🇵🇹 The D7 Visa Guide for Portugal

🌍 What Is the D7 Visa?

The D7 Visa (also known as the Passive Income or Retirement Visa) is a long-term residency visa offered by Portugal for individuals who have stable income from outside the country. Originally intended for retirees, it has become a favorite among remote workers, freelancers, and nomadic families looking to slow down, simplify, and settle in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries.

🧭 Is the D7 Right for You?

You may be eligible if:

You earn steady income from remote work, freelancing, retirement, investments, or other passive sources
You have a clean criminal background
You’re ready to live in Portugal for 6+ months per year
You want a legal pathway to temporary residency, permanent residency, and eventually EU citizenship

The D7 visa is ideal for:

Digital nomads
Retirees
Slow travelers
Remote entrepreneurs
Traveling families
Creatives and consultants

📌 D7 Visa Requirements Checklist

✅ Required Income

Minimum: Around €820/month (Portuguese minimum wage)

Realistic: €1,000–€1,200/month for individuals

Add +50% for a spouse and +30% per child

✅ Documents You’ll Need

Valid passport
Portuguese NIF (Tax ID Number)
Portuguese bank account
Proof of passive or remote income
12-month rental lease in Portugal
Private health insurance (min. €30,000 coverage)
FBI/Criminal background check (apostilled)
Completed visa application
Proof of accommodation
Passport photos
Cover letter (optional but recommended)

🏦 Financial Setup: NIF & Bank Account

You’ll need:

A NIF (Portuguese Tax ID Number) – get this through a lawyer or relocation service
A Portuguese bank account – deposit at least 12 months of income (~€10,000–€15,000) to show financial stability

🏡 Housing Requirement

You must secure housing before applying.This could be:

A 6- or 12-month rental lease
A long-stay Airbnb with a formal contract
A signed rental agreement with utility bills (proving real address)

📅 Visa Application Timeline

Step	Timeframe
Get NIF & open bank account	1–2 weeks
Find rental housing	1–3 weeks
Collect documents	2–4 weeks
Apply at consulate	Appointment + 4–12 weeks
Receive visa	Valid for 4 months
Enter Portugal	Within those 4 months
SEF appointment for residency permit	1–3 months after arrival
Get 2-year residence permit	Renewable, leads to PR

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Dependents

Portugal allows family reunification:

Spouse or long-term partner
Children under 18 (or dependents over 18 in school)
Elderly dependent parents

You must show increased income and space in housing to support everyone.

💡 Tips for a Smoother Process

Use a folder system (Google Drive, Dropbox) to keep docs organized
Write a compelling cover letter explaining your lifestyle, income, and intention to integrate into Portuguese life
Consider hiring a Portuguese immigration lawyer or relocation expert
Be prepared for patience and paperwork — timelines vary by consulate

📍 Where to Apply

You must apply through the Portuguese Consulate in your country of legal residence.Common U.S. consulates include:

San Francisco
Washington, D.C.
New York
Boston
Miami

Each consulate has slightly different submission rules — always check your local consulate's website.

🧘 Why We Love the D7 Visa

Low income threshold
Pathway to EU permanent residency
Healthcare access
Family-friendly
Legal long-term stay in Portugal and Schengen travel
Supportive of remote workers and slow travelers
A chance to live with more balance, purpose, and beauty

🌿 Life in Portugal: A Glimpse

Affordable cost of living
Fresh, local food markets
Family-welcoming culture
Strong café and creative scenes
Ocean, forests, and castles all within reach
Deep history, art, and connection

Whether you're drawn to the creative buzz of Lisbon, the coastal calm of the Algarve, or the timeless charm of Porto — Portugal invites you to live slowly, work intentionally, and root deeply in freedom.

📥 Bonus: Download Our Free Digital Nomad Roadmap

If you’re planning your move to Portugal or exploring nomad life more broadly, grab our free guide to help map your income, mindset, and next steps.

➡️ Download the Free Digital Nomad Roadmap