Visa routes · D7

Portugal D7 Visa

A residence route for people with stable income they do not earn from a Portuguese employer: pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties or other recurring passive income.

The short answer

The D7 is Portugal's residence route for people with stable income they do not earn from employment — pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties. The main applicant is generally expected to show at least the monthly national minimum wage in recurring income, with uplifts for a partner and children.

Route code

Best for

Retirees and people living on recurring non-employment income

Income to prove (single applicant)

€870 / month

Work in Portugal

Not the purpose of this route

Typical processing

Typically 2-4 months at the consulate

Initial validity

4-month visa, then a residence permit

Leads to residency

Yes, renewable towards permanent

Last verified

8 September 2026

This route suits you if

▸You receive a pension or annuity
▸You have rental, dividend or royalty income
▸You can prove the income is stable and recurring
▸You will make Portugal your main home

It is the wrong route if

!You have savings but no recurring income
!Your income comes from a job you will keep working remotely

Who the D7 is really for

The D7 was designed for people whose money arrives whether or not they work: pensioners above all, but also landlords, holders of dividend-paying portfolios and people with royalty streams. The central test is not the amount alone — it is whether the income is recurring, documented and likely to continue.

What counts as income

Strong evidence looks like a pension award letter plus twelve months of bank statements showing the payments landing. Rental income should be backed by contracts and tax filings, not just deposits. Dividends need statements from the institution holding the assets. Irregular freelance payments are not passive income, and presenting them as such is a common reason for refusal — that situation belongs on the D8 or D2 route.

Requirements in short

Recurring passive income at or above the threshold for your household size.
A Portuguese tax number (NIF) and, in practice, a Portuguese bank account.
Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
Travel and health insurance covering the initial visa period.
Criminal record certificate from your country of residence, apostilled and translated.
A cover letter that explains your plan credibly.

The process, step by step

Get your NIF and open a Portuguese bank account.
Arrange accommodation and gather income evidence.
Request criminal record certificates and have them legalised.
Book the consulate or visa centre appointment.
Submit the file and wait for the decision — commonly two to four months.
Travel to Portugal within the visa validity.
Attend the residence permit appointment and collect your permit.

Working on a D7

The D7 is not an employment route, but holding a residence permit generally allows work in Portugal. If working is your main plan, however, a route built for it will produce a stronger file.

Renewals and the long view

Temporary permits are renewable while you continue to meet the conditions and actually live in Portugal. Extended absences are the most common problem at renewal.

Questions people actually ask

Is a pension enough on its own?: If it clears the household threshold and is documented over time, a pension is the strongest form of D7 income.
Do I need to buy property?: No. A rental contract is accepted proof of accommodation.
Can I include my partner and children?: Yes, with a higher income threshold and documentation of the relationships.

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