The two routes in brief
D7 and D2 are residence-visa routes for different circumstances. D7 is generally used by people supported by pensions or other stable personal income. D2 is aimed at entrepreneurs and people carrying out independent professional activity.
Both start with a residence-visa application and normally lead to a residence-permit process in Portugal. The correct route depends on the real purpose of the move and the evidence available.
D7: living from your own income
The D7 route is commonly used by retirees and people who can support themselves from stable income. The consular post will assess the source, regularity and amount of the income, together with accommodation and the other application documents.
- Show where the income comes from and that it is available to you.
- Provide accommodation and financial evidence in the form requested by the consular post.
- Do not use the D7 label for remote employment without checking whether another visa route fits better.
D2: business or independent activity
D2 is for people who intend to establish or develop a business in Portugal or work as an independent professional. The application should show a credible activity, the resources available and the applicant's ability to carry out the plan.
- Explain the business or professional activity clearly.
- Provide company, contract, investment or professional evidence as applicable.
- Check any licensing or professional-registration requirements before applying.
Choosing the right route
Choose the route that matches what you will actually do in Portugal. A pension or stable personal income points towards D7; a business or independent professional plan points towards D2.
Income, work, company ownership and family arrangements can overlap, so ask a qualified adviser to confirm the route before preparing the file.
Owning or renting a home supports the accommodation evidence, but property alone does not create visa eligibility.
The application in order
Applications are made through the Portuguese consular post, or its appointed provider, responsible for the applicant's country of legal residence. The exact checklist and booking process can vary by location.
- Confirm the route and obtain the current local checklist.
- Prepare passport, criminal-record, insurance, accommodation, means and route-specific evidence.
- Submit the residence-visa application and wait for a decision before making irreversible plans.
- After arrival, complete the residence-permit process with AIMA.
After the visa
A residence visa is the entry stage, not the final residence card. After arriving, keep the AIMA appointment, maintain the supporting conditions and update tax, social-security and local records as required.
- Track the validity and renewal dates of the permit.
- Check absence limits before spending long periods outside Portugal.
- Deal separately with tax residence, healthcare, driving and family applications.
Questions we hear
Is D7 only for retired people?
No. It can also suit other applicants supported by stable personal income, subject to the evidence and the consular assessment.
Is there a fixed investment amount for D2?
The official route is based on the proposed business or independent activity and the available means. The quality and credibility of the evidence matter, so obtain advice for the specific plan.
Can EU citizens apply for D2 or D7?
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally use free-movement registration rather than these residence visas.
Does the visa automatically make me tax resident?
No. Immigration status and tax residence use different rules. Check both before moving.
General guidance, independent advice.
This guide summarises official information available on the update date. Rules, rates and procedures can change, and personal circumstances matter. Aurea Properties does not provide legal, tax or immigration advice.
Check your position with Allawyers or another suitably qualified adviser before acting.