How to get Portugal D8 Visa: US guide
Wondering how to get a Portugal D8 Visa as an American? Take a look at our overview and learn about the steps and documents throughout the process.
Portugal D7 Visa requirements: US guide
The Portugal D7 visa is designed for non-EU nationals who earn a steady passive income from outside Portugal. It’s most commonly used by retirees, remote workers, and financially independent individuals looking to live in Portugal long-term. Any non-EU citizen can apply, provided they meet the Portugal D7 income requirements.
This guide covers the D7 visa Portugal requirements, the step-by-step application process, and what it means for US citizens planning a move.
We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.
What is the Portugal D7 Visa?
The Portugal D7 visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is a long-term residency option for non-EU citizens who can support themselves through income earned outside of Portugal.
To qualify, you’ll need to prove you have a stable recurring income, such as from a pension, rental property, dividends, or remote work. You’ll also need to spend at least 183 days a year in Portugal to maintain residency.
Once granted, the visa allows you to live, work, and study in Portugal, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
| The Portugal D7 visa program is one of the most accessible paths to European residency. They have low income requirements, reasonable costs, and an opportunity for EU citizenship. It’s not for everyone, though. The program works best for people who genuinely want to live in Portugal, not those seeking a convenient passport for occasional use. |
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Portugal D7 visa requirements: who can apply?
The D7 visa is open to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens who can show proof of steady income and commit to living in Portugal for most of the year. That makes it a popular choice for Americans looking to retire abroad, work remotely, or relocate for a slower pace of life.
No investment is required, just proof you can cover living costs.
Eligibility criteria for the Portugal D7 visa for Americans
To apply for a D7 visa as a US citizen, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:¹
- Stable passive income: This could include pensions, dividends, royalties, rental income, or remote work earnings
- Minimum income threshold: At least €820.00 per month (or €9,840 per year) for the main applicant. Add 50% more for a spouse or dependent parents (€435 per month) and 30% more per dependent child (€261 per month). These figures increase annually as Portugal's minimum wage rises. Additional information on that can be found on Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs diplomatic portal
- Clean criminal record: You must provide a clean FBI criminal record certificate, issued within the last six months and apostilled. Portugal has a vigorous background check process that involves a deep dive into criminal history, so you’ll need to provide proof that your record is clean. This applies to every country where you've lived for more than a year as an adult
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal: A rental agreement, property deed, or invitation letter from a host. You can either rent or purchase property in Portugal, but you need a 12-month lease agreement or property deed as proof. It’s often best to rent an apartment or home before looking to buy property. New residents often start small and eventually buy when they find an area where they feel comfortable
- Portuguese bank account: You may be asked to show funds deposited in a local bank account to cover your first year of living expenses
| 💡 Applicants should also plan to spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal to maintain their residency status. |
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Beyond monthly income, there is a requirement that you maintain savings in a Portuguese bank account equivalent to one year's income requirements. For a single applicant, that means €10,440 in the bank. These savings act as an emergency fund that guarantees you won’t need to rely on Portuguese social services if your income decreases or you can’t find work.
Benefits of the Portugal D7 visa
The D7 visa is a popular option for Americans moving to Portugal. It gives you the right to live there full time, and opens the door to the rest of Europe too.
Here are some of the main benefits.
Live, work, and study in Portugal
Once your D7 residence permit is issued, you have the same fundamental rights as any Portuguese resident.
That means you can:
- Enroll in the National Health Service (SNS) and access subsidized care
- Work or run a business without applying for a separate work visa
- Send children to public schools or enroll in higher-education programs at in-state tuition rates
The program also supports family reunification. Spouses, minor children, dependent adult children in full-time education, and dependent partners can be included in your application.
Everyone receives their own residence permit and equal access to public services.
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
The D7 visa gives you the right to reside in Portugal and travel throughout the Schengen Zone.
You can visit 27 countries in Europe without applying for additional visas. This includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others. Travel is allowed for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in each Schengen country.²
It’s a major benefit for anyone who wants to explore Europe while keeping Portugal as their home base.
