How to Apply for Portugal's D7 Passive Income Visa
Portugal's D7 visa requires proof of €760+ monthly passive income, a clean criminal record, and health insurance. Apply at a Portuguese consulate in your home country, expect 60-90 days processing, and plan to spend €1,500-3,000 total on the application process including fees, documents, and initial setup costs.
- Gather your passive income documentation. Collect 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income from pensions, investments, rental properties, or other passive sources. You need €760 per month minimum (€912 for couples). Get official translations and apostilles for all documents.
- Obtain your criminal background check. Request an FBI background check if you're American, or equivalent from your home country. This must be apostilled and less than 6 months old when you submit your application.
- Secure health insurance coverage. Purchase private health insurance valid in Portugal with minimum €30,000 coverage, or get a statement from your insurance company confirming Portugal coverage. Public healthcare won't qualify.
- Find accommodation in Portugal. You need proof of where you'll live. This can be a rental contract, property deed, or accommodation booking for your first 6 months. A hotel reservation for 2 weeks is insufficient.
- Complete the visa application. Fill out the long-stay visa form at your nearest Portuguese consulate. Include all documents, passport photos, and pay the €90 fee. Some consulates require appointments booked weeks in advance.
- Wait for processing and collect your visa. Processing takes 60-90 days typically. Once approved, collect your visa and enter Portugal within 4 months. You have 4 months from entry to apply for your residence permit at SEF (immigration office).
- Can I include my spouse's income to meet the €760 requirement?
- Yes, married couples can combine income, but the requirement increases to €912 total for two people. Both spouses apply separately but can use joint financial documentation.
- What counts as passive income for the D7 visa?
- Pensions, investment dividends, rental income, royalties, and annuities qualify. Salary from employment, freelance work, or business income where you actively work does not count as passive income.
- Do I need to live in Portugal full time with a D7 visa?
- You must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during your first 2-year residence permit to maintain status. After that, standard EU residence rules apply requiring majority of time in Portugal.
- Can I work in Portugal with a D7 visa?
- You cannot be employed by Portuguese companies initially, but you can be self-employed or continue earning passive income from abroad. After your first residence permit renewal, employment restrictions may be lifted.