Best Portuguese Travel Blogs
This list of the 10 best Travel blogs when visiting Portugal will provide a wealth of information and ensure that your trip is a truly unforgettable one!
If you are looking to settle down or start a new life in Portugal, then the Portugal D7 Visa is for you. Here we will discuss everything there is to know about Portugal’s D7 visa, its requirements, and the D7 residency permit.
If you are unsure whether Portugal's D7 visa is best suited to your needs you can consult our comprehensive Guide On Portugal's Visas to determine which visa is perfect for you.
Applying for the Portugal D7 Visa is no small feat. The D7 Visa application process can get complicated and tedious. Like all visa applications, the Portugal D7 Visa comes with some uncertainty. "Do I have the correct documents?", "What are the next steps?".
The easiest way to apply for your Portugal D7 Visa is through Atlys. When applying through Atlys, you'll find that Atlys does all the heavy lifting for you. Atlys simplifies the application and guides you through the entire process.
Atlys allows you to apply for your Portugal D7 Visa with confidence. Moreover, you can save over 30 hours when using Atlys. Don't believe me? Try for yourself.
The D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa, was introduced in 2007 by the Portuguese government, allowing non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to apply for temporary residency in Portugal. It is used to obtain a permanent residency permit and eventually citizenship.
The D7 visa allows applicants and their family members legal residence in Portugal. It is intended to attract wealthy foreigners to boost Portugal's economy. The D7 visa is most commonly used to apply for Portugal's Golden Visa Program.
The D7 visa is also sometimes used by freelancers looking to make Portugal their base of operations. However, to accomplish this, you'll need to earn a minimum wage as determined by the Portuguese Government. For more information on how to do this, you can read our post on Getting a Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal.
Anyone can apply for a D7 Visa as long as they meet the minimum passive income requirements. We’ll discuss the minimum income requirements later in this post.
Once you successfully obtained your new Portugal D7 Visa, it will be valid for 2 years. Afterward you'll be able to renew it for an additional 3 years. After 5 years, you have the option to apply for Portugal Residency.
Successful applicants are required to stay in Portugal for a minimum of 183 uninterrupted days per year. You can also opt to stay in Portugal for 8 months with various breaks within the year.
Before reading through our extensive guide, there are a few things you'll need to consider:
When applying for your Portugal D7 Visa, you'll technically be applying for a visa as well as a residence permit. But, don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. In short, you'll first apply for a Portugal Residence Visa (known as the D7 visa). Afterward, you'll need to travel to Portugal and apply for a Residence Permit at The Immigration And Border Services (SEF). Later in this post, we'll guide you through the application process step-by-step.
The cost regarding legal fees is relatively low. You can expect to pay the following amount at the Portuguese Embassy:
The majority of costs will be for flight tickets, relocation, health insurance, accommodation, and so on. Also, keep in mind that the above-mentioned amounts are subject to change at any time.
Quick note: As instructed by Portugal's official government website, these fees are payable via cash, certified check or money order to the Consulate of Portugal.
Once your application is successful, your D7 visa is valid for 4 months. However, note that you need to apply for your D7 temporary residency permit (in Portugal) within these 4 months.
The earliest you can apply for a D7 visa is 3 months before your planned departure to Portugal. Remember, the FBI background checks required for the D7 visa are only valid for 6 months. We recommend applying as early as possible as this will leave you enough time to gather all the required visa documents and get familiar with the application process.
Because the Portugal D7 Visa is a 2-part visa application, you'll be spending some time obtaining your residency in Portugal. You'll first need to apply for your Portugal Residence Visa within your home country. The processing time for the Portugal Residence Visa is generally around 60 days depending on your application. This does not include the time it takes to gather all the required documents or correct any mistakes you may have made during the application process (incorrect information on the visa application form or missing documents).
Once you arrive in Portugal, you'll need to schedule an appointment at SEF for your temporary residency permit. Depending on the SEF office location, you may have to wait up to 120 days to get an appointment. You can find the general time frame for the Portugal D7 Visa here.
The national minimum wage of Portugal determines the minimum financial requirements for your D7 Visa applications. As of January 2022, the Council of Ministers approved an increase of the minimum wage from €665 to €705. Therefore, you'll need to have a minimum of €705 per month for 12 months - the minimum means of substance for your D7 Visa equal €8 460 per year.
