Portugal Retirement Visa: 2026 Requirements & Costs

What is the Portugal Retirement Visa (D7 Visa)?

The Retirement Visa is a residency visa issued by the Portuguese government to non-EU citizens who want to live and retire in Portugal, using passive income to sustain their stay, such as through retirement.

The visa requires proof of income amounting to €920 per month for a single applicant and compliance with the minimum stay rules.

The Portugal D7 Visa is the primary residency option for retirees in Portugal, providing them with a range of benefits, including access to affordable healthcare, a high quality of life, and a route to becoming Portuguese citizens after five years. This visa is aimed at attracting foreign retirees and their families to live in Portugal and contribute to the country’s economy.

Retiring in Portugal as a US Citizen

Retirement in Portugal for US citizens is largely straightforward. The Portugal Retirement Visa for US citizens is a popular option amongst Americans to get Portuguese residency, with Portugal offering a wide range of benefits to cater to retirees.

The Retirement Guide for US Citizens from the Global Intelligence Unit (GIU) shows Portugal to be one of the best countries globally to retire to, ranking in second position.

Key advantages for US nationals include Portugal’s pleasant climate, strong public health system,  affordable private health insurance options, and lower cost of living. Portugal’s also one of the safest countries in the world (7th globally and 5th in Europe, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index) and has progressive legislation, which appeals to US nationals looking to relocate overseas.

Why choose Portugal for retirement? Benefits of the Portugal Retirement Visa

The Portugal D7 Visa offers an array of advantages to non-EU retirees, including:

1. Visa free travel: With the Portugal D7 Visa, you can travel across the Schengen Zone without needing additional visas, making international travel simple.
2. Pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship: After five years of legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese permanent residence and begin the process to gain Portuguese citizenship. The Portuguese passport is one of the strongest in the world, with visa free access to 181 countries.
3. Cost of living: The cost of living in Portugal is quite affordable compared to other Western European countries and the USA. According to Numbeo, Portugal is almost 20 percent cheaper than France and 31 percent cheaper than the USA, with rent, groceries, leisure activities, and restaurant costs all less expensive, although this will be location dependent.
4. Full residency rights: Portugal D7 Visa holders can enjoy the same rights as Portuguese citizens, including access to the Portuguese healthcare system (SNS) and the Portuguese national education service.
5. Family reunification: The D7 Visa allows you to bring family members (spouse or civil partner, children under 18, and dependents) to share the same residency rights and access to services.
6. Healthcare: Portugal’s national health service is excellent, and Portugal D7 Visa holders will have access to the public service, with private options that are world-class and very affordable in comparison to other Western European countries and the USA.
7. Ease of integration: English is widely spoken in Portugal (Portugal ranks in sixth position in the English Proficiency Index, with many expat communities making it easy to integrate into local life.
8. Enjoy leisure activities throughout the year: Due to the excellent climate, it’s very easy to enjoy leisure activities throughout the year, including golf, yoga, tennis, hiking, and water sports.

If you are seeking to relocate to Portugal and seeking expert help, our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, would be more than happy to discuss your specific case and ensure a smooth relocation process.

⚠️ Portuguese Nationality Law Update: October 2025

On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments to the Portuguese Nationality Law. This includes increasing the residency requirements for citizenship from five to ten years - and to seven years for EU citizens and CPLP nationals. This is a significant change that impacts how visa holders and residents can acquire citizenship. 

These changes are not yet law as they need to undergo Presidential review. The President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text can still be amended to reflect any transitional provisions or potential grandfathering rules. Changes are not yet in effect, as the law will only become official once it is promulgated.

Read the latest updates on the Portuguese Nationality Law.

Portugal Retirement Visa Eligibility and Requirements

The Portuguese Retirement Visa requirements are straightforward. If you meet the eligibility criteria and can provide the necessary documentation and proof of passive income, which is foreign-sourced income or retirement income, in your Portuguese bank account, your application will be successful.

What are the general requirements for a D7 Visa?

To qualify for the D7 Visa, you must be a non-EU national with a stable passive income source and the ability to support yourself while living in Portugal. You will need to show proof of sufficient financial means, typically through a Portuguese bank account.

The requirements to retire in Portugal with the D7 Visa and get your initial Portuguese residence permit are:

• Nationality: Be a non-EU/EEA or non-Swiss national
• Financial independence: Demonstrate proof of adequate financial resources to support your stay in Portugal. Income sources include your pension, intellectual property, investments, rental income, dividends, and transferable equity.
• Non-criminal record: You will need to have a clean criminal record

What are the income requirements for the Portugal D7 Visa?

Income requirements for the Portugal retirement visa are shown below.

Passive income requirements

You will need to provide proof of a passive income of at least €920 per month. Alongside passive income requirements, the main applicant is also required to maintain a minimum balance of €11,040 in their bank account in Portugal.

Income requirements for families

This balance increases with additional family members by 50 percent for a spouse or family member over the age of 18 (€5,520 required) and an extra 30 percent for each family member under 18 (€3,312 required).

Minimum Stay Requirements for Portugal D7 Visa

To keep your residency status, you need to reside in Portugal for at least 16 months in the initial two-year period.

