Visa D7 is intended for foreign nationals who are not nationals of EU Member States, the European Economic Area and Switzerland

According to Forbes, Portugal is the best country in the world to live in. The reasons?

Among dozens of positive factors, safety, low cost of living, climate, the most beautiful beaches, culture and gastronomy stand out. Portugal is, therefore, one of the countries that offers the best conditions to enjoy a peaceful retirement or take advantage of other passive income resources without waiting for retirement. Added to all this is the ease of obtaining a visa.

The D7 Visa is intended for all foreign citizens, non-nationals of the EU Member States, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, who wish to reside in Portugal as retirees or live off their income.

Who can apply for the D7 Visa?                                                                 

This can be granted to any non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who has a regular passive income.

This income can be from retirement, or another source of passive income either through intellectual property, real estate investments, or financial investments.

One of the main requirements is to prove that you have the minimum income, according to Portuguese law, which allows you to reside in Portugal for a period of not less than 12 months.

Let's see: the applicant has to prove an annual income of €820 x 12 months (2024) per year, plus 50% of said income for the spouse and 30% for each dependent child. You must also have documentary proof of having accommodation in Portugal (owning a property or having a lease agreement). And possess documentary evidence of having a reasonable net regular passive income (pensions, dividends, rents, and more).

How does the procedure work?

There are only two phases: the first at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in the country where the applicant lives or has official residence, and the second at the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) in Portugal.

What are some of the main benefits of the D7 Visa in Portugal?

• It allows you to enter and travel in the Schengen area without a visa.
• It allows you to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for one year. After that, you can extend it every two years.
• After five years of legal residency, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or you can also apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, as long as you pass a Portuguese language test favorably.

As a resident, Portuguese will I have access to health services or other rights?

After becoming a resident in Portugal, you acquire the right to certain benefits from the State:

• Family reunification;
• Access to the National Health Service;
• Self-employed professional activity;
• Access to and protection of Portuguese law and legal system;
• Access to the National Service of Education and schooling in Portugal;
• Once you have the D7 visa, your family will be able to accompany you in Portugal;

The content of this information does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific advice should be sought on the concrete circumstances of the case. If you have any questions about a Portuguese law issue, please do not hesitate to contact  Specialist Lawyer Services