One of the most common paths to relocating to Portugal is through the D7 visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa. This option is especially attractive for those who can prove a stable source of income without relying on employment in Portugal.

A recent example is the case of an applicant who successfully moved using rental income from property abroad.
Here are few important keys to keep in mind:

• The Importance of Property Ownership

At the beginning of the process, our client had a crucial obstacle: the property generating rental income was not formally registered under the his name, but on his fathers. This detail turned out to be critical.

When applying for the D7 visa, it is essential that the property — and the rental income it produces — be legally tied to the applicant. Without this, the consulate may not recognize the income as valid proof of financial stability.

Once the ownership was properly transferred and documented, the applicant could present not only the rental agreements but also supporting tax declarations, which helped demonstrate both the continuity and the transparency of the income source.

• Banking Challenges

Another important step was opening a Portuguese bank account. In this case, the process was handled remotely by us through a pre-opening service, which saved time and avoided the need for immediate travel. Not all Portuguese consulates worldwide strictly require a Portuguese bank account when applying for the D7 visa, but many do. Resolving this issue early ensured that the financial side of the application was solid and left no room for doubt.

• Life After Approval

With the visa granted and residence secured, the applicant can now enjoy the many benefits of living in Portugal:

• The right to reside in a safe and welcoming EU country.
• Access to Portugal’s high-quality healthcare and education systems.
• Visa-free travel across the Schengen area.
• A clear path to permanent residency and eventually citizenship after five years.

Most importantly, the applicant now enjoys a relaxed lifestyle in Portugal, supported by stable rental income and the security of residency status.

• Key TakeawaysFor those considering the D7 visa through rental income:

1. Make sure the property is registered in your name.
2. Provide rental contracts along with tax declarations to prove income transparency and consistency.
3. Resolve banking matters early, ideally with a Portuguese account.
4. Be prepared for consulate-specific requirements, as they may vary

With professional preparation , the D7 visa can be a straightforward and rewarding path to a new life in Portugal.
Check all requirements for obtaining a D7 visa here in this article.