Source: Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa Services (vistos.mne.gov.pt) · General information only. Not immigration advice. Verify requirements before applying.
The Portuguese Parliament approved a change extending naturalisation from 5 to 10 years for non-EU nationals on 1 April 2026. As of April 2026, awaiting Presidential signature — the current 5-year rule still applies but is expected to change. Anyone approaching their 5-year residency milestone must take urgent specialist legal advice immediately.
UK and non-EU nationals with reliable passive income — retirees with UK pension, those with rental income from UK property, dividend income or investment returns. Income must come from outside Portugal. Remote workers earning active income should consider the Digital Nomad Visa instead.
1. Obtain Portuguese NIF (tax number) — do this first, required for bank account and visa. Available at Portuguese Consulate or through a fiscal representative. 2. Open a Portuguese bank account (may require NIF first — some banks accept non-resident applications). 3. Book consulate appointment in London or Manchester — allow 2–4 months lead time. 4. Submit D7 application with full document pack. 5. On approval, enter Portugal within the visa validity period. 6. Apply for 2-year residence permit at AIMA within the visa period.
Valid passport · Completed visa application form · Two passport photos · Travel insurance (min €30,000 coverage for Schengen) · Last 3 months' bank statements · Proof of passive income (pension statements, dividend records, rental income evidence) · Portuguese NIF · Proof of accommodation in Portugal (signed rental contract or property title) · UK criminal record certificate apostilled · Health insurance evidence
The NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) 10% flat rate on pension income ended for new applicants from January 2024. New D7 arrivals pay standard Portuguese PIT rates of 14.5–48%. See the Portugal tax guide →
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