The application has two stages: starting at the Consulate or Embassy of Portugal of the country where the applicant resides, or the country of origin, and the second stage is in Portugal at the Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Services (SEF) to apply for the residence permit.

The D7 visa allows its holder to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for a period of 2 years, renewable for a period of 3 years. After 5 years, the applicant may acquire permanent residence permit and/or Portuguese nationality, which requires basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, a Portuguese address, and a clean criminal record.

Regarding the minimum period of stay in Portugal, it is required that the applicant is not absent from Portugal during 6 consecutive months or 8 interspersed months. However, longer absences are allowed if due to professional, cultural or personal reasons.

To apply for the D7 visa, the applicant must present the following documents:

– Valid Passport;

– Portuguese tax number (NIF);

– Open a Portuguese bank account;

– Travel and Health Insurance, with Emergency medical cover of at least €30.000,00 and covering repatriation costs;

– Cover Letter, where the applicant must present his personal motivation to take up residence in Portugal;

– Police Clearance Certificate;

– Prove to have enough income to reside in Portugal, which can be done through:

1. Pension applicants: a document proving retirement status, income received, or other income obtained in Portugal.
2. Passive income applicants: an annual tax return, indicate owned real estate and financial assets, and show availability of such resources in Portugal.

– Prove to have the minimum income provided by law, corresponding to at least the equivalent of the Portuguese minimum salary (currently € 760,00), which allows the applicant to reside in Portugal, for a period not less than 12 months, these being:

1. 1st adult (applicant): 100% of the Minimum Salary in force in Portugal for the Visa Holder (€ 760,00) = € 9.120,00/year
2. 2nd or more adults: 50% of the Minimum Salary in force in Portugal for adults to be reunited (€380,00) = €4.560,00/year
3. Children and young people under 18 and children over the age 18 with some incapacity: 30% of the Minimum Salary (€228,00) = € 2.736,00/year

– Prove to have a domicile in Portugal:

a) Rental Agreement;

b) Deed of Purchase and Sale;

c) Invitation letter written from a citizen with a legal residence in Portugal, providing accommodation for the applicant.

The holders of the D7 visa can live in Portugal, reunify their family members, work, have access to public schools and universities and access to the Portuguese courts and laws. They can also have access to the Portuguese Social Security System, including the National Health System.

The applicants can also benefit from a Special Tax Regime – the Non Habitual Residents Regime (NHR).
Visado D7