D7 Visa and Other Residency Options in Portugal: Which One Is Right for You?

Portugal offers several residency options for financially independent individuals, each with its own set of advantages and requirements.

03:30 09 April 2025

Portugal offers several residency options for financially independent individuals, each with its own set of advantages and requirements. Among the most popular options are the D7 Visa, which is designed for those with a stable income, and other residency programs like the Golden Visa and D8 Visa. If you're considering moving to Portugal, it's important to understand how these visas work, their requirements, and the benefits of living in Portugal. 

Célia Castilho, Head of the Portuguese office Investment Programs Expert at Immigrant Invest, will guide you through the main residency options in Portugal, including Portugal D7 Visa, and help you determine which one is right for you.

How to Get Residency in Portugal

There are three main Portugal Visa types, offered pathways to residency in Portugal that are commonly sought by financially independent individuals: the Golden Visa, the D7 Visa, and the D8 Visa.

• The Golden Visa. This residency option is designed for individuals who invest in Portugal. The investment can be in fund units, a business, or other approved options. It’s especially popular with those looking for a more straightforward path to residency, as it does not require a minimum income or business operation in Portugal.
  
  

• The D7 Visa is ideal for financially independent people who can prove a steady income from passive sources such as pensions, rental income, or investments. This visa allows you to live in Portugal without the need to run a business or take up employment.
  
  

• The D8 Visa is targeted at entrepreneurs and freelancers. It is designed for people who can show that they are financially self-sufficient through self-employment or a business operation in Portugal.

Each visa offers unique advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your personal circumstances, including your source of income and whether you plan to invest in Portugal.

Portugal D7 Visa Requirements

Proof of income. You must demonstrate that you have a stable and sufficient income of minimum €870 per annum. This can be from pensions, rental properties, investments, or other passive income sources. The amount of income you need depends on the number of family members you are applying with.

Health insurance: You will need to have valid health insurance for the duration of your stay in Portugal.

Accommodationю You must provide evidence that you have accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental contract or property ownership.

Criminal background checkю A clean criminal record is required from your home country and any country where you have lived in the past five years.

Proof of financial stabilityю You need to show that you can support yourself and your dependents, if applicable, without relying on public funds.

How to Apply for Portugal D7 Visa

1. Prepare the documents.

The applicant begins by gathering all required documents, including proof of income, accommodation, health insurance, and a criminal background check. If necessary, documents should be translated into Portuguese.

2. Submit the application.

The application is submitted to the Portuguese consulate in the applicant’s home country, along with payment of the visa application fee.

3. Wait for approval.

After submission, the consulate processes the application and may request additional documents or an interview. If approved, the applicant is granted a temporary residency visa.

4. Enter Portugal.

With the visa granted, the applicant can travel to Portugal. Upon arrival, they apply for a residence card from the Portuguese immigration authorities.

5. Renewal.

After the initial year of residency, the applicant proceeds with renewing the residency permit. The process is generally straightforward, provided that income and accommodation requirements continue to be met.

15 Benefits of Living in Portugal

Living in Portugal comes with numerous benefits, especially for financially independent individuals. Here are 15 key advantages:

• Affordable living. Portugal offers a lower cost of living compared to other Western European countries, making it an attractive destination for retirees and expats.

• High-quality healthcare. Portugal’s healthcare system is one of the best in Europe, offering both public and private options.

• Stable climate. Portugal boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters.

• Safety. Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with a low crime rate.

• Good public transport. The country has an efficient and affordable public transport system, making it easy to travel around.

• Rich cultural heritage. Portugal is home to beautiful cities, historic landmarks, and a vibrant cultural scene.

• Beautiful beaches. Portugal’s coastline is famous for its stunning beaches, ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.

• EU access. As a member of the European Union, Portugal provides access to the entire EU market, with all the benefits that come with it.

• High quality of life. Portugal is known for its relaxed lifestyle and good work-life balance.

• Low crime rate. The country has a reputation for being one of the safest in Europe, with low levels of violent crime.

• Delicious food and wine. Portugal is famous for its fresh seafood, wines, and Mediterranean cuisine.

• Excellent education. Portugal offers high-quality education, with public and private schools, as well as universities, that are internationally recognized.

• A welcoming community. Portugal has a large expat community, making it easy to integrate and find social connections.

• Ease of travel. Portugal’s location allows easy access to other European countries, as well as to Africa and the Americas.

• Many residency options. Foreigners may choose one of the several pathways to apply for residency in Portugal.

Conclusion

Choosing the right residency option in Portugal depends on your personal situation. The D7 Visa is an excellent choice for financially independent individuals who can prove a stable income and do not need to engage in business activity in Portugal. 

If you are looking to invest in the country, the Golden Visa may be more suitable. Alternatively, the D8 Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs and freelancers. Regardless of your choice, living in Portugal offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and a range of other benefits.