Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with quality healthcare and education. The cost of living in Portugal is quite affordable. The Portuguese are very kind and hospitable to immigrants from all over the world.
Business and taxes
July 3, 2025
Reading time: 13 min
25 benefits and drawbacks of living in Portugal
Portugal’s benefits include hundreds of spectacular beaches, an affordable cost of living, closeness to the Atlantic and popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Portuguese passport holders can enter 188 countries visa free, and residents of the country are entitled to free entry to all Schengen states. All these reasons attract expats to Portugal from all over the world.
Fact checked by Elena RudaElena Ruda
Fact checked by Elena Ruda
Elena helped 500 investors’ families to choose a program. Elena knows the pros and cons of each investment option for citizenship and residence permit programs. Elena improves the legal expertise at the company.
Reviewed by Vladlena BaranovaVladlena Baranova
Reviewed by Vladlena Baranova
Vladlena led preparation to Due Diligence and application for participation in Maltese programs. She performs independent and in-depth analysis of investors’ situations and indicates possible risks. Vladlena helped to get Malta residence permits and citizenship for at least 100 investors from all over the world.
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Reasons expats move to Portugal
According to the High Commissioner for Migration in Portugal, about 700,000 foreigners reside in Portugal, which is around 7% of the total population.
Since 2015, the number of foreign residents in the country has been growing constantly. For example, 4.7% of Madeira's population are foreigners, and this is the highest indicator since 2008. By the end of 2023, 14,060 foreigners were living on the Portuguese island.
Almost half of all expats in Portugal choose Lisbon as their city of residence. Other popular municipalities are Faro, Setúbal, and Porto.
Based on the statistics of issued residency visas in 2022, the most common reasons for foreigners to move to Portugal are study or internship, religious purposes, retirement, family reunification, and seeking asylum.
Foreigners who are not planning to work or study in Portugal and don’t have family residing in the country can move with a D7 visa, which is granted to financially independent persons with passive income of at least €870 a month.
To understand why so many people of all ages choose Portugal as their new country of residence, let's list the pros and cons of living there.
20 pros of living in Portugal
1. High standards of living. Portugal offers all its inhabitants a high standard of living, including quality education, healthcare, safety and a low crime rate at quite an affordable cost of living.
The World Happiness Report mentions that 88.2% of Portuguese feel balanced in life, which strongly connects to affluence.
2. Expat-friendly environment. Portugal consistently ranks among the best countries for expats due to its welcoming attitude and quality of life. According to the 2024 Expat Insider survey by InterNations, Portugal placed