United States → Portugal: the D7 Visa (passive income) roadmap
The D7 is Portugal's passive-income residence visa for non-EU citizens who can show stable recurring income (pensions, rentals, dividends, or remote earnings). It is the most common route for retirees and remote earners moving to Portugal, and it leads to permanent residence and citizenship over time.
At a glance
Who qualifies
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- Stable, recurring passive income of at least €920/month for a single applicant, equal to the 2026 Portuguese minimum wage.
- Add ~50% for a spouse/adult dependent and ~30% per child under 18.
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF), a Portuguese bank account, and proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- Clean criminal-record certificate and valid health insurance.
Your step-by-step roadmap
Qualify & prepare
- Get a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account.
- Gather 6 months of bank statements and proof of passive income at or above €920/month.
- Secure proof of accommodation (rental, deed, or host letter), health insurance, and a criminal-record certificate.
Apply at a Portuguese consulate
- Book an appointment at the Portuguese Consulate or VFS Global that serves your country.
- Submit the D7 application with your documents and pay the visa fee (€90 to €110).
- Wait for review, up to 4 months at the consulate stage.
Enter Portugal & complete AIMA
- Within 120 days of arriving, attend your AIMA appointment for biometrics and document checks.
- Pay the AIMA and residence-permit fees (~€133 + €114.30).
- Receive your temporary residence card by post, within ~90 days of the appointment.
Live & renew
- Your first permit lasts 2 years, then renews for 3 years, then 3 more.
- Do not be absent more than 6 consecutive (or 8 non-consecutive) months during each permit.
Permanent residence & citizenship
- Apply for permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence.
- Apply for citizenship after ~10 years, with A2 Portuguese and a civic/cultural exam (Organic Law No. 1/2026).
Government fees
Timeline & path to citizenship
Timeline: Plan for 6 to 9 months end to end: up to ~4 months at the consulate, then the AIMA appointment within 120 days of arrival, then the residence card within ~90 days.
Citizenship: Permanent residence after 5 years; Portuguese citizenship after about 10 years of legal residence. Under the 2026 nationality law (Organic Law No. 1/2026) you must show A2-level Portuguese and pass a civic/cultural exam, and the clock starts when your physical permit is issued, so real-world timelines often run longer.
This is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional.