Short answer: Portugal’s D7 is a residence visa for people with stable passive income (pension, rent, dividends). You must show qualifying income and housing in Portugal—without golden-visa-scale fund investment. Extensions and citizenship timing usually expect real presence.
Information current as of October 2026.
How much income does D7 require?
Stable passive income at official reference levels (often linked to minimum-wage multiples; exact euro floors follow the latest AIMA guide).
| Item | D7 | Golden visa |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Passive income + living in Portugal | Qualifying funds about EUR 500,000 |
| Investment | Large investment not required | Funds are mainstream |
| Presence | Extensions and citizenship usually look at real residence | Relatively low |
| Fit | Willing to move to Portugal | Mainly hold status, little time in Europe |
Does remote employment count as passive income?
D7 focuses on passive income; active remote employment may fit other visa types better.
Which is easier for citizenship?
Both face legal-residence timing under the new nationality framework; paths with real presence usually evidence days more easily. See Portugal Golden Visa.
Must I buy property?
Not necessarily; a qualifying lease is often accepted.
Global Immigrate field notes
Honestly assess how many days you can spend in Portugal each year. If most time remains in Asia, D7 renewal pressure exceeds the golden visa’s. Filings are handled by Global Immigrate’s in-house team.
Use programme matching or contact advisors to compare D7 and the golden visa.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.