No. You'll need to apply for your Residence Visa (the D7 Visa) within your home country. After receiving your D7 Visa, you need to travel to Portugal to apply for your Temporary Residence Permit.
You must be physically present in the US when applying for any visa categories or residency visa for Portugal through the VFS Portugal Visa Application Center in the United States.
However, you can visit Portugal to get the necessary documents. An example would be obtaining a NIF number, opening a Portuguese bank account, and signing a lease.
Although the D7 visa is known as a Retirement Visa, anyone can apply for it. As long as you are above the age of 18, eligible, and meet the visa requirements, the program is open to you no matter your country of origin.
If you want to use Portugal's D7 visa specifically to retire, we suggest you take a look at our dedicated Portugal Retirement Visa Guide.
You enjoy visa-free travel to any one of the Schengen Countries. Ultimately, you enjoy the same travel benefits as Portuguese citizens.
Thanks to the fast and easy application process, you can obtain Portuguese residency for your family in as little as 4 - 5 months.
Gain access to the National Health Service Care
Gain access to protection from the Portuguese Law and Legal System
Enjoy a preferential tax rate with the Portuguese Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) Program.
Conduct any professional activity as an independent professional
Conduct any professional activity as an independent professional
Gain access to the National Education Service, schools, and vocational training in Portugal
Apply for citizenship after 5 years.
If you have a residency for 1 year your newborn babies can become Portuguese citizens.
You will need to acquire a Portuguese tax number. It can be done remotely by a power of attorney without you entering Portugal. Without a Portuguese tax number, you can't carry out any fiscal activities in the country. The easiest & cheapest method is using Bordr.
Once you have a NIF, you can open a Portuguese bank account remotely. Single applicants must ensure they have a minimum of €7 000 deposited in their bank account. Married couples are required to have a minimum amount of €10 500+ deposited into their bank account. To open a bank account, I recommend using Bordr.
To obtain a Portuguese residency visa, you will need to prove that you are financially stable and can provide for yourself (and your spouse if relevant) while staying in Portugal. The Portuguese immigration authorities will request that you provide all relevant documents (recurring income, or significant savings, or a combination of the two) as proof.
More on income requirements later in this post.
You are required to secure adequate accommodation before you travel to Portugal. Although you do not need to buy property, you need to have a long-term rental lease (minimum 12 months).
The primary applicant, including any dependents, must have comprehensive EU-wide health insurance. Take note that the medical cover must be paid for in advance (12 months). Each applicant must have a minimum medical insurance worth €30 000. The best way to buy the right insurance is through Atlys.
Without a clean criminal record, your application will be unsuccessful. Ensure that you obtain your criminal record in time before you start the application process. Later in this post, I'll discuss how you can get your FBI Criminal Record Certificate. If you'd like to request your FBI Check online, do so on Atlys.
When staying in Portugal, you'll need to meet the minimum stay requirements to keep your residency status.
For your D7 Visa application to be successful, you need to provide proof of your financial stability. Your passive income must be able to support you fully, without you relying on your salary income. Although there is no minimum requirement for your net worth, Portuguese immigrant authorities may ask that you submit proof of your additional savings.
Passive income that is considered eligible includes:
Pension
Real estate
Transferable equity
Royalties
Intellectual property
Earnings from long term, fixed-rate financial investment
Dividends are accepted, provided that you do not work for the company
Interest from adequate savings
For your application to be approved, you need to satisfy the minimum passive income requirements. We recommend treating this as an absolute minimum requirement. If you're uncertain, download Atlys for free to determine if you meet this requirement.
Single applicants need to generate and provide proof of a passive derived income of at least €705 per month or €8 460 per year.
When applying for the D7 Visa as a married couple, the minimum passive income required for an dependant adult is 50%. An additional €352,5 per month is required for the dependant adult. This equals a total of €4 230 per year for your spouse. So, for yourself and your spouse (or dependant adult), you'll need a total of €12 690 per year.
The minimum passive income required for children under 18 equals €211,5 per month or a yearly amount of €2 538. This amount is equivalent to around 30% of the primary applicant's total required passive income.
Applicants who have financially dependent parents can apply for their parent's dependency residency status. Applicants must house and support them fully (meaning you or your spouse's parents have to live with you). You can only apply after you have moved and settled.
For your Portugal D7 Visa, you'll need to submit the following documents (which will be explained in detail):
Scan documents
Fill in information
Get your visa!
