Portugal Passive Income D7 Visa guide: costs and obtaining process

D7 visa as one of the ways to get a Portugal residence permit 

The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, allows financially independent foreigners to obtain a residence permit in Portugal if they have a steady passive income of at least €920 per month.

Validity. Individuals can get a Portugal D7 visa in their country of origin. The visa allows 2 entries into Portugal and has a 4-month validity period. Upon arrival in Portugal, the D7 Visa holder submits an application for a residence permit to the AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum. The initial residence permit is issued for 2 years.

Financial requirements. The D7 Visa is designed for applicants who can demonstrate a stable monthly passive income of at least €920. This income must come from sources outside Portugal and can include: 

• pensions;
• rental income;
• dividends;
• royalties from intellectual property; 
• regular payments from long-term investments.

Unlike employment income, passive income does not require active day-to-day work. This makes the D7 Visa especially attractive for retirees, investors, landlords, and entrepreneurs who have stepped back from operational management.

Housing requirements. No minimum property value required for rent or purchase. Applicants are free to choose housing according to their budget and needs.

Inclusion of family members. One of the main advantages of the D7 Visa is that it supports family reunification. The main applicant can include spouse, children and parents in the same application, which means the whole family can relocate to Portugal under one visa process. 

5 benefits of a Portugal D7 visa

The D7 Visa is often chosen by financially independent applicants who wish to relocate to Portugal without making a large investment. Beyond the affordable entry requirements, the visa provides a range of benefits that make life in Portugal more comfortable and attractive for both individuals and families. 

1. Immigration to Portugal with lower costs

D7 visa expenses are lower than participating in the Portugal residence-by-investment program. The minimal savings required for obtaining a D7 visa are about €15,000, while the Portugal Golden Visa requires an investment of at least €250,000.

2. Including family members in the application

Spouses, children under 21, and parents can get a Portugal D7 visa with the main applicant. This enables the whole family to benefit from living in Portugal, studying at local or international schools, and accessing the public healthcare system.

3. Visa-free Schengen Area

D7 visa holders travel within 29 Schengen countries without receiving additional permits. This facilitates both leisure and business trips across Europe without additional bureaucracy.

4. Opportunity to get Portugal citizenship

A foreigner can apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years of residency. The Portuguese passport allows you to travel to 172 countries without visas and offers the choice to live in any EU country. Importantly, the foreigner is not obligated to renounce their original passport, provided their home country's legislation permits dual citizenship.

5. Living in Portugal

The D7 visa leads to obtaining a residence permit, which allows staying in Portugal without limits. Portugal D7 visa holders and residents are granted almost the same rights as Portuguese citizens — they can seek medical treatment in local hospitals, be enrolled in schools and universities, and benefit from the public healthcare system.

Who is eligible for a Portugal D7 visa?

The Portugal D7 visa is available to non-EU foreigners who have passive income from outside Portugal. This is why it is often referred to as the Passive Income Visa.

Eligibility requirements. The main applicant must be over 18 years old and have no criminal record. They must also demonstrate a passive income of at least €920 per month from outside Portugal and either buy or rent a residential property in Portugal.

Family inclusion. D7 visa applicants can include the following family members in their application for Portuguese residency:

1. Spouse — in a registered marriage or an unregistered partnership with the main applicant.
2. Children under 18 years of age.
3. Children aged 18 to 21 who are unmarried, unemployed, and financially dependent on the main applicant.
4. Disabled children of any age.
5. Financially dependent parents of the applicant and their spouse.

Residence requirements. The D7 visa is suitable for those planning to move to Portugal. The mandatory residence requirement is 16 months within a 2-year period. Also, residents cannot spend more than 6 consecutive months outside Portugal. Failing to meet this requirement may result in the loss of residence permit status.

Portugal D7 visa requirements: the cost of obtaining

Applying for a D7 Visa involves more than proving a stable income. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient savings, secure housing in Portugal, and cover administrative fees. The overall cost depends on family composition, chosen accommodation, and personal lifestyle. 

Passive income

Profits from business, intellectual property, pensions, and rental income are considered passive income and can be used to apply for the Portugal D7 visa.

The minimum income required is linked to the minimum salary in Portugal, which is €920 per month in 2025. If relatives are included in the application, the main applicant must add 50% of this income for a spouse or parent and 30% for each child.

Savings

It is required to maintain a balance in a Portuguese bank account equivalent to 12 months’ income, or €11,040. This amount can be accessed after obtaining the residence permit card. 

The minimum savings threshold increases by 50% if a spouse is included and by 30% for each child.

Other costs

Travel insurance costs at least €14 per month for each family member during their stay in Portugal with the D7 visa. Application fees and fees related to residence permit card processing and issuance are also required.

Portugal D7 visa minimum expenses 

Applicant type	Monthly income	Savings	Travel insurance per month	D7 Visa application fee	Residence permit card fees	Total
Single person	€920	€11,040	€14	€90	€197	€11,611
Couple	€1,305	€15,660	€28	€180	€394	€17,567
Family of three	€1,566	€18,792	€42	€270	€591	€21,261

Housing in Portugal

Applicants must have accommodation and a registered address to obtain a residence permit. They can either rent or buy property. There are no restrictions on the type, age, or value of the property.

The average cost of buying a house in Lisbon is €3,600 per m², while residential property in Madeira is cheaper at €2,500 per m². 

Property-related costs:

• stamp duty — 0.8% of the property value;
• transfer tax — up to 8% of the property value;
• annual municipal property tax — 0.3—0.8%.

Rental prices also vary by region. In Lisbon, the rental price is €17 per m², while renting an apartment in Albufeira costs €10—15 per m². Tenants must also pay utilities, which are not included in the rental bill.

Where you could live in Portugal: property examples for sale

Portugal D7 Visa required documents

According to the Portugal D7 visa official website, applicants must prepare a set of documents confirming their identity, financial independence, and eligibility for residency[1]. 

The list may vary slightly depending on the Portuguese consulate where the application is submitted, but typically includes the following:

1. Passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the intended stay in Portugal.
2. Two recent colour photographs that meet biometric requirements.
3. Proof of passive income of at least €920 per month, such as pension statements, dividend reports, rental contracts, or intellectual property royalties. The income rises in the case of dependents.
4. Portuguese bank statement showing savings equivalent to at least 12 months of income, minimum €11,040 for a single applicant.
5. Lease or property purchase agreement in Portugal confirming a registered residential address.
6. Número de Identificação Fiscal, NIF, the Portuguese taxpayer number, which can be obtained in person or by proxy.
7. Health insurance policy valid in Portugal until access to the national healthcare system is granted.
8. Police clearance certificate from the country of residence, issued within the last three months.
9. Civil status documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, for accompanying family members.

All foreign documents must be translated into Portuguese and legalised with an apostille or consular certification. Consulates may also request additional paperwork, for example, proof of travel bookings or a motivation letter explaining the purpose of relocation.

Portugal D7 Visa processing time

Typically, the process of applying for a D7 visa takes about 6 months or longer. 

The D7 visa is usually issued within 60 days of the initial application. After receiving the visa, the holder has 4 months to enter Portugal and submit an application for residency. The residence permit card should also be issued within a maximum of 90 days after the application.

Portuguese authorities are bound by legal deadlines. If the residency application is not processed for 90 days, the applicant has the right to file a lawsuit against the AIMA.

5 common mistakes when applying for the D7 Visa and how to avoid them

Applying for a Portugal D7 Visa may seem straightforward, but many applicants make errors that cause delays or even refusals. Based on Immigrant Invest’s experience, the following issues are the most common.

1. Insufficient proof of passive income

Applicants sometimes submit incomplete or inconsistent financial documents. For example, they may provide only 1 month of bank statements instead of 6, or income sources that are not considered stable.