What kind of health insurance is needed for a D7 Visa?

Residents who move to Portugal with the D7 retirement visa will be able to access the public health service (SNS) once they have a residence permit. Before this, however, D7 applicants need to have adequate health insurance that covers any medical expenses that may occur while they are in Portugal. Insurance needs to last for at least six months and cover your spouse/partner and children who are traveling with the main applicant.

How to Apply for the Portugal Retirement Visa (D7): Step by Step Guide

It can be daunting to apply for a visa to any country, even more so if there is a language barrier. When you apply for a retirement visa in Portugal, the process will be as follows:

Step 1: Get your NIF and open a bank account

The first step is to get a NIF number (Portuguese tax number), which is necessary to carry out any fiscal activities in Portugal. A lawyer can get this number for you without you having to enter Portugal, such as through working with Global Citizen Solutions, our residency and citizenship partner.

After you have your NIF, you will need to open a bank account in Portugal, which can also be done remotely.

Step 2: Secure accommodation in Portugal

You will need to show proof of accommodation in Portgual, whether this is a rental contract or proof that you own a property in the country.

Step 3: Appointment at Portuguese Consulate in home country

In your home country, you will need to apply online for an appointment at the Portuguese Consulate in your home country.

1. Submit your application: Apply for your temporary D7 Visa in your home country, ensuring you have all the correct documents (see documents below).
2. Pay the application fee: Pay the visa application fee when submitting your application (the amount and payment method will be specified by the Consulate/Embassy).
3. Wait for review: The review process can take a few weeks to several months. The timeline can depend on the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate, which may request additional information.
4. Receive a temporary residence visa: Once approved, you’ll get a 120-day visa to enter Portugal.

D7 Visa documents

While the document list can vary depending on the consulate, in most cases, you will need the following documents:

• D7 Visa application form (you can find it here on the official website)
• A motivation letter (personal story explaining why, how, and when you want to relocate to Portugal)
• Passport (valid for at least six months after the expiry date of the Portugal D7 Visa)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs in color
• Declaration outlining reasons for getting Portuguese residency
• Health insurance policy with appropriate coverage (alternatively, an affidavit that states you will get health insurance within 90 days of arriving in Portugal)
• Criminal record certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal (title deed, rental agreement, etc.)
• Proof of sufficient finances
• Proof of having a reliable net passive income
• Proof you have income or pensions amounting to 12 months (€11,040 for the main applicant, plus 50 percent for your spouse/partner and 30 percent for each dependent child)

Step 4: Applying for a Residence Permit in Portugal

1. Get your AIMA appointment: The D7 Visa includes a date for your AIMA appointment. This in-person appointment should take place within four months of your arrival.
2. Attend AIMA appointment: You will need to attend your AIMA appointment, enrol your biometric data, and present the required documents (see below).
3. Get your residence permit: About three weeks after your appointment, you’ll receive a temporary residence visa (Título de Residência), which is your form of identity in Portugal.

To apply for a residency permit, you’ll need:

• Your passport and the D7 Visa issued by the Portuguese Consulate in your home country
• Proof of sufficient finances to support your stay (the same submitted to the Portuguese Consulate in your home country
• Health insurance policy (if acquired in Portugal)

How much does it cost to apply for a Portugal Passive Income Visa?

When you apply for a Retirement Visa in Portugal, you will need to have the following minimum bank balance and pay the following fees.

• Entry visa application: €80 at the Portuguese Consulate in your home country
• Residence permit fee: Around €170 for submission and receipt from AIMA in Portugal
• AIMA appointment fee: Approximately €156
• Portugal D7 application fee: Approximately €90
• Portugal permit fee: Approximately €160

Important note: Fees are subject to change according to the Portuguese immigration authorities.

How long is the Portugal Retirement Visa valid for?

Your residence permit is initially valid for two years once issued. You can renew your residence permit for a three-year period, which means that the total duration of your residence will be five years. After this, your residence permit can be converted into a permanent residence permit, and you can also apply for Portuguese citizenship and get a Portuguese passport.

Retiring in Portugal with the Portugal Golden Visa

An attractive visa alternative to the D7 Visa is the Portugal Golden Visa program, which allows for Portuguese residency in return for an investment in the country.

Officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), the Portugal Golden Visa has become one of the most popular residency by investment programs of its kind.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

• Short stay requirement: Seven days per year in the first year, then a subsequent 14 days for every two-year period, perfect for those seeking residency but not committed to relocating full-time time
• Visa free access: Access to the Schengen Area’s 29 countries
• Family members can be included: Family members can be included in the application, including spouse and dependents
• Route to Portuguese citizenship: After five years, Golden Visa applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship and permanent residency
• Affordable investment options: Investments begin from €250,000

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Program, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be either a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national
• Have a clean criminal record
• Minimum investment of €250,000, with a range of investment routes to choose from
• Spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of fourteen days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of 2 years)

Golden Visa investment options

Portugal’s Golden Visa Program is a faster and sometimes easier way to retire in Portugal than the D7 Visa. It is, however, more expensive. In order to qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa, you will need to make one of the following investments:

1. Fund subscription: Make a contribution to Portuguese investment funds (such as private equity funds or venture capital funds) worth at least €500,000
2. Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national cultural heritage, with a donation of at least €250,000
3. Scientific research: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000
4. Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
5. Share capital and job creation: Venture capital funds for a commercial company in the national territory or reinforcement of a company’s share capital. This company must have its head office in the national territory. The minimum investment of €500,000 is combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (five of them permanent)

The Golden Visa investment fund route has proved to be particularly popular in recent years, particularly amongst American nationals.

