VISA CATEGORIES
D7 VISA
The Portugal D7 visa, also known as the Portugal Passive Income visa or Retirement visa, is a route to Portuguese permanent residency aimed at non-EU/EEA citizens who do not need to rely on an active, salaried income.
There are a range of benefits to the D7 visa
- Free, visa-free travel too, much of Europe that all Portuguese permanent residents can take advantage of.
- In addition, the D7 visa allows eligible visa holders to apply for Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport after 5 years, which opens up further visa-free travel opportunities across the globe.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet a range of eligibility criteria, including minimum financial, residency and criminal record requirements in order to be eligible for the D7 visa.
To be eligible for the D7 visa, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be a non EU/EEA national
- Meet the minimum passive income requirements
- Be willing to meet the minimum residency requirement whilst in Portugal
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have a Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) number
- Have a Portuguese bank account
- Be willing to become a tax resident in Portugal
Overview of Income Requirements
The most important aspect of establishing your eligibility for the D7 visa is proving that you meet the passive income requirements. This will serve as proof that you’re able to sustain yourself financially throughout your stay in Portugal independently and without having to rely on a conventional salaried income. Note that as you must be financially stable throughout all of your permanent residency period, it’s advisable to ensure that you exceed the minimum financial requirements. This will also ensure that you increase your chances of being approved for the visa, as SEF may refuse your application if they’re not fully convinced of your financial stability. The following are considered to be eligible forms of passive income for the Portugal D7 visa scheme:
- Pensions
- Real estate
- Transferable equity
- Royalties
- Earnings from long term, fixed-rate financial investment
- Business dividends, as long as you don’t work for the company
- Interest from savings
Minimum Income Requirements
If you’re a single applicant who won’t be bringing any family members with you to Portugal, you will need to demonstrate that you have a passive income of at least €705 per month or €8,460 per annum.
If you’re applying with your spouse or de facto partner, you will need to demonstrate that you have an additional 50% of the original requirement to account for the additional person. This amounts to an extra €352.5 per month or an extra €4,230 per annum. This is a total of €12,690 per annum.
For dependent children, you will need an additional 30% of the original requirement for each child you bring. This equates to €211.5 per month or €2,568 per annum.
You will also have the ability to apply for dependent resident status if you wish to bring any parents who are financially dependent on you to Portugal. Note that you will only be able to do this once you have moved to Portugal and settled there.
It’s essential to ensure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria for the D7 visa when applying, particularly the ones pertaining to income.
Minimum Passive Income Requirements
- Bank statements from the past 3 months, with details such as the name and address of the account owner clearly visible
- Applicants with joint accounts may both use the same account statements, with both applicants each having a statement under your name or both names appearing on the statement
- Traveler's checks
- Proof of cash funds
- Letter of employment demonstrating passive income
- International credit card demonstrating credit limit
- Investment statements
- Proof of income from property, non-property assets or intellectual property
- A company pension certificate, pension check statement or notarised letter confirming a pension from the relevant authorities
- A social security benefits letter
- Tax returns from the previous fiscal year or proof of previous economic activity and income from the previous fiscal year (if self-employed)
You will be required to submit original documents instead of copies for them to be taken as valid proof of your funds.
It may be preferable to present proof of a combination of income sources to bolster the credibility and strength of your D7 visa application.
Minimum Residency Requirements
Whilst in Portugal on your D7 visa, you must stay within Portugal for a certain amount of time in order to maintain your resident status.
For your initial resident permit, you must spend at least 16 months in Portugal per every 2 years. This means that you cannot spend more than 6 months outside of Portugal for every 2 year period.
For each subsequent residency permit, you must spend at least 30 months in Portugal per every 3-year period. Similar to above, this means that you cannot spend more than 6 months outside of Portugal for every 3 year period.
For a permanent residence permit, you must spend at least 30 months in Portugal every 5 years. This means that you cannot spend more than 24 months outside of Portugal for every 5-year period.
TEMPORARY / VISITOR VISA
A temporary visa, also known as a visitor visa or tourist visa, allows individuals to enter and stay in a foreign country for a temporary period for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term educational or cultural activities.
Purpose
The primary purpose of a temporary visa is to permit individuals to visit a foreign country for a temporary period for specific purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term educational or cultural activities. Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for a temporary visa vary depending on the country and its immigration policies. Generally, applicants must demonstrate ties to their home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family relationships, to ensure they have reasons to return home after their temporary stay. They may also need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and return journey.
Restrictions
Temporary visas often come with restrictions on activities such as employment, study, or engaging in business activities. Visitors are usually not allowed to work or engage in any activities that generate income unless specifically authorized by the visa.
Application process
The application process for a temporary visa usually involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents such as proof of sufficient funds, travel itinerary, accommodation arrangements, and a valid passport, and sometimes attending an interview at the consulate or embassy.
Renewal
In some cases, temporary visas can be renewed or extended if the visitor's circumstances warrant it, such as a change in travel plans or unexpected delays.
Exit Requirements
Temporary Visa holders are typically required to leave the country before the visa expires. Failure to do so can result in overstaying, which may lead to penalties or future immigration issues.
Overall, a temporary visa provides individuals with the opportunity to visit a foreign country for a temporary period for a various purposes, enriching their experiences and fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
BUSINESS VISA
A business visa is a type of visa that permits individuals to travel to a foreign country for business-related purposes. It is typically granted to entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and professionals who need to engage in activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities.
Purpose
The primary purpose of a business visa is to facilitate travel for individuals engaging in business-related activities in a foreign country. These activities may include attending meetings, conferences, trade shows, negotiations, or exploring potential business opportunities. Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for a business visa vary depending on the country and its immigration policies. Generally, applicants must demonstrate that their purpose of travel is strictly for business-related activities and that they have ties to their home country.
Duration
The duration of a business visa varies depending on the country and the specific purpose of the visit. It can range from a few days to several months, typically allowing for multiple entries during the validity period.
Activities Permitted
Business visa holders are usually permitted to engage in a range of business-related activities, including attending meetings, conferences, seminars, trade shows, and negotiations.
Application process
The application process for a business visa typically involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents such as an invitation letter from a business partner or host organization, proof of business activities, travel itinerary, accommodation arrangements, and a valid passport.
Restrictions
Business visas often come with restrictions on activities such as employment or long-term business operations within the host country. Visa holders are usually not allowed to work for a local employer or engage in activities that generate income within the host country without proper authorization.
Renewal
Business visas can usually be renewed or extended if the traveler's business activities require a longer stay or if there are unexpected delays or changes in travel plans.
Exit Requirements
Business visa holders are typically required to leave the host country before the visa expires. Failure to do so can result in overstaying, which may lead to penalties or future immigration issues.
Overall, a business visa facilitates international business travel, enabling individuals to pursue business opportunities, foster business relationships, and contribute to economic cooperation and development across borders