What the D7 visa is and who it is for
The D7 visa is a residence permit for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who have their own regular, sufficient income to support themselves in Portugal without relying on local work. Although it is popularly known as the retirement visa or passive income visa, there is no age requirement: it applies equally to anyone living on rents, dividends, royalties or other income not derived from active professional work.
It is the right route for retirees, investors with an income-generating portfolio, and families who want to live in Portugal at a far lower entry cost than the Golden Visa. It grants the right to live, study and access public services, and opens the path to permanent residency and citizenship.
Minimum income to prove and accepted income types
The cornerstone of the D7 is proof of means of subsistence. The applicant must show a stable, recurring income covering their own subsistence and that of the household. Retirement pensions, rental income, dividends, interest, royalties and other passive income are typically accepted, provided they are properly documented.
The reference amount is tied to the rules in force and increases with the number of family members included in the application. Because thresholds are updated periodically, we confirm the exact figure that applies to your case at the initial assessment — we never work from outdated numbers. It is also essential to evidence the source and regularity of the income, not just a one-off amount.
Documents required and the consulate + AIMA process
The D7 process runs in two stages. First, the residence-visa application at the competent Portuguese consulate in your area of residence; then, once in Portugal, scheduling and issuance of the residence permit with AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).
Documentation usually includes:
- Valid passport and compliant photographs;
- Proof of passive income (pension statements, lease agreements, tax returns, dividend certificates);
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal;
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF) and bank account;
- Criminal record and health insurance.
NIF Express obtains your NIF remotely and Reside Portugal supports accommodation and settling in — two steps we recommend resolving before filing.
Taxation of foreign pensions and double taxation
Tax residence in Portugal has meaningful implications for your foreign pensions and income. Portugal maintains a broad network of double-taxation treaties that determine which State may tax each type of income and how double taxation is relieved.
The applicable tax treatment depends on the income’s country of origin, the nature of the pension (public or private) and the tax regime in force when you change residence. Special regimes and rates are confirmed on a case-by-case basis — we plan the tax side alongside the residence application so there are no surprises. Talk to us before you relocate.
Renewal, minimum stay and the path to citizenship
The D7 residence permit is issued for an initial period and subject to successive renewals. Keeping the status requires meeting minimum-stay requirements in Portugal that are more demanding than those of the Golden Visa, since the D7 presupposes genuine residence.
After the legally required period of residence, you may apply for permanent residency and, later, Portuguese citizenship, subject to the remaining requirements (including language knowledge). The rules for counting time towards citizenship were recently revised and depend on your nationality of origin — we assess the concrete timeline for your case.
Family reunification with the D7 visa
The D7 lets you include your household through family reunification: spouse or de facto partner, minor or dependent children and, under certain conditions, dependent parents. Family members receive a residence permit with the same rights of stay, access to education and healthcare.
Each added family member raises the minimum income to prove, according to the percentages set by law. We structure the application so the whole family is covered in a single process, avoiding separate filings and delays.
D7 vs D8 vs Golden Visa — which to choose
These are three distinct routes to live in Portugal:
- D7 — for those living on passive income (pensions, rents, dividends). Low entry cost, but it requires genuine residence.
- D8 (digital nomads) — for those with active income from remote work or services to clients outside Portugal, requiring a higher monthly income.
- Golden Visa — based on a qualifying investment, with reduced minimum stay, ideal for those who do not intend to live here full-time.
The right choice depends on the nature of your income and your plans for staying. At the initial assessment we map out the most advantageous route, both fiscally and legally, for your profile.