Digital nomads and remote workers have been flocking to Portugal - and with good reason. If you're thinking of joining the many Digital Nomads who have relocated to Portugal, you'll need a visa - most likely, The D7 Passive Income Visa. Learn more about this visa below and follow our tips to apply.

What is the D7 Visa?

Portugal's D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income or Freelance visa, has been designed for non-EU citizens who are relocating to Portugal and are able to show proof of passive income. Possession of the D7 visa allows for many residency privileges and benefits, such as the right to live, work, or study in Portugal, the right to healthcare, and the option to start a business or be employed in Portugal. Eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship is possible for holders of the D7 Visa after 5 years. Keep in mind, this visa is for those who intend to live in Portugal so a minimum of six consecutive months or eight nonconsecutive months must be spent here.

Application and Document Requirements for D7 Visa

To qualify for the D7 Passive Income visa, you must meet the following criteria:

You're a non-EU national,
You have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal
You have a clean criminal record,
You can show proof of residence in Portugal,
You're able to stay in Portugal for at least 16 months throughout the first 2-year period

Passive Income Requirements

Not all passive income looks the same, but it's key in a successful D7 application. The minimum income requirements vary depending on whether or not you'll be including dependents on your application. For one person, however, the current minimum income requirement is €7,200 per year. You'll be required to show receipt of consistent "passive" income which may come from remote work, entrepreneurial endeavors, real estate, pension, dividends, or investments.

Benefits of the D7 Visa

Ability to travel visa-free within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
Access to the National Health Service Care‍
Protection from the Portuguese Law and Legal System
Tax Benefits from Portuguese Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) Program.
Free entry and travel throughout Schengen countries
Live, work and study in Portugal, or work for companies in other EU countries as a freelancer or remotely
Dependents can be added to the visa
Eligibility to apply for citizenship after 5 years.

Application procedure for D7 Visa, Portugal

1. Acquire a NIF Number and Open a Bank Account

Whether you're a resident of Portugal or not, if you're living in the country, you'll need to have a Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) number. While it's not a legal requirement, this tax identification number is necessary to complete most formal tasks (eg opening a bank account, buying property, signing a mobile phone contract, etc.) It exists

If you're in Portugal at the time of application, you can apply for your Portuguese NIF number at any of the places below:

local tax office of the Portuguese tax authority
at a local branch of a Citizen Shop
at a counter that provides the Citizen Card

If you're not already in Portugal, you can apply to obtain your NIF by getting a temporary number through a fiscal representative or power of attorney.

2. Secure Your Accommodation

You'll be asked to provide proof of accommodation. If you're staying at one of our Portugal locations, you can provide proof of booking. If renting, you can show the rental agreement.

3. Apply at your local Portuguese Consulate

Wherever you're living at the time of application, you'll have to apply online for an appointment at the Portuguese consulate in your jurisdiction. While the documents required may vary from region to region, the following are required in most cases:

D7 Application form
Passport (must be valid for at least six months after the expiry date of the Portugal passive income visa)
Two passport-sized photos (in color)
Valid health insurance (with an affidavit, this can also be acquired within the first 90 days of arrival)
Criminal background check
Statement letter outlining motivation to move to Portugal
Travel insurance
Proof of accommodation in Portugal (e.g. title deed, rental agreement, or invitation if staying with friends).
Proof of sufficient finances
Proof of having consistent passive income
Proof of income or pension for 12 months: €7,200 for the main applicant, €3,600 for any additional adults, and €2,160 per child.

4. Apply for a Residence Permit in Portugal

Once an application has been approved, you'll receive your D7 visa, which will allow you entrance into Portugal, and will be valid for 4 months. To stay in Portugal longer, you'll have to use your D7 Visa to apply for a residency card which is valid for 2 years. At the end of the second year, the card can be renewed, and a three-year residency card will be issued. After 5 years, you will qualify for citizenship.

The following documents are required when applying for a residence permit:

Your passport along with your D7 visa
Proof of accommodation (this must be the same as the one you submitted to the Portuguese consulate)
Proof of sufficient financial means (also the same one you submitted to the Portuguese consulate)
Health insurance policy if acquired in Portugal

Follow these steps to obtain your Portugal D7 passive income visa, and if you're looking for accommodation while you're there, be sure to check out our locations in Lisbon and Ericeira.‍

Looking for more tips? Check out the following guides for remote workers relocating to Portugal: