D7, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is mostly for retirees and others who rely on passive income and intend to live in Portugal permanently. On the other hand, the Portugal Golden Visa is an investment-based route, and it is, for many investors, a plan B investment. The Golden Visa applicants can get residence, and still they do not have any obligation to stay in Portugal for more than seven days.

Although both options allow applicants to pursue permanent residency or citizenship in the country, the conditions differ. It depends on the expectations of investors and the requirements of the programs.


D7 Visa vs. Portugal Golden Visa


The stay requirement is an important factor in these visa options. Therefore, there is a big difference between these two programs, the Portugal D7 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa.

When investors plan to apply for a D7 Visa, it is required to spend a considerable amount of time in Portugal. They should stay in the nation for at least six to eight continuous or non-consecutive months every year on average. After all, the D7 Visa is meant for potential investors who plan to turn Portugal their home for life.

When it comes to the criteria for the Portuguese Golden Visa, it offers flexible residency requirements. However, it is still the Portuguese Golden Visa holder’s choice to stay in Portugal for as long as they wish. Even though staying a week on average every year is sufficient to keep their residency status, it is up to them to make the decision.


Investment or Income Requirement

Another significant distinction between the Portugal Golden Visa and D7 is the financial obligation. With the latter, visa applicants are expected to provide documentation of their net passive income when applying for a Portugal D7 Visa. This revenue must be regular. Though it can be derived via intellectual property revenue, dividends, interest, property rentals, or pensions.

If the Portugal D7 Visa applicant decides to bring dependents, they will need to have an additional 50% income for the spouse and 30% for each dependent. However, the numbers are only indicative, and the officers have discretionary rights. Thus, the higher the demonstrated revenue, the better.

On the contrary, the Portugal Golden Visa does not require any monthly income evidence. The Portugal Golden Visa investors only need to make enough investments to qualify, and fund investments start at €500,000.

After they make the investments and acquire the Portugal Golden Visa, the investors will not be required to prove any more income or any other investments. Nonetheless, they are expected to retain the investment for at least five years.


Application Procedure

With the D7 Visa, the application procedure begins in the home country of the applicant. They will be required to submit various application documents along with accommodation evidence.

After getting the initial visa from the embassy, the applicants need go to Portugal to finalize their application of the D7 Visa.

The process is a lot smoother when we are talking about the Portugal Golden Visa. After making the investment, the Portugal Golden Visa applicant is ready to start the process, minus any accommodation requirements.


Portuguese Citizenship through D7 or Golden Visa

The D7 and Portugal Golden Visas are intended for residence. However, after five years, both D7 and Golden Visa holders may qualify for Portuguese citizenship. According to the latest citizenship law change, the applicants’ citizenship process starts from the initial residency application, regardless of approval status or time of the residency.


Portugal D7 vs Golden Visa: Top 3 Main Differences


1. Required Time Spent in Portugal

The stay requirement differs significantly between the D7 and the Golden Visa. How much time the investors want to spend physically in Portugal might be the decisive factor for the applicants.

The Portuguese D7 Visa is valid for two years. During this time, the visa holders are not permitted to leave the country for six consecutive months or eight months overall during a two-year period.

Golden Visa holders must only spend an average of seven days in Portugal each year.

To summarize, the Portugal D7 Visa is appropriate for candidates who are willing to live in Portugal for at least 16 months in Portugal per every 2 year period while being tax residents. Golden Visa holders, on the other hand, only need to remain in Portugal for seven days each year and are exempt from tax residence rules.


2. Income requirements

The two visas also have drastically different income criteria and investment routes.

The Portugal D7 Visa does not require the applicants to invest in Portugal, but they must provide proof of consistent passive income. This consistent passive income can be generated through transportable property, rental revenue, real estate, intellectual property, or financial assets.

The D7 Retirement Visa criteria are as follows:

  • Be a non-EU national.

  • Earn a monthly passive income that should be at least €820.00.

  • Provide documentation of a location to reside in Portugal.

  • Be prepared to spend more than 183 consecutive days every calendar year in Portugal.

However, applications may be declined if they just fulfill the basic requirements. It is safer to establish a passive income that is at least double the minimum required. Their Portuguese Consulate accepts a mix of pay, pension and perks, and assets, including new real estate revenue. To qualify, their passive income must be steady and readily documented in their bank account.

The Portugal Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of €250,000, which is a donation; however, it is considerably more common for people to choose the €500,000 option, which is the fund investment.

Investment alternatives for the Golden Visa include:

Fund subscription

  • Donation, €250,000

  • Job Creation, €500,000

  • Fund investment, €500,000


3. Application Process

The Portugal D7 Visa application process is more complicated than the Golden Visa. Before starting the application procedure at the Portuguese Consulate in their home country, they must first obtain their Portuguese taxpayer number, open a Portuguese bank account, and prepare for lodging in Portugal. Once the visa is issued for four months, the applicant must fly to Portugal to apply for their first residence permit.

Meanwhile, the Portugal Golden Visa application is much more understandable. The applicants are expected to follow the steps below:

  • Choosing the investment type

  • Gathering the necessary documents

  • Getting a tax number and opening a bank account

  • Finalizing investment

  • Submitting pre-application

  • Attending the appointment at AIMA, immigration office in Portugal

  • Getting the Golden Visa


Weighing the Options


Ultimately, the decision between the D7 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa is based on individual investor preferences and circumstances. The D7 Visa is a better alternative for those looking to make Portugal their primary residence supported by passive income.

On the other hand, the Portugal Golden Visa is suitable for investors who value flexibility and prefer a minimum residency requirement. It offers a shorter route to residency and citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the Portuguese economy.


About Get Golden Visa


Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm founded in 2014. They help people get additional residency and citizenship by making a qualifying investment in Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, and the rest of the world. Depending on the program of choice, they offer professional advisory services for property acquisition, fund subscription, or other investment vehicles. Their teams of local experts mark Get Golden Visa apart from its competitors because they offer independent advisory services and accompany investors throughout the whole journey. With local offices in Lisbon, Athens, Istanbul, and London and various international associations, Get Golden Visa offers transparent guidance with a tailor-made and flexible approach.

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