What is the D7 visa and who qualifies?

The D7 (Passive Income Visa) is Portugal's primary residency visa for people with stable passive or remote income — retirees, remote workers, investors, and freelancers. You must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of roughly €820 per person, though consulates typically prefer to see €1,500–2,000/month for a single applicant.

How long does it take to get a Portugal D7 visa?

Processing at the consulate typically takes 1–3 months. After arrival, you must schedule an appointment with AIMA (the immigration authority) to obtain your Residência permit — wait times have ranged from 3–12 months depending on the period. Budget 6–12 months total from application to permit in hand.

Does Portugal still have a Golden Visa program?

Portugal's Golden Visa was substantially reformed in 2023. Real estate investment routes were eliminated. Remaining qualifying investments include capital transfers (€500,000+), research activities, arts and culture support, and investment fund subscriptions.

Can I work remotely in Portugal on a tourist visa?

Technically, EU rules do not permit working remotely for non-EU employers on a Schengen tourist visa. For stays beyond 90 days in 180, you need a residence visa. The D8 digital nomad visa (launched 2022) was created specifically for remote workers employed by non-Portuguese companies.

Moving to Portugal — Visa and Residency Guide

Portugal offers several visa pathways for international movers: the D7 (passive/remote income, most common), the D8 (digital nomad), and the Golden Visa (investment route). Processing typically takes 6–12 months from initial application to residency permit. The D7 minimum income threshold is approximately €820/month per person.

Which visa is right for me?

| Visa | Best for | Minimum income | Processing | |------|----------|---------------|------------| | D7 | Retirees, remote workers, freelancers | ~€820/month | 6–12 months total | | D8 | Remote employees of non-Portuguese companies | ~€3,280/month | 6–12 months total | | Golden Visa | Investors wanting EU residency with minimal presence | €500,000+ | 12–24 months |

How does the D7 visa process work?

Phase 1: Consulate application (before travel)

Gather documents: proof of income, accommodation proof in Portugal, criminal background check, travel insurance
Submit application at a Portuguese consulate in your home country
Wait 1–3 months for the consulate decision
Enter Portugal on your D7 visa (valid 4 months for residency appointment)

Phase 2: AIMA appointment (after arrival)

Schedule an appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo)
Attend appointment in person with original documents
Receive Autorização de Residência (Residency Permit)
Renew after 2 years; after 5 years total, apply for permanent residency or citizenship

Key requirement: You must spend 6+ months per year in Portugal to maintain D7 residency status.

What is the D8 digital nomad visa?

The D8 requires a monthly income of at least 4× the Portuguese minimum wage (~€3,280/month as of 2026). If you earn less than this and work remotely, the D7 may still be viable if income is documented from multiple sources.

What happened to the Golden Visa?

In October 2023, Portugal eliminated the real estate investment route. Remaining qualifying investments include €500,000+ capital transfers, investment funds, and job creation (10+ jobs). The Golden Visa still offers a path to EU permanent residency with minimal physical presence (7 days in year 1, 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period).

Navigator does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult a certified Portuguese tax advisor before making residency decisions.

Moving to Portugal — Visa and Residency Guide

Which visa is right for me?

How does the D7 visa process work?

What is the D8 digital nomad visa?

What happened to the Golden Visa?

Frequently Asked Questions

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