D7 Visa Portugal, often referred to as the “Retiree Visa,” offers an great opportunity for those seeking to live in Portugal. While commonly associated with retirees, the D7 Visa caters to a broader audience. In this article, we will delve into the details of the D7 Visa, including its eligibility criteria, application process, and other important information.
Table of Contents:
- What is Portugal’s D7 Visa, and who can apply?
- Benefits of Portugal’s D7 Visa
- What is the minimum income required to apply for the D7 Visa?
- How to apply for the D7 Visa? Understanding the process
- Key documents required and other prerequisites
- How does the D7 Visa work for retirees?
- How long does it take to receive the visa?
- How long is the D7 Visa valid for?
- Who can assist me with the process?
In recent years, Portugal has become a sought-after destination for retirees worldwide, offering an appealing climate, stunning beaches, safety, and an exceptional quality of life. In line with this trend, the D7 Visa has arisen as an opportunity to attract foreign individuals who can positively impact Portugal’s economy. Discover more about the main residence visas available in Portugal
What is the d7 visa for portugal and who can apply?
Portugal’s D7 Visa is designed for all foreigners who are not nationals of EU Member States, the Economic Area, and Switzerland, and who are either retirees or have their own income in their country of origin, such as rents, financial investments, dividends, copyrights, intellectual property, etc. As mentioned, the D7 Visa options go far beyond retirees, even covering religious activities.
Benefits of Portugal’s D7 Visa
Some benefits of the D7 Visa include:
- Living, studying, and working in Portugal.
- The ability to bring dependent children and parents to live with the applicant in Portugal.
- Free movement to travel within the Schengen Area.
- The opportunity to apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime with a residence visa.
- Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residence.
What is the minimum income required to apply?
To apply for the visa, you need to meet specific income requirements, as explained below:
- Individual Applicant – If you are applying alone (no spouse or dependents), you must demonstrate a minimum monthly passive income of one Portuguese minimum wage, which is currently 760 euros (2023). Alternatively, you can show an annual passive income of at least 9,120 euros (12 x 760 euros).
- Couples – If you are married and applying with your partner, the second applicant’s income requirement is an additional 50% of the first applicant’s income. Therefore, the first adult must have a monthly passive income of 760 euros, and the second adult should have 50% of this amount, which is 380 euros per month. In total, the couple must show a minimum monthly average passive income of 1,140 euros, or a total annual income of 13,680 euros (12 x 1,140 euros).
- Children – The same calculation applies to children under 18 or older children who are still dependents. For each child, there is an additional 30% of the value of the Portuguese minimum wage.
Example: Family with two children
A family with two dependent children, consisting of two adults, needs to demonstrate a minimum passive income of 1,596 euros. Here’s the breakdown:
- Adult 1 – 760 euros
- Adult 2 – 380 euros (50% of 760 euros)
- Child 1 – 228 euros (30% of 760 euros)
- Child 2 – 228 euros (30% of 760 euros)
TOTAL: 1,596 euros per month or 19,152 euros per year.
How to apply for D7 Visa Portugal? Understanding the process
The application process begins in your country of origin, where the candidate must approach the Portuguese Consulate in his or her region and submit the required documents. The main documents required for the application are explained in the following topic.
Once the application is approved in your country, the candidate will receive a temporary residence visa (2 to 4 months – confirm the period at the consulate). Within this period, the candidate can travel to Portugal, where they must apply for the D7 Visa and request the residence authorization at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
Portugal d7 visa requirements documentation an requiremets
Below are the main documents required to apply for the D7 Visa:
Proof of Financial Availability in Portugal
One of the primary requirements for the D7 Visa is to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself in Portugal.
Therefore, it is necessary to have an existing account with a Portuguese bank, with a balance sufficient to cover your expenses for the first 12 months. We recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer specialized in the D7 Visa, as the required balance and documents may vary depending on individual circumstances. If needed, CAP International can provide recommendations for specialized lawyers in Portuguese visas. Contact us on WhatsApp for further information (Bruna Barros).
Proof of Monthly Income
In addition to the funds in your account, you must also provide proof of your monthly income, as previously explained in this article. For this purpose, you should attach income-related documents such as tax returns, pension or retirement payment statements, pay stubs, or proof of receiving a salary, depending on your situation and program category.
Proof of Residence in Portugal
You must already have a residential address in Portugal, which could be a rented apartment, your own property, or the residence of a friend, acquaintance, or relative.
For a rented apartment, simply attach the lease agreement. If you own a property, you should provide the public deed or documents proving the purchase.
If you plan to reside with a friend, acquaintance, or relative, you must submit a Letter of Invitation from the legal resident in Portugal.
Letter of Intent for the D7 Visa in Portugal
The Letter of Intent, also known as the “Motivation Letter” or “Introduction Letter,” is a declaration from the applicant explaining the reasons for applying for the D7 Visa and residing in Portugal.
In this letter, it is essential to outline how you intend to support yourself in Portugal, your preferred location of residence, any family ties you may have, and the reasons for choosing Portugal as your home. Moreover, it is crucial to demonstrate a genuine intention to live in the country and contribute positively to the Portuguese community and society.
The Letter of Intent can also be used to provide additional details about your profile, such as relevant professional experiences, educational background, or any other factor that strengthens your intention to remain in Portugal.
Other Documents and Certificates: Visa application form (signed and notarized) – Click here to view; Valid passport; Identity document; Marriage certificate – if married; Birth certificate – if you have children; Criminal record certificate; Travel insurance.
6. How does the D7 Visa work for retirees?
For retirees, the process is similar to other categories. The applicant must demonstrate their income as a retiree, meeting the minimum requirements as explained in the section What is the minimum income required to apply for the D7 Visa? above. There are no age restrictions for retirees and pensioners.
7. How long does it take to receive the visa?
As there are two stages – one in your country of origin and the other in Portugal – it is difficult to estimate precisely how long the entire process will take. It depends on the time the consulate in your country generally takes to review all documentation. Usually it takes up to 60 days. However, delays may occur if additional documents are requested or corrections are needed. Once in Portugal, the candidate must apply for the residence authorization with the SEF. Especially in 2023, Portugal has received a high volume of applications, resulting in delays at the SEF. The interview scheduling process can take months.
How long is the D7 Visa valid for?
The initial residence authorization granted by the D7 Visa is valid for 12 months. After this period, it can be renewed for two consecutive periods of two years each. After completing five years of residence, the applicant can apply for permanent residence authorization or apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided they meet the other requirements under the Portuguese nationality law.
Who can assist me with the process?
CAP International is a global real estate agency specialized in Portugal. Our services go beyond property intermediation, offering comprehensive assistance in your journey to move to Portugal. We have a broad network of partner professionals in various aspects of the relocation process, including lawyers specialized in Portugal’s main residence visas. Click here to start the conversation now via WhatsApp (My name is Bruna Barros).