South Africans have been drawn to Portugal for a while. Per official statistics, in April 2023, they were in the top 5 foreigners who got residence permits via the so-called "Golden Visa" investment program. However, Portugal officially ends this residence permit program later this year.

Fortunately, South African citizens have a viable alternative: the D7 Visa. While still granting a residence permit in Portugal, the D7 Visa costs less than the Golden one.

Learn how to get a Portugal D7 Visa as a South African and qualify for EU citizenship in 5 years.

What is the Portugal D7 Visa? 

The Portugal D7 Visa allows non-European Union citizens, including South Africans, to come to the country and get a residence permit. The visa is aimed at financially independent applicants with passive foreign income.

After getting a D7 visa, the holder enters Portugal and applies for a residence permit within the next 4 months. The permit allows the new resident to live, work, and study in the country.

Benefits of the Portugal D7 Visa and residence permit for South Africans

Global mobility. With a Portugal D7 Visa, you can freely enter all 27 Schengen countries for 90 days out of 180.

Tax optimisation. In Portugal, residents are taxed on their domestic and worldwide income based on a 14.5—48% range. The similar tax bracket in South Africa starts higher and is 18—45%.

A new resident of Portugal can use a special Non-Habitual Resident tax regime. For 10 years, their Portuguese income will be taxed at a flat 20% rate.

Healthcare. Even with the private insurance required for D7 Visa holders, you can use the local National Health Service. It provides free and low-cost healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital treatment, and emergency and preventive care. Access to medical treatment in other EU countries will also be easier.

Safety. Violent crimes in Portugal have decreased by the end of 2022, while in South Africa, they have unfortunately been on the rise. Portugal residency means life in a more secure environment and access in and out of the country even if the borders are closed.

Education. In addition to free compulsory school education, your children will be eligible for free higher education in various European countries. They don't need citizenship to enrol: a Portugal residence permit is enough.

Prospect of second citizenship. After 5 years of legally residing in Portugal via the D7 Visa, you can get EU citizenship yet keep your South African passport.

You don't have to become a naturalised Portuguese, though. When 5 years pass, you can apply for a life-long permanent residence instead of citizenship. But a Portuguese passport enables the holder to visit 189 countries visa-free, while the South African one allows visa-free access only to 60 states.

Requirements for getting a Portugal D7 Visa

A passive income must be at least €9,120 per year, or approximately ZAR 189,000. If you include any family members in your D7 Visa application, this sum must be increased by:

• 50% for the spouse or a parent;
• 30% for each child.

Eligible types of passive income include dividends, pensions, rent, or royalties. The money must come from outside Portugal.

Accommodation in Portugal. Applicants must rent or purchase a residential property in the country. There are no specific price or property type requirements, but in the case of renting, it is recommended to have a 12-month rental contract at minimum. You can select a property and sign an agreement remotely through a representative.

The minimum rent of a 1-bedroom apartment in Portugal is €590, and the minimum price per square metre is €1,980. Sintra and Braga have the most affordable real estate, while Porto, Cascais, and Lisbon are the most pricey.

A taxpayer number and a bank account in Portugal. The bank is used to prove your financial viability by depositing enough funds to sustain you or your family for a year. The taxpayer number NIF is needed to open the account. Both procedures can be done remotely through a representative as well.

Clean criminal record. Obtain a relevant certificate from South African authorities and any country where you resided for at least one year.

Insurance. Two types are required: travel insurance for your initial trip to Portugal and extended health coverage for your subsequent life there.

Biometrics is submitted along with the application to a Portuguese consulate.

Fees. The essential charges per person include €90 for registration and €154 for a Portugal residence permit card.

Family members you can add to your Portugal D7 Visa application include the following:

• a spouse or a registered partner;
• children under 18;
• children aged 18 to 21 if they depend on you or your spouse and are unmarried;
• parents of yours or your spouse, of any age, financially dependent.

How to apply for a Portugal D7 Visa and get a residence permit as a South African

A more straightforward way to apply for a Portugal D7 Visa is through an investment migration expert. Here is what Immigrant Invest can do for you:

1. Run a preliminary Due Diligence to reduce the risk of visa refusal down to 1%.
2. Assist with filling out forms, getting a taxpayer number, opening a bank account, finding accommodation in Portugal, and submitting required documents to a consulate.
3. Book your appointment at the Immigration and Borders Service in Portugal (SEF), where you will apply for a residence permit after getting the D7 Visa. Our lawyer will accompany you to the appointment.
4. You will receive your Portugal D7 Visa within 60 days after you and an Immigrant Invest lawyer submit the application to SEF. Afterwards, we assist you with applying for residence permit cards for yourself and your family. 

In a nutshell: the Portugal D7 Visa for South Africans

1. South Africans are among the top 5 foreigners obtaining Portugal residence permits through the government investment program.
2. The D7 Visa is a more affordable alternative to the soon-to-be-closed Portugal "Golden Visa" program. Visa holders can move to Portugal with their entire family and become citizens in 5 years.
3. Requirements for the D7 Visa include a minimum yearly income of €9,120 and rented or purchased accommodations in Portugal.
4. You can apply for a Portugal D7 Visa through Immigrant Invest experts. We simplify the process, reducing the risk of refusal and providing assistance with documentation and appointments. Contact Immigrant Invest and let us provide personalised assistance for your Portugal D7 Visa application.