D7 Passive Income Visa
Portugal's pathway for passive income earners with a route to EU citizenship
Best For
Eligibility Requirements
Step-by-Step Application Process
Obtain a Portuguese NIF (Tax Number)
Apply for a NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) which is the Portuguese tax identification number. This is required before opening a bank account or applying for the visa. You can obtain it through a fiscal representative, in person at a Portuguese tax office, or through some online services.
1-5 days- You can appoint a fiscal representative who can obtain the NIF on your behalf without you traveling to Portugal
- Some immigration lawyers bundle NIF acquisition with their services
- Non-EU residents initially need a fiscal representative in Portugal, which costs around EUR 150-300/yr
- The NIF is essential for almost everything in Portugal: banking, renting, utilities, and taxes
Open a Portuguese Bank Account
Open a bank account in Portugal. Most banks require you to visit in person with your passport and NIF. Some fintech options allow remote account opening. Deposit funds to demonstrate financial means.
1-2 weeks- Activobank and Millennium BCP are popular with expats and have English-speaking staff
- Bring your NIF, passport, proof of address, and proof of income to the bank appointment
- Transfer sufficient funds to cover several months of living expenses as proof of means
- Consider using Wise for the initial transfer to get better exchange rates
Gather and Apostille Documents
Collect all required documents and have them apostilled (internationally certified). Documents not in Portuguese must be translated by a certified translator. Criminal record checks, birth certificates, and marriage certificates all require apostilles.
2-4 weeks- The apostille process varies by country - in the US, contact your state Secretary of State; in the UK, use the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
- Criminal background checks can take 2-4 weeks to process in some countries
- Certified translations in Portugal typically cost EUR 25-50 per page
- Some consulates accept documents in English without translation - check with your specific consulate
Apply at the Portuguese Consulate
Submit your D7 visa application at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Book an appointment in advance as wait times can be long. Pay the consular fee and submit all documents.
1 day (appointment)- Book your consulate appointment as early as possible - some consulates have months-long wait lists
- Bring originals AND copies of every document
- The consular fee is approximately EUR 90
- Some consulates conduct a brief interview during the appointment
- Application can only be made from outside Portugal (you cannot apply from within the country)
Wait for Visa Approval
The Portuguese consulate forwards your application to SEF/AIMA (immigration authority) in Portugal for review. This is typically the longest phase of the process.
2-3 months- Processing times vary significantly by consulate - some are faster than others
- You can check status through the consulate, but avoid excessive follow-ups
- If approved, you receive a temporary visa sticker in your passport valid for 4 months
- Use this waiting period to plan your move, sell assets, or arrange shipping
Travel to Portugal and Apply for Residence Permit
Enter Portugal on your D7 visa and apply for your residence permit (Titulo de Residencia) at AIMA (formerly SEF). This converts your temporary visa into a 2-year residence permit. You must do this within the 4-month validity of your entry visa.
1-3 months (for appointment and card issuance)- Book your AIMA appointment as soon as you arrive - there are significant backlogs
- The residence permit card may take several weeks to be issued after your appointment
- You receive a temporary document allowing you to stay legally while waiting for the card
- Consider applying for the IFICI regime (formerly NHR) within 6 months of becoming tax resident for the 20% flat tax rate on qualifying income
- After 2 years, renew for 3 more years. After 5 years total, apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Required Documents
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consular visa fee | ~€90 (~$100 USD) | Paid at consulate appointment |
| AIMA residence permit fee | ~€83 (~$90 USD) | Paid when applying for residence card in Portugal |
| NIF fiscal representative | ~€150-300/yr | Annual fee for your Portuguese fiscal representative (required for non-residents) |
| Document apostilles | ~$50-200 total | Varies by country and number of documents |
| Certified translations | ~€25-50 per page | For documents not in Portuguese |
| Immigration lawyer (optional) | ~€1,500-3,000 | Recommended but not required; covers full application assistance |
Timeline Overview
Recommended Tools for Portugal Expats
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work for a Portuguese employer on the D7 visa?
Yes. Unlike many passive income visas, the D7 allows you to work in Portugal, including for Portuguese employers. However, the visa is designed for people whose primary income comes from passive or foreign sources.
What counts as passive income for the D7?
Passive income includes pensions, retirement account withdrawals, dividends, rental income from property outside Portugal, interest, royalties, and investment returns. Remote employment income from a foreign employer is also accepted.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through the D7?
Yes. Portugal offers one of the fastest paths to EU citizenship. After 5 years of legal residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You need to demonstrate basic Portuguese language skills (A2 level) and ties to the community.
What is the IFICI regime and should I apply?
IFICI (formerly NHR/Non-Habitual Resident) is a tax regime offering a 20% flat rate on Portuguese-sourced income for qualifying professionals in tech, research, and innovation sectors. Foreign income can be exempt. You must apply within your first year of tax residency. Not everyone qualifies - consult a Portuguese tax advisor.
How much income do I really need?
The legal minimum is the Portuguese minimum wage (currently EUR 878/mo), but consulates generally look more favorably on applicants showing EUR 1,500-2,000+/mo. Having substantial savings in your Portuguese bank account also strengthens your application.
Can I include my family in the D7 application?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included. Each dependent increases the income threshold slightly (about 50% for spouse and 30% per child of the base amount). Each dependent also pays separate visa and permit fees.