If you want to work, live or play in Portugal for any length of time, you will need to adhere to one of the government’s visa programmes.

For many years the Golden Visa has been the programme of choice for those looking to acquire residency in Portugal, however thanks to the changes to its laws, other visa schemes are grabbing the headlines, taking the spotlight and proving to be just as popular. The D7 visa, frequently referred to as the Portuguese Retirement Visa, is catching many buyers' eyes as an easy and quick way to live, work, and reside in the country.

The D7 works well for those who want to move to Portugal quickly and live here on a full time or almost full-time basis. Originally created for non-EEA pensioners to settle in Portugal and gain residency, the D7 has become increasingly popular among digital nomads, remote workers, telecommuters, affiliate marketers, crypto traders, online consultants, digital entrepreneurs, and a host of other location-independent professionals from all over the world. Remember, Portugal was voted the best country to work in remotely at the start of 2022, so it is no surprise that this visa is really taking off.

The programme is open to applicants of any age, from any country who have the means to support themselves through stable passive or recurring income.

These are the main requirements you will need to fulfil in order to qualify and obtain a D7 visa:

Financial self-sufficiency:

In order to gain residency under the D7 programme, you will have to prove to the Portuguese immigration authorities that you can house and support yourself while living in Portugal without becoming a burden to the state. This financial requirement can be met in 3 ways - proving stable, recurring passive income, having sufficient savings, or through a combination of the two.

The authorities have said that to support yourself in Portugal without relying on salaried income, sufficient passive income starts at €705 per month for a single applicant, and €1,057.50 per month for a married couple.

The Portuguese authorities want to know that you can support yourself for the entire period for which your D7 Visa is issued (2 years) and so if you apply for the visa using passive income you will need to submit bank statements for the past 3 years, if you apply using savings you need to show that you have the minimum savings requirement per individual of €16,920 or €25,380 for a married couple.

Proof of accommodation:

While you’re not required to buy a property in Portugal (although many of the clients we see who apply for the D7 have done so,) you are required to have an address in the country. If you choose to buy a property then your title deed is sufficient proof of address, if you don’t choose to buy then you could have a long-term rental lease (ideally for 12 months or longer,) permission from a friend or family member with a home in Portugal to use their property or a property loan agreement.

Comprehensive health insurance:

The primary applicant and any dependent applicants will all have to have comprehensive EU-wide health insurance. Each must be covered for a minimum of €30,000 and the medical cover has to be pre-paid for the following 12 months, or an affidavit confirming that you’ll purchase health insurance within 90 days of your arrival in Portugal.

Minimum stay requirement:

In order to keep a valid residency status, you are required to spend either 183+ consecutive days per year in Portugal, or a total of 8 months, if you choose to split your Portugal stays into shorter ones. You should aim to spend at least 183 uninterrupted days per year in Portugal to be on the safe side – ideally more, and why wouldn’t you?!

Clean criminal record: 

As with most immigration procedures, a clean criminal record is a prerequisite. An apostilled police clearance letter is also acceptable.

Portuguese NIF (tax number):

To apply for the D7, and to also purchase or rent property here, you will need a Portuguese tax number, Número de Identificação Fiscal.

Portuguese bank account:

Technically this is not an official requirement yet, but Portuguese consulates are increasingly requiring applicants to open a Portuguese bank account and deposit funds that show you have the capacity to support yourself while living in Portugal.

You will also need:

• Your passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiry date of your D7 Visa.
• Two recent passport size colour photos.
• A formal declaration outlining your motivations for seeking Portuguese residency.
• A clean criminal record certificate

All of the above serve to prove to the authorities that you have ties with the country and a clear intention to settle here.

Similar to the Golden Visa, the D7 visa is valid for 2 years. During that time, you are allowed to get a local job in Portugal and can become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship and a passport after 5 years of holding the D7 visa provided that you continue to meet the requirements. Where the D7 differs from the Golden Visa is how much easier the application process is:

1. Book your consular appointment
2. Compile your application file
3. Attend your embassy appointment
4. Submit your visa application, a decision is normally received in around 60 days
5. Receive your temporary entry visa (4-month validity)
6. Fly to Portugal to attend your SEF interview where your 2-year residency permit is issued
7. Renew your residency permit every 2 years and apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years