Italy Elective Residency vs Portugal D7 (2026)
Two of the cheapest passive-income routes into Western Europe, constantly compared by retirees. Portugal's D7 has a low, published income bar and lets you work; Italy's Elective Residency expects substantial passive means and forbids work entirely. Portugal's path to citizenship is faster. Here's the side-by-side.
Side by side
| Visa | Income bar | Work allowed | Processing | Path to PR | Citizenship | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇹 Italy Elective | ~€31,000/yr passive per applicant (consulate guidance) | No | Up to 90 days | 5 years | 10 years | €116 visa + ~€120 permit + lawyer optional |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal D7 | ~€920/mo (€11,040/yr) passive | Yes (including local employment) | 4-6 months | 5 years | 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU) | €110 visa + lawyer ~€1,500 |
The details
🇮🇹 Elective Residency Visa — Italy
Income: ~€31,000/yr passive per applicant (consulate guidance) · Processing: Up to 90 days · Cost: €116 visa + ~€120 permit + lawyer optional
Path to PR: 5 years · Citizenship: 10 years
Pros
- Lowest passive bar in Western Europe
- Family included
- Path to EU citizenship
Trade-offs
- No work allowed, ever
- Must own/rent property in Italy
- Slow Questura processing
Full Italy guide · Official source
✓ Verified 2026-10-26 against official sources. Every figure with its source
🇵🇹 D7 Passive Income Visa — Portugal
Income: ~€920/mo (€11,040/yr) passive · Processing: 4-6 months · Cost: €110 visa + lawyer ~€1,500
Path to PR: 5 years · Citizenship: 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU)
Pros
- Lowest income bar in Europe
- Permanent residence after 5 years
- Work allowed in Portugal
Trade-offs
- Slow AIMA processing
- 183-day/yr presence required
- NHR tax regime ended Mar 2024
Full Portugal guide · City guides · Official source
✓ Verified 2026-10-26 against official sources. Every figure with its source
Model both against your own numbers
GoThere runs your real income and family size against every visa's threshold, then tracks the document checklist for the one you choose.
Related
All passive-income visas · All digital nomad visas · Moving to Spain · Moving to Portugal