D7 VISA/ RESIDENCE PERMIT

1. INTRODUCTION

Residing in Portugal is in vogue, due to a strong incentive program by the Portuguese government, associated with tax exemption over income for a period of 10 years, mild climate, excellent beaches, low cost of living and, especially, security.

​A Visa is to be requested before the competent Portuguese Consulate before leaving the country of departure. It will allow entrance into Portuguese territory in order to request the competent “Residence Permit” before the Foreigners and Borders Services.

This particular residence permit is also called D7.

2. D7

2.1. Initial Considerations

Firstly, it should be clarified that in technical terms a visa is always requested via the Consulate in the country of departure and stamped in the passport, being usually valid for 4 months.

Upon arrival in Portugal, you must apply before SEF (Foreigners and Borders Services) for a Residence Permit.

This residence permit is valid for 1 year, renewable for successive periods of 2 years. After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, the Permanent Residence can be requested, with a validity of another 5 years. Finally, after the 6th year, the Portuguese Nationality can be requested.

It should be noted that the family reunification of the spouse and children under the age of 18 can be carried out.

2.2. About D7

The Residence Permit for foreign pensioner or foreigners whose income derives from real estate properties, intellectual property or from financial assets can be requested by a person who can prove to have the means to subside for a period of no less than 12 months. Although there is no legal obligation to have such means of subsistence in Portugal, it is highly advisable that the relevant amounts are deposited into a Portuguese Bank account in order to make such income immediately available on Portuguese territory, thereby becoming more convincing for purposes of guaranteeing stable and regular resources shown sufficient for the basic needs of the applicant and, when applicable, of his family (e.g. spouse and minor children).

In this respect, a monthly income equivalent to a Portuguese minimum wage must be verified, that is to say, 760,00 Euros. In case the applicant is accompanied by an adult (e.g. wife/husband), 50% (380,00 Euros) must be added to that amount, and 30% of the said amount must be added for each child minor of age (228,00 Euros).

The initial application for the specific visa which will later allow people to apply and possibly obtain a residence permit, must be accompanied by:

1. Application form;
2. Valid passport;
3. Original and certified photocopy of the identity card;
4. Two identical photographs;
5. Letter justifying the reason to live in Portugal;
6. Declaration that the applicant is aware that should not travel to Portugal without the required Visa;
7. Proof of means to subside (e.g. Annual declaration of adjustments in Income Taxes and proof of income in the home country; Bank statements with a legally acknowledged signature). NOTE: Obtaining the permit is not automatic, and the more financial resources are available, the higher the chances of success are;
8. Proof of accommodation: (e.g. public deed for the purchase and sale of a real estate property, lease agreement or a declaration letter signed by the applicant for the D7 Visa informing about the place of stay during the first 10 days);
9. International Health Insurance policy;
10. Criminal Record Certificate: Issued within the last 90 days;
11. Authorization for the Foreigners and Borders’ Service to consult the Portuguese criminal registry of the applicant, with the exception for those under 16 years of age;
12. Documents that prove the requirements for the Visa application in accordance with the current Portuguese legislation:
13. A) For a foreign pensioner: Proof of retirement and the monthly received pension.
14. B) For foreigners whose income derives from real estate properties, intellectual property or from financial assets: Proof of the amount of income and value of assets.

After submitting all the aforementioned documentation, the Consulate has (in theory) the period of 30 up to 60 days to issue the decision granting the initial visa.

2.3. Procedure in Portugal

The main steps are the following:

1. Obtaining a Portuguese taxpayer number;
2. Tax representation during the first year;
3. Opening of the bank account in Portugal;
4. Residence Permit Procedure;
5. Family Reunification Procedure;

In case you need any further information regarding the D7 Visa, do not hesitate to contact us using any of the available methods.