If you’re considering moving to Portugal there are several different types of visa available. The Golden Visa and the NHR (Non-Habitual Residency) regime are two of the most well-known options but the D7 visa has also been getting a lot of attention. Let’s take a look at some basic aspects concerning this visa.

What is the D7 visa? Most people coming to Portugal through the D7 visa will be doing so because they want to live in Portugal, they want the freedom to travel within the EU, or they could also be considering applying for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years. For this visa no minimum investment is required – however, you will need to have a residential address in Portugal. You can also buy a house in Portugal, should you so choose, but unlike with the Golden Visa program, there is no minimum pricing requirement for such a property.

The D7 visa is for you: If you are a citizen from a non-EU country wishing to relocate to Portugal and you can support yourself financially then the D7 visa will probably be a good option for you. Common sources of income include remote work, savings, properties or own business. Whether it is active or passive income it has to be a means of sustaining yourself financially while you’re in Portugal.

The D7 visa isn’t for you: If you don’t have the means to support yourself financially or if you have specific criminal convictions you cannot apply for the D7. This is also true for citizens of the EEA, the EU and Switzerland.

What are the benefits of the D7 visa? The D7 allows you to live in Portugal while also benefiting from access to healthcare and education as well as the law and legal system provided by the state. You can also work as an independent professional, travel within the Schengen Area and your family will be able to join you once you have the D7 (specific conditions apply). Bear in mind you do not have to speak Portuguese (that is only true if you’re applying for citizenship).

How long does it take to get the D7 visa? The procedure around the visa application usually takes 60 days, provided the application has all the necessary documents and all the forms were correctly filled in. Obtaining the residence permit may take between 15 days and four months, depending on where you’re going to live. Lisbon and Porto, being areas with higher demand, will take longer. Beware however of delays caused by the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: expatsportugal.com