Visa D7 Portugal 2024 : Conditions and procedures

Following great interest from our readers in our previous article on the D7 visa in Portugalcountry of Cristiano Ronaldo, in which we have compiled essential information to simplify your immigration process to Portugal via the program D7we have noticed an increase in demand for additional information on eligibility criteria and the application process. In view of this growing interest, we have decided to devote this article to a more in-depth examination of the D7 visa requirements, in order to provide you with even more comprehensive advice on how to best deal with the technical aspects of the process of immigrating to Portugal via the D7 visa program. Feel free to explore our guides on job search visas at Portugalin Germany and across Europe.

The D7 visa: What you need to know in a nutshell

The Portuguese D7 visa is intended for non-EU citizens with a stable passive income who wish to settle in Portugal. This visa is ideal for pensioners or anyone receiving regular passive income from pensions, rental income, dividends or other non-wage sources. To qualify, the principal applicant must demonstrate a monthly passive income of at least 820 euros, with additional requirements for dependent family members.

The main advantages of the D7 visa are access to the Portuguese healthcare system, financial incentives thanks to the NHR tax system, the possibility of living, working and studying in Portugal, and freedom of entry and movement within the Schengen area. After five years of legal residence, D7 visa holders can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese nationality.

The D7 visa application procedure begins with an application sent to the Portuguese consulate in your home country, accompanied by supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of regular passive income, a clean criminal record and a valid health insurance certificate. Once the visa has been received, an appointment with the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) in Portugal is necessary to complete the residency procedure.

Please note that the processing time for obtaining a residence permit can vary depending on where you choose to live in Portugal. Living in high-demand cities like Lisbon or Porto can increase the waiting time for an appointment at the SEF, while choosing to live in less-frequented locations can significantly reduce it.

What is passive income under the d7 visa?

A passive income is a type of automatic income that does not require active or daily commitment to maintain. This is a particularly important requirement for people wishing to obtaining a D7 visa in PortugalThis type of visa requires applicants to generate regular income without having to work actively. Here are the main types of passive income and how they apply to the D7 visa:

Types of passive income :

Rental income One of the most common forms of passive income, created by renting out real estate you own. This income is considered passive because, once the property is rented out, the owner receives rent without having to work on the property on a regular basis.

Dividends and interest Income from investments in stocks, bonds or savings accounts. Companies pay dividends to shareholders from their profits, while savings accounts and bonds receive interest.

Company revenues The income generated by a business in which the investor is not involved in day-to-day operations. This may involve holding shares in a profitable company or investing in limited liability companies.

Visit copyrightsthe patentsthe registered trademarks and royalties can generate passive income when others pay to use the intellectual property developed.

Application to Visa D7

The Portuguese authorities require D7 visa applicants to demonstrate that they have sufficient passive income to support themselves during their stay in Portugal. This ensures that immigrants are not a burden on the state, and that they have the necessary resources to live independently. Specific income requirements may vary, but in general, applicants must prove that they have a constant passive income that meets or exceeds a certain level, often associated with the Portuguese minimum wage or a figure determined by the authorities.

This income can be proven by bank statements, rental contracts, dividend announcements or other financial documents that testify to the stability and regularity of passive income. This criterion underlines the importance of meticulous financial planning and a well thought-out investment strategy for anyone intending to settle in Portugal on a D7 visa.

Internet income or online earnings and Visa D7

Work on the Internet that generates income, as in the case of a website generating advertising revenue, can be considered passive income, especially if it doesn't require active day-to-day maintenance. The definition of passive income is generally stricter in the context of the D7 visa in Portugaland focuses on income that does not depend on the applicant's active work, even if generated online.

For an Internet income to be considered passive in the eyes of the Portuguese authorities for the purposes of obtaining a D7 visa, it must be regular and not require management or daily work on the part of the applicant. Here are a few points to consider:

• Site autonomy If the website generates income autonomously, without the need to take daily or regular measures to maintain it (for example, through stable advertising revenues), this income can be considered passive.
• Delegated management If you have delegated the day-to-day management of the site to third parties, allowing the site to generate income without your active participation, this reinforces the argument that income is passive.
• Documentation and proof When applying for a D7 visa, you must be able to document and prove the passive nature of your Internet income. This may include management contracts, bank statements showing regular income and any other relevant evidence.

