The D7 Visa Offers the Best Opportunity to Move to Portugal

Having residency in Portugal is a dream for many people. Portugal has one of the best climates in Europe, with over 300 days of sunshine every year. Portugal offers a great lifestyle with magnificent beaches, friendly locals, and great food. It also offers generous tax incentives. I wrote about the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme before here.

Portugal’s population has been declining for decades. They need new residents. That’s why they have one of the easiest immigration programs in the EU. Much has been written about the Golden Visa for Portugal. This is where you get residency by investing in a Portuguese business. The D7 visa for Portugal is less well-known.

No Investment is Necessary for Residency in Portugal

You don’t have to invest a penny to get residency in Portugal with the D7 visa. You can also do the application yourself if you don’t want to hire a lawyer to navigate the process.

If you can support yourself and have accommodation, you can get residency in Portugal with the D7 visa. Unlike other European countries, you’re also free to work in Portugal with the D7 visa.

It’s much easier to get citizenship in Portugal than in other European countries. Spain needs ten years of residency before you’re eligible. You also have to renounce any other citizenships as Spain doesn’t allow dual nationality.

After getting residency in Portugal, you’ll be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years. You can keep your existing citizenship too. Portugal recognizes dual nationality.

Unlike the Golden Visa, the D7 visa has a minimum stay requirement. The D7 visa is for those who want to move to Portugal and spend at least a few months every year in the country.

When you get your residency in Portugal, you must spend at least four months a year in the country. You can’t be out of the country for more than six months in a row.

The D7 visa is not a paper residency where you can visit the country for a few days every year and then get a passport in 5 years.

How to Get Residency in Portugal with a D7 Visa

The procedure to get a D7 visa for residency in Portugal is simple. You can apply at the Portuguese consulate in your home country. It’ll take 3-4 months.

You’ll need a criminal record check. Be sure to get this before you go to the Portuguese consulate to apply for residency in Portugal.

You’ll need your passport and either proof of income or proof of savings to get your residency in Portugal with a D7 visa.

Portugal has one of the lowest income requirements I’ve seen in any country. Not just in Western Europe. You have to prove that you earn at least the minimum wage in Portugal. The current minimum wage in Portugal is €887 per month. This will increase slightly in 2024. You’ll need to show 50% more for a spouse and 30% more for each child. So, a family with two adults and two children would have to show income of around €2,000 per month.

Alternatively, you can show that you have savings.

The amount of savings you need is 24 times the minimum wage. So, for 2023 it would be €887 x 24. So, you’d have to show savings of €21,288. In addition, you’d have to show 50% of that amount for your spouse and 30% of that amount for each child.

Application Procedure for Residency in Portugal

residency in portugal
Lisbon, Portugal

When you go to the consulate, you’ll fill in a form and provide evidence of your income or savings. You’ll show them that you don’t have a criminal record, and that’s it. Your application will be approved in 3-4 months. When they stamp the visa in your passport, you have to travel to Portugal within 120 days of that.

After you arrive in Portugal, you will make an appointment with the immigration department (SEF). This is where you’ll get your residency card.

After five years, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal and a Portuguese passport. You’ll have to know some basic Portuguese by then. But that shouldn’t be a problem after living in the country for 5 years.

It’s easy to live in Portugal. All services you’re used to are available there. The cost of living is lower than in most of Europe and the US. You’ll find that most people speak English. Particularly in the areas that tourists visit, like Lisbon and the Algarve.

Residency in Portugal for EU citizens is an easier procedure. EU citizens only have to register at the local municipality and they’ll get a document confirming they can stay in Portugal for 5 years.

Residency in Portugal in 2023 with the D7 Visa

Why Residency in Portugal is Worth Thinking About

Portugal offers one of the easiest and cheapest residency programs in Europe.

After you get your residency in Portugal you can take advantage of tax incentives for 10 years.

You can get citizenship in 5 years. You’ll have one of the best passports in the world. This will give you the right to live in any EU country.

Portugal should be close to the top of the list for anyone who’s thinking of relocating in 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a resident of Portugal?

There are several options to become a resident of Portugal. The D7 visa is the easiest to get as no investment is required. You can also get residency of Portugal by buying a property or starting a business.

How long does it take to get residency in Portugal?

You can apply for residency in Portugal from your local Portuguese consulate. It should take less than 3 months if all your documents are in order.

How much money do I need to get residency in Portugal?

You will need to show that you have income of just under €800 per month or savings of around €18,000.

How hard is it to get residency in Portugal?

Portugal has one of the easiest residency programmes in Europe. Provided your documents are in order you should have no problems.

Who can get a Portugal Golden Residence Permit by investment?

It’s possible for anybody to get a so called golden visa by buying a property in Portugal. The minimum value of the property varies depending on the region of Portugal. It starts at €280,000.

How do I get residency in Portugal after Brexit?

If you follow the procedures above you can get a D7 visa. Alternatively you can buy a property in Portugal.

You can find more information from the Portuguese immigration department here.

You can find all the application forms you need for a residence visa Portugal here including residency in Portugal for UK citizens.

For more than 50 options on passports and residencies see The Free Passport Report. You’ll find dozens of opportunities to get second passports and residencies. Most won’t cost you anything. Including 2 EU citizenships, you can easily obtain and a free Asian passport that’s available to more than 2 billion people simply by asking.

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