Furthermore, there are a few additional things you need to know about the required documents, which can be found at the end of this section.
Quick note: It's important that you make copies of all the required documents. Also, some of these documents will be required once you arrive in Portugal. Therefore, ensure that all your documents are translated to Portuguese. Later in this post, I'll discuss the application process once you arrive in Portugal.
When you apply for the Portugal D7 Visa, you'll need to complete the National Visa application form. We recommend doing it on Atlys to ensure you're using the latest form. While filling in your application form, ensure that the information you provide is correct. If not, your application might be rejected. Also, if you decide to complete the form online, ensure that you download and print the form. It goes without saying that you need to submit your application form alongside your other required documents.
A quick tip would be to double-check all the information you provide with the relevant documents you need to collect. For example, your personal information must be the same as the information on your passport, or use Atlys to have this automatically checked for you.
"Do I need to submit my application form in Portuguese?"
You'll often find that some requirements state you need to complete the application form in Portuguese. However, all Portuguese Embassies, Consulates, and VFS Global Centres in the US accept applications completed in English.
You must present a valid passport or government-issued travel document). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the D7 Visa you're applying for. It's recommended that your passport be valid for at least 2 years when you apply for your D7 Visa. This will leave you enough time to get your D7 Visa, enjoy your stay in Portugal, and renew your passport if necessary. Remember, you'll need to present copies of your main passport page and get it notarized.
"Do I need to leave my passport with the Embassy?"
No. It's possible to withhold your passport when applying for your Portugal D7 Visa. In fact, most Embassies/Application Centres ask that you only submit your original passport at a later stage in the application process. With that said, be sure you submit notarized copies of your passport (you can read more about this in the FAQ section).
Once your application is successful, you'll need to submit your passport so Embassy/Consulate authorities can attach your visa sticker.
Ensure that your passport photos meet the following requirements. You can get the correct photos for free on Atlys - simply take a photo, have Atlys resize it for you and pick it up at a Walgreens near you for free!
Meeting the minimum passive income requirements is mandatory. However, it can be a bit confusing if you're unfamiliar with the process. Next, I'll briefly explain what you can expect when submitting your proof of income.
“Sufficient” means that you have funds—not necessarily income, but access to assets—equal to the annual minimum wage in Portugal. To qualify for the Portugal D7 Visa, you'll need to meet the following minimum income requirements:
Let's talk about what you can submit.
It's important to understand that there are other ways to prove you have the funds to support yourself during your stay. Proof of income is not the only way to provide financial sufficiency. You can submit a combination of the following:
Take note that you need to present original copies of the documents you decide to submit. Also, a summary page showing your balance will suffice. You don't need to include pages showing each transaction in your bank accounts or the ‘small print’ on investment statements.
In the end, having a combination of income sources will ultimately be beneficial towards your Portugal D7 Visa application.
"What if I can't prove financial sufficiency?"
You'll need a "financial guarantor" based in Portugal if you can't show proof of sufficient financial means. A financial guarantor assumes the responsibility of supporting you financially during your stay in Portugal. This person can be your lawyer, a person with power of attorney, a landlord, a dean of admissions, and so on. Be mindful that your guarantor must be an EU national or hold a permanent residence permit in Portugal.
If you have a guarantor, he/she must write an official letter stating that he/she will provide your accommodation as well as financial support for your duration of stay. In addition, your guarantor must finance your return transit to the US.
Finally. Even though there is a minimum requirement, our experts recommend you present more. If in doubt, use Atlys which will pull your statements and ensure that you meet requirements. Unfortunately, there is no set amount recommended by authorities, however, you can use the following as a guideline:
When applying for a Portugal D7 Visa, you're applying for a temporary residency permit. Meaning, you'll need to prove to authorities where you'll be staying in Portugal. The best option is to present a rental agreement or proof that you've purchased a property in Portugal. If you plan to live with a family member, you'll need to submit an official invitation letter from the host. The host must attach a copy of their ID to the form, sign it, and get it notarized in Portugal.
Keep in mind that you need to submit a rental agreement that covers 12 months.
You always have the option to travel to Portugal before applying for your D7 Visa. This allows you to find adequate accommodation before starting your application. If you're a US citizen, you can travel to Portugal without applying for a Tourist Visa. However, if you don't enjoy visa-free travel, you need to apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa to enter Portugal.
