You have probably seen or heard about the Portugal D7 visa rejection rate and are worried about your eligibility. You must have been considering why you should abort your vacation. You do not intend to lose your hard-earned retirement savings for a journey that might not be possible. If I were you, I would feel the same way, but reverse is the case.
Like you, many people do not have adequate information about why their Portugal retirement visa was rejected. For instance, Mr. Josh was a retired American skilled worker who wanted to explore other countries besides the US.
He had no informed knowledge about the process and procedure for D7 Visa, but he knows that it can be obtained without being of Portuguese nationality. Mr. Josh’s lack of informed knowledge about the visa process cost him his visa to face rejection.
Guess the cause of the visa rejection? His application does not meet the minimum stay requirement; he couldn’t present his account statement, provide genuine travel insurance, and mistook a Portugal golden visa (Portuguese golden visa) for a D7 visa.
Please note: We used Mr. Josh for privacy purposes.
Everyone makes mistakes while dealing with a series of situations, but you wouldn’t want yours to be like Mr. Josh’s; it might lead to regret.
Because of their complexities, there is always back-and-forth when applying for visas in foreign countries. The D7 visa rejection rate must have caused a lot of tension, which caught our attention. In this article, we will discuss its intricacies and solutions.
The D7 visa application process differs slightly from every other visa. Students applying to study in a foreign country must present proof of funds before their visa is approved. The same applies to individuals applying for the Portugal D7 visa. Obtaining legal residence can help renew visas and access public services, which is why it is crucial to understand the process. Do you know why? Keep reading!
Portuguese immigration issues the D7 visa primarily to retirees from the UK, US, Canada, and other non-EU, EAA, or Swiss citizens with a passive income. However, over time, the rejection of the Portugal visa has created a lot of tension. Stat shows that in 2022, about 4,77,143 individuals applied for D7 visas, about 3,448,324 visas were approved, and 1,322,819 were rejected, amounting to 45.53% approved visas and 17.46% rejection rates, respectively.
Based on the above statistics, getting worked up about the D7 visa rejection rate is normal. We have researched the problems surrounding such rejection and gathered every resource that can help scale through visa rejection in Portugal. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
D7 Visa Rejection Rate and Its Causes Reviewed
What is a D7 Visa, and Who Can Apply?
The Cause of D7 Visa Rejection
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Insufficient Financial Means and Minimum Passive Income Requirements
How to Avoid D7 Visa Rejection
Documentation and Portuguese Bank Account
Benefits of a D7 Visa and Temporary Permit
D7 Visa Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
What is the Portugal Visa Approval Rate?
How long does it Take to Get a D7 Visa in Portugal?
What is the Minimum Stay for a D7 Visa in Portugal?
Is the D7 Visa Different from the Schengen Visa?
What is a D7 Visa, and Who Can Apply?
The D7 visa (Portugal passive income visa) is a retirement visa designed for non-EU, EAA, and Swiss citizens, including US citizens, who wish to reside in Portugal. For a D7 Visa, you must establish financial stability through a Portuguese bank account. This includes providing bank statements from the last six months.
This visa is designed for those who intend to live off passive income or retirement funds in Portugal. The primary objective of the D7 visa is to attract financially independent individuals who can support themselves without relying on Portuguese consulate employment opportunities, thus contributing to the local economy. Applicants must meet specific financial thresholds, known as minimum passive income requirements to qualify.
However, the visa holder has no financial requirements, has access to tax benefits, can bring other family members to Portugal, and stands a high chance of getting citizenship after residing in Portugal for 5 years. A residency permit allows individuals to live, have access to work visa with the Portuguese minimum wage, and travel within the Schengen Area. It is safe to state that Schengen visa, and Portugal golden visa are not the same with the Portugal D7 Visa.
D7 Visa Rejection Rate
If you have followed this article, you will recall that we have stated the stat for the D7 visa rejection rate slated for about 17.46% for 2022. Not properly documenting foreign-sourced income can lead to visa rejection. However, there are a series of factors contributing to this visa rejection rate over time. These factors will be discussed in the next item, or click here to skip to its causes.
Research and its findings have provided imperative context for applicants on the issue of D7 visa rejection trends over the years. These findings have also shown the patterns and reasons behind rejections, guiding prospective applicants through studying the historical data. As a result, applicants can better prepare their applications and increase their chances of approval.
The Cause of D7 Visa Rejection
Consequences result from our actions and inactions. Immigration officers will not ask if you know the causes of D7 visa rejection. Still, you will be helping yourself identify the loophole that raised the D7 visa rejection rate in 2024, thereby finding a solution. Not providing a valid rental agreement can lead to visa rejection, thereby forfeiting being a Portuguese citizen, which is essential for providing accommodation. This means you must familiarize yourself with Portuguese law if you want your visa accepted.
The cause of the D7 visa rejection is not far-fetched, but what we don’t know surpasses us. Several factors contribute to the decline of D7 visas. These common reasons include incomplete documentation, insufficient income before retirement, and not having ties to Portugal.
Read Also:
Working More than 20 Hours on Tier 2 Visa in 2024
What Is the Minimum IELTS Score for UK Work Visa in 2024
The Ultimate Guide to UK PSW Visa Fee for Dependent in 2024
While identifying some of the above shortcomings in your application, ensure you review your application and avoid visa rejection. However, the causes of D7 visa rejection are not restricted to the highlighted issues above. If you would like to test your eligibility status, visit the Global Citizen Solutions website and fill in the following questions. Your eligibility status will be sent to your email in a couple of hours.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Humans sometimes need to be reminded and can understand or misinterpret things depending on their mood or the situation they are handling. Suppose you are an applicant applying for the D7 visa; it is advisable to maintain a clear head and review your application correctly. Most Portugal D7 visa rejections are due to incomplete or incorrect documentation and missing or inaccurate paperwork related to the permanent residence permit.
