Portugal D7 Visa Requirements: How to Qualify with Passive Income

Looking to enjoy Portugal’s relaxed lifestyle while living off your retirement or passive income? The D7 Visa—also known as Portugal’s Passive Income Visa—might be the perfect fit.

Designed for retirees and financially independent individuals, this visa allows non-EU citizens to establish legal residency in Portugal without the need for a job offer. Whether the income comes from pensions, rental properties, dividends, or other investments, the D7 Visa opens the door to living in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.

Why is it so popular?

• Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area
• Access to Portugal’s healthcare and tax benefits
• The chance to settle in a country known for its warm climate, safety, and high quality of life

To qualify, you must show that you have a steady stream of passive income and can support yourself and your family without working locally.

Curious about whether this is the right path for you? In this blog, our trusted immigration lawyers will break down the key Portugal D7 Visa requirements—so you can take the next step with confidence.

Who is Eligible for Portugal’s D7 Visa?

The Portugal D7 Visa is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with sufficient passive income to support themselves while living in Portugal. This visa is particularly popular among retirees and financially independent individuals who earn income from sources such as pensions, rental properties, dividends, and other investments.

Passive Income vs. Remote Work Income: What’s the Difference?

When considering the Portugal D7 visa requirements, it is very important to understand the distinctions between passive income and remote work income when applying for the D7 Visa. Portugal offers a separate visa for digital nomads who want to work remotely in Portugal.

Passive Income (Eligible for D7 Visa): 

This includes:

• Pensions
• Rental income
• Dividends
• Royalties
• Interest from savings or trust fund distributions. 

The key requirement is that this income is consistent, reliable, and does not require active employment.

Remote Work Income (Not Eligible for D7 Visa): 

If your primary source of income comes from freelancing, running an online business, or being employed by a foreign company while working remotely in Portugal, you should apply for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa instead.

For those who meet the Portuguese D7 visa requirements, this visa provides a pathway to temporary residency, eventual permanent residency, and even Portuguese citizenship after five years.

Want to know if you qualify? Our D7 Visa service page has the full Portugal D7 visa requirements checklist plus expert tips.

What Counts as Passive Income for the Portugal D7 Visa Requirements?

To qualify for the Portugal D7 Visa, applicants must prove they have a stable and sufficient passive income and won’t require employment in Portugal. There are various income sources that the Portuguese government will consider when it comes to assessing the eligibility of the candidate.

Accepted Types of Passive Income

Below are the most common D7 Visa passive income requirements:

1. Pensions: Retirement pensions are one of the most accepted forms of passive income for the D7 Visa, making this visa particularly attractive to retirees.
2. Rental Income: Earnings from long-term property rentals or holiday rentals can be used, provided they are stable and well-documented.
3. Dividends: If you receive regular dividend payouts from stocks or shares in companies, they can count toward the income requirement.
4. Royalties: Earnings from books, patents, music, or other intellectual property rights qualify as passive income.
5. Interest from Savings or Investments: Income derived from fixed deposits, bonds, or other interest-yielding financial instruments is also accepted.
6. Trust Funds or Annuities: If you receive regular distributions from a trust fund or annuity, this can be considered passive income.

Income That Does Not Qualify

While the D7 Visa is designed for financially independent individuals, the following types of income do not count for the purpose of this visa:

• Salaries from employment
• Freelancing or self-employment income
• Business profits requiring active involvement

To ensure a successful application, it’s important to provide official documentation (such as bank statements, tax returns, or pension statements) proving the consistency and reliability of your Portugal D7 Visa income requirements.

How Much Passive Income Do You Need to Qualify?

Applicants must meet specific minimum income thresholds to be eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa requirements. These thresholds are based on Portugal’s minimum wage and they vary depending on whether you are applying alone or with dependents.

Portugal D7 Visa Income Requirements

The minimum passive income needed is calculated using the Portuguese minimum wage, which in 2025 is €870 per month (€10,440 per year). The government typically requires passive income at least equal to this amount.

• Single Applicant: Must show proof of at least €10,440 per year in passive income.
• Married Couple: The primary applicant must meet the €10,440 requirement, and the spouse must have an additional 50% (€5,220 per year). Total: €15,660 per year.
• Families with Dependents: Each dependent (children) requires an additional 30% (€3,132 per year). For additional Adult Dependents (such as a son or daughter of legal age), the same amount required for a spouse is required.

Does the Minimum Income Reflect Real Living Costs?

While these are the official Portuguese D7 Visa income requirements, the real cost of living in Portugal varies depending on location and lifestyle. Larger cities like Lisbon and Porto are more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. A comfortable monthly budget for expats typically includes:

• Rent: €600–€1,500 (depending on the region)
• Utilities & Internet: €100–€150
• Groceries: €200–€400
• Dining Out & Leisure: €100–€300
• Health Insurance: €50–€150

To increase your chances of visa approval, it is recommended to show more income than the minimum threshold. Having further savings equivalent to at least 12 months of expenses can also strengthen your application.

What Documentation Proves Your Income for Portugal D7 Visa?

To qualify for the Portugal D7 Visa, applicants must provide clear and verifiable proof of their passive income. Portuguese authorities require official financial documentation to ensure you have a stable and sustainable income source. Below are the key documents needed to demonstrate financial stability:

1. Bank Statements (Last 3 Months)

• Applicants are required to provide bank statements from the past three months, showing consistent passive income deposits.
• It’s necessary to maintain funds in a Portuguese Bank to facilitate the visa application process.
• Applicants can strengthen their application by proving  savings of up to 12 months of expenses.

2. Tax Returns

• If your passive income comes from investments, rental properties, or other sources subject to taxation, submit recent tax returns (last 1-2 years).