Quick note: In the past, short-term accommodation (like hotel reservations and Airbnb bookings) used to be accepted as proof of accommodation. However, in recent years, Portuguese Embassies and Consulates only accept long-term accommodation (12 months). Therefore, I highly recommend finding suitable long-term accommodation before starting your D7 Visa application process. If you're unable to find suitable accommodation, you'll need to write a letter to embassy authorities explaining your situation.
If you're not a US Citizen, you'll need to provide a copy of a valid document that proves you have legal residency in the US. This is usually your US Green Card. If you have any other relevant document that proves your legal residency in the US, you may submit that.
For your FBI Criminal Record Certificate, there are 4 ways you can get one. For your convenience, I'll walk you through all the options:
Option 1 - Get It On Atlys. This is the easiest and cheapest option.
Option 2 - Get It Electronically
In the case where you decide not to submit your fingerprints electronically, you can mail your completed fingerprint card. You can find the address within the confirmation email you received. You'll also need to mail the confirmation email you received during your electronic request. Only once all your information has been received by authorities will your electronic request be processed.
Option 3 - Get It Via Mail
1: Make a credit card payment using the credit card payment form. Note that you'll submit the form with your other documents that will be mailed to the appropriate address.
2: Prepare a money order or certified check of $18 payable to the US Treasury. Double-check that you've signed where you're supposed to.
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306
Option 3 - Get Your FBI Criminal Record Using An FBI Approved Channeler
An FBI Approved Channeler is a third-party option you can use to get your FBI Criminal Record. The service provided by these private businesses is similar to the FBI submission procedures.
Once you're in Portugal (after a successful application), SEF will check your criminal background. You can sign and present the form provided in the link.
You'll need to present a valid travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage. Your medical insurance must be valid in Portugal. We recommend your insurance provide minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid for your entire stay. Furthermore, it must cover all medical costs that may occur during your stay, such as - repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment, or death.
Once you have received your residency in Portugal, you can choose to get one of the many private medical insurances provided in Portugal.
Should you decide to mail your Portugal D7 Visa application, you'll need to write a money order made out to the Embassy, Consulate, or Application Center you're applying at. This is broken down into 2 parts:
You'll need to submit a letter that specifies the reason for your application. In addition, it must include all your relevant details, the date, and your signature. Your cover letter should include the following:
You can use Atlys to get a cover letter generated for you! Else, take a look at these guidelines and a sample letter to ensure you write the perfect cover letter for your National Type D7 Visa!
The Portuguese National Type D7 Cover Letter features all the important information that you want to communicate to the Portuguese Embassy or consulate. It should list and explain every document that you’re submitting.
Each applicant needs to include their own personal cover letter. The cover letter can be as brief as one paragraph, or as long as two pages. There is no preferred letter length. The cover letter must be signed and dated by the applicant. When applying as a family, each and every family member must have their own personalized cover letter, which has been signed and dated by them.
This is extremely important. When the embassy or consulate reviews applications, the first thing they do is to check the cover letter. The consulate would like to know and understand the intentions of the applicant wanting to relocate to Portugal.
What should be included in the statement?
Here follows a sample you can use to make sure your Portuguese D7 Visa Cover letter is correct:
Portuguese Consulate/Embassy
Address (Depending on the jurisdiction)
Subject: D7 Visa Application- Fixed Residency for Retirement Purposes.
Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is xxx. I am a retired professor at UC Berkeley. I would love to retire in Portugal because of the quality lifestyle and the amazing culture. I have friends who are retired in Portugal, and I would like to reunite with them. Portugal always held a place in my heart. Ten years ago I visited Portugal for tourism purposes for the first time and completely fell in love with the people, food, and vibrant culture. Ever since I’ve wanted to make Portugal part of my life.
I will live in a rented accommodation that I have leased for a 12 months period at Rua Sao, 21 r/c Lisbon Portugal. In the future, I am planning to purchase an apartment for the longer term.
I have several bank accounts and investments in the United States that will support my expenses in Portugal. I have also opened a Portuguese bank account and deposited € XXXX,XX.
For your reference:
Please find the following documents to support my visa application:
1 Visa application form, dated and signed with attached passport-size pictures;
2 Passport;
3 Travel Insurance
4 Accommodation for my stay in Portugal: 12 months lease.
5 Income tax return, payslips, and savings account as proof of income.
6 Bank statements and health insurance coverage to cover any medical expenses in Portugal.
I trust that you will find everything in order. For any questions or clarifications, please contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
(Personal Signature)
Name
Address:
Email: xxx@xxxx.com
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
The documents mentioned above are the primary documents you'll need to provide during your D7 Visa application. However, in rare cases, you might be asked to present a few additional documents. These requests can include:
Additional documents you'll need to submit if you're traveling with your spouse and children.