Prepare at least 6 months of statements confirming regular passive income. Acceptable sources include pensions, dividends, rental income, or royalties. Ensure that the income level meets the minimum threshold of €920 per month plus additional amounts for dependants.

2. Not maintaining the required savings

Some applicants underestimate the importance of showing sufficient savings in a Portuguese bank account. Authorities expect to see at least €11,040 for a single applicant, increased by 50% for a spouse and 30% for each child.

Open a Portuguese bank account early and transfer the required amount before applying. This demonstrates commitment and financial stability.

3. Lack of confirmed accommodation

Submitting an application for residency without a valid rental or purchase contract is one of the most frequent reasons for refusal. Short-term Airbnb bookings or hotel reservations are not accepted.

Secure a long-term rental contract or purchase agreement and register your address before applying for the visa.

4. Missing or outdated documents

Police clearance certificates older than three months, untranslated documents, or missing apostilles can cause delays.

Check the consulate’s requirements in advance, translate all documents into Portuguese, and legalise them with an apostille or consular certification.

5. Ignoring residence requirements

Some D7 Visa holders mistakenly believe that simply obtaining the visa is enough to keep residency. In fact, Portugal requires residents to spend at least 16 months in the country within the first two years.

Plan relocation realistically and ensure you meet the stay requirements to maintain and renew your residence permit.

Financial considerations before getting a D7 visa to Portugal

1. Cost of living. Portugal remains one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Even though housing costs in Lisbon have increased and in some cases already exceed those in Madrid, the overall cost of living is still lower than in Spain and substantially below that of the United States.

Living in Lisbon is on average 40—50% cheaper than in New York. According to Numbeo, average monthly expenses for one person, excluding rent, are around €750—900, while a family of four spends about €2,200—2,500[2].

Cost of living comparison: Lisbon, Madrid and New York 

City	City centre 1-bed rent	Mid-range restaurant meal	Monthly transport pass	Internet	Annual health insurance	Monthly expenses, no rent
Lisbon	€1,200	€40	€42	€35	€400 — 1,000	€650 — 800
Madrid	€1,350	€50	€55	€40	€500 — 1,200	€800 — 1,000
New York	€3,500+	€90	€130	€65	€3,000+	€1,300+

2. Banking requirements. Applicants must provide proof of passive income of at least €920 per month and savings of at least €11,040. Additional amounts are required for dependents: 50% for a spouse and 30% for each child.

A Portuguese bank account must be opened before submitting the visa application. Authorities usually request bank statements covering the last six months to ensure the income is stable and legitimate. Keeping savings in a local account is also advisable, as it demonstrates genuine ties to Portugal.

3. Health insurance. Private health insurance is required until applicants can access the Portuguese public healthcare system, SNS. The cost for private insurance typically ranges from €400 to 1,000 annually per person, depending on coverage, age, and health condition. 

After registering as residents, applicants can access the SNS, but many continue private insurance for quicker access to certain services.

Overview of the Portugal D7 Visa

Living in Portugal with a D7 Visa: young couple’s experience

Here is the story of Andrew and Larisa, an international married couple who successfully obtained a Portugal D7 visa. Andrew, a Canadian citizen, and Larisa, from Ukraine, met several years ago in Mexico. Both work in IT and travel frequently. Two years ago, they moved to Tbilisi, Georgia, attracted by the climate, affordable living, and good infrastructure.

After becoming parents, the couple decided to relocate to a more prosperous country. Having heard positive feedback about the D7 visa, they chose this path. Andrew had enough passive income from rent to become the main applicant and include Larisa and their newborn, Tomas, in the application.

Before applying in Ankara, the family needed to open a bank account, obtain a taxpayer number, and rent an apartment. Andrew, who could travel visa‑free to Portugal with his Canadian passport, spent two months in Lisbon completing these tasks.

Afterward, the family applied for their D7 visa at the Portuguese consulate in Ankara and decided to live in Istanbul while waiting for the decision. Two months later, their application was approved. They returned to Georgia, packed up, and moved to Lisbon.

