Portugal has become a leading country for individuals hoping to acquire residency in the European Union. This destination presents a stable socio-political environment, transparent tax rules, a well-established infrastructure, and a strong tourism industry. It has become particularly sought-after among retirees who have a reasonable passive income and wish to secure alternative residency in Europe.
What is the D7 Visa?
The D7 Visa is fondly referred to as the Retirement Visa or the Passive Income Visa. It affords long-term residency in Portugal and does not require an investment. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they can support their lifestyle while residing in Portugal with an existing passive income of at least € 8,460 per year. After holding the D7 visa for a 5-year period, the applicant may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided that all other requirements have been met as set out in the Portuguese nationality law.
What are the requirements for the visa?
The D7 Visa is applicable exclusively to individuals who are not citizens of a country in the European Union. Applicants are also required to reside in Portugal for at least 16 months during the first two years to remain eligible for the D7 Visa.
In addition to these terms, applicants must adhere to the following criteria:
- Present a passive income of at least € 8,460 per year (including 50% for their spouse and 30% for each dependent child).
- Display a clean criminal record.
- Offer proof of residential address in Portugal (this can be rented or purchased property).
An opportunity that unites families
The D7 Visa allows applicants to offer residency to dependents, thereby uniting family members. The main applicant is entitled to include the following dependants in their application:
- A spouse or partner.
- Children older than 18, who are unmarried and studying at an educational establishment in Portugal.
- Dependant parents of the main applicant or spouse.
- Children who are minors.
- Siblings who are in the care of the main applicant.
Are there minimum stay requirements?
Once the visa application has been approved, applicants are issued a Portuguese residency card which will be valid for two years. The card must be renewed at the end of this period, after which a three-year residency card will be issued. In addition to these requirements, holders are obliged to spend six consecutive months, or eight non-consecutive months in Portugal to maintain their residency rights.
Can applicants obtain Portuguese citizenship?
The D7 Visa allows a retiree to apply for Portuguese citizenship after holding their residency card for a five-year period. To gain citizenship, an applicant must obtain an A2 Portuguese language certificate, present a clean criminal record and supply proof of address in Portugal. The prospect of gaining a second citizenship is a significant benefit that can be accessed through this specific visa.
Obtaining residency in Portugal with Passport Legacy
Passport Legacy is a reputable company, offering specialized services for the acquisition of alternate citizenship and residency. Our team presents 25 years of collective experience in the Citizenship and Residency by Investment industry, offering trusted consultancy and thorough guidance to clients.
You can arrange a free consultation here to understand the facets and intricacies of the Portuguese D7 visa and determine your eligibility for the program.