Apply for the Portugal D7 Retirement Visa
Retire in a safe, sunny EU country where your dollars can stretch, US expats are abundant, and life slows down. The Portugal D7 Retirement Visa gives retirees and passive-income earners one of Europe’s fastest paths to citizenship.
Why Apply for the Portugal D7 Retirement Visa?
Low Income Requirements
Unlike Spain or Italy’s retirement visas, Portugal’s D7 requires only ~€800 a month in passive income, making it accessible to retirees and expats of all income groups.
Stable Renewal Path
The D7 renews for 2 years, then 3 years, then permanent residency or citizenship. Clear, predictable steps make your future more certain.
Full Residency Rights
The D7 grants immediate access to healthcare, banking, property ownership, and family reunification in Portugal, benefits not available on short-term visas.
No Big Investment
Unlike the Portugal Golden Visa, there’s no €250,000-€500,000 outlay required. Proof of qualifying income is enough.
Citizenship in 5 Years
Portugal offers one of the fastest EU citizenship timelines – half the wait of Spain or Italy, both of which require 10 years.
Ready to Explore Your Options in Portugal?
Who is the Portugal D7 Retirement Visa for?
Pensioners & Retirees
You live on Social Security, pensions, or annuities and want a calm, coastal European lifestyle.
Income Investors
You have rental, dividend, or other passive income and prefer a walkable, lower-cost life overseas.
Semi-Retired Couples
You’re winding down work, value healthcare and safety, and want a clear path to a second passport in Europe.
Passive Income or Savings
Applicants must prove a minimum qualifying income of €900 a month for single applicants, €1,200 per month if applying with a spouse, and €250 additional income per month per dependent. Or you can prove savings of equal annual value.
Portuguese Bank Account
Some consulates require applicants to open a Portuguese bank account in your name, funded with the qualifying income.
Accommodation
Submit a signed Portuguese lease, deed, or notarized invitation confirming your address.
Health Insurance
Applicants must have prepaid, EU-wide coverage of at least €30,000 for 12 months.
Clean Record
Submit a police record or background check from your country of residence, apostilled and translated.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months during application submission.
NIF (Tax Number)
Obtain a Portuguese NIF before applying (the Freedom Files helps with this, among other things).
Photos & Forms
Applicants must submit two passport photos and completed residency application forms.
Motivation Letter
Explain why you’re settling in Portugal and how you’ll support yourself while in the country.
Family Proofs
If applying with your spouse or dependents, you must prove their relationship with marriage and/or birth certificates.
Request Your Portugal D7 Retirement Visa Infosheet
The Portugal D7 Retirement Visa Process
Step 1
Confirm Eligibility
Don’t know if you qualify or ready to get started with your move to Portugal (or beyond)? The Freedom Files will confirm your eligibility, ensure you meet the criteria, and set the timeline for your relocation. If the D7 Visa isn’t ideal for your situation, we’ll suggest alternatives like the Golden Visa (e.g. minimal presence).
Step 2
Open a Bank Account
If required by your foreign consulate, the Freedom Files helps you obtain your NIF tax number and open your Portuguese bank account remotely.
Step 3
Secure Housing
Sign a yearlong lease or close on a home to lock in your Portuguese address, a requirement for the D7 Visa. The freedom Files will help you in your search. Short-term rentals are generally not permitted.
Step 4
Build & Submit Application
Background checks, insurance, financials, photos, forms, and motivation letter. We assemble and quality-check your application before submission. Some consulates require interviews and biometrics before you travel.
Step 5
Receive Entry Visa
If approved, you get a 120-day D7 Visa to enter Portugal and finish registration as a new resident in the country. In Portugal, you’ll attend a biometrics appointment with AIMA immigration authorities and pay processing fees.
Step 6
Receive Residence Card
Your initial card is valid for two years. Upon expiration, you must renew the visa to remain in Portugal for three more years if you maintain adherence to the D7 Visa’s rules.
Step 7
Maintain Presence
If you plan on renewing your visa and remaining eligible for permanent residency or citizenship, plan for 183+ days per year in the country and keep your absences from Portugal under six consecutive months.
Step 8
Qualify for Citizenship
After five years of legal and continuous residence in Portugal, you may apply for permanent residency or citizenship. The latter requires basic A2 Portuguese proficiency and a sometimes significant waiting period.
Other Portugal Visas
FAQs About Portugal D7 Retirement Visa
How Much Does the Portugal D7 Retirement Visa Cost?
You must pay governments fees, processing dues, and residence permit issuance costs, but the D7 Visa does not require any investment in the country. The Freedom Files’s full-service packages cover end-to-end support, including government liaising, application submission, and appointment setting once you’re in Portugal.
Can I Get Citizenship on the Portugal D7 Retirement Visa?
Generally after 5 years of legal and continuous residency in Portugal. You must maintain presence, validity on your visa, and pass an A2 Portuguese test. After your residence card’s first two year period, you must renew it for three years before you’re eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Will Portugal Tax My Retirement Income on the Portugal D7 Retirement Visa?
If you’re tax resident (i.e. you spend more than 183 days in the country, which is required for renewal of the D7 Visa), yes, Portugal can tax your global income, no matter where you earned it. Tax treaties may help you avoid double taxation on the same income, but taxes in Portugal can range very high. Tax planning matters. The Freedom Files can coordinate tax advice, so you don’t pay more than necessary.
How Long Does Portugal D7 Retirement Visa Processing Take?
The Portugal D7 Visa timelines vary by consulate and appointment availability. But generally aim for 6-10 months for dossier prep, consulate review, and AIMA biometrics once you arrive in the country. The Freedom Files will give you a tailored estimate once we know your consulate and application circumstances.
Can I Bring My Spouse & Kids on the Portugal D7 Retirement Visa?
Yes. If you wish to include your spouse and/or dependent children in your Portugal D7 Visa application, you must demonstrate additional income to support them in the country and provide family documents to prove your ties. The Freedom Files can help you calculate the exact thresholds for your family size and consulate.