The D7 Visa, often referred to as the Passive Income Visa, is a Portuguese residency visa for for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who intend to reside in Portugal and have sufficient funds to support themselves without needing to work in the country.
Eligibility Criteria
Income Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate a stable passive income, such as pensions, real estate, intellectual property royalties, or investments. The minimum required income is approximately €8,460 per year for the main applicant. An additional 50% of this amount is required for a spouse, and 30% for each dependent child.
Residency Requirement: Applicants must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first two years.
Clean Criminal Record: A clean criminal record from the applicant’s country of residence is necessary.
Application Process
Gather Documentation: This includes a valid passport, proof of regular passive income, proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental agreement or property deed), Portuguese fiscal number (NIF), and health insurance valid in Portugal.
Visa Application: The application is submitted at a Portuguese consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country.
Initial Residence Permit: Upon arrival in Portugal with the D7 Visa, applicants must apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Borders Service.
Renewal: The initial residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for successive two-year periods.
Benefits
Freedom of Movement: The D7 Visa allows free travel within the Schengen Area.
Family Reunification: Visa holders can apply for family reunification, granting family members the same residency rights.
Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: After five years of legal residency, it is possible to apply for permanent residency. Citizenship can be applied for after six years of legal residency, provided the applicant meets language requirements and has no criminal record.
Financial Requirements
The assessment of financial means for the D7 Visa application hinges on the applicant’s income and their capacity to maintain a stable lifestyle in Portugal. While passive income can be derived from a variety of sources, it is crucial to demonstrate its consistency and reliability. The minimum income requirement is set at €820 per month or €9,840 annually. In addition you must have at least one year of saving, namely another €9,840 . It is imperative to conduct a thorough and realistic evaluation of your financial situation. This ensures that the demonstrated funds not only meet the official threshold but also genuinely reflect the cost of living, encompassing rent and other daily expenses. A well-founded financial plan is essential for proving that you have ample resources to support your stay in Portugal.
Health Insurance
Applicants must have health insurance that covers them in Portugal. This can be private insurance or coverage through reciprocal health agreements if applicable.
Considerations
Language: While not a requirement for the visa, some knowledge of Portuguese can be beneficial for integration and eventual citizenship applications.
Avoid high fees: Although It’s often recommended to seek professional assistance when applying for a Visa or residency permit, but the work of preparation for the D7 visa is mostly done by yourself. You will have to communicate with the consulate and provide the documents that they require most of which pertain to your personal or financial information for which another person cannot do much. Hence, a word of warning for the newcomers not to pay high fees for assistance with your D7 Visa application because for this application, you are in charge.
This visa is particularly attractive to retirees and those who can work remotely, allowing them to enjoy the lifestyle and benefits of living in Portugal while having their income sourced from abroad. The D7 Visa is a pathway to establishing long-term residency in Portugal and, eventually, obtaining citizenship. It’s important to note that regulations can change, and it’s advisable to check the most current information or consult with a legal expert specializing in Portuguese immigration law.
Essential Documentation for Visa Applications
For most visa applications you’ll need to gather a set of standard documents that typically include:
Visa Application Form: A fully completed and signed application form.
Passport: A valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages for stamps and visas.
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos that comply with the visa photo requirements.
Financial Proof: Documents demonstrating sufficient income or financial means to support your stay.
Accommodation Evidence: Confirmation of your living arrangements in Portugal, such as a rental agreement or property deed.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Portugal.
Criminal Record: A certificate confirming a clean criminal record from your country of residence.
Depending on the visa category you’re applying for, there may be additional requirements. Always check the specific visa guidelines to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork.
You can read about Visas and many more subjectr related to relocation to Portugal in "the Madeira Handbook".
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