A path to permanent residency or citizenship
The D7 is a long-term solution. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship if you meet the stay requirements and pass a basic Portuguese language exam (A2 level).
Portugal permits dual citizenship, which means you can hold both a US and Portuguese passport if you choose to naturalize.
Citizenship opens up European Union rights, including the ability to live and work anywhere across the EU.
Challenges and Considerations
The primary challenges in moving to a new country are typically cultural adjustment and language barrier. If you’re American, keep in mind that Portugal has its own pace of life. Their bureaucratic procedures and social customs are very different from what you’ve become accustomed to. It would be wise to learn about these and the local language.
Another challenge is the renewal process. The Portugal D7 Visa minimum stay is sixteen months during your first two-year period. That means you can’t be absent from the country for more than six consecutive months. If you are, you’ll need to start the process over again. These residency requirements are stricter than most other European countries.
Step-by-step application process for the Portugal D7 visa for American citizens
Applying for a D7 visa starts in the United States. You’ll gather paperwork, submit your file to a Portuguese consulate, and wait for a decision before you can relocate.
Follow these steps to keep the process on track.
Step 1: Get a Portuguese NIF and open a local bank account
You will need a Portuguese tax number, known as a NIF, before you can sign a rental contract or open a bank account. Most Americans obtain a NIF through a Portuguese lawyer or a licensed online service.
Once you have a NIF, open a Portuguese bank account and transfer enough funds to cover at least one year of living expenses (minimum €10,440 for single applicants). Some consulates ask for a stamped bank statement showing this balance.
Step 2: Collect your supporting documents
Prepare the documents your consulate requires:³
- A valid US passport (issued in the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after arrival)
- A completed D7 visa application form
- Two recent passport-style photos (35–40mm, white background)
- Proof of passive income (bank statements for the last 6 months, and tax returns from the past 3 years)
- A personal cover letter explaining why you’re moving to Portugal and how you’ll support yourself
- Proof of long-term accommodation (rental lease, property deed, or invitation letter with ID copy)
- FBI background check (apostilled and translated into Portuguese)
- Flight reservation showing you planned entry into Portugal
Check your consulate’s website for any extra items or local templates.
Step 3: Purchase travel health insurance
During the application process, you’re required to obtain private health insurance or provide an affidavit stating you’ll purchase Portuguese health insurance within ninety days of arrival.
The consulate will ask for an insurance policy that covers medical emergencies in Portugal for the full length of the temporary visa (120 days).
Many applicants find international health insurance plans that cover Portugal specifically. The coverage needs to be comprehensive enough to handle medical emergencies without burdening Portugal's national health system. This ensures you won’t be a burden on the state, a common theme throughout the D7 Visa requirements Portugal has established.
When looking at options, consider choosing a policy that provides at least €30,000 of medical coverage and includes repatriation.
Step 4: Submit your application to the Portuguese consulate
Book an appointment with the Portuguese consulate that covers your state:
- Hand in your documents
- Answer a short interview about your plans in Portugal
- Pay the temporary visa fee (usually $85–$120)
Processing can take four to twelve weeks, depending on the consulate workload.⁴
Step 5: Receive your 120-day visa and prepare to move
If the consulate approves your file, it will place a 120-day D7 visa in your passport. Use this window to move to Portugal, register your local address, and attend the SEF appointment noted on the visa.
Everything that happens after arrival (biometrics, residence cards, and renewals) is covered in the next section on getting your residence permit.
How Much Does the D7 Visa Cost? Fees You Need to Know
The Portugal D7 visa cost is remarkably affordable compared to other residency programs. Here's a breakdown of the main expenses:
- Visa application fee: €90 per person
- NIF application: €10-50 (if using a representative)
- Bank account opening: Usually free, but some banks require minimum deposits
- Document translation and apostilling: €200-500, depending on your country
- Legal/consultant fees: €1,000-3,000 if you hire professional help
- Accommodation costs: Varies widely based on location and whether you rent or buy
| The total cost for a single applicant typically ranges from €1,500-4,000, not including accommodation. This is substantially less than investment-based visa programs. |
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What’s the best way to send money to Portugal?