3. Pension Award Letters

• Retirees must provide official pension statements showing the amount that they receive monthly or annually.
• These documents should come from either a government pension scheme, a private pension fund, or an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

4. Rental Contracts & Rental Income Proof

If part of your passive income is from rental properties, you will be required to submit:

• Rental agreements proving property ownership and lease terms.
• Rental income bank deposits from the last 3 months.
• Property ownership documents if necessary.

5. Investment & Dividend Statements

Applicants earning income from stocks, dividends, mutual funds, or other investments must submit:

• Investment account statements showing regular earnings.
• Dividend payment records from companies or brokerage accounts.
• Proof of ownership in businesses or financial assets.

6. Translation & Apostille Requirements

All non-Portuguese documents must be:

• Officially translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.
• Apostilled or notarized, depending on the country of origin.

Providing complete, well-organized financial documents ensures a smooth visa application process. 

Documents provided in the English language are also accepted by the Portuguese Consulates, but not in Portugal.

Common Financial Mistakes That Lead To Rejection

Applying for the D7 Visa can lead to rejection due to avoidable financial mistakes. Below are some of the most common reasons applications are denied and how to prevent them.

1. Relying Only on Savings

One of the biggest misconceptions about the D7 Visa is that having a large amount of savings is enough to qualify. While savings can supplement your financial standing, the Portuguese government prioritizes regular, ongoing passive income over lump sum amounts.

To avoid this, ensure you have a consistent, recurring income source such as a pension, rental income, or dividends. Additionally, demonstrate that your income meets or exceeds the required threshold for at least one year.

2. Irregular Income Flow

The D7 Visa is designed for individuals with stable, predictable income, not fluctuating earnings. Applicants with inconsistent income deposits or long gaps between payments may raise concerns about financial stability.

By providing at least 6 months of financial statements and showing steady income deposits, you can prove you are financially stable. 

If your income varies, you can offer a clear explanation and provide any additional proof of long-term stability. Having a buffer of savings will help reassure immigration officials of financial security and boost your chances of having your application accepted.

3. Missing Translations & Apostilles

Portuguese authorities may require official documents to be translated into Portuguese and, in some cases, apostilled or notarized. Submitting documents in other languages without proper certification can result in delays or rejection.

Using a certified translator to translate any bank statements, tax returns, and other financial documents can help ensure a smoother process. You should also check if your documents require an apostille or notarization. This may depend on the issuing country. Verifying all formatting and authentication requirements with the Portuguese consulate will further reduce the chances of your application being rejected.

4. Incomplete Financial History

Applicants must provide a comprehensive financial record to demonstrate long-term income sustainability. Missing bank statements, incomplete tax records, or unverified income sources can lead to rejection.

Submit all financial documentation covering the last 6-12 months, ensure you have supporting paperwork for all income sources and submit your documents in a clear, logical manner to increase the chances of a successful application.

By avoiding these common mistakes, applicants can significantly improve their chances of securing the D7 Visa and starting a successful new chapter in Portugal. 

Financial Planning Tips to Strengthen Your D7 Visa Application

A well-prepared financial strategy can go a long way when hoping to increase your chances of securing the D7 Visa. Below are some key financial planning tips to help strengthen your application and demonstrate long-term financial stability.

1. Open a Portuguese Bank Account

Opening a Portuguese bank account, while not always mandatory at the initial application stage, can enhance your financial credibility. Many consulates prefer to see proof that applicants have integrated financially into Portugal. It shows commitment to moving, allows for easier local transactions such as rent and utility payments, and some consulates may even request proof of funds deposited in a Portuguese bank. 

To do this, you can open an account remotely or in person and transfer funds covering at least one year of living expenses to demonstrate financial preparedness.

2. Show a Consistent Passive Income History

A consistent history of passive income is also crucial, as the Portuguese government prioritizes steady, recurring income over large savings. Providing at least six to twelve months of financial statements showing regular passive income deposits can reinforce your financial stability. 

If possible, including a projected income statement for the next year further strengthens your case. It’s also important to ensure that income deposits match the amounts stated in your application to avoid discrepancies.

3. Pre-Pay Accommodation if Possible

Securing long-term housing before applying can be another way to demonstrate financial stability. A 12-month rental contract is often preferred by Portuguese immigration authorities, and some applicants choose to prepay rent for several months to satisfy financial requirements. 

If feasible, providing a receipt or confirmation of prepaid rent from the landlord can support your application. If renting isn’t an option, proof of property ownership in Portugal can serve as an alternative.

4. Diversify Income Sources if Needed

Diversifying income sources can also help if your primary passive income does not meet the minimum requirements. A diversified financial profile reduces perceived risk and strengthens your case. 

Examples of supplementary income sources:

• Additional rental properties generating monthly income.
• Dividends from stocks, mutual funds, or other investments.
• Royalties from intellectual property, such as books or patents.
• Other pension plans, annuities, or trust fund payments.

By taking these proactive financial planning steps, you can build a stronger D7 Visa application and improve your chances of approval.

Getting a Portuguese D7 Visa with Passive Income

The D7 Visa is an excellent pathway for retirees and passive income earners looking to establish long-term residency in Portugal. However, meeting the financial requirements is key to a successful application. Ensuring that your passive income meets the minimum thresholds, providing clear and well-documented financial proof, and understanding the tax implications will significantly improve your chances of approval.

While the process may seem complex, expert legal guidance can make all the difference. At Lexidy, our immigration specialists can help you prepare your application, gather the necessary documents, and navigate tax considerations to ensure a smooth transition to life in Portugal.

So, whether you’re ready to move forward or just exploring your options, you’ll find everything you need on our Portugal D7 Visa service page — or simply fill out the form below to speak with our team.