Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa for Americans
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 8–16 weeks
- Government fee
- about $105
- Start preparing
- about 6 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 7
- Need an apostille
- 1 document
- Need a translation
- 2 documents
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 8–16 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
For retirees and passive-income earners: pensions, dividends or rental income of at least the Portuguese minimum wage — €920/month (€11,040/year) since Jan 2026, +50% for a spouse and +30% per child — plus a savings cushion of about a year of minimum wage. Leads to residency and citizenship eligibility after 5 years.
This page covers Americans. For every nationality we track, see the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa overview.
Requirements for Americans
| Minimum annual income | $12,800/year |
| Minimum savings | $12,800 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 8–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $105. Difficulty: 2/5.
Documents you'll need
- Get a Portuguese NIF (tax number)Obtained via a fiscal representative or online service.
- Open a Portuguese bank account & transfer fundsExpected balance of roughly €10k or more; several banks open accounts remotely with a NIF.
- Proof of passive income (12 months statements)Pensions, dividends or rental income at or above the Portuguese minimum wage.
- FBI background check (apostilled)FBI Identity History Summary with US Department of State apostille, valid about 90 days.
- 12-month accommodation proofA lease or property deed covering the first year.
- Apply at VFS Global (D7) & attend appointmentJurisdiction is set by your US state of residence; travel insurance required.
- AIMA residence appointment in PortugalThe D7 visa is for entry; the residence permit is issued at an AIMA appointment.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The D7 Passive Income Visa takes about 6 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the D7 Passive Income Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa take for Americans?
- Typical processing time is 8–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the D7 Passive Income Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $105. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Americans need a job offer for the D7 Passive Income Visa?
- No. The D7 Passive Income Visa does not require a job offer from a Portugal employer.
- Can I bring my family on the D7 Passive Income Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
- What is the income requirement for the D7 Passive Income Visa for Americans?
- The minimum income is about $12,800 a year, roughly $1,067 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
Other Portugal visas for Americans
Other destinations for Americans
Portugal visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.