How a Passive Income Earner  Got a D7 Visa for Portugal

Moving to Portugal with a passive income? That’s exactly what my spouse and I did and the journey, while rewarding, came with its fair share of challenges and insights. In this post, I’ll walk you through our personal experience of obtaining the Portuguese D7 visa, step-by-step.

If you’re planning a similar move, this guide may save you time and stress.

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Why the D7 Visa?

The D7 visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is a popular route for retirees, freelancers, and remote workers who can support themselves financially without needing a job in Portugal. Since I have a stable passive income and my spouse owns a company, this visa was a perfect fit.

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Step 1: Hiring a Local Portuguese Lawyer

Before diving into the bureaucracy, we decided to work with a local lawyer in Portugal and it was one of the best decisions we made. A qualified lawyer helped us:

• Understand the latest requirements for D7 applicants

• Obtain our NIF number (Portuguese tax number)

• Ensure our documents would be accepted without issues

📌 Tip: A lawyer may charge a fee, but the legal clarity and time savings are worth every euro.

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Step 2: Getting the NIF Number

The NIF is essential for almost everything in Portugal from renting an apartment to opening a bank account. Thanks to our lawyer, we secured our NIF numbers quickly and remotely. All we needed to provide were scanned copies of our passports and proof of address.

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Step 3: Opening a Portuguese Bank Account “The Toughest Part”

This step was, by far, the hardest.

Many Portuguese banks are reluctant to open accounts for non-residents, especially without an in-person visit. We were fortunate a friend living in Portugal connected us with a helpful bank manager. With their support, we managed to open a joint account remotely.

📌 What We Provided:

• Our newly acquired NIF numbers

• Proof of passive income and employment/company documents

• Bank account statements

• Social security records

• Proof of address

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Step 4: Collecting the Visa Documents

Once the bank account was open and funds were transferred to show financial means, we compiled all required documents for the D7 visa application:

• Valid passports

• Portuguese NIF numbers

• Portuguese bank account details

• Proof of income and financial sustainability

• Social security records and residence documents 

• Income documentation

• Health insurance

• Portuguese address or accommodation confirmation (we used a rental contract)

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Step 5: Submitting the Application

With everything ready, we booked an appointment at the Portuguese Consulate . The application process took some patience, but everything went smoothly thanks to the detailed documentation and our lawyer’s oversight.

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Final Thoughts

Portugal’s D7 visa is a fantastic opportunity, and once all the necessary documents are in order, the process can move surprisingly smoothly. In our case, after carefully preparing everything, things progressed quickly and efficiently. If you’re a passive income earner considering this route, start by:

• ✅ Hiring a local Portuguese lawyer: They can guide you through legal procedures, obtain your NIF number, and help with residency requirements.

• ✅ Preparing your financial documents early: Gather proof of passive income,  bank statements, Social security records, and any company ownership documentation if applicable.

• ✅ Opening a Portuguese bank account: This can be the trickiest step, so consider reaching out to local contacts or using a lawyer’s network to find a cooperative bank.

• ✅ Transferring sufficient funds to Portugal: Ensure you have the minimum financial means deposited in your Portuguese bank account to meet D7 requirements.

• ✅ Securing accommodation in Portugal: A rental contract or invitation letter is usually required during the visa application.

• ✅ Staying organized and proactive: Keep digital and physical copies of all your documents and track communication with authorities and banks.

With good preparation and support, your journey to Portugal can be a smooth and exciting adventure just like ours.