Have you always dreamt of living abroad? While a single parent holiday in Portugal can be an exciting adventure, a permanent stay is a next-level opportunity for anyone who loves exploring unfamiliar places. And it’s not as difficult as you might think: If you have passive income, then the D7 visa Portugal is your chance to live there for up to two years and explore the country like a local. Here is how:
What Is the D7 Visa?
The D7 Visa, also known as a passive income visa, is a permit that allows non-EU residents to stay in Portugal for up to two years. It’s the perfect option for retirees, remote workers, financially independent individuals, and nomadic parents as you do not need a work permit and can simply enjoy life in the sunshine all year round.
The visa gives you access to Portugal’s public services, including healthcare and social security. It can even be converted into a permanent residency or citizenship after legally living in the country for 5 years. Holders of a D7 permit can also travel within the Schengen Zone without any limitations.
There are some conditions that need to be met before your visa is approved, but these are relatively straightforward and attainable. Here is what you need if you wish to apply:
- a passive income of min. EUR 870 per month — this can be your pension, investments, rental income, etc. (a higher amount if you are a family)
- proof of accommodation in Portugal
- a clean criminal record
- private health insurance until you can register for state-provided healthcare
That is truly all you need for your D7 visa application.
If you are unsure about how to go about applying, it may be wise to consider expert advice before filling in the application form incorrectly yourself and being rejected. There are a range of companies that provide assistance with all stages of this process – from deciding on which type of visa is right for you to its approval.
How to Live Like a Local in Portugal
Living in a foreign country like Portugal is not quite the same as spending a single parent holiday here. It takes a conscious effort to integrate and immerse yourself in the local culture. Here are some tips on how to embrace Portuguese life:
Learning Portuguese
While many Portuguese speak English, learning the language will earn you trust and a friendly response. Start with simple greetings like “olá” (hello) and “obrigada” (thank you). Gestures, eye contact, and a warm smile also matter.
Improve your language skills by enrolling in a language course for foreigners. Knowing Portuguese will make your everyday life much easier, especially if you plan to explore small cities and towns where people do not speak English quite so well. Knowing when to be informal or formal helps you navigate social situations smoothly.
If you have school-age children, enrol them in the local school. You will be surprised how quickly kids learn a new language. Your children may well be your gateway to a truly immersive experience.
Photo: Marvão in the Portalegre region of Alentejo
Find a place to live
Decide what lifestyle suits you. Do you want vibrant city life near Lisbon’s cafés, or a peaceful village in the Algarve? Consider your family’s needs, distance to shops, schools, etc., and the local atmosphere. Talk to expats and locals about their favourite areas for insights.
Travel the country
Consider living in several places during your stay to experience different parts of the country, from the bigger cities to the more tranquil towns. If your kids are at school, make sure you spend your weekends and holidays exploring historic villages, scenic coastal towns, and tranquil countryside retreats, along with the active life of big cities. Take the opportunity to visit Porto and Lisbon.
Enjoy the Culture
Make sure you embrace Portugal’s fado music and local foods. Try regional specialities, such as Bacalhau (salt cod), Caldo Verde (kale soup), and Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts). There are plenty of festivals and events during spring and summer where you can sample these dishes. Festa de São João, Carnaval, and Santo António fill the streets with music, dancing, and street foods. These events keep traditions alive and turn strangers into friends. Participating makes you part of Portugal’s seasonal celebrations.
Shop at Local Markets
The local market is usually tourist-free and budget-friendly. Here you can practise your new language skills, meet locals, and buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional specialities. Absorb the atmosphere and interact with the locals and find unique goods that reflect Portuguese traditions.
Well-known markets showcasing fresh produce are Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon and Mercado do Bolhão in Porto.
Join Expat Groups
There is a big UK community in Portugal, so it’s easy to connect and get insider tips or explore places with compatriots. There are also different activities organised for expats. Make sure to participate in at least some of them to find your feet. Moving to a new place where you do not know anyone can be tricky, and you might get homesick or crave company and conversations in a language that you fully understand. Joining an expat group is a stepping stone, at the very least.
Engage with Locals
The best way to explore Portugal like a local is to mingle with them. Shop in local businesses and markets, attend community events and practise your language skills. Use public transport. Invite your neighbours, volunteer at the local school, etc. You might need to use a translator app to help understand and respond at first, but with persistence and a friendly manner, you will soon make friends and feel part of the community. After all, this is a country that is known for welcoming visitors and expats with open arms.
Photo: The tram in Lisbon
Conclusion
Going on a single parent holiday to Portugal may be an adventure, but moving abroad can be a whole new ball game. Not so with the D7 visa. The application process is simple. All you need to do is work towards a passive income, and your dream of living abroad can become reality, and you can look forward to a year-long, impression-packed adventure. And who knows, you might love the country and its people so much that you may want to transform your visa into permanent residence and citizenship.
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