Portugal Retirement Visa: Your Essential Guide to the Requirements

The Portugal Retirement Visa, also known as the Portugal D7 Visa or Portugal Passive Income Visa, enables retirees to enjoy the benefits of living in Portugal, one of the most beautiful countries in Southern Europe that offers exceptional weather, world-class healthcare, a low cost of living, and more.

Portugal’s Retirement Visa requires proof of stable, regular income, such as a pension, proof of a place to live in Portugal, and compliance with the minimum stay requirements. The threshold is currently set at a minimum of €870 per month.

In this Retirement Visa Portugal guide, we’ll provide you with a complete understanding of the requirements, the application process, costs, and more.

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 sufficient income amounting to €870 per month for a single applicant and compliance with the minimum stay requirements.

The Portugal D7 Visa is the primary residency option for retirees in Portugal, providing retirees 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.

Another attractive visa option is the Portugal Golden Visa, which allows for Portuguese residency in return for an investment in the country.

Retiring in Portugal as a US Citizen

Portugal’s D7 is available to US citizens and is a popular route to Portuguese residency. 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.

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

This includes Portugal’s pleasant climate, strong public health system, and affordable private health insurance options. Portugal’s also one of the safest countries in the world (7th globally and 5th in Europe, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index) and has progressive legislation, which appeals to US nationals looking to relocate overseas.

Retiring in Portugal as a UK Citizen

Following the UK leaving the European Union, the Portugal D7 Visa is one of the best options for UK citizens seeking to relocate to Portugal. The cost of living in Portugal is generally much more affordable than in many UK cities, plus the excellent year-round weather, very good healthcare, and a more relaxed pace of life are key pull factors.

Portugal is also just a short flight away from the UK and shares the same time zone, two further reasons as to why Portugal is one of the favored destinations for UK retirees.

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, the well-known cost of living database, Portugal is almost 20 percent cheaper than France and 33 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 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.

Portuguese Nationality Law Update: June 2025

New changes to Portugal’s Nationality Laws have been proposed, where the residency requirement before applying for nationality may increase from five to ten years (or seven years for CPLP nationals). This is currently a draft proposal and is not yet officially law. Read the latest updates on the Portugeuse Nationality Law.

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.

General requirements

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 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
• Accommodation: You must present proof of a place to stay, either a rental contract, property, or a signed letter from a local resident confirming that you will be staying at their address. 
• Minimum stay requirements: To keep your residency status, you need to reside in Portugal for at least 16 months in the initial two-year period. 

Minimum passive income requirements

You will need to provide proof of a passive income of at least €870 per month. Alongside passive income requirements, the main applicant is also required to maintain a minimum balance of €10,440 in their bank account in Portugal. 

This balance increases with additional family members by 50 percent for a spouse or family member over the age of 18 (€5,220 required) and an extra 30 percent for each family member under 18 (€3,132 required).

Required documents

According to Portuguese law, the following documents are required when applying to retire in Portugal using Portugal’s retirement visa (D7 Visa):

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months)
• Two passport-size photographs of yourself (photographs must be recent and in line with Schengen requirements)
• D7 Visa application form for the Portugal national (residence) visa (the form can be downloaded from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal website)
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance policy
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Clean criminal record
• Any additional documentation as required by the Portuguese Consulate or the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), the body responsible for Portuguese immigration

Guidelines for your Portugal D7 Visa documentation

Any documents that you provide as part of your application must be in either English or Portuguese. If they are not in one of these languages, you will need to have them translated by a certified translator and notarized.

Another important note is that some documents, such as civil documents, may have to be legalized. This must be done either through the Portuguese Embassy or an Apostille Stamp.

Portugal Retirement Visa fees

When you apply for a Retirement Visa in Portugal, you will need to pay fees amounting to €250. You will find the breakdown of this amount below:

• 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

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Portugal Retirement Visa (D7)

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:

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. 
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. 