Insufficient Financial Means and Minimum Passive Income Requirements
Apart from the incorrect or incomplete documentation, another factor causing the D7 passive income visa rejection rate to rise annually is the inability to present adequate proof of funds to the Portuguese embassy.
Some applicants need to learn the importance of this proof of funds. It is the most important yardstick for your visa approval. Demonstrating financial stability is crucial for eventually obtaining a permanent residence permit.
You can have good documentation, but once the applicant does not meet the minimum passive income benchmark of €8,460 annually, there is a 90% chance that the visa will not get approved. This proof of funds ensures that the applicants can take care of themselves once they are in Portugal.
However, it is essential to note that some applicants believe that one has to be a retiree and that the minimum passive income should come from a pension. If you think that way, you are halfway right. The minimum passive income is not restricted to pensions but extends to rental income and proceeds from an investment.
How to Avoid D7 Visa Rejection
The D7 visa rejection rate has been persistently rising but can be avoided. Obtaining a temporary residence permit is the first step toward long-term residency. As stated earlier in this article, some factors contribute to D7 passive income visa rejection. However, there are important steps before filing your D7 visa application, and these may include:
Documentation and Portuguese Bank Account
When preparing to apply for a D7 visa, every applicant must provide thorough documentation, including proof of passive income, which should be at least €8,460 per year. Proper documentation is crucial for maintaining legal Portuguese residency.
This minimum passive income is the most required Portugal D7 visa eligibility criterion. The passive income can be from pension, investment, or rental income. However, applicants are expected to present a bank statement to prove they met the D7 passive income visa requirements.
Moreover, applicants are expected to provide health insurance that applicants can use throughout their stay in Portugal. Similarly, applicants must provide a valid passport with at least two blank pages and two passport photographs.
Furthermore, the Portuguese authorities may request a criminal record certificate issued by your home country; make sure you get it ready to avoid delay or rejection of your visa by the immigration authorities.
Finally, all these documents are your first step in ensuring your D7 visa is accepted. Ensure that all these documents are up-to-date and not falsified.
Benefits of a D7 Visa and Temporary Permit
- Unlike the Portugal Golden Visa, it is easy to migrate to Portugal with a D7 visa at a meager cost. Applicants only need proof of minimum passive income of €8,460 annually.
- D7 visa holder can travel across the Schengen area at a visa-free rate.
- D7 visa holder is credible to work or run a business in Portugal.
- D7 visa holders have undaunting access to quality education and impeccable healthcare services.
- D7 visa holders stand a high chance of obtaining Portuguese citizenship after five years of residency.
- D7 visa holders can apply for permanent residency after five years of legal residence, provided they meet the permanent residency requirements.
- There is automatic citizenship for D7 visa holders’ newborns in Portugal.
Portuguese D7 Visa Fee
Compared to other countries, the Portuguese D7 visa fee range from €50 – €300 per applicant, irrespective of the applicant. However, these visa fees are for the application, and every applicant is expected to meet the statutory minimum passive income of €8,460 annually, which does not include the €50 – €300 for the D7 visa application fee.
D7 Visa Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Another factor contributing to the D7 visa rejection is the eligibility status of the applicants. Ignorance is not an excuse in the court of law but when applying for the D7 visa. The following is what you need to know as an applicant to be eligible for a D7 visa and avoid rejection:
- All applicants must have no criminal records.
- Applicant must be over 18 years old except where otherwise stated.
- Applicants must be a non-EU citizen.
- Applicants must have proof of a minimum passive income of €8,460 annually or €820 monthly from a pension, rental income, or investment.
- Applicants should be able to buy or rent a house in Portugal.
- The spouse of an applicant must have an official marriage certificate or an unregistered partnership.
- Meeting these criteria is essential for those looking to eventually obtain Portuguese citizenship.
Conclusion
The D7 visa rejection rate in the past five years is about 17.46% on average. This article provides insight into the causes of visa rejection and how to avoid it. The major cause of D7 visa rejection is ignorance, but here, we have simplified the procedure, the cause, and how to prevent visa rejection.
The most common factors for the Portugal passive income visa rejection include incomplete documentation, the inability to provide proof of passive income, or a lack of a clear purpose for the stay in Portugal.
From the knowledge and information garnered from this article, applicants can take proactive steps to address these visa denial factors and present a strong application.
We hope applicants who have read and digested our article, have properly prepared, have reviewed their application procedures, and have good documentation, with a bit of luck, have a chance of a successful D7 visa application.
We wish you a stress-free journey to Portugal!
FAQs
What is the Portugal Visa Approval Rate?
According to the latest Schengen statistics, Portugal occupies the 8th position among Schengen Countries with a high Visa Rejection rate and a rejection rate of 17.46%. Embassies worldwide received a total of 7,572,755 visa applications in 2022.
How long does it Take to Get a D7 Visa in Portugal?
The standard processing time for a D7 visa application is sixty (60) calendar days.
What is the Minimum Stay for a D7 Visa in Portugal?
As a temporary permit holder, you must stay in the country for at least 16 months per the first 2-year period. The subsequent 3-year should not record an absence for more than 6 consecutive months; otherwise, your permit can be invalidated.
Is the D7 Visa Different from the Schengen Visa?
The D7 visa is different from the Schengen visa, which allows visitors to stay in Portugal for about 90 days, while the D7 passive income visa allows you to stay in Portugal for 4 months.
However, the D7 Visa allows retirees or people with stable incomes to stay in the country when they meet all the criteria set by the Portuguese authorities to become Portuguese nationals, abide by the law, and have legal residency without necessarily looking for an appeal package.