The D7 visa was designed for individuals who can sustain themselves financially without relying on employment in Portugal, including retirees, remote professionals, and those who are financially independent. In 2025, however, rules have tightened.
So, what if your monthly income is low, but you have strong savings? Can that still work?
What the D7 visa requires in 2025?
These are the current expectations for approval:
- Stable passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends, interest, royalties)
- At least the Portuguese minimum wage per month for the main applicant
- Additional 50% for a spouse and 30% per dependent
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Bank statements showing financial stability and sufficient means of support
The key update in 2025 is a stricter assessment of how Consulates evaluateregular income. Relying on savings alone no longer guarantees approval, though having them still strengthens your case and remains relevant in demonstrating overall solvency.
So… can strong savings compensate for low income?
The short answer:sometimes, yes - but not always.
Savings can make your application stronger if:
- Your passive income falls slightly below the minimum monthly requirement
- You have enough funds to cover at least 12–18 months of living expenses in Portugal
- You can clearly prove the origin and legality of your funds
- You maintain a consistent financial history and stable bank balance
- You hold diversified assets or investments that can generate future income
- You demonstrate a long-term financial plan for living in Portugal
- You can show that you will not depend on public assistance or become a financial burden on the State
Savings alone are usually not enough if:
- You have no recurring or passive income at all
- You cannot document where your money came from
- Your funds would only last for a few months of expenses
- You are relying on selling property or other assetsaftermoving to Portugal
- You have limited proof of ongoing financial management or stability
In short, strong savings can support, but not replace, the requirement for regular, sustainable income. Combining both gives your application the best chance of approval.
What changed in 2025 that affects this?
In 2025, Portuguese consulates have become noticeably stricter in how they assess financial eligibility for the D7 visa. Here’s what’s different:
- Income consistency is under closer review- consulates now analyze whether your income is regular and sustainable, often checking monthly or annual patterns rather than one-time deposits.
- Proof of sufficient savings is now standard- applicants are frequently asked to show funds covering at least 12 months (sometimes more) of living expenses in Portugal.
- Treatment of savings vs. income varies by consulate - some offices accept a combination of savings and partial passive income, while others require applicants to meet the full income threshold.
- Active remote workers are redirected- if your income comes mainly from active work (freelance or employment abroad), consulates increasingly recommend the Digital Nomad Visa instead of the D7.
- Reapplications and renewals face tighter scrutiny- authorities are verifying whether applicants have maintained both residence and financial stability since the initial approval.
- More documentation may be requested- consulates now often ask for additional bank statements, proof of tax compliance, or evidence of recurring payments to confirm financial reliability.
What counts as “enough” for savings?
There’s no official minimum amount set by the Portuguese government, but based on recent approvals, savings are generally consideredcrediblewhen they:
- Cover at least 12 to 24 months of living expenses in Portugal
- Are readily available in your bank account (not pledged, not future income)
- Are supported by documentation proving their legal and traceable origin
- Reflect a realistic budget for your lifestyle and location in Portugal
Example:
If the minimum annual income requirement is around €10,640, having €25,000–€30,000 in accessible savings can significantly strengthen your case — especially if you’re single, have modest living costs, and can demonstrate a stable financial history.
Who should consider applying for the D7 Visa?
You might still be a strong candidate for the D7 visa if:
- You have a stable passive income, even if it’s slightly below the official minimum requirement
- You hold substantial savings that can comfortably cover at least 12–24 months of living expenses
- You do not plan to work for a Portuguese employer or rely on local income
- You’re able and willing to provide detailed financial documentation to prove long-term stability
- You can show a clean tax record and transparent source of funds
- You are financially independent and plan to make Portugal your primary residence
Who should reconsider or choose another route?
The D7 visa may not be ideal if:
- You have no recurring or passive income of any kind
- Your savings barely cover a year of expenses or depend on selling assets after arrival
- You intend to work remotely for foreign clients or companies — the Digital Nomad Visa may be a better fit
- You plan to seek local employment in Portugal — a Work Visa would likely be required
- You need fast approval or are unwilling to provide detailed financial evidence
- You have unclear or undocumented income sources, which consulates are now scrutinizing more closely
Final thought
In 2025, the D7 visa remains achievable, even with a modest monthly income, as long as your finances demonstrate stability, legality, and long-term sustainability. Strong savings can make a real difference: they don’t replace income entirely, but they can effectively strengthen and balance your overall financial profile.
The bottom line is simple: prove that you can live in Portugal without relying on the State and that your income and savings together create a stable, self-sufficient lifestyle. If you can show that, the D7 visa is still well within reach.
