Portugal, an EU member state, offers the D7 Passive Income Visa to non-EU citizens who possess a stable and regular passive income (such as pensions, rental yields, dividends, or intellectual property royalties). The D7 visa is one of the most reliable and affordable relocation programs in Europe, providing holders Schengen area mobility and a pathway to EU citizenship in 5 years.

1. D7 Visa Requirements and Minimum Income Thresholds

The fundamental criteria for the D7 visa is proving that you receive a regular income outside of Portugal. The minimum required income is tied to the Portuguese minimum wage and is updated annually:

  • Main Applicant: 100% of the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately 820-850 EUR monthly for 2026).
  • Spouse or Partner: 50% of the main applicant's limit (approx. 410-425 EUR monthly).
  • Dependent Children (under 18): 30% of the main applicant's limit (approx. 250 EUR monthly).

Qualifying income sources include real estate rental receipts, corporate dividends, interest on savings, intellectual property royalties, or official state pension plans. Active remote employment salaries are generally not qualified under the D7 scheme (applicants with remote work must apply for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa instead).

2. Step-by-Step Application Roadmap

The D7 visa application consists of two main stages:

  1. Obtaining NIF and a Portuguese Bank Account: Obtaining a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) through a local fiscal representative and opening a bank account in Portugal to deposit the required annual funds.
  2. Securing Accommodation: Providing proof of long-term housing in Portugal (at least a 1-year rental lease or property acquisition title deed).
  3. Visa Application in Home Country: Submitting the D7 visa dossier to the Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence. Once approved, a 4-month temporary visa with two entries is issued.
  4. AIMA Residency Interview in Portugal: Traveling to Portugal and attending a pre-booked appointment at the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) to collect biometric data and receive the residence card.

For detailed information and legal consultation, you can visit our Residency & Citizenship page, or request an appointment via our Contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions on Portugal D7 Visa

Is remote work salary accepted for the D7 visa?

No. The D7 visa is strictly for passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends). If you work remotely, you must apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8).

Can I obtain NIF and open a Portuguese bank account remotely?

Yes. You can authorize a local Portuguese attorney or representative via a Power of Attorney (POA) to obtain your NIF (tax number) and open a bank account without traveling to Portugal.

Are D7 visa holders allowed to travel within the Schengen Zone?

Yes. The Portuguese residence card grants you visa-free access to all Schengen Zone countries for tourism up to 90 days per 180 days.

Am I allowed to work in Portugal under a D7 visa?

Yes. D7 residence permit holders are fully authorized to work as employees or register as self-employed entrepreneurs within Portugal.

How can I obtain Portuguese citizenship through D7?

After maintaining legal residency for 5 years, having no criminal record, and passing a basic Portuguese language proficiency exam (A2 level), you can apply for naturalization as a Portuguese citizen.