Banks are certainly one option for sending money internationally, as are services like PayPal. But the problem with banks is they can often be slow, expensive and inconvenient. Luckily, there’s a better alternative out there.
You can send money worldwide with Wise for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It’s easy and quick to set up a payment online, and you’re guaranteed secure transfers even when sending large sums.
Wise is a money service business (MSB) regulated by 12 international financial authorities and uses sophisticated security features to keep you and your money safe.
Open a Wise account, and you can send, spend and convert between 40+ currencies whenever you need to. You can even receive money from all over the world using your own local account details.
As if all that wasn’t enough, there’s a Wise Multi-Currency Card too. For a one-time fee of just $9, you can spend in over 150 countries in the local currency. Your USD is automatically converted at the mid-market rate for just a small conversion fee.
Getting a residence permit in Portugal as an American
The D7 visa gets you in the door, but it’s just the start. Once you’re in Portugal, you’ll need to apply for your residence permit, known locally as the Autorização de Residência.
This permit is what legally allows you to stay, work, and access services in the country long term.
What happens after you arrive
Once your D7 visa is approved, you’ll receive a temporary 120-day visa. This gives you time to travel to Portugal and attend your appointment with SEF, the Portuguese immigration authority.
You’ll need to bring the same documents you used for your D7 application, along with updated local proof of address and any new financial statements.
What to expect at the SEF appointment
At your appointment, you’ll:
- Provide your fingerprints and a passport photo
- Review and confirm your documents
- Pay a residence permit fee ($160–$185 per person)⁵
Once your application is approved, SEF will mail your residence card to your Portuguese address. This card acts as your legal ID while you’re in the country.
Your timeline to stay in Portugal
The first residence permit is valid for two years. After that, you can renew it for another three years.
If you maintain legal residency for five consecutive years, you can apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship. You’ll need to continue showing financial stability and spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal to stay eligible.
Tax implications
Once you become a resident of Portugal, you’ll likely be considered a tax resident as well. This has a few key implications, especially if you continue earning income from the US or other countries.
You’ll need to declare worldwide income
Portugal requires tax residents to report global income, not just what’s earned outside the country.
That means income from pensions, investments, rental properties, or remote work must be declared on your Portuguese tax return.
Portugal and the US have a tax treaty
The US and Portugal have a tax treaty designed to prevent double taxation. In most cases, taxes you pay to the US can be credited against your Portuguese tax bill. But you still need to file in both countries each year.
To avoid issues, it’s best to consult a tax professional familiar with both systems.
You may qualify for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime
Portugal offers a special tax program for new residents called the Non-Habitual Resident regime. It can reduce your tax rate on certain types of income for up to 10 years.
| 💡 For example: |
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You’ll also need to apply for NHR status soon after registering as a resident. Once approved, it can provide meaningful tax savings over time.
US citizens must still file taxes at home
Even if you move abroad, US citizens are still required to file an annual tax return with the IRS.
You may also need to file an FBAR or FATCA form if you hold more than $10,000 in foreign bank accounts.⁶
Life in Portugal
Portugal offers a slower pace of life, affordable daily costs, and a high standard of living. For Americans applying for the D7 visa, those are key reasons to make the move.
While your exact expenses will depend on where you settle, many find that their money goes further in Portugal than it does back home.
Cost of living
According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost of living for a single person in Portugal is €682.50 (around $798 USD), not including rent. For a family of four, that number rises to €2,413.00 (roughly $2,824 USD).⁷
Here’s a quick breakdown of common costs:
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (EUR) | Approx. Cost In USD* |
|---|---|---|
| Daily expenses (excluding rent) | €682.50 | $798 |
| Rent (1-bedroom in city center) | €927.96 | $1,086 |
| Utilities + internet | €152.16 | $178 |
| Groceries | €300–€400 | $351–$468 |
| Public transport pass | €40.00 | $47 |
*Exchange rate based on June 2025 average of 1 EUR = 1.17 USD
Naturally, your costs will vary depending on location. Lisbon and Porto are pricier, while inland towns and the Azores offer more affordable living.
