Key Facts
- The Portugal D7 Visa offers a pathway for US citizens to gain residency and potential EU citizenship without major investments.
- Eligibility requires stable passive income, proof of accommodation, and a clean criminal record.
- Applicants must stay at least 16 months in Portugal during the first two years to maintain residency.
- Remote work is permitted under the D7 Visa, making it suitable for digital nomads and retirees.
- The application process typically takes 4–6 months, requiring various documents, some of which need apostille certification.
Portugal D7 Visa 2025: The ultimate passive income path to EU residency for US expats, retirees, and remote workers. Imagine living on Portugal’s golden coast…
Updated February 2025
Imagine living on the golden coast of Portugal — thriving cities, charming towns, and visa-free travel across Europe. The Portugal D7 Visa (the Passive Income or Retirement Visa) lets US citizens do just that, offering a straightforward route to long-term residency and even EU citizenship — all without the need for a major investment.
What Is the Portugal D7 Visa?
The Portugal D7 Visa 2025 remains the top choice for Americans seeking affordable long-term residency in the EU. It was introduced to attract non-EU residents who have stable passive income. If you’re a retiree, remote worker, or investor with income from pensions, rentals, dividends, or similar sources, you may qualify.
- Reside in Portugal legally, with family included
- Travel visa-free in the Schengen Area (Europe)
- Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship after five years
- Access to healthcare, schools, and public services
D7 Visa 2025 Eligibility Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Stable monthly passive income: At least €870/month for a single applicant (about $950), €1,305/month for a couple, plus 30% per dependent child
- Proof of accommodation: Rental contract or property deed
- Clean criminal record
- Comprehensive health insurance that is valid in Portugal
- Portuguese NIF (tax number) and ideally a local bank account
How to Apply for the Portugal D7 Visa 2025
- Secure your Portuguese NIF (tax number) and open a local bank account (can often be done remotely).
- Arrange accommodation: A minimum 12-month lease or purchase deed is required.
- Collect documentation: Passport, proof of income (bank statements, pension letters, etc.), clean background check, insurance, and proof of means.
- Apply at the nearest Portuguese Consulate in the US. Submit your application and schedule an interview.
- Once approved, move to Portugal and schedule your AIMA (formerly SEF) appointment to obtain your residence card.
Maintaining Your Residency & Path to Citizenship
- Stay at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2-year residence permit.
- Renew your permit, continue meeting income/insurance requirements.
- After 5 years of residency, you may apply for permanent residency or citizenship (requires basic language proficiency).
Costs & Practical Tips
- Government fees: Usually €50–€300 per applicant for visa/residence steps
- Accommodation: €800–1500+ per month in main cities
- Health insurance: $40–$80/month for expat coverage
- Document help: Apostille and authentication required for background checks, birth/marriage certificates, and other US documents. We offer fast same-day services in Los Angeles & Beverly Hills!
FAQ: Your D7 Visa Questions Answered
Can you bring dependents?
Yes! Include a spouse, dependent children, and sometimes parents (with additional income required).
Do you need to own property?
No. Renting long-term is perfectly acceptable and common with D7 applications.
Can you work in Portugal?
Yes! The D7 Visa permits eligible activities, including running a business or remote work (though D8 Visa may be better for digital nomads with active foreign-sourced income).
How long does it take?
Expect 4–6 months from initial application to moving to Portugal. Timing varies by consulate and document preparation.
What documents must be apostilled?
Background checks, birth, and marriage certificates, plus any notarized powers of attorney, need apostille certification for Portuguese authorities. Get help from Anshin Mobile Notary’s expert apostille team.
Why Use Anshin Mobile Notary for Your D7 Visa Preparation?
- Fast, expert apostille for all required US documents
- Same-day appointments for notary, fingerprinting, and background checks
- Personal guidance on required paperwork for Portugal consular and immigration processes
- Trusted by expats, students, and retirees across California and beyond
Feature Video: Want To Move To Portugal? Start With The D7 Visa! (2025 guide)
Feature Image Suggestion
Free Unsplash: Portugal coast with red-roofed buildings
Conclusion: Make Your Move to Portugal Easy
Ready for ocean views, European travel, and a new lifestyle? The Portugal D7 Visa offers a flexible, affordable path to EU residency—without major investment. Let Anshin Mobile Notary assist with apostille, authentication, and notary services for fast, stress-free relocation paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal’s D7 Visa
Yes! You can include your spouse, dependent children, and sometimes parents. Remember to show additional income for each dependent: 50% extra for your spouse and 30% for each child.
No. Renting long-term (with a minimum 12-month lease) is typical and acceptable for the D7 visa application. You only need to prove you have stable accommodation.
To maintain residency, you should spend at least 16 months in Portugal during your initial 2-year period, and not be absent more than 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months.
Yes! Remote work and freelance income are allowed. Portugal’s D7 visa is ideal for retirees, passive investors, and digital nomads with non-Portuguese clients.
Expect about 4–6 months from application submission to receiving your residency card, depending on consulate and document readiness.
Contact us today to get started on your Portugal journey.
