The “Light Version” of the D7: When the E6 Visa Makes More Sense

9 May 2025
Luís Maria Branco
Luís Maria Branco

Luís Maria Branco | Lawyer

Portugal continues to attract global interest, thanks to its high quality of life, scenic landscapes, and welcoming environment. While long-term immigration options such as the D7 Visa or the Golden Visa often receive the most attention, the country also offers flexible short-to-medium-term solutions through its Temporary Stay Visas (Category E).


One of the most practical and relevant options in this category is the E6 Temporary Stay Visa, a “lighter” and simplified alternative to the D7, designed for shorter stays. Aimed at financially independent non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with ties to Portugal, the E6 visa offers a streamlined, lower-commitment path to spending more than 90 days and up to one year in the country, without acquiring resident status.


The E6 visa fills an important gap in Portugal’s immigration framework. Aside from the standard Schengen visa, which limits stays to 90 days within a 180-day period, and full residency visas, most other one-year visas are granted only for specific purposes, such as studying, working, undergoing medical treatment, participating in amateur sports, investing, volunteering or other narrowly defined activities.


In contrast, the E6 requires only that applicants show sufficient passive income and a meaningful connection to Portugal. This flexibility makes the E6 particularly attractive for individuals seeking time in Portugal without the complexities of long-term relocation.


To meet these requirements, the passive income must be equal to or exceed the Portuguese minimum wage, set at €870 per month in 2025, and be both stable (received regularly) and passive, meaning it is not derived from active employment. Examples include: pension payments, rental income from residential or commercial properties, interest on savings or fixed deposits, dividends from investments, income from trusts or annuities, royalties from intellectual property, distributions from structured financial products, or earnings from family investment portfolios. As for the ties to Portugal, the immigration authorities currently interpret this as property ownership, which must be evidenced by a valid property deed.


When compared to the D7 Visa, which is a residence visa that requires a clear intention to settle in Portugal, often leading to minimum stay requirements and tax residency, the E6 allows for an extended stay without triggering tax liability, provided the applicant does not exceed 183 days in the country or establish habitual residence.


Additionally, the E6 application process is also notably more straightforward. It is handled entirely through the Portuguese consulate in the applicant’s home country, with no need for a follow-up appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade) after arrival in Portugal.


Once submitted, the application is dispatched by the consulate to AIMA for review. If approved, the visa is issued with a maximum validity of 12 months and allows multiple entries into Portugal. This defined structure offers clear parameters, limited obligations, and a clean exit after one year.


This structure makes the E6 particularly attractive for individuals who wish to spend only part of the year in Portugal, such as during the winter months or another preferred season. The lighter administrative burden, combined with the visa’s defined timeframe and flexibility, makes it an appealing option for those seeking simplicity, autonomy, and temporary access to life in Portugal.


It is important to note, however, that this means the E6 visa is generally not renewable. Once it expires, the holder must either leave the country or transition to another legal immigration status. Moreover, the E6 visa only permits legal stay in Portugal and does not grant automatic freedom of movement throughout the Schengen Area. For travel to other Schengen countries, a separate visa or compliance with individual entry requirements may be necessary.


For those considering spending extended time in Portugal without committing to permanent relocation, the E6 Temporary Stay Visa offers a uniquely flexible solution. If you are exploring whether the E6 or another immigration route best aligns with your personal or professional goals, our team is available to assist you with expert, tailored legal guidance.



D6 family reunification visa legal guide for Portugal immigration delays beyond 90 days.
by Margarida Tempera 8 August 2025
D6 visa delayed beyond 90 days? Learn your legal rights and how to use Portuguese administrative law to force AIMA's decision on family reunification applications.
Portugal attracts many EU citizens seeking to live, work, retire, or pursue their studies.
by Sara Sbai Oliveira 4 August 2025
European Union citizens planning to stay in Portugal for over three months (90 days) must apply for a Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (CRUE).
Portugal’s Golden Visa (ARI): Residence Permit for Investment Activity.
by Joana Loureiro Veríssimo 28 July 2025
Bringing children under Portugal’s ARI scheme is a strategic step that strengthens family unity while paving the way toward long-term citizenship and legal security.
This legal framework transposes the EU Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC).
by Luís Maria Branco 24 July 2025
Portugal remains one of the EU’s most accessible and welcoming countries, consistently attracting foreign nationals who seek residency and a fresh start.
24 July 2025
A new National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) has been created within the Public Security Police (PSP), taking over key responsibilities from the former SEF. UNEF will handle airport border control, visa issuance, foreign nationals oversight, and related operations.
With this Law no. 56/2023, a new category of residence permit was created under Article 89.
by Danielle Avidago 18 July 2025
If you invested €500,000 in property or used an outdated Golden Visa path and were approved before the cutoff, you're now seen as an Immigrant Entrepreneur.
Short-term leases are lawful in Portugal if legal and factual rules are observed.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 17 July 2025
Due to stricter AL rules in urban Portugal, many owners now turn to short-term residential leases to earn legal rental income outside tourist accommodation laws.
On 16 July 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved major changes to immigration law
16 July 2025
On 16 July 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved major changes to the legal framework governing immigration (Law no. 23/2007). The reform ends the manifestação de interesse mechanism, tightens rules for job-seeker visas and family reunification, and sets a final deadline for transitional applications.
11 July 2025
The Portuguese Parliament has decided to postpone the vote on the proposed amendments to the Nationality Law until September 2025. The decision was taken in a meeting of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees, following pressure from several political parties who requested more time to assess the implications of the proposed reform. The delay allows for additional hearings with legal experts, immigrant associations and civil society representatives before a final vote is held in plenary session. The proposed reform introduces significant changes to the current legal framework for acquiring Portuguese nationality. Among the most impactful measures is the extension of the minimum legal residence period required before applying for naturalisation. Under the new proposal, this period would increase from the current five years to seven years for nationals of CPLP countries (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), and to ten years for applicants from all other countries. Another major change concerns the introduction of mechanisms to revoke Portuguese nationality . According to the proposal, naturalised citizens who are convicted of serious crimes — defined as those resulting in prison sentences of five years or more , within ten years of acquiring nationality — could see their Portuguese citizenship revoked by a court decision, based on a proposal from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. In addition, the reform would tighten the requirements for acquiring original Portuguese nationality through birth in Portugal. For children born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents, it would become mandatory that at least one parent has been residing legally in Portugal for a minimum of three years , instead of the current two years. Although the government initially intended to approve these changes before the summer recess, political consensus has not yet been reached. Left-wing parties have raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of retroactive revocation of nationality and the potential impact on the rights of long-term residents and immigrant communities in Portugal. In response, the parliamentary committee agreed to postpone the process and schedule a new round of expert hearings in early September. A final vote on the reform is now expected to take place later that month. Until then, the current version of the Nationality Law remains in force , including the five-year legal residence requirement for naturalisation. Applicants who meet this requirement and wish to apply under the current rules may still do so in the coming weeks.
Get a residence permit in Portugal via the EU Blue Card for skilled professionals.
by Sara Sbai Oliveira 11 July 2025
Law No. 53/2023 transposes the EU Blue Card Directive into Portuguese law, improving conditions for highly skilled non-EU nationals to live and work in the EU.
More posts