Portugal D7 visa for Americans moving to Portugal

As an American citizen, you can enter Portugal without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days, but if you want to move to Portugal from the US, Americans will need a visa. Portugal offers several visas for Americans moving to Portugal and D7 is among the most populer. 

The Portugal D7 visa is designed for individuals that can prove a source of permanent passive income. The income should at least be equal to the minimum monthly wage in Portugal. In 2022, this is €822 per month.

Be aware that the minimum monthly wage in Portugal is expected to increase in the years to come.

The passive income needed for an American to apply for a Portugal D7 Visa, must come from outside of Portugal. The residence permit will then allow you to live and work in Portugal.

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The source of passive income can be almost anything as long as it is legal and documented.

Examples of passive income for D7 Visa in Portugal are:

  • Pension
  • Dividends
  • Interest
  • Royalties
  • Salaries from remote work
  • Income from renting out a property

The minimum required passive income also depends on the number of applicants that are included in the original application:

  • Main applicant: 100% of the minimum wage;
  • Spouse or parents of the main applicant: 50% of the minimum wage per person
  • Dependent children: 30% of the minimum wage per person

Another requirement to obtain a D7 visa for Portugal is that the applicant must rent or buy housing in Portugal for themselves and the family members that are included in the application.

In other words you must be able to show ownership of Portuguese property og a legal rental contract before the application will be processed.

There are a number of companies and Real Estate agents that can help you require a rental property in Portugal without you visiting Portugal yourself.

Applicants get a residence permit after the D7 visa. The first permit is valid for two years, and every consequent one is issued for three years. To retain the residency your must spend at least 183 days a year in Portugal.

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Checklist for Americans applying D7 visa to Portugal

  • Main applicant must be over the age of 18 years
  • Applicant must be a Non-EU citizen
  • Applicant must have a minimum passive income of at least €822,50 per month from one or more sources outside of Portugal
  • Applicant must prove that they have rented or bought a home in Portugal
  • Applicant must have health insurance

What family members might apply with the main applicant for the D7 Visa?

  • Spouse
  • Children up to the age of 21 years old and financially dependent on the main applicant
  • Parents of the main applicant or their spouse, that are financially dependent on the main applicant

Cost of applying for a D7 Visa to Portugal:

  • €8,460 Proven annual income for the main D7 applicant
  • €4,230 Proven annual income for the spouse or parent of the main applicant
  • €2,358 Proven annual income for the child(ren)
  • €155 Fee for the residence permit card per applicant
  • Cost of renting or buying a property in Portugal

Application time for D7 visa to Portugal:

  • You must accept the application for a D7 Visa for Portugal to take around 4 months

Minimum stay in Portugal after receiving D7 Visa:

  • After being granted a D7 Visa all applicants must spend a minimum of 183 days a year in Portugal

How long is the D7 Visa valid?

  • After a D7 Visa has been granted, the applicants must renew the visa after 2 years, and then again after 5 years

Golden Visa program - Residency in Portugal by investment

If you find that the D7 Visa for Americans moving to Portugal is not for you, it might be that the Golden Visa is a better fit for you. Read more about the options the Portugal Golden Visa offers Americans looking to relocate to Portugal offers here...