PORTUGAL D7 IMMIGRATION

PORTUGAL D7 IMMIGRATION

The D7 visa is a Portuguese immigration visa that allows non-EU / EEA / Swiss citizens to obtain Portuguese residency, as long as they have proof of income to support themselves during their stay in Portugal.

This visa is ideal for income holders or retirees who want to live in Portugal without having to make a large economic investment.

The D7 visa can then be renewed after one year for two successive periods of two years and can be converted into a permanent residence permit after five years. In addition, after five years of holding the D7 visa, you may also request Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet the other requirements set forth in the Portuguese nationality law.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • The right to live, work and/or study in Portugal
  • Include dependent children and parents in the visa process
  • Travel throughout the Schengen Area of 26 European countries without a visa
  • Be employed or establish a business in Portugal
  • The option to apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax status
  • Qualification for permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal after five years
  • Portuguese residency rights, including education and health care.

WHAT REQUIREMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR THE D7 VISA?

The fundamental requirement to make a successful application is to be able to demonstrate that you are receiving regular “passive” income, which can be derived from a pension, rent, dividends, or certain categories of investment income.

  • Minimum income requirements vary according to the number of dependents the principal applicant wishes to include, as follows:
  • Principal claimant – 100% of the minimum wage (€705 per month, €8,460 per year)
  • Spouse or parents of the principal applicant – 50% of the minimum wage per person (€352,5 per month, €4,230 per year)

INTERESTED IN PORTUGAL IMMIGRATION

  • Dependent children – 30% of the minimum wage per person (€211,5 per month, €2,538 per year)
  • It is advisable to keep a minimum amount equal to 12 months of income within a Portuguese bank account. 
  • Eligible Dependents
  • The main applicant is entitled to include the following dependent family members in his/her application:
    • A spouse or partner
    • A minor or disabled child
    • Children over the age of 18, unmarried, and studying at an educational institution in Portugal
    • Dependent parents of the main applicant or his/her spouse
    • Minor siblings who are legally considered to be in the main applicant’s care

WHAT ARE THE TAX BENEFITS?

If you have a D7 residence visa, you are entitled to benefit from Portugal Non-Habitual Tax (NHR) regime. The NHR is a generous tax program with numerous benefits related to your overall income. It offers tax-free incentives on certain categories for a period of up to ten years.

Below are the types of income that may qualify under the NHR program:

  • Dividends
  • Real estate income
  • Capital gains
  • State and occupational pensions 
  • Royalties
  • Business and self-employment profits derived from eligible professions (but take into account relevant double taxation agreements)

From 2020, pensioners registering for the NHR tax scheme are now taxed at a rate of 10%

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED TO FILL OUT THE D7 VISA FORM?

The D7 Portugal visa required documentation:
  • D7 application form
  • Valid passport
  • 2 passport size photos
  • Proof of regular income or passive income
  • Proof of a place to live
  • Criminal background check
  • Valid travel insurance with health coverage (in Portugal)
  • 6 months of bank statements

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME FOR THE D7 VISA?

Obtaining a temporary visa can take up from 60 days to 4 months as long as you have submitted all the necessary information.

Obtaining the D7 Residency Visa will depend on where you are applying in Portugal. Obtaining an appointment with SEF can take up to 120 days if you live in Lisbon or Porto.

Once SEF has collected your documents and biometric data, it will take about three weeks to send your residence card to your Portuguese address.

HOW TO SUBMIT THE VISA D7 APPLICATION?

  1. Apply for the D7 visa from your home country outside the European community / EEA / Switzerland
  2. Make an appointment with SEF and register your biometric data
  3. Get your D7 visa