Created in 2007 by the Portuguese Government, the D7 Visa has been associated, in a restrictive way, to a residence programme exclusively dedicated to retired citizens or to people who monthly earn a passive fixed income. In fact, the D7 Visa, which is available to any citizen who does not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, requires a constant income, but is not restricted to any profession or age group. As the newspaper Diário de Notícias explained , "although the D7 Visa is mainly designed to attract pensioners and people living on passive income to reside in Portugal and contribute to the economy, there is no barrier to working in Portugal or earning a salary abroad. This allows young professionals to take advantage of the D7 and choose Portugal and Madeira to live and work."
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Now that the Government has decided to stop granting new gold visas, the D7 visa is an excellent alternative for those who want to make investments in Portugal, namely in real estate, in the most attractive regions of the country, such as Algarve, Porto and Northern Portugal. LUXIMOS Christies International Real Estate has consulted the Portuguese legislation, as well as the rules that guide this programme, and presents here a summary of the rules of adhesion, so that those who wish to buy a house in Portugal, live or invest in the country, know exactly what they have to do.
What is the D7 Visa for Portugal?
The D7 Visa is a special visa, provided for in Portuguese legislation, which allows foreign citizens who do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, to reside in Portugal.
Who can apply for a D7 Visa?
Retired citizens with a fixed pension are entitled to apply for this visa, but also people who have their own income, such as artists, who live off copyrights, or landlords, who live off rented property or investors. This is why the D7 Visa is also known as the Own Income Visa.
How much money do I need to earn per month to be able to apply for a D7 Visa?
In 2023, the reference value is equal to the value of the Portuguese minimum wage, or EUR 760. However, this value increases according to the number of people in the household. Example: One adult is equal to 100% of the minimum wage, the second adult is only 50% more. Each child up to the age of 18 represents 30% of the minimum wage. Thus, in a family of four, where two of the members are children, you would have to earn about 1,596 euros per month on your own. However, you must be able to show that your bank account - which must be open in a bank in Portugal - contains all the money necessary for one year. In the example given here, you would have to have ¤19,152 or more available in your bank account.
Where is the D7 Visa requested?
Always in the country of origin.
What documents are needed to apply for the D7 Visa?
- The visa application form can be requested at the embassy of the country where you live.
- Passport or other valid travel document.
- Two recent, identical photographs, passport type, in good conditions to identify the applicant.
- Valid travel insurance to cover necessary expenses for medical reasons, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
- Application to SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to check the Portuguese criminal record.
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the country where the applicant has resided for more than one year.
- Accommodation conditions
- Proof of existence of means of subsistence as defined by ordinance of the relevant members of the Government.
- Documentary evidence of the amount of the pension or proof that you have an income that allows you to subsist in Portugal.
How much does this process cost?
It costs 90 euros. Subsequently, the issuance of the permanent residence permit costs €222.
And how long does it take to get the D7 Visa?
A maximum period of 60 days.
Can I buy property in Portugal with the D7 Visa?
Perfectly possible. Buying and renting may, in fact, be one of the forms of income required by the programme.
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What is the maximum period of residence contemplated in this D7 Visa?
The D7 Visa can be renewed one year after its issue and for two successive periods of two years after the first year. After five full years, it entitles the holder to a permanent residence permit.
What are the advantages of applying for the D7 Visa?
- Enter and move freely within the Schengen Area (26 countries).
- Live, work and study in Portugal.
- Benefit from the tax advantages available to Non Habitual Residents. See here.
- Access to the National Health System, which in Portugal tends to be free of charge.
- Bring the whole family with you practically free of charge.
- Living in a country that is the 4th safest in the world and the 2nd most peaceful in the European Union.
Are there any disadvantages?
There is no downside, which is why it is increasingly in demand.
Related: Portugal, the southern European country where everyone wants to live