Basic requirements for obtaining a D7 visa

In addition to eligibility rules based on your passive incomeother basic conditions must be met before you can apply for a D7 visa:

Have a Portuguese NIF (Tax Identification Number) You need to acquire a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF). This procedure can be carried out remotely, so you don't have to travel to Portugal.

The NIF can be obtained from the tax office or the citizens' bureau. The application procedure is simple and requires only two documents: a passport and proof of residence from your country of origin.

If you are unable to apply for an NIF number in person, you can delegate a legal representative with power of attorney to make the application on your behalf, who can be any Portuguese citizen or any person permanently resident in Portugal.

There are intermediaries who can apply for you remotely; a good example is "BORDR", but this procedure is expensive.

Opening a Portuguese bank account Once you've received your NIF, you can open a Portuguese bank account remotely. Single people must ensure that they have a minimum of 7,000 euros in their bank account. Married couples must have a minimum deposit of 10,000 euros in their bank account.

A certificate of accommodation When you apply for a D7 visa, you are in fact applying for a temporary residence permit for Portugal. This means that you must provide the authorities with information about your place of residence. The best solution is to provide a rental contract. If you intend to stay with a family member living in the country, you must have an official attestation of support from your host. This person must attach a copy of their ID to the document, sign it and have it legally validated.

Don't forget that you must present a 12-month rental contract or proof of accommodation or expenses.

If you already have a Schengen visa, you can visit Portugal before applying for a D7 visa. This will enable you to choose suitable accommodation before you start your application.

Have a vacant court file Without a valid legal file, your application will be rejected. Make sure you receive your legal file in good time before starting the application procedure.

Under Portuguese law, a person cannot apply for a temporary residence permit under the D7 visa if they have not been convicted of a crime punishable by a minimum of one year's imprisonment in their country of origin.

Health insurance A valid health insurance policy covering the stay in Portugal is required until the applicant can register with the Portuguese National Health System (SNS).

Passive income requirements for the D7 Visa

The Portuguese government requires D7 visa applicants to prove that they have sufficient income to live in Portugal without having to work. These requirements are regularly updated and may vary, but are generally based on the Portuguese minimum wage.

The minimum amount required for visa D7 is 760 euros for 2023, and will rise to 820 euros for 2024. From January 1, calculations are based on the country's minimum wage (SMIC).

For the year 2023 (values may need to be updated for subsequent years), income requirements are as follows:

1. For the main applicant : A minimum income equivalent to 12 times the Portuguese minimum wage is required.
2. For the spouse or de facto partner : A 50% supplement to the minimum wage is added.
3. For each dependent child : A minimum wage supplement of 30% is added.

Table of Passive Income requirements

Relationship	Percentage (%)	Minimum annual income (in EUR)
Main applicant	100%	EUR 8,460 (estimated for 2023)
Spouse/Partner	50%	EUR 4,230 (additional)
Dependent child	30%	EUR 2,538 (per additional child)

Relationship	Percentage (%)	Minimum monthly income (in EUR)
Main applicant	100%	705 EUR
Spouse/Partner	50%	352.50 EUR (additional)
Dependent child	30%	211.50 EUR (per additional child)

Explanations

• Lead applicant : The reference amount for the principal applicant is based on 12 times the Portuguese minimum wage. For 2023, the monthly minimum wage is estimated at EUR 705, so the minimum annual income required would be EUR 705 * 12 = EUR 8,460.
• Spouse/Partner : The spouse or legal partner of the principal applicant must prove an additional income equivalent to 50% of the principal applicant's basic income. This means that if the basic income is EUR 8,460, the additional income required for the spouse/partner would be EUR 4,230 per year.
• Dependent children : For each dependent child, the additional income required is 30% of the principal applicant's basic income. For one child, this represents an additional EUR 2,538 per year.

Important notes

• These figures are estimates based on 2023 values and may vary. It is advisable to consult the official website of the SEF (Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service) or contact the nearest Portuguese embassy/consulate for the most up-to-date information.
• Proof of income may be required in the form of bank statements, tax returns, pension letters, etc.
• The Portuguese government evaluates not only revenues, but also the stability and regularity of these revenues over time.

