One of the most popular ways for non-EU citizens to get residency in Portugal is via the D7 visa route.
If you're a digital nomad or remote worker, the D7 is likely to be a good fit for you as onne of the best from Portugal visa types. It's a straightforward, flexible, and affordable pathway into Portugal and Europe.
I've helped many people successfully apply for the D7. Here are my insights on the visa and the application process.
- Visa for everybody
- Income requirements
- Remote work
- Savings
- Applying outside of Portugal
- Rental agreement
- NIF number
- Residency
- Tax benefits
- Portuguese citizenship
Fact #1: D7's not just for pensioners
Although the D7 is often known as the ‘retirement visa’, it’s not just for retirees.
If you have a source of regular income coming from outside Portugal (that you can earn while living in Portugal), then you can apply for the D7.
Fact #2: The income requirements are low
Because the income requirements for the D7 visa are based on Portugal’s minimum wage, this visa has one of the lowest passive income requirements in the EU.
You’ll need a minimum monthly income of just over €700 for one applicant (although I’d typically recommend showing at least €1,000 to make your application stronger).
Fact #3: Remote work is (usually) ok
The D7 visa is normally associated with passive income, such as pensions or rental income, but many people have successfully applied using proof of salary from remote work.
Whether this will work depends on the Portuguese consulate where you're applying, but we've seen consulates in the US and UK regularly accept applicants with income from remote salaries.
It's always best to check with the consulate where you plan to apply, or else hire an experienced lawyer to handle your application.
Fact #4: You’ll need savings too
As well as proof of income, you also need to show evidence of having sufficient savings in the bank.
For one applicant, this is a minimum of 12 month’s worth of Portuguese minimum wage, so that’s around €8,460.
I’d always recommend showing as much money as possible for a stronger application.
Fact #5: You can't apply in Portugal
It's slightly inconvenient, but if you're already in Portugal (e.g. as a tourist), you'll have to go home again to start your D7 process.
You’ll need to submit the application at your nearest Portuguese consulate, in either your country of citizenship or country of permanent residency.
Fact #6: A rental agreement is essential
With so many people applying for the D7, Portuguese consulates are becoming stricter about the requirements.
Recently, a new requirement came in for applicants to show proof of a 12 month rental agreement in Portugal before submitting the D7 application.
Fact #7: Everything begins with a NIF
Having a NIF (tax number) is essential for life in Portugal, and the D7 is no exception. You’ll need to get one before starting the D7 process.
You’ll also need to open a Portuguese bank account to deposit the required savings. The best ways to get a NIF number and bank account from outside Portugal are:
- Use an online provider, such as Bordr
- Get them via your lawyer as part of the D7 service
Fact #8: Portugal must be your main home
To keep up your residency with the D7, you'll need to live full-time in Portugal and become a tax resident here.
That means you should avoid being out of the country for over 6 months consecutively or 8 months non-consecutively in any one year.
Fact #9: You may be eligible for tax benefits
As a new resident with the D7 visa, you can access 10 years of tax benefits using the NHR tax program in Portugal.
This is only available to new residents who haven't lived in Portugal within the last five years.
I highly recommend that you talk to a qualified tax advisor to fully understand your tax position in Portugal before planning a move.
Fact #10: It’s a path to Portuguese citizenship
The D7 is a great way to access Portuguese citizenship and a powerful Portuguese EU passport.
Portugal has one of the world’s strongest passports, which gives you the freedom to live, work, do business, study, and retire across the whole of the European Union.
You can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency and after passing a language test at A2 level.
Samantha North is the founder of Digital Émigré, helping remote workers and investors get residency and citizenship in Europe.
The views expressed in guest posts are solely the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Flatio.
The content published on the Flatio blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal counsel.