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 schedule and attend your AIMA appointment and enrol your biometric data. 
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. 

As you can see, the process of applying for your Retirement Visa for Portugal is very straightforward.

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

Another popular option for retirees is the Portugal Golden Visa, 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 relocate full 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 Portuguese Golden Visa Program, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be either 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. You can also retire to Portugal from USA with the Golden Visa.

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. Retirees benefit from the swift response times of the Integrated Medical Emergency System.

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. You will find world-class retirement homes in Lisbon, Portugal, many of which provide assisted living and on-hands healthcare assistance.

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 €2,699 without rent, and the expected monthly costs without rent for a single person is around €750.

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 2025. 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: €1,399
• An apartment with three bedrooms in the heart of the city: €2,652
• A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,087
• A three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,769

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, in 2024, 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.

Best Places to Retire in Portugal

Unsure about the best place to retire in Portugal? Here are the top contenders.

Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the best places to enjoy your retirement in Portugal if you are seeking rich culture, top museums and art galleries, and intricate architecture. It is impossible to get tired of Lisbon, with each neighborhood having its own distinct flair.

Lisbon’s mild Mediterranean climate, proximity to beautiful beaches, and wide range of activities, from water sports to golfing, are key draws, as are the countless restaurants offering both local and international cuisines, alongside fine dining options.

Algarve

Is there any better place to retire to than the Algarve. For beach lovers and those looking to unwind completely to enjoy their retirement, the Algarve is a top option. English is widely spoken, you have arguably best climate in Europe, well developed infrastructure, and world-class healthcare. The delicious cuisine, safety, and strong expat communities add to the region’s appeal.

Porto

Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, is a fantastic place to retire. With a milder climate, picturesque streets, and beautiful Douro River, there is nowhere quite like Porto.

The city offers the perfect blend of old age charm with modern amenities, with the historic center being a well-known UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its historic architecture.

From boutique stores, to the world famous Livraria Lello bookshop – often referred to as the most beautiful bookshop in the world – retirees will be transfixed by the calm ambiance and charm of the city.

Cascais

The quaint seaside town of Cascais, located on the Portuguese Riviera, about 30 minutes from Lisbon, is the perfect option for lifestyle buyers. Retirees will be able to enjoy modern comforts, fresh seafood, gorgeous beaches and spectacular beaches, and all the amenities that they could need on their doorstep.

Madeira

Madeira, with its temperate climate, is perfect for retirees seeking to enjoy sweeping ocean views in an idyllic setting to enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Funchal, the island’s capital, is probably the best place to consider retiring to on the island, where you’ll find a cosmopolitan capital with modern infrastructure, with many outdoor activities to get involved in.

Azores

For nature lovers, the Azores should be firmly on your radar. The Azores remain largely unspoiled, with green rolling hills, dramatic scenery, and a natural hot spring. São Miguel is the largest island, with Ponta Delgada being a good place to consider moving to. However, each of the nine islands in the archipelago offers something slightly different. It would be a smart move to visit the islands to see which island or location is best suited to you. Bear in mind that the Azores are not for everyone, and some may find them to be a bit too remote.

Wrapping Up Retiring in Portugal with the D7 Visa

Portugal is a top country to retire to, with 14,000 Americans currently living in Portugal and over 100,000 pensioners

Portugal’s Retirement Visa is a popular option for retirees looking to relocate to a country with a warm climate, beautiful scenery, low cost of living, and high standard of living. This Portuguese visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, offers a range of benefits, including affordable healthcare and access to a variety of social services.

Portugal also has a friendly and welcoming culture that makes it easy for retirees to integrate into the local community. The visa application process can sometimes be lengthy, depending on how quickly you can gather your documents and get an appointment. However, working with experienced professionals who can guide you to securing residency will make the process simple.

Our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, would be more than happy to discuss the D7 Visa with you and kickstart your application process. Get in touch with them today.

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.