On the contrary to some stories of British citizens being obstructed from travelling back to their second homes, Portugal stays fully opened to its bestest clients of the last 30 years. The Algarve is still offering residencies to those seeking to live outside UK – even when they want to bring their extended family with them.
The D7 visa has been running for many years before the EU accession. But thanks to a shortsighted press focus on Portugal’s Golden Visa Programme, many have never taken notice of it. Besides, with the Golden Visa Programme been trimmed to only areas of the mainland after June 2021, Brits have been terrified if Golden Visas are the last hope for their long-term holidays in the Algarve.
There is a great deal of disarray about how Brits can take up residency in Portugal. Many people have no knowledge at all about the D7. It’s as if it was forgotten that there were times when Brits had to be more creative in order to live in Europe. The demand from British citizens who still want to live in the EU has been countless since towards the end of 2020. That’s why since January most English real estate agents are busier than ever with UK buyers.
It’s of essence to know that the Golden Visa scheme (which requires applicants to spend at least €500,000 or €350,000 on a property) is hardly the solution for Brits to live in the Algarve. In most cases, the D7 visa is all they need. The Golden Visa is of little benefit to anyone who actually wants to live here, particularly if you wish to retire. The scheme is rather oriented towards people who seek to invest in Portugal in oder to be able to access the Schengen Areas freely but to keep their main residence in their own countries.
D7 is tailor-made for all those who want to stay in Portugal. It has the added benefit of including the ability to freely move through Schengen countries, and also to apply for permanent residency at the end of five years. In order to qualify for the D7 visa, all you have to do is prove existence of a passive income. That means, to prove a regular income in your home country. This can be in the form of a pension, rental, dividends or certain types of investment income. The applicant must also have a home in Portugal, either rented with a residential rental contract or owned.
The D7 has already been quite popular with US-Americans and Canadians, however, due to Brexit, it is expected to become the prime choice for British citizens.
The D7 Visa Brief
– Minimum income requirements depending on the number of dependents applicants may want to bring with them
– A principal applicant has to show he/she is in receipt of the current national minimum wage (around €7,620 p.a.-(2020)
– If he/she wants to bring a partner or parents, there has to be proof of a further €3,810 income – and dependent children would require 30% of current minimum wage
– Advice for would-be applicants is to open a bank account in Portugal holding a minimum amount equal to 12 months’ income before starting the application process
The D7 suits both, retirees and entrepreneurs, without demanding a major economic investment. The D7 visa is also totally compliant with Portugal’s NHR tax regime.
Another option would be a working visa, as used by most non-EU nationals who move to Portugal to work.
We feel strongly that there will always be a way for Brits to live in Portugal. How? We are here to help!
