Since the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland voted in a referendum to leave the European Union in 2016, Portugal has seen a dramatic rise in applications for the D7 Visa, with young professionals capable of working remotely seeking to remain in Europe longer than the 90 days, short-stay Schengen Visa allows.
Whilst Madeira’s D7 Visa is primarily intended to attract retirees and those living on passive income to reside in Portugal and contribute to the economy, there is no barrier against having professional activity in Portugal or earning a salary abroad. This allows young professionals to take advantage of the D7 and choose Portugal and Madeira as a place to live and work.
The minimum annual income required to be eligible for the D7 Visa is €8,460 – 50% of this amount is then required for a spouse and a further 30% for each dependent child. The relatively low-income requirement allows families to obtain legal residency in Portugal and Madeira, and benefit from all the resident’s rights under Portuguese law.
Portugal's 'Passive Income' Visa
A visa for retirees with an overseas pension, or passive income. Also available to individuals with foreign income who are non-EU/EAA citizens
Path to Portuguese Residency
Valid for 12 months, Madeira’s D7 Visa can be exchanged for a 2-year residency permit, renewed for successive periods of 2 years
Portuguese Citizenship after 5 years
Portuguese Citizenship and Passport after five years for you and your family through naturalisation
Visa-free Schengen Travel
With Portuguese residency, benefit from access to the 26-nation European bloc, EEA, and visa-free travel to 183 nations around the world
The D7 gives you the same rights as other EU citizens, including;
High-Mobility
- Allowing you visa-free entry and circulation through the Schengen Area.
Permanent Residency and Eventual Citizenship
- Once you have the D7 visa you are allowed to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for one year. After that, you can renew for two years successively.
- After five years of legal residency, you may apply for permanent residency. You can also apply to become a Portuguese National through naturalisation. However, to be naturalised in Portugal you’ll have to pass a Portuguese A2 language test.
Resident’s Rights in Portugal
Once you become a resident in Portugal you become entitled to certain benefits offered by the state. These benefits include:
- Access to the National Health Service Care
- Access to the National Education Service and schools in Portugal
- Conducting any professional activity as an independent professional
- Access and protection from the Portuguese Law and Legal System
- Access to Vocational Schooling in Portugal
Benefits of Madeira’s D7 Visa
Access to Portugal's National Health Service, with a very high standard of care and services
Access and protection through the Portuguese Legal System
Access to high-quality schools and higher education in Portugal
Formation of companies and businesses wit tax benefits through Madeira's International Business Center
Access to vocational training courses in Portuguese colleges, universities and apprenticeships
Access to Non-Habitual Residency Scheme, offering income tax benefits over ten years
Family Reunification under the D7 Visa
Once you have obtained your D7 Visa, your family is welcome to join you in Portugal. You must first request a Family Reunification appointment with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). You are legally required to prove your relationship with all the family members who wish to join you under your application. Family members who qualify for family reunification under the D7 visa are as follows:
Who can qualify under Family Reunification
- Your Spouse or Partner
- Children under the age of 18 who are dependent on you or your Spouse/Partner
- Children over the age of 18 who are dependent on your Spouse/Partner, meaning they are single and enrolled in an educational establishment.
- Your parents, or the parents of your Spouse/Partner, provided they are dependent on you.
- Your Minor siblings
What documents are required to apply for a D7 Visa?
To apply for a D7 Visa in Madeira, you are required to provide the following:
- D7 Application Form
- Valid Passport
- 2 Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of your passive income
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal or Madeira in the form of a lease agreement, valid for a period of 12 months or more.
- A criminal background check from your home country of origin, where you have resided for more than one year
- An application for a Criminal Record consultation with SEF
- Travel Insurance and Health Coverage
- 6 months’ worth of bank statements
What is the Validity Period of a D7 Visa?
- Once Granted, your D7 Visa is valid for 120 days
- Once you have the D7 visa you are allowed to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for one year. After that, you can renew for two years successively.
- After five years of legal residency, you may apply for permanent residency.
- You can also apply to become a Portuguese citizen through naturalisation. However, to be naturalised in Portugal you’ll have to pass a Portuguese A2 language test.
Why Madeira?
One of Europe’s most popular Island destinations
Just 900km from Lisbon, Madeira is an island paradise providing a high quality of life, low cost of living, sub-tropical climate and low crime rate. An ideal destination for your family, during your retirement, or to move your company operations.
Tax Incentives for new company formations in Madeira’s IBC
The Madeira International Business Centre (MIBC), or Madeira Free Trade Zone as it is commonly referred to, offers a series of benefits for new companies formed in Madeira, predominantly tax benefits approved by the European Union and guaranteed until at least 2027. Learn more about Madeira’s IBC in our Blog.
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Company Formation
Madeira Company specialises in the incorporation and registration of new businesses and companies in Madeira and Portugal. We have an experienced team ready to assist you with all aspects of company formation. Whether you choose a Public (S.A) or Limited (LDA) company, our team offer thorough guidance and expert support with name registration and approval, certificate of incorporation, fiscal number, and opening a company bank account.
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Our dedicated team offers advice on compliance with local taxation requirements, and assistance in tax refunds and tax litigation. Madeira Company works with you to mitigate your tax risks and improve the efficiency of your local and international operations in Madeira. Our in-house team of experienced tax professionals are ready to assist with Personal Income Tax, Non-Habitual Residency and Fiscal Representation.
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