A frequently asked question: Can you tell me the residency requirements related to the D7? Is there a minimum number of days I need to spend in Portugal? Could I only be there for say 30 days a year and still get such a visa or is there a fix term in law that is required as a minimum.
Answer:
The minimum stay requirement is that one does not spend more than 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months out of the country during the validity of each temporary permit, except under duly justified professional or force majeure circumstances. i.e.: during the first year, one has to spend at least 4 months in the country, and during each 2-year subsequent period, at least 16 months provided, in each case, that no absence exceeds 6 consecutive months. For the holder of a permanent residence permit, this is increased to a minimum of 6 months per 3-year period, provided no absence exceeds 24 consecutive months.
The residence permit must be renewed at the end of the second year and then every two years; but, subject to passing a language test of basic Portuguese, its holder may apply for permanent residency and/or for Portuguese citizenship at the end of 5 years.