Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Portugal D7 Visa from Canada
The Portugal D7 visa has become an increasingly popular option for people looking to retire or work remotely abroad. As somebody who recently went through the process of applying for the Portugal D7 visa, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help others who may be considering this option. In this blog post, I'll share our family’s journey of applying for the Portugal D7 visa from Canada, including the challenges we faced, the documents we needed to prepare, and the tips we learned along the way.
What is a D7 visa?
The D7 visa is a long-term residency visa for non-EU citizens who wish to live and work in Portugal for an extended period. This visa is designed for people who have sufficient income or means to support themselves while living in Portugal without needing to work there. It is also known as the passive income visa or retirement visa, as it's often used by retirees, freelancers, and remote workers who earn income from sources outside of Portugal.
The D7 visa allows its holder to stay in Portugal for up to 2 years, and it can be renewed for up to 3 years. After living in Portugal for five years on a D7 visa, the holder can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. To qualify for a D7 visa, applicants must meet certain financial requirements, and provide proof of sufficient funds or income to support themselves while living in Portugal.
How to get a residence permit visa
The Portugal D7 visa application process can be lengthy and complex, but with the right preparation and documentation, it can be a straightforward process. To obtain the D7 Residence Permit, several requirements must be met and the process occurs in two stages.
Step 1. Apply for a temporary D7 Visa in your home country
Applicants must submit their application to the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their home country and provide all the necessary documentation, including proof of income, health insurance, criminal record, and accommodation.
Step 2. Get a residence permit in Portugal
Once the application is approved, applicants must travel to Portugal to complete the process and obtain their visa. You must attend an appointment with SEF in Portugal, who will then approve your residence permit.
Document list
These requirements can vary from consulate to consulate and can change over time but here is the list of documents that we have enclosed for our D7 applications.
Visa application form (filled and signed)
Passport
2 passport-sized photos
NIF number
Portuguese bank account
Proof of means of sustenance
Proof of accommodation in Portugal*
RCMP criminal record
Marriage certificate
International medical travel insurance
Motivational statement
Flight itinerary
Proof of legal status (Permanent Residence card)
*When we were applying in 2021 for a D7 visa, an Airbnb reservation was enough as proof of accommodation. Now you need to enclose a 1-year rental agreement in Portugal.
Financial requirements for a D7 visa
To meet the financial requirements for a D7 visa in Portugal, you must demonstrate having an income exceeding the minimum wage in Portugal, which is approximately €760 per month in 2023. However, it is advisable to show more than the minimum, as living expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, can be quite high in Portugal.
It's important to note that the financial requirements are subject to change, and it's best to consult with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information.
What kind of passive income sources are eligible for the Portugal D7 visa?
Passive income sources that are eligible for the Portugal D7 visa include rental income, dividends, interest income, and capital gains. It is important to note that the income must be generated outside of Portugal and must be regular and stable.
Application process
The D7 application process involves several steps, which are as follows:
Collect all the required documents. If you need to provide proof of accommodation in Portugal, you may need to visit Portugal to rent or buy a property.
Submit all of your documents to the consulate in your country of residence.
Wait for a decision, which typically takes up to 90 days.
Once approved, travel to Portugal on your D7 visa and attend an interview with SEF. During this interview, your visa will be converted into a residence permit.
While we were in Montreal applying for a D7 visa, we were pleasantly surprised by how quickly the processing times were. In fact, it only took us 30 days from start to finish to receive our residence visas. We were even given SEF appointments at the consulate and had the links for these appointments stamped in our passports.
SEF appointment in Lisbon
For your SEF appointment, you need to bring the following documents:
2 recent colour photographs with a blank background
Valid passport or travel document
Valid residence visa
Proof of sufficient financial means
Evidence of accommodation
Consent for SEF to check Portuguese criminal record (except for applicants under 16 years old)
Health insurance or proof of coverage (SNS)
Proof of registration with Tax Authority (NIF)
Proof of registration with Social Security (Segurança Social) - if applicable
Document proving family relationship - if applicable
Once your residence permit is approved, SEF will mail the card to you. Our experience was that it took 3 and 7 days for us to receive ours. However, due to the number of applications, it may now take up to around 3 months to receive your card.
Lawyers vs DIY
Following some research and discussions with lawyers, I made the decision to handle our visa application myself, given that the process was relatively straightforward in our particular situation as a married couple with a passive income. Along the way, I made sure to compare prices and found that we had saved more than 7,000€ by not enlisting the services of a lawyer to prepare our documents. However, it's worth noting that this approach may not be suitable for everyone. Before making a decision, it's a good idea to first seek a consultation, evaluate your chances, and then decide which path to take.
Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history, and the D7 visa allows for a comfortable and affordable lifestyle. If you are considering the Portugal D7 visa, I encourage you to do your research and seek professional guidance to ensure a successful application process.
