right for You?

The D7 visa is particularly well-suited if you:

• Have reliable passive or foreign income
• Wish to live in Portugal long-term
• Are planning a family relocation
• Prefer flexibility over investment-based visa programmes

If your goal is legal residency in Portugal without large capital requirements, the D7 visa is often one of the smartest and most balanced routes available.