What is the D7 Visa?
The D7 — formally the Visto de Residência para Atividade Profissional Independente e Rendimentos Passivos — is Portugal's residency visa for people who can demonstrate sufficient passive income to support themselves without working in Portugal. Despite the bureaucratic name, it's one of the most straightforward residency routes in Europe, and by far the most popular for retirees, early retirees, dividend investors, and landlords from non-EU countries.
Once granted, the D7 allows you to live in Portugal indefinitely (renewable every 2 years), access the Portuguese healthcare system, and — crucially for property buyers — become a Portuguese tax resident. That matters for IMT: since 25 May 2026, non-residents who have never lived in Portugal pay a single 7.5% rate on residential property, and becoming tax resident within 2 years lets you reclaim the difference to the normal progressive rates.
What's changed in 2026?
The core structure of the D7 has remained stable, but several key thresholds and processes have been updated:
- Minimum income threshold: Now set at €920/month for the primary applicant (increased from €760 in 2023). Dependants require an additional €460/month each for a spouse and €276/month per minor child.
- Proof of accommodation: AIMA (the new immigration authority, which replaced SEF) now requires a 12-month rental contract or property deed — a short-term holiday rental agreement is no longer accepted.
- Application processing: AIMA's digital platform has improved; most applications now receive initial approval within 60–90 days (down from 4–6 months under SEF).
- Fiscal representative: Non-EU applicants must appoint a fiscal representative in Portugal before applying — this is now verified during the application process.
Owning property in Portugal satisfies the "proof of accommodation" requirement for the D7. Many buyers coordinate their purchase timeline with the D7 application — once you have a signed CPCV (preliminary contract) or escritura (final deed), you can use it as proof of address. This means buying and applying for residency simultaneously is entirely feasible, and we coordinate both processes regularly for our clients.
Qualifying income sources
The D7's defining feature is flexibility in income sources. Qualifying income includes:
- Pension income (state, private, or occupational) — including UK, US, and other foreign pensions
- Rental income from property (in any country)
- Dividend income from investments or shareholdings
- Interest from savings accounts or bonds
- Income from intellectual property royalties
- Early retirement income (FIRE movement applicants qualify)
Notably, remote employment income does not qualify for the D7 — if you work remotely for a foreign employer, the D8 Digital Nomad Visa is the correct route. Some applicants with mixed income (passive + remote work) apply for the D7 and declare only their passive portion, but this carries risk and should be discussed with an immigration lawyer.
The application process step by step
Step 1 — Gather documentation: Bank statements (6 months), proof of income (pension letters, dividend statements, tenancy agreements), accommodation proof in Portugal, criminal record certificate from your home country (apostilled), NIF, fiscal representative appointment, and travel insurance.
Step 2 — Apply at the Portuguese consulate in your home country. Most consulates now accept applications via an online portal. Processing time: 2–4 months for initial visa (D Visa) allowing entry into Portugal.
Step 3 — Enter Portugal on the D Visa (valid 4 months) and immediately schedule your AIMA appointment to convert to the Residence Permit (Autorização de Residência).
Step 4 — AIMA appointment: Present original documents. First residence permit issued for 2 years. Renewable thereafter. After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence. Naturalisation now requires 10 years (7 for EU and CPLP nationals).
D7 vs D8 — which is right for you?
| Factor | D7 — Passive Income | D8 — Digital Nomad |
|---|---|---|
| Income type | Passive (pension, dividends, rent) | Remote employment or freelance |
| Minimum income | €920/month | €3,680/month |
| Best for | Retirees, early retirees, investors | Remote workers, tech professionals |
| IFICI | Not applicable to pensions or passive income | 20% flat for 10 years, if the role qualifies |
| Stay requirement | 183+ days/year in Portugal | 183+ days/year in Portugal |
| Property purchase | Tax residency: normal progressive IMT (7.5% non-resident rate refundable) | Tax residency: normal progressive IMT (7.5% non-resident rate refundable) |
| Path to citizenship | 10 years (7 for EU/CPLP) | 10 years (7 for EU/CPLP) |
Tax implications: IFICI
D7 holders living on pensions or passive income should plan on normal Portuguese taxation: the IFICI regime does not cover pensions. D8 holders whose role qualifies under IFICI (research, innovation, certified startups, highly qualified professions) can be taxed at a 20% flat rate on that income for 10 years, with most foreign-source income exempt. The interaction between your home country tax treaty and IFICI is complex — a tax advisor familiar with your specific nationality is essential.