Procedure and documents required to apply for a D7 Visa in Portugal

Visit D7 visa procedure in Portugal involves a number of essential steps and requires the provision of specific documents. Based on the information we have gathered, we present below an overview of the steps and documents required to apply for a D7 visa:

Documents required:

• Visa Application Form Completed and signed.
• Valid passport Must be valid for at least three months after the planned end of your stay.
• Identity photos Two visa-compliant photos are generally required.
• Proof of Passive Income Documents attesting to sufficient passive income, such as pension statements, account statements showing rental income, dividends, etc.
• Proof of accommodation Rental contract or title deed in Portugal.
• Criminal Record Certificate From your country of origin and any country where you have lived for more than one year in the last five years.
• Health insurance Health care coverage in Portugal.
• Proof of NIF and Portuguese Bank Account Documents proving that you have obtained a NIF and opened a bank account in Portugal.

Steps in the procedure :

1. Document preparation Start by gathering all the documents you need for your application.
2. Obtaining a NIF The Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) is essential for financial transactions and must be obtained before moving to Portugal.
3. Opening a Portuguese bank account A bank account in Portugal is required to demonstrate financial capacity.
4. Home Search You must provide proof of suitable accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental contract or proof of ownership.
5. Application submission The D7 visa application must be submitted to the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your current country of residence.
6. Maintenance Depending on where you apply, an interview may be required.
7. Waiting for the Decision After submission, you must wait for a decision. Processing time may vary.
8. Moving to Portugal Once your visa has been granted, you can move to Portugal and begin the process of obtaining your residence permit.

The first step is to apply for a visa to enter PortugalTo apply for a visa, you must go in person to the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country. Please submit your visa application there. We strongly recommend that you contact the embassy for information on any additional documents you may need.

One of the most important requirements is that you must have proof of residence in Portugal. This means that you must rent or buy a property before you can apply for a visa. In addition, if you have friends or acquaintances in Portugal, they can facilitate the preparation of an accommodation confirmation for you. In addition, you should mention that you share the same place of residence with these people.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a visa valid for four months.

Step 2: Application for a two-year residence permitThis process takes place after your arrival in Portugal, and you can obtain a two-year residence permit in the country, which is renewable as long as you still meet all the conditions for the same visa.

The procedure may take around two months. This period may be extended if specific documents you have submitted are missing or if you have filled in the forms incorrectly.

In addition, you should be aware that the time it takes to obtain a residence permit in Portugal (once you've arrived in the country) can vary depending on where you intend to live. If you're planning to settle in Lisbon, for example, you'll probably have to wait around four months before you can get in touch with SEF representatives.

One of the reasons for this is that this type of visa is in high demand in the big cities. However, if you wish to live in the countryside or in less crowded cities, your stay can be as short as two weeks.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask them in the comments, on our Facebook page or in our Facebook group.

Minimum length of stay and renewal of residence permit

Holders of the D7 visa must stay in Portugal for at least six consecutive months, or eight months with interruptions over the course of a year, to retain their residency status.

• Initial duration After approval, D7 visa holders receive a residence card valid for two years.
• Renewal To maintain their residency, cardholders must renew their card at the end of the first two years. After this first renewal, a three-year residence card is issued.
• Permanent Residence and Citizenship After five years' residence in Portugal, D7 visa holders can apply for permanent residence or even Portuguese nationality, provided they meet all the requirements, including sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and no criminal convictions.

Before obtaining permanent resident status or Portuguese nationality (citizenship), you must comply with the residence and renewal conditions as explained in this table:

Period	Minimum stay in Portugal	Renewal date	Renewal option available
Years 1 and 2	6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months each year	End of year 2	3-year residence permit
Grades 3, 4 and 5	6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months each year	End of year 5	3-year residence permit OR permanent residence card OR citizenship (Portuguese nationality)

Tax obligations

Once resident in Portugal, D7 visa holders must comply with local tax obligations and submit their Portuguese tax returns. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in fines ranging from 150 to 3,750 euros.

Don't hesitate to consult our guides on visas for seeking employment in France. Portugalin Germany and across Europe.