In Lisbon, the couple completed their appointment at SEF, now AIMA, and received their residence permits. Today, they are settled in Portugal and continue building their new life in Europe.

Other ways to obtain residence permit in Portugal

Foreigners without passive income can still relocate to Portugal through other visa options.

The Portugal Golden Visa provides an alternative pathway to obtaining a residence permit by investing €250,000+ in the Portuguese economy. Applicants can choose from various investment options, including:

• fund contributions;
• business investments;
• investments in science and culture.

The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers. Applicants must earn at least €3,680 per month to qualify.

Comparing Portugal's D7, Golden, and Digital Nomad Visas

Visa type	Financial requirements	Obtaining time	Mandatory residing in Portugal	Relatives participation
D7 Passive Income Visa	Passive income of at least €920 per month	6+ months	16 months within 2 years	Spouse, children under 21, parents
Golden Visa	Investment of at least €250,000	12+ months	7 days a year	Spouse, children under 26, parents
Digital Nomad Visa	Income of at least €3,680+ per month	6+ months	16 months within 2 years	Spouse, children under 30, parents

How to get permanent residence and citizenship after a D7 visa in Portugal?

Obtaining a residence permit through the D7 Visa allows foreigners to apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship after 5 years. 

In October 2025, the Portuguese Parliament is expected to vote on whether to extend this period to 6 years, which could affect the timeline for obtaining citizenship.

Requirements for permanent residence and citizenship

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Five years of legal residence in Portugal under a valid residence permit.
2. No serious criminal record and no outstanding tax debts.
3. Proof of integration into Portuguese society, such as active residence in the country, community involvement, or children enrolled in local schools.
4. Knowledge of the Portuguese language at least at the A2 level.

The Portuguese language exam

The language requirement is verified through the CIPLE exam, Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira[3]. At A2 level, applicants are expected to:

• understand and use everyday expressions;
• introduce themselves and ask simple questions;
• read and write short, simple texts;
• handle routine interactions in shops, banks, or public services.

Preparation courses are widely available in Portugal, both in-person and online. Passing the exam is an essential step for citizenship, though it is not required for permanent residence.

Community integration in practice

Portuguese authorities also evaluate how well applicants have integrated into society. The authorities assess community integration through practical evidence that applicants have genuinely settled in Portugal:

1. Proof of long-term residence, such as utility bills or rental contracts, demonstrates a genuine presence in Portugal. 
2. Active participation in community life, for instance, joining local associations or volunteering, also plays a positive role. 
3. Economic ties, whether through employment, running a business, or paying taxes, strengthen the case for integration. 
4. Family connections in Portugal, such as children enrolled in local schools or a spouse already residing in the country, provide additional evidence that the applicant has become part of the community.

Integration is not treated as a simple formality. Instead, it reflects whether an applicant has embraced Portugal as their new home, contributing to the country’s economy and society. This balance of financial stability, cultural adaptation, and social ties is what ultimately convinces the authorities of a genuine commitment to long-term residence.

For many, obtaining Portuguese citizenship marks the culmination of the relocation journey. It grants the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union and offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 170 countries. Most importantly, it provides applicants and their families with the security of belonging to a stable EU member state while preserving the possibility of dual nationality.

Key points about the D7 Visa to Portugal

1. The Portugal D7 Visa is designed for individuals with a minimum monthly passive income, such as dividends, rent, or a pension, that should reach or exceed €920.
2. The D7 Visa allows family members, including spouses, children, and parents, to apply alongside the main applicant.
3. The residence permit obtained through the D7 Visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for an additional 3 years if the foreigner has resided in Portugal for a total of 16 months within two years.
4. After holding a residence permit for 5 years, individuals can apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship if they spend a total of 28 months within three years.
5. For those without passive income, other pathways to obtain a residence permit in Portugal include the Golden Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Source: List of documents, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Portugal
2. Source: Cost of living in Portugal Numbeo
3. Source: Requirements for the Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign Language