The application for your D7 Visa includes a 2 part process. First, you'll be applying for your Portuguese Residence Visa (known as the D7 Visa) within the US or your home country. Once your Residence Visa application is successful, you'll receive a stamp within your passport that will be valid for 120 days from the date of issue. With this stamp, you're allowed to travel to Portugal and the Schengen Area. Keep in mind that your first port of entry must be Portugal.
With your Residence Visa, you can start the second step. Next, you're required to schedule an appointment at SEF for your Temporary Residency Permit. Your Temporary Residence Permit is what allows you to stay in Portugal. It will be valid for 2 years. After 2 years, you may renew your residence permit for another 3 years.
Now that you know about the 2 step process, I'll walk you through it step-by-step.
A quick note for US citizens living in Massachusetts: When applying for your Portugal D7 Visa, you'll need to apply directly with the Consulate in Boston. This is also true if you plan to apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa.
Gathering all your documents and meeting all the visa requirements may take some time. So I recommend you start with this first. Creating a checklist with all the requirements, like getting a NIF number and opening a Portuguese bank account, can really help you keep track of things. Be patient and ensure you gather all the correct documents. Applying for the Portugal D7 Visa does take time, and you don't want to make any mistakes that can delay the process.
I'll include a checklist that is provided by Atlys when you apply using Atlys:
As soon as you've collected all the required documents, you can fill out your Portugal D7 Visa application form. Double-check the information you provide to ensure everything is correct and accurate.
Now that you've collected your documents and filled out your application, you can head over to your local Portuguese Embassy/Consulate to submit your visa application.
You'll also need to make the required payment for your visa application. You can expect to pay around €75 for your Temporary Visa (D7) application and €90 for your Residence Permit. Keep in mind that these amounts are subject to change. The D7 Visa fee payment should be with a cashier's check or money order made to the "Embassy of Portugal."
While submitting your documents, Embassy officials may request that you leave your passport with them. The reason for this is that they can attach your new visa to your passport (if your application is successful).
If your visa application is successful, the respective Portuguese Embassy will inform you via email or mail. This can take anywhere between 60 - 90 days. Once your feedback is favorable, the Embassy will attach your new Temporary Residency Visa to your passport. After you receive feedback, you can collect your passport between Monday and Friday at the Embassy. When you collect your passport, remember to bring along your receipt and a copy of your ID.
Quick tip: Always check that the details on your new visa are correct. If it's incorrect, you may not be allowed to pass border control and will most likely be sent back to your home country.
You're officially done with the first step. Once you receive your new visa, you're allowed to travel to Portugal for 4 months (120 days). You'll need to travel to Portugal and schedule an appointment at Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteir (SEF) during this time.
Usually, if you've indicated your intended travel date, the Embassy will schedule an appointment at SEF for you. This can be found on your new passport under "appointment". Your SEF appointment will appear as a URL. You can enter this URL within your browser to find the details of your appointment.
If you don't have a scheduled appointment, you'll need to schedule one using the SEF portal. Again, it's important to schedule your appointment at the SEF bureau closest to your residence. Here, you'll find the different SEF bureaus where you can schedule your appointment.
In some cases, when you schedule your own SEF appointment, you'll only find an appointment that is scheduled well past the expiry date of your D7 Visa. Don't worry! You'll still be able to attend your SEF appointment and get your Residence Permit. While scheduling your appointment, always request a confirmation email from SEF. The confirmation email will effectively extend your D7 visa. I recommend printing this email and keeping it with your passport. With this printed email, you'll be allowed to travel to Portugal even if your visa has expired.
Your SEF appointment will take around 20 minutes to complete. As a rule of thumb, be overly prepared for your appointment. Bring along all the required documents and copies of them (translated in Portuguese). Applying for your residency in Portugal is no easy feat. So rather be safe than sorry.
You'll already have gathered most of the documents during the first step of your application.
During you're appointment, you'll need to present the following documents:
The Application Form: This is not the visa application form. This is an entirely different form that you need to fill out and sign. The form is in Portuguese. So if you have trouble filling it out, you can ask someone to help you translate it, ask a local to help you or ask authorities to help you fill it in.
2 Recent Photographs: The photos you present must be in color, recent, have a blank background, and be easily identifiable. Most SEF bureaus have photo facilities available you can use. However, to be safe, it's recommended that you bring your own photos.
Your Passport: This is self-explanatory. Bring along your valid passport and copies thereof.
Your Valid Residency Visa: Your Residency Visa is the visa that was attached to your passport.
Proof Of Sufficient Funds: This will be the same amount as the amount stated in the required documents. For the lead applicant, you'll need to present a minimum amount of €7,980 per year. For dependant applicants (like a spouse), you'll need to present a minimum amount of €3,990 per year (each). For any dependant children you might have, you'll need to present a minimum of €2,394 a year per child. It's recommended that you show more than the required amount. The documents you can provide include your most recent bank statements. It will also benefit you if these amounts are shown in your Portuguese bank account.
Proof Of Accommodation: You'll need to submit a document that indicates where you'll be staying in Portugal. The best option is to present a rental agreement or proof that you've purchased a property in Portugal. If you plan to live with a family member, you'll need to submit an official invitation letter from the host. The host must attach a copy of their ID to the form, sign it, and get it notarized in Portugal.
Permission To Check Your Criminal Record: Portuguese authorities will want to check that you have a clean criminal record from the date you've arrived in Portugal. Therefore, you'll need to fill in and sign the appropriate application, which permits Portuguese Police to check your record.
A Document Proving Your Tax Situation: This does not refer to your tax situation in your home country. This is your Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) taht proves you’re registered with Finanças.
A Social Security Document: If you don't work and don't plan to work in Portugal, you won't be registered with social security, and you won't need to submit this document.
Supporting Document That Proves You Have Medical Insurance: If you have private medical insurance (this is mostly the case), you'll need to present a document that indicates you have valid medical insurance. The document is commonly a single page that includes your name, dates the policy is effective, what it covers, the amount it covers, and proof that you have paid.
Congratulations! You have now completed the entire application process for your new Portuguese Residence Permit. At first, the process is a bit difficult and can be tiresome at times. However, it is all worth it. Your Residence Permit will be sent to your home address or to the local post office. You can expect to wait around 2 weeks to receive it.
We highly recommend that you find a specialist to help you acquire all the documents necessary. It will speed up the process as the specialist will know what is required and can take up to a month.
The Visa application can take up to 60 days. It might take longer depending on if you have submitted the correct documents, if not, you will need to appear in person to correct any mistakes, hand in missing documents, or clarify any issues which can cause delays in your visa approval.
Once you arrive in Portugal, you need to apply to SEF and start the residency permit process.
The time it takes to make an appointment can vary due to the demand in certain locations. It may take up to 120 days for high-demand locations (for example, Lisbon) whereas other locations that are less popular, can take up to 15 days to schedule an appointment (the countryside).
Once you've successfully obtained your Portugal Residence Permit, you're entitled to reunite with your family in Portugal. This means that your spouse, children, or any other dependants have the right to join you in Portugal.
The visa your family requires is the Portugal Family Reunification Visa. This allows your family entry into Portugal. However, the application process for the Family Reunification Visa does take some time to complete. The average processing time is around 60 days. Furthermore, your family cannot enter Portugal without a Family Reunification Visa.
There is another way:
Your family members can apply for their own Portugal D7 Visa. The application is exactly the same as that of the main applicant. Ensure that you obtain all the required documents and follow the aforementioned how-to steps.
For Minors
If you plan to apply for your children, you need to fill out the D7 Visa application form and sign it on their behalf. Furthermore, you'll need to collect and submit all the D7 Visa required documents.
Additional documents you need to submit for minors include:
You can make copies of all your documents, notarize them, and simply attach them to the minor's application form. After collecting all the required documents, fill in the application form and sign it on your child's behalf.
Remember:
Each family member will need their own visa appointment. So, if you're applying for 2 children, you need 3 visa appointments. 1 for yourself, and 1 for each individual child.
A D7 visa is a temporary residency permit that is used to obtain a D7 residence permit.
Unfortunately, you need to be in your home country to start the Portugal D7 Visa. You won't be able to apply from abroad. However, you can start gathering documents and researching the visa while abroad. Doing this will enable you to confidently apply for your Portugal D7 Visa as soon as you are back in your home country.
