How to get European Residence Card as a D7 Passive Income or Self-Employment Visa holder in – Portugal

If you hold a valid remote work visa in Portugal like the D7 Passive Income Visa or Self-Employment Visa, you may be eligible to apply for a European Residence Card after living in Portugal for a certain period of time. The Residence Card provides several benefits, including the ability to travel freely within the Schengen area, access to public healthcare, and the possibility of permanent residence and citizenship in Portugal.

To qualify for a European Residence Card in Portugal, you typically need to meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid remote work visa: You must have a valid D7, Self-Employment, or other work visa that allows you to legally live in Portugal. Your visa must remain valid during the Residence Card application process.

• Continuous stay: You need to have continuously lived in Portugal for at least 5 years under your remote work visa before applying for a Residence Card. Short trips outside Portugal are permitted as long as you do not break continuous residence.

• Sufficient income: You must prove that you have a regular and sufficient monthly income to support yourself. The minimum income threshold is currently €645 per month for a single person or €7,620 per month for a family. Your income should come from your legally permitted work like freelancing, eCommerce business, rental properties, etc.

• Accommodation: You need to provide evidence that you have suitable accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental agreement or proof of home ownership.

• Health insurance: You must have health insurance coverage for yourself and any family members living with you in Portugal. Public or private health insurance plans are accepted.

• Language: In some cases, you may need to pass an A2-level Portuguese language test to demonstrate basic fluency. The language requirement depends on your nationality and immigration situation.

• Background check: You will undergo a background check to confirm that you have no serious criminal record that prevents you from staying in Portugal long-term.

Once you meet all the necessary requirements, you can apply for a European Residence Card at the immigration office (SEF) in Portugal. The card is valid for 5 years and renewable. It provides a path to permanent residence and citizenship, allowing you to fully embrace life as a resident of Portugal.