What Is the D7 Visa
The D7 (Visto D7) is a Portuguese long-stay visa for people with passive income or remote work income. It covers retirees receiving foreign pensions, property owners with rental income, freelancers, and remote employees with documented stable earnings.
The D7 is an entry visa, not a residence permit itself. Once you arrive in Portugal on a D7, you apply for a residence permit (Autorização de Residência). The permit is valid for 2 years, renewable for 3 more. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.
Minimum Income Requirement
Portugal requires applicants to demonstrate income of at least 100% of the Portuguese minimum wage per month. In 2025 the minimum wage is €870/month.
| Family composition | Minimum monthly income |
|---|---|
| Single person | €870 |
| + spouse/partner | +€435 (50% of minimum wage) |
| + each child | +€261 (30% of minimum wage) |
| Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) | €1,827/month |
Where to Apply
Apply at the Portuguese consulate in your country of current residence. The most accessible options are Tbilisi (Georgia), Yerevan (Armenia), Belgrade (Serbia), and Istanbul/Ankara (Turkey). Always check the consulate's official website for current requirements before booking an appointment — they are updated periodically.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Get a Portuguese NIF (tax number) in advance. Done remotely through a fiscal representative (lawyer or agency in Portugal). Cost: €50–200. Required to open a bank account.
- 2Open a Portuguese bank account. With a NIF, you can open an account remotely at Millennium BCP, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, or ActivoBank. Transfer at least 12 months of minimum income (€10,440 for one person).
- 3Gather your documents: valid passport (6+ months beyond stay), completed visa application, 2 photos, health insurance (min €30,000 Schengen coverage), proof of income (3–6 months bank statements, employment contract, pension/dividend statements), criminal record certificate with apostille, proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or hotel booking), visa fee receipt (~€90).
- 4Submit at the Portuguese consulate. Processing time: 60–90 days (up to 4–5 months during busy periods).
- 5Receive the D7 visa and travel to Portugal. Valid for 4 months with 1–2 entries.
- 6Book an AIMA appointment immediately on arrival. AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) handles residence permits. Queues can stretch months — book via the Agenda AIMA portal as soon as you land.
- 7Attend your AIMA appointment. The residence card is issued within 30–60 days.
Total Upfront Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| D7 visa consulate fee | ~€90 |
| Fiscal representative for NIF | €50–200 |
| Health insurance (1 year) | €400–800 |
| Criminal record + apostille | €30–50 |
| AIMA residence permit fee | ~€320 |
| Document translation / notarisation | €100–300 |
| First month rent + deposit (Lisbon, 1-bed) | €1,500–3,000 |
| Total upfront costs | ~€2,500–5,000 |
Common Mistakes
- No NIF before applying — without it you can't open a bank account; without a bank account you can't show proof of funds.
- Informal income sources — PayPal or crypto payments often aren't accepted. You need regular bank transfers with a clear income label.
- Expired criminal record certificate — valid for 3–6 months depending on the consulate.
- Not booking AIMA immediately — appointment wait times can be several months.
Cost of Living in Portugal
| Expense | Lisbon | Porto | Algarve |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment rent | €1,100–1,600 | €800–1,200 | €800–1,300 |
| Groceries | €200–300 | €180–260 | €180–260 |
| Restaurants | €200–400 | €180–300 | €180–300 |
| Transport | €50–100 | €40–80 | €50–150 |
| Monthly total | €1,550–2,400 | €1,200–1,840 | €1,210–2,010 |
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