Guide · 8 min read
The D7 is Portugal's visa for retirees, pension holders, and anyone with regular passive income who wants to live in Madeira (or Portugal) long-term. It's the most popular residency route for non-EU buyers.
Key Takeaways
The D7 (Visto D7 — Rendimentos Próprios) is a Portuguese long-stay visa for non-EU/EEA citizens who have a stable, regular passive income. It was designed for retirees drawing pensions, but it also works for those with rental income, dividends, interest income, or royalties — essentially anyone whose income arrives without needing to be physically working in Portugal.
Once granted, it allows you to live in Portugal (including Madeira) year-round, with full access to the SNS (public health system), Portuguese schools, and eventually the right to apply for permanent residency and citizenship.
Any non-EU national who can demonstrate:
EU citizens do not need the D7 — they have freedom of movement. The D7 is for UK nationals post-Brexit, Americans, Australians, South Africans, Canadians, and other non-EU nationals.
You need a Portuguese NIF before the visa process begins. Get one remotely via a fiscal representative, or in person at any Portuguese consulate that offers the service. Full NIF guide →
You need a rental contract or property purchase deed to demonstrate where you will live. A 12-month rental contract is common for applicants not yet buying. This is also a great reason to use our service early — we can match you to rental properties while you complete the purchase search.
Not strictly required before the application, but practically essential. Millennium BCP and Novo Banco both offer non-resident account opening remotely.
Book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate. Bring:
Processing time: 2–3 months typically. If approved, you receive a D7 entry visa valid for 4 months. During this period, you must travel to Portugal.
Once in Portugal, book an appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo — the successor to SEF). Present the same documents plus proof that you've been living in Portugal. The initial residence permit is valid for 2 years, renewable for further 3-year periods.
After 5 years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Portugal is one of the most accessible EU citizenships for non-EU nationals with a legitimate residency history.
The NHR 2.0 regime (Non-Habitual Resident) is a 10-year flat tax regime available to any new Portuguese tax resident who hasn't been resident in the previous 5 years. D7 holders qualify automatically upon becoming tax resident.
| Income Type | Standard Rate | NHR 2.0 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| UK pension | Progressive (up to 48%) | 10% |
| Foreign dividends | 28% | 10% |
| Foreign rental income | 28% | 10% |
| Portuguese rental income | 28% | 28% (standard rate applies) |
| Employment income (Portuguese source) | Progressive | 20% (qualified professions) |
If your income comes from remote work for a non-Portuguese employer, the D8 (Digital Nomad Visa) is technically more appropriate — though many remote workers use the D7 successfully. The D8 requires 4× the Portuguese minimum wage (~€3,280/month, 2025) but is designed explicitly for the remote worker profile. Digital Nomad Visa guide →
€820/month (2025 minimum wage). In practice, consulates prefer 1.2–1.5× this amount to demonstrate comfortable self-sufficiency.
The D7 is for passive income, but there's no explicit work prohibition. Remote workers often use D7 successfully; D8 is the more technically correct route.
2–3 months at the consulate, then appointment with AIMA in Portugal (timelines vary; typically 4–8 weeks for appointment).
No. A 12-month rental contract suffices as accommodation proof.
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