Introduction
Are you a remote worker, digital nomad, or location-independent professional looking to make Portugal your new work paradise? The Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa might be your ticket to the sunny shores of Portugal.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from eligibility criteria to obtaining your residence permit card. Let’s dive in!
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa, you need to meet specific criteria:
- Maintain a consistent legal passive income of at least €820 per month after taxes.
- Ideally, have savings of €16,000 or more in a bank account, with a minimum balance of €9,840.
- The visa grants an initial 2-year residence permit, extendable for an additional 3 years.
- After five years of legal residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Important points to note
- You must apply for this visa in your country of citizenship or in a country where you hold a residence permit.
- Demonstrating passive and regular income is a mandatory requirement for this visa.
Before applying, you’ll need to open an account with a Portuguese bank and deposit the required amount. Keep in mind that opening an account in person in Portugal might be necessary, which could be a challenge for applicants from certain countries, like Russia.
Documentation proving the taxes paid on your passive income is essential. Typically, they’ll require income records from the past year, but some countries may accept a shorter timeframe, such as 6–8 months.
💡 If you plan to apply with your family, you’ll need to demonstrate a higher combined income and maintain a larger bank deposit.
Application Process
Now, let’s break down the application process step by step.
Step 1: Appointment and Application
- Determine how to submit your documents—either directly at the consulate or through the VFS Global visa center.
- Register for the application by providing personal information and attaching the required documents. You’ll receive a PDF of the application form via email for editing if needed.
- Complete the application form using Latin letters, ensuring all mandatory fields are filled.
- Select the Portuguese Embassy in your city or country as the consular office.
💡 For family applications, each member, including minors, should complete a separate application form.
Useful Links:
Step 2: Criminal Record Certificate
Applicants above 16 years old must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of citizenship and any countries where they lived for over a year after turning 16.
Obtaining the Certificate:
- Request a paper-format certificate from your country.
- Obtain an apostille, translate it into Portuguese, and have it notarized.
⚠️ The certificate’s validity is 90 days, so act promptly. If you have a criminal record, consult a lawyer, as it may impact your visa application.
Step 3: Obtain Your NIF
Your first document upon residence in Portugal will be a Portuguese tax number, known as an NIF. You’ll need it for various purposes, including opening a bank account and enrolling in educational institutions.
You can obtain it remotely or in person at a Finanças office. Ensure you bring your passport and proof of address in your country of tax residency.
📝 Read more: How to Obtain a NIF in Portugal: A Step-by-Step Guide for Remote Workers
Step 4: Proof of Accommodation
Many consulates request a one-year rental contract in Portugal. While official requirements state a 4-month contract, consult your consulate for the most up-to-date information. Some consulates accept short-term Airbnb reservations, while others require receipts registered with the Finanças.
Useful Links
Step 5: Opening a Bank Account
You can open a bank account online or offline, either independently or with legal assistance. Popular Portuguese banks include Caixa Geral de Depositos, Banco Santander Totta, Novo Banco, ActivoBank Portugal, and Caixa Central de Crédito Agrícola.
💡 Required documents typically include your passport, NIF, proof of home address, a document confirming professional employment, the TIN of your home country, the IRS for the last year, and a bank balance statement.
📝 Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Opening a Bank Account in Portugal for Remote Workers
Step 6: Proof of Passive Income
You need to show a minimum monthly income of €820 after taxes for 2024. If applying with your family, higher income requirements apply. Examples of passive income include rental earnings, business dividends, copyright income, and royalties. Ensure you provide contracts, tax statements, and bank statements for transparency and predictability.
💡 Ways to Prove Your Income:
- Bank statements for the year (required)
- Portuguese bank account balance with €16,000 or more
- Rental contracts (if applicable)
- Dividends from stocks, business, or royalties
- Interest from the bank
Step 7: Savings for Visa
While not officially required, some countries recommend showing at least €9,840 per person. For family applications, the amount increases. Consult your consulate for specific requirements. Savings can be in your home country’s bank account, but some consulates may request savings in Portuguese accounts.
Step 8: Health Insurance
Distinguish between insurance for the D visa and a residency permit. For the D visa, standard travel insurance for 120 days suffices. For a residency permit, Portuguese insurance is necessary. You can often obtain this insurance through your Portuguese bank when opening an account.
Step 9: Flight Reservations
You only need to show proof of flight reservations for the approximate date of your planned arrival in Portugal with a D visa. The exact date on the tickets doesn’t affect your visa processing speed.
Step 10: Crafting a Motivation Letter
While not mandatory, a well-written motivation letter can positively impact your visa application. It can explain your source of income, reasons for choosing Portugal, and future plans.
Step 11: Submission to Consulate or VFS
Make an appointment and submit your documents to the consulate, or VFS. Some countries allow document submission by mail. Ensure all documents are translated, certified, and have the necessary apostilles.
Step 12: Arriving in Portugal and AIMA Appointment
Upon visa approval, you’ll be scheduled for an appointment with AIMA. If it is not scheduled by the consulate, you may need to arrange it yourself. Your D visa is valid for 120 days, allowing two entries to the EU during that period. It’s crucial to arrive while your visa is still valid.
AIMA appointment fees amount to €170.5, payable by bank card.
Residence Permit Card
About 2 to 12 weeks after your AIMA appointment, you’ll receive your residence permit card, valid for 2 years.
Documents Required for SEF:
- Passport with your visa
- NIF
- Proof of accommodation
- Recent bank account statement
- Proof of income (contracts, payslips)
- NISS, utente (optional)
- For family reunion applications, include relevant family certificates and bank statements
Follow these steps diligently, and you’ll be on your way to working remotely in the picturesque landscapes of Portugal. Enjoy your new adventure!
