Every week we receive at least one call from clients who are planning to move to Portugal and are considering using the D7 or D2 visa options. These options, unlike the Golden Visa, do not require the purchasing of real estate or a capital investment. They are thought for either persons who already have a passive income or are planning in opening a new company in Portugal.
A lot of foreign clients contact us to contract a health insurance for their residency process in Portugal and have some doubts regarding the long-stay visa programme and the difference between them, specially the D7 and D2.
In this post, we would like to explain the difference between D7 and D2 long-stay visa programmes in Portugal and help you decide which is the most adequate for you.
Probably you are reading this article still back home but you are excited with the possibility of starting a new adventure in Portugal. You are not alone, in the last year several thousands of people put Portugal on their dream list, and are preparing to move to the country, hoping to find a better life surrounded by wonderful nature, historical cities and a lot of culture.
There are several things to consider when moving abroad, housing, choosing the right location, and one of them are certainly the residency programmes. Here at C1 Broker, we are insurance brokers specialists in insuring expats and foreign residents in Portugal and are here to help with your insurance needs: health, car, house, life, pet… and much more.
Every week we attend clients (mostly by video-calls) who, a part of their insurance questions, ask us residency related questions. The Golden Visa, Capital Investment, D7 and D2 are always questions that arise, so we though writing some blog posts about this theme.
The D7 and D2 visas are part of the long-stay visa programme and are issued to enable foreigners to apply for a residence permit in Portugal. Applicants will therefore be expected to spend more time in the country than with the Golden Visa, not leaving for more than 6 consecutives, or 8 interpolate, months of the year.
D7 and D2 visa holders are entitled to family reunification options, as well as the opportunity to enrol in the Non-Habitual Regime (NHR) scheme if eligible. They are also granted visa-free access to the Schengen zone. Yes, this means you can then travel freely trough all Europe and Schengen countries.
D7 Visa – Passive income visa for residents in Portugal
The D7 visa is ideal for those with a stable income from outside of Portugal, be it through remote work, a pension or rental income from a property. It is otherwise known as the ‘passive income visa’ and those with a monthly income above Portuguese minimum wage (EUR 700 a month) are eligible.
D2 – Visas for Entrepreneurs
The D2 visa is more suited to entrepreneurial types who intend on starting a business in Portugal or expanding their current business into the country. No upfront investment is required, but the applicant will be expected to present a business plan and proof of funds above Portuguese minimum wage.
In conclusion, if you are planning to move to Portugal and you are a non-Eu citizen you need to look at the different options of long-stay visas, like D7 or D2.
There’s also the option of the Golden Visa or Capital Gain programmes that we will explain in a next post.
C1 Broker is here to help you with all your insurance needs in Portugal, especially health insurance, house insurance, life, pet or car insurance. We are happy to receive an email or a phone call from you. Contact us today!