Finding accommodation
You’ll need proof of accommodation in Portugal to apply for the D7 visa. This can be a 12-month rental lease, a property deed, or an invitation letter from someone you’ll stay with.
Most people rent first. It’s the easiest way to meet the D7 visa requirements and gives you time to explore the area before buying a place. Just make sure the lease is registered and includes your name, the landlord’s name, and a Portuguese address.
Here’s where to start your search:
- Idealista: Portugal’s most popular site for long-term rentals
- Imovirtual: Good listings across cities and smaller towns
- Facebook Marketplace: Can be useful, but be cautious of scams
Rental prices vary by location. Lisbon and Porto are the most expensive. Smaller cities like Coimbra or Viseu offer better value. You’ll also find lower prices in rural areas or along the Silver Coast.
Healthcare system in Portugal
Portugal’s public system, the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), offers subsidized care to all legal residents. Once registered, appointments cost a few euros, emergencies are affordable, and prescriptions are subsidized.
Steps to access care:
- Secure travel health insurance to cover the gap until registration
- Obtain a residence card, NIF, and proof of address
- Register at the nearest centre de saúde and receive a user number (número de utente)
With public coverage in place and optional private insurance for extra flexibility, day-to-day healthcare expenses stay well below typical US costs.
Portugal D7 visa vs Golden visa
Both visas lead to long-term residency in Portugal but serve different goals.
The D7 visa is aimed at people with passive income earned outside Portugal, such as pensions, rental income, or remote work. No investment is required, only proof of stable income and a plan to live in Portugal most of the year.
The Golden Visa rests on capital investment. It calls for a minimum of €250,000 in approved assets like investment funds or cultural projects, making it suitable for those who want residency while spending limited time in the country.
| For most remote workers and retirees, the D7 is more accessible. If you have the funds and prefer a lighter physical presence, explore the Golden Visa route. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to the most common questions Americans ask before they apply.
What is the D7 visa Portugal?
The D7 visa is a long-term residency visa for non-EU citizens with stable passive income. It lets retirees and remote workers live in Portugal full-time without a major investment.
How do I apply for a D7 visa?
Start by collecting key documents like proof of income, a valid passport, and accommodation. Apply through your local consulate. If approved, you’ll receive a temporary visa to enter Portugal and complete the process with SEF.
Can you work in Portugal on a D7 visa?
Yes. After receiving your residence permit, you can legally work and pay taxes in Portugal. Many continue remote jobs or pick up local freelance work.
How long does the D7 visa process take?
It usually takes between four and eight weeks for the consulate to process your visa. After arriving in Portugal, you’ll schedule an appointment with SEF to finalize your residence permit. The complete process, from initial application to receiving your residence permit card in Portugal, usually takes 6-8 months, so plan accordingly.
Portugal’s D7 visa offers a clear route to residency for retirees, remote workers, and others with steady income. As a new Portuguese resident with income from abroad, managing multiple currencies efficiently becomes crucial for your financial well-being.
Converting dollars to euros, receiving pension payments, or handling rental income from your home country can quickly become expensive with traditional banks.
| With the Wise account, you can top up your USD Wise balance with a domestic transfer that you will be able to convert at the mid-market rate with an upfront conversion fee. |
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| Author: | |
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 | Kevin D. Flynn is a retired financial professional, business coach, and financial writer. He lives in Leominster, Massachusetts with his wife Evelyn, two cats, and ten wonderful grandchildren. When he’s not working, you’ll find him at the golf course or on his back porch reading classic sci-fi novels. |
Sources
- Nomad Capitalist – How to get D7 visa
- EEAS Europa – Schengen visa free
- VFS Global – D7 checklist
- Citizen Remote – Portugal passive income (D7) visa
- Citizen Remote – Portugal passive income (D7) visa
- IRS – Report of foreign bank and financial accounts (FBAR)
- Numbeo – Cost of living in Portugal
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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
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