For example, if you have a legal status in Australia, you can submit your application in Australia. However, if you are only visiting Australia, then you need to submit your application in the United States in person.
If you apply in the US, things can get a bit tricky. The best option would be to apply at your nearest VFS centre. If you plan to apply at a Portuguese Embassy, it's highly recommended that you call the Embassy before mailing your documents.
Yes, you can use your savings for your Portugal D7 Visa. You can use a combination of savings, income, and investments. Keep in mind that it would be beneficial to your application if you can prove that you have monthly recurring income.
You do not need to buy or own property in Portugal to qualify for the D7 visa. However, during your application process, you will need to provide proof of accommodation. A rental agreement should suffice.
Yes. Your Portuguese bank account must be funded before traveling to your SEF appointment. The exact amount has not been specified. However, most applicants deposit around $ 10,000.
Keep in mind that even if you meet all the financial requirements, it does not automatically mean you're visa application will be successful. Embassy authorities have the final decision in your application.
Yes. Once you open your Portuguese bank account, you'll need to make a deposit before your appointment with SEF. There is no specific amount required. However, we recommend that your bank account show a total amount of $8000 - $10 000.
A D7 Visa is a temporary residence permit used to obtain a D7 residency permit. This process can take up to 3 - 4 months. If you fail to submit the correct documents, it might take longer. Also, due to the COVID - 19 lockdown and travel restrictions, you can expect the process to take up to 6 months.
Once your application is successful, your D7 visa is valid for 4 months. Take note that you need to apply for your D7 residency permit within these 4 months.
You can apply for your D7 visa in your home country at the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
For your residency permit, you need to travel to Portugal and apply to SEF and schedule an appointment to start your application. For more information, you can consult our complete guide on how to get permanent residency in Portugal.
Technically yes. Your passport is required for your D7 Visa stamp. However, this can be avoided. Because the Portugal D7 visa takes some time to be processed, you could arrange with the Embassy that you won't send your passport alongside your documents. However, once you receive favorable feedback from the Embassy, you must mail your passport to the Embassy. Also, you need to be in the US when mailing your passport.
Remember:
Submitting your passport alongside your required documents helps speed along the processing time of the Portugal D7 Visa.
Keep in mind that not all Embassies are the same. So, it's recommended that you contact the Embassy where you'll be scheduling your appointment and find out if your passport is required.
In most cases, you won't need to leave your passport at the Embassy.
This will enable you to travel to and from the Schengen Area.
Yes, a D7 visa is the first step that will lead to permanent residency and citizenship. After you have stayed in Portugal for 5 years you can apply for citizenship, provided that you are eligible and meet the requirements.
Yes, provided that they meet all requirements, especially the passive income requirements.
Applicants need to be at least 18 years of age, although this program is popular amongst wealthy retirees.
You are eligible if you:
Are a non-EU citizen
Have a clean criminal record
Meet the passive income requirements
Have proof of accommodation in Portugal
Are willing to spend at least 16 months in Portugal during your first 2 years of relocating
Have sufficient funds to support yourself in Portugal
No. Anyone can apply for the D7 visa as long as they meet the requirements and their source of passive income is stable and expected to stay stable over a long time.
No, the cost of living is relatively low compared to the quality of life in Portugal.
A NIF number is your legal tax number in Portugal. Without a NIF you will not be able to carry out any fiscal activities in Portugal.
NHR stands for Non-Habitual Resident. It is a Portugal tax program that offers foreigners reduced tax rates and in some cases, exemption from tax.
The Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) is a security service within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI). For the purpose of this article, the SEF is responsible for all activities related to migratory movements. If you wish to apply for a Residence visa in Portugal you need to schedule an appointment with SEF.
SEF has a pre-booking system that allows you to schedule appointments either by telephone or online. It is required that you attend your appointment in person. Remember that you are starting a new application for a Residence permit, therefore you will need to have all required documents before your interview.
It is possible to reschedule your appointment, but we advise that you plan ahead of time so that it is not needed.
The biggest difference is the amount of time that you are allowed to stay in Portugal. With a Portugal Schengen Visa it is limited to 90 days. That's why the Schengen visa is easier and cheaper to obtain.
The best time to visit Portugal depends largely on what you'll want to experience while you are there. For more information, you can check out our Best Time To Visit Portugal. For more Portugal travel tips you can also read our guide on The Best Places To Visit While In Portugal
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