The D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is a residence visa issued by Portugal. It is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who earn a stable passive income, such as pensions, rental income, or investments. The D7 Visa allows the holder and their family to live in Portugal and enjoy the rights of legal residents, including access to healthcare, education, and travel within the Schengen Area.
Who Can Apply for the D7 Visa?
The D7 Visa is intended for individuals who can support themselves financially without working in Portugal.
Eligible applicants include:
- Retirees with pension income
- Individuals with rental income from real estate
- People with dividends from investments or royalties
- Remote workers with passive income streams
Basic Requirements of the D7 Visa
To apply for the D7 Visa, you must meet specific requirements:
- Proof of passive income (minimum €820 per month for a single applicant in 2025)
- Portuguese bank account
- Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
- Accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property ownership)
- No criminal record
- Valid passport and health insurance
Total Estimated Cost of the D7 Visa
The total cost of the D7 Visa in 2025 can range from €2,500 to €7,000, depending on whether you apply alone or with dependents, and whether you use legal assistance.
1. Government Fees
There are several official fees involved in the application process:
- Visa Application Fee: €90 (paid to the Portuguese consulate)
- SEF Residency Permit Application Fee: Around €160 per person
- Residence Permit Issuance Fee: Around €160 per person
Total Government Fees: Approx. €410 per adult
2. Legal and Consultation Fees
While it is possible to apply on your own, many applicants choose to work with immigration lawyers or visa consultants. Their fees vary:
- Basic legal support: €800–€1,500
- Full-service packages (including NIF, bank account setup, tax advice, housing search): €1,500–€3,000
Total Legal Fees: €800 to €3,000 (optional)
3. Income Requirement and Proof
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum income of €820 per month in 2025. For a couple, it rises to €1,230.
Each dependent child adds about €246.
This does not cost money directly, but you need documentation:
- Bank statements
- Pension certificates or rental agreements
- Translation and notarization: €100–€300
4. Accommodation Costs
You must prove you have a place to live in Portugal. This usually means renting a home before applying:
- Typical monthly rent: €600–€1,200 depending on city
- 3–6 month rental contract may be required
- Upfront deposit: 1–3 months’ rent
Estimated Housing Proof Cost: €2,000–€4,000 upfront
5. NIF and Bank Account Setup
You need a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and a local bank account. Costs include:
- NIF registration: Free if in person, €50–€100 with assistance
- Bank account deposit: Usually €250–€500 minimum
Total for NIF and Bank Account: €300–€600
6. Translation and Document Legalization
All foreign documents must be translated into Portuguese and certified:
- Notarized translations: €20–€60 per page
- Apostille or consular legalization: €30–€80 per document
Estimated Cost: €200–€500
7. Health Insurance
You must purchase private health insurance valid in Portugal for at least one year:
- Basic annual plan: €300–€600 per adult
- Family plans available with discounts
Estimated Insurance Cost: €300–€1,000 per family
8. Travel Costs
You must visit Portugal for your SEF appointment:
- Round-trip flight: €150–€500 depending on location
- Hotel stay (if no housing yet): €300–€600 for 7 days
Estimated Travel Cost: €500–€1,000
9. Renewal Fees
The D7 Visa converts to a residence permit, valid for two years and renewable:
- Renewal fee at SEF: Approx. €160 per adult
- Renewal after two years: Same costs apply
10. Hidden and Optional Costs
Additional costs may arise:
- Criminal background check: €10–€50
- Courier and postage: €20–€100
- Local tax registration or accounting help: €100–€500
Cost Breakdown Table (Summary)
| Item | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Visa + SEF Fees (per adult) | 410 |
| Legal Help (optional) | 800–3,000 |
| Housing Proof (deposit + rent) | 2,000–4,000 |
| Document Translation & Legalization | 200–500 |
| NIF & Bank Setup | 300–600 |
| Health Insurance | 300–1,000 |
| Travel (Flights + Stay) | 500–1,000 |
| Other Costs (miscellaneous) | 100–300 |
How to Save Money on Your D7 Visa
- Apply without a lawyer if you are confident with the process
- Choose cities with lower rent like Braga or Évora instead of Lisbon
- Use official sources for translations and free NIF services
- Book flights and accommodations in advance
Conclusion: Is the D7 Visa Worth the Cost?
The D7 Visa offers great value if you want to live in Portugal long-term. While the initial cost ranges from €2,500 to €7,000, it grants you residence rights, access to services, and an affordable European lifestyle. With smart planning, you can reduce costs significantly while meeting all the legal requirements.
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