Other visa options

If the Golden Visa or D7 Visa is not for you, then there are plenty of other residency options.

Although not specifically aimed at retirees, if you are working remotely and want to secure a visa in Portugal, you can also consider the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

Other options include:

• The Portugal D2 Visa is perfect for entrepreneurs seeking to relocate.
• The Portugal HQA Visa for highly-qualified individuals working in specific sectors.
• The Portugal D6 Visa is for individuals who already have a family member living in Portugal.
• The Portugal Startup Visa is for people who invest in a startup or who want to build a startup in Portugal.

How to apply for permanent residency in Portugal?

After five years of legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for a Permanent Residency Certificate. You apply to AIMA before your temporary residence permit expires.

The Permanent Residency Certificate is valid for ten years and can then be renewed at an AIMA Store. You can find the complete rundown of the documents that you will need to apply on the AIMA’s official website for applying for permanent residency.

Applications are made in Portuguese and can take several weeks to process. Once your case has been assessed, and if you are successful, you will receive your residence permit through the post.

Comparison of the D7 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa

Whether you choose the D7 Visa or Golden Visa will depend on your personal situation. Below, we provide a clear comparison of the two visa options.

Living in Portugal as a Retiree

Getting a NIF number

If you are moving to Portugal, you will need to have a Portugal NIF number. This is your personal Portuguese tax identification number that you will need to carry out any significant financial transactions in the country.

Issued by the Portuguese tax office (Finanças) or remotely with the help of an attorney, getting your NIF is not difficult. If you are a non-EU national, you will need to enlist the help of a tax representative to get your NIF.

Opening a Portuguese bank account

We recommend having a Portuguese bank account when moving to Portugal, and the process of setting one up is relatively straightforward. There are several banks that now allow you to set up a bank account online, although most typically will favor in-person visits for banking applications. To set up a bank account, you will need to have your Portuguese tax number (NIF).

Healthcare in Portugal

Portugal’s healthcare system, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), provides free healthcare to children under 18 and people over 65 while offering generally free basic health services to citizens and legal residents.

As Portuguese residents, minimal treatment costs are required by the National Health Service, with additional fees for procedures like X-rays and scans. If you are over 65, you are eligible for completely free healthcare. Retirees and pensioners can benefit from the swift response times of the Integrated Medical Emergency System. You will also find many retirement homes that offer assisted living in Portugal.

As we’ve mentioned, health insurance coverage is mandatory for Portuguese visa applications, making Portuguese private health insurance essential. Affordable private insurance allows for quick appointments with English-speaking specialists, enhancing the accessibility and quality of healthcare in Portugal.

Some of the best retirement villages in Portugal can be found in Lisbon, alongside the Algarve.

Retirement homes in Lisbon, Portugal, and in the Algarve usually have large English-speaking communities, making it easy to settle in and make strong connections.

What is the cost of living in Portugal for retirees?

One of the main factors luring so many expats to Portugal is the country’s comparatively low cost of living. Known for being one of the most affordable European countries, Portugal offers reasonably priced living expenses, making it particularly attractive to American and UK expats.

Despite rising costs, Lisbon remains one of the least expensive capitals in the European Union, with lifestyle choices significantly influencing overall expenses. According to Numbeo, the projected monthly costs in Lisbon for a family of four are €2,637 without rent, and the expected monthly costs without rent for a single person is around €736.

Rental and property prices in Lisbon

Although prices in Lisbon have been increasing, compared to many other Western European capitals, such as Paris and London, living in Lisbon is still very affordable. Portugal typically has substantially lower rental and real estate costs than the US. Below, we share a few rental and property price examples in Lisbon according to Numbeo in 2026. Bear in mind that property and rental prices in Lisbon are higher than in other parts of the country.

• A one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city: €1,367
• An apartment with three bedrooms in the heart of the city: €2,559
• A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,023
• A three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,655

When retiring in Portugal, renting can be a good starting point, as this will allow you to explore different parts of the country and eventually buy a property in your preferred location.

According to the real estate databank, Confidencial Imobilário, the average asking price for a property in Lisbon was €6,934 per square meter. However, in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, property prices are more affordable, with the average price starting at €4,935 per square meter. These are average asking prices, so bear in mind that the actual price may be lower.

Goldcrest: Who We Are

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Equipped with local knowledge, exclusive networks, and international experience, we provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property to property acquisition and beyond, we have you covered throughout the process.

As you will need to provide proof of accommodation in Portugal as part of the D7 Visa application, we can assist you with securing your ideal rental property or assist you in discovering your dream home in Portugal.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located throughout Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our clients and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is entirely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide complete market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: Lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.