Can You Apply For Portugal's D7 VISA With SAVINGS?

Summary

In this video, James from Portugalist discusses the D7 visa, commonly known as the passive income visa, and addresses the question of whether savings can be used as a primary source of income for the visa. While the official requirement is passive income, there are examples of applicants successfully using savings, particularly those with substantial funds. The video explores alternatives like the Golden Visa, rental income, annuities, and the Digital Nomad Visa. James emphasizes the importance of seeking professional advice to navigate the complexities of visa applications and find the best option for securing residency in Portugal.

Takeaways

• 😀 The D7 visa in Portugal primarily requires passive income, not savings, for qualification.
• 😀 Passive income examples include retirement income like pensions or US Social Security.
• 😀 As of 2025, an individual needs €870 per month to qualify for the D7 visa, while a couple needs €1,305.
• 😀 Applicants are also required to have a year's worth of savings, but passive income should be the main source of income.
• 😀 Savings are considered a lump sum, which can be accessed all at once, making them less appealing to the Portuguese government.
• 😀 If you have a large sum of savings (e.g., millions of euros), you may still qualify, though this is not guaranteed.
• 😀 Some applicants with insufficient passive income have been allowed to supplement with savings to meet the requirement.
• 😀 Certain exceptions exist where applicants are approaching retirement and have enough savings to sustain them until their passive income kicks in.
• 😀 The application process can vary between consulates, and sometimes applicants get lucky with more lenient requirements.
• 😀 Alternatives to the D7 visa for people with savings include the Golden Visa, which requires a significant investment but has more flexibility regarding time spent in Portugal.
• 😀 Rental income can qualify for the D7 visa as passive income, but the amount must cover the €870/month threshold and must come from abroad for the application to be accepted.
• 😀 Other financial options include annuities, dividends, or the Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a higher income threshold but may be suitable for those who can work remotely.

Q & A

Can I apply for the D7 visa using only savings?

While it’s possible to apply for the D7 visa with savings, it’s not the most common route. The visa is intended for people with passive income, and savings are generally not enough on their own unless supplemented with income or additional factors.

What is the main source of income required for the D7 visa?

The D7 visa is primarily intended for individuals who can demonstrate passive income. Examples of passive income include pensions, Social Security, or rental income. Savings can be a supplement but are not the primary income source.

How much income do I need to qualify for the D7 visa in 2025?

In 2025, an individual needs to show a passive income of at least €870 per month. A couple would need an additional 50%, making the total €1,305 per month.

Why are savings not ideal for the D7 visa application?

Savings are a lump sum, which can be spent all at once, creating uncertainty for the Portuguese government. The government prefers consistent, ongoing passive income to ensure that applicants can sustain themselves long-term without becoming a burden.

What are some exceptions where savings may be accepted for the D7 visa?

Some applicants with large savings (e.g., millions of euros) have been accepted. Additionally, if someone has passive income but not enough to meet the threshold, savings might help bridge the gap. In some cases, applicants nearing retirement may be allowed to use savings until their pension kicks in.

What is the Golden Visa, and how does it relate to people with savings?

The Golden Visa is a residency option for individuals with significant savings who can invest in Portugal, typically with a minimum investment of €500,000. It’s a good option for those who want flexibility in spending time in Portugal, as it only requires a minimal number of days spent in the country each year.

How does rental income factor into the D7 visa qualification?

Rental income is considered passive income for the D7 visa. If you own property and can generate at least €870 per month in rental income, this can count toward the visa requirements. However, costs such as mortgages and repairs must be considered, and only gross income is typically analyzed.

Does the rental income have to be from a property outside of Portugal for the D7 visa?

Ideally, rental income for the D7 visa should come from outside Portugal, as the visa’s goal is to bring in income from abroad. However, some consulates might accept rental income from properties within Portugal, depending on the case.

What are the challenges associated with using rental income for the D7 visa?

While rental income can qualify for the D7 visa, there are challenges. For example, managing rental properties from abroad can be difficult, and costs such as mortgages, repairs, and insurance can reduce the income. Additionally, rental income must be sufficient to meet the minimum required amount for survival in Portugal.

Can I use other financial products, like annuities or dividends, for the D7 visa?

Yes, annuities and dividends can also qualify as passive income for the D7 visa. However, certain financial products like annuities may have age restrictions, and it’s essential to consult with financial advisors to ensure these products meet the visa requirements.