Portugal D7 Visa Application Timeline: Guide 2025-2026

Key takeaways about the Portugal D7 Visa in 2025-2026

1. The Portugal D7 Visa offers residency in Portugal to non-EU nationals who can show stable passive income, such as pensions, dividends, or rental income.
2. Eligibility centers on non-EU citizenship, clean criminal records, proof of accommodation in Portugal, and meeting both minimum income and bank balance thresholds.
3. The typical D7 timeline runs 4–8 months from document preparation to receiving your residence permit in Portugal, depending mainly on consular and AIMA appointment availability.
4. D7 residents must live in Portugal for at least 183 days per year, which suits people planning a full relocation more than those seeking a light-touch, “Plan B” option.
5. Compared with the Portugal Golden Visa, the D7 requires far less capital but much higher physical presence, while the Golden Visa requires a fund investment of at least €500,000 and only 14 days in Portugal every two years.
6. After five years of continuous legal residence, D7 holders can apply for permanent residency. Citizenship now generally requires 10 years of residence, or seven years for nationals of Portuguese-language countries and EU citizens.
7. Government fees for the D7 are relatively modest, but applicants should budget for legal support, translations, travel, and relocation costs.

How the Portugal D7 Visa Works in 2025-2026

Key concepts and terminology

The Portugal D7 Visa, often called the “Passive Income Visa” or “Retirement Visa,” serves non-EU citizens who can show financial self-sufficiency through passive income. This route focuses on income and residence in Portugal rather than capital investment, which aligns with the needs of retirees, location-independent professionals, and individuals with portfolio income.

Passive income for D7 purposes means recurring revenue that requires limited active management. Typical examples include pensions, rental income, dividends, interest, or intellectual property royalties. These income streams give Portuguese authorities confidence that applicants can support themselves without employment in Portugal.

The visa grants temporary residency status that can be renewed and can lead to permanent residency and, over time, citizenship. This path suits people who want residency in Portugal, plus visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Why the D7 Visa matters in the current environment

Global mobility rules and investment visa reforms across Europe have pushed many families to look for residency options based on income rather than large capital commitments. The D7 offers a structured, rules-based route into Portugal for those who are ready to spend most of the year in the country.

Portugal ranks as one of the safest countries in the world and combines a relatively low cost of living with strong infrastructure and a growing tourism and services sector. As Golden Visa rules now center on a minimum €500,000 investment in eligible funds, many people who prefer to keep capital flexible view the D7 as a practical alternative, provided they are willing to relocate and build daily life in Portugal.

Who typically uses the D7 Visa

The D7 Visa suits financially independent people who prioritize lifestyle and stability over investment returns tied to a residency program. Common applicant profiles include:

1. Retirees with a reliable pension or annuity income
2. Former business owners living from investment portfolios
3. Professionals with high passive income who can relocate fully to Portugal

Many high-net-worth families consider the D7 to secure family stability, education options in Portugal, and a long-term backup plan within the European Union. Unlike investment visas, the D7 expects a genuine move to Portugal and day-to-day integration into Portuguese life.

Core benefits and features of the D7 Visa

The D7 Visa gives qualifying applicants a direct route to Portuguese residency without tying up large amounts of capital in a specific investment. Capital can remain diversified while the family builds a life in Portugal.

Residents under the D7 have access to Portugal’s public healthcare system, local educational options, and visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. After five years of continuous legal residence, they can apply for permanent residency. Over a longer period, they may become eligible for citizenship, which can later provide the right to live, work, and study across the European Union and Schengen Area once a Portuguese passport is granted.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa if your priority is minimal physical presence in Portugal and you prefer to qualify through a regulated investment in eligible funds instead of income requirements.

Eligibility requirements for the Portugal D7 Visa in 2025

Non-EU citizenship and a clean criminal record

The D7 Visa is available to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold non-EU status, and have a clean criminal record. Authorities review criminal background checks for every country where the applicant has lived for more than one year in the previous five years.

Criminal record certificates need to be apostilled and translated into Portuguese. These documents have limited validity, often three to six months, so timing in the application process is important.

Demonstrable passive income requirements

Minimum monthly income for 2025-2026

The minimum passive income requirement for the D7 Visa in 2025-2026 is €870 per month for the main applicant, matching the Portuguese minimum wage. Additional income is required for each family member who is included.

Accepted sources of passive income

Qualifying passive income sources include pension payments, rental income from properties, dividends from investment portfolios, interest from savings and time deposits, royalties from intellectual property, and annuity payments. These income streams must be regular, predictable, and sustainable, rather than one-off or irregular earnings.

Recommended financial buffer

Specialists often suggest showing passive income that is 10–20% higher than the minimum threshold. This extra margin helps account for living costs, exchange rate shifts, and inflation, and can strengthen the overall application.

Financial self-sufficiency and bank balance

Required bank statements and liquid funds

Applicants must present at least six months of bank statements that clearly show consistent income and a stable financial position. These statements should highlight the passive income sources that support the application.

Minimum bank balance requirements

Indicative minimum bank balance levels for 2025 are €8,460 for a single applicant, €15,660 for a couple, and €21,924 for a family with two children. These figures represent around 12 months of minimum income and help demonstrate that the family can support itself after moving to Portugal.

Proof of accommodation in Portugal

Applicants must show that they have a place to live in Portugal. Evidence can include a 12-month lease agreement or property purchase documentation, which demonstrates a real intention to reside in the country.

This accommodation requirement can be met through rental contracts, property purchases, or staying with Portuguese residents who provide formal accommodation letters. The structure chosen should match the family’s budget, location preferences, and timing.

Residency commitment for D7 applicants

D7 residents must commit to spending at least 183 days per year in Portugal. This requirement makes the D7 suitable for people who genuinely wish to live most of the year in the country.

For long-term residency status and eventual citizenship eligibility, applicants are expected to maintain more than eight months per year of physical presence in Portugal over five consecutive years. Consistent presence supports both renewals and later applications for permanent residency.

Including family members in a D7 application

The D7 framework allows the main applicant to include close family members such as spouses, dependent children, and financially dependent parents. Each dependent must meet specific relationship and dependency conditions, and children must be full-time students, unemployed, and unmarried throughout the residency program if they are to remain under the same file.

Family applications require supporting documents like marriage certificates or other proof of relationship in the case of common-law partners, birth certificates for children, and evidence of financial dependency for parents. Each added family member increases both the minimum income requirement and the minimum bank balance needed.

Portugal D7 Visa application timeline: step-by-step

Step 1: Initial preparation and document gathering

The D7 process starts with collecting documents and confirming that income and savings meet program thresholds. Most successful applicants can show at least six months of consistent passive income before they apply, so financial records are a key early focus.

Core documents usually include:

1. Proof of passive income for at least six months
2. Bank statements from home-country and, where available, Portuguese accounts
3. Criminal background checks from all relevant countries
4. Apostilled and translated civil documents
5. Proof of health insurance that covers medical costs in Portugal
6. Portuguese tax number (NIF)
7. Evidence of accommodation in Portugal

The Portuguese tax number, known as the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), is required for many steps, including opening a local bank account and signing a lease. Applicants can obtain it in person in Portugal or through a legal representative.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa through VIDA Capital’s advisory services if you prefer an investment-based route with lighter residency requirements rather than the full-time presence that the D7 demands.

Step 2: Consular application and visa issuance

After gathering documents, applicants book an appointment at the Portuguese consulate responsible for their country or region. The consular stage covers appointment booking, submission of the application file, and in some cases an in-person interview. Appointment wait times vary by consulate and season.

Visa decisions often take between one and three months, depending on caseload and the completeness of the file. During this period, consular teams review financial documents, accommodation proof, and criminal records and may request clarifications or extra documents.

When interviews take place, officers normally check the applicant’s intention to live in Portugal, understanding of their chosen region, and ability to support themselves based on the evidence provided.

Step 3: Travel to Portugal and an AIMA (formerly SEF) appointment

Once the D7 Visa is approved and stamped in the passport, the applicant can travel to Portugal and schedule an appointment with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), which replaced SEF for immigration functions. This appointment leads to the issuance of the initial temporary residence permit and marks the start of the legal residency period.

The AIMA visit normally involves collecting biometric data, confirming documentation, and submitting the residence card application. Appointment availability can be tighter in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto, so planning ahead helps avoid gaps between arrival and card issuance.

During this phase, many applicants also complete practical tasks such as opening a local bank account if they have not done so already, registering for healthcare, and setting up utilities in their Portuguese home. These steps support proof of actual residence in Portugal.

Step 4: Obtaining and renewing your residency permit

The D7 route typically grants an initial residence permit valid for two years, followed by renewals that can be valid for up to three years. This card confirms your status as a legal resident of Portugal.

Renewal requires ongoing proof of passive income at or above the required levels, a continued clean criminal record, maintenance of accommodation in Portugal, and evidence of meeting the physical presence rules of at least 183 days per year. Starting renewal preparations well before the card expiry date helps keep residence continuous.

D7 residents should retain documentation of their time in Portugal, including travel records, lease renewals, and utility or bank statements linked to their Portuguese address. These records can support future renewals and later applications for permanent residency.

Step 5: Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship

D7 holders can usually apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous legal residence, as long as they have respected stay requirements and maintained a clean criminal record. Permanent residency removes the need for frequent renewals while preserving almost all benefits of temporary residence.

Citizenship requires a longer commitment. Applicants need to demonstrate Portuguese language skills, integration into Portuguese society, and ongoing legal residence. The citizenship process includes background checks, review of residence history, and verification that language and integration standards are met.

Portugal’s updated citizenship framework now requires 10 years of residence for most non-EU nationals. Nationals of Portuguese-language countries (CPLP) and EU citizens benefit from a reduced period of seven years. This new rule applies to most Golden Visa and D7 residents, except those who already filed their citizenship application before the law took effect.

Once citizenship is granted and a Portuguese passport is issued, holders can live, work, and study in any EU or Schengen country and gain access to public healthcare and education across the European Union.

D7 Visa vs. Golden Visa: choosing the right route into Portugal

Key differences between the D7 and the Golden Visa

Investment requirements

The D7 and Golden Visa programs differ most clearly in how applicants qualify financially. Golden Visa investors must make a qualifying investment, now most commonly a minimum of €500,000 in eligible funds, while D7 applicants only need to prove that their passive income meets minimum thresholds.

Golden Visa investors lock in at least €500,000 as a regulated investment, treating residency as part of a broader portfolio strategy. D7 applicants keep their capital largely free but must rely on stable passive income of at least €870 per month plus amounts for dependents.

Residency commitments

The D7 is intended for people who plan to live in Portugal full-time and spend at least 183 days each year in the country. This structure fits those who want Portugal as their main home.

Golden Visa residents have far lighter physical presence rules. They need to spend only 14 days in Portugal every two years while maintaining their qualifying investment. This flexibility makes the Portugal Golden Visa attractive as a “Plan B” option for families who want residency and, over time, a path to citizenship without relocating. Greece and Spain, by contrast, require you to live there to keep long-term residency, and Spain has now closed its Golden Visa program.

Application focus and European context

The D7 application centers on lifestyle and integration plans. Authorities assess whether the applicant has suitable accommodation, enough passive income, and a clear plan to reside in and integrate into Portuguese society.

Golden Visa applications focus on investment compliance, proof of funds, and maintaining the qualifying investment over the required period. Portugal is now one of the few European countries that still offers a pathway to citizenship for investors without requiring relocation, as long as they meet the investment, residency, and language requirements over the required 10-year period.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa, counting with VIDA Capital’s advisory.

How to decide between the D7 and the Golden Visa

The best route depends on your lifestyle plans, income structure, and liquidity priorities. The D7 offers a relatively low-cost, income-based route that works well for people who intend to live most of the year in Portugal.

Families that choose the Golden Visa often want maximum flexibility. They may prefer to keep their primary residence elsewhere, allocate capital to a regulated fund investment, and visit Portugal occasionally while still keeping a long-term path open to permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Portugal’s modest stay requirement of 14 days every two years keeps the Golden Visa competitive among international “Plan B” strategies.

The D7 route is generally more suitable if you plan to relocate to Portugal full-time, can show sufficient passive income, want to preserve capital for other investments, and value a quicker initial approval timeline. The Golden Visa tends to fit those who cannot commit to 183 days per year in Portugal but can allocate at least €500,000 to an eligible fund and are comfortable with a 12–18 month process.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa if your circumstances require minimal stay obligations in Portugal and an investment-led route makes more sense than an income-based qualification.

Associated costs and fees for the D7 Visa

Government application and processing fees

Visa application fees

Government fees for D7 Visa applications remain modest compared with investment-based options. Consular application fees usually fall in the range of €90–€180 per person, depending on the consulate and local rules. Each family member pays a separate fee.

Residency permit issuance and renewal fees

AIMA charges separate fees when issuing and renewing residence cards, often around €85–€170 per person per card. Final amounts vary by card type and duration, but these costs are usually a small part of the overall relocation budget.

Legal and consultancy fees

Professional legal and consultancy fees vary by firm and case complexity, but many families should expect a budget in the range of €2,000–€5,000. Services often include document review, translations coordination, consular appointment preparation, and support with AIMA scheduling.

Working with an experienced lawyer helps reduce the risk of errors, missing documents, or timing issues that could delay the process or lead to refusals.

Other potential costs

Document apostille and certified translations usually cost between €100 and €300 per document, depending on language, length, and urgency. Health insurance premiums differ by age and coverage but often fall in the €500–€2,000 per year range for comprehensive plans.

Applicants should also account for travel expenses to consular appointments, flights to Portugal, initial accommodation deposits, and the cost of setting up utilities and services in their new home. These amounts vary widely by location and lifestyle choices.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Portugal D7 Visa

What is the minimum income requirement for the Portugal D7 Visa in 2025-2026?

The current minimum passive income requirement is €870 per month for a single applicant, equal to the Portuguese minimum wage. Spouses added to the application require an additional €435 per month, and each dependent child requires €261 per month. These amounts must appear consistently in bank statements and supporting income documents. Many advisors recommend showing 10–20% above these levels for greater comfort.

How long does the Portugal D7 Visa application timeline take from start to finish?

Most applicants should plan for a total timeline of about 4–8 months. Document collection and preparation often take 2–4 months, especially when multiple countries are involved for criminal record checks and apostilles. Consular processing generally adds another one to three months, and AIMA appointment availability in Portugal can extend the process further.

What are the physical presence requirements for maintaining D7 Visa residency?

D7 residents must spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal to maintain their status and qualify for renewals. This level of presence supports integration into Portuguese life and demonstrates that Portugal is the main place of residence. For long-term planning and later permanent residency, maintaining more than eight months per year in Portugal for at least five consecutive years is advisable.

Can family members be included in a D7 Visa application?

Immediate family members, including spouses or partners, dependent children, and financially dependent parents, can be included in a D7 application. Each added family member increases the required monthly income and proof of savings. Children must remain unmarried, enrolled as full-time students, and not working throughout the residency program to continue qualifying as dependents. All family members must submit supporting civil and financial documentation.

What happens after five years of D7 Visa residency in Portugal?

After five years of continuous legal residence under the D7 regime, holders can apply for permanent residency if they have met stay requirements and kept a clean criminal record. Permanent residency greatly reduces administrative work while preserving almost all the rights of temporary residents. Citizenship applications, however, now require 10 years of residence for most non-EU nationals, or seven years for nationals of Portuguese-language countries and EU citizens. Citizenship also requires proof of language skills and integration into Portuguese society.

Secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa if the D7’s full-time presence requirement does not fit your situation and an investment-based, low-presence route better matches your long-term plans.

Conclusion: aligning your residency strategy with your lifestyle

The Portugal D7 Visa offers a structured, income-based route to residency for people who are ready to anchor their daily lives in Portugal. Understanding each stage of the process, from initial document preparation to permanent residency and eventual citizenship, helps set realistic expectations and supports stronger applications.

The D7 path works best for applicants who want to live in Portugal for most of the year, are comfortable meeting clear income and presence rules, and view integration into Portuguese society as a positive goal. It demands more day-to-day commitment than investment-based alternatives but preserves capital and often moves faster at the outset.

Careful planning, accurate documentation, and support from experienced legal advisors all contribute to a smoother D7 experience. Families should weigh the residency obligations and lifestyle changes involved and confirm that they align with long-term personal and financial plans.

For investors and families who prefer to keep their main base elsewhere while still securing Portuguese residency and a long-term path to EU citizenship, secure your Portuguese residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa through VIDA Capital’s advisory services, which guide investors through qualifying fund investments that support Portugal’s hospitality assets while meeting Golden Visa requirements. Historical returns from such investments are not a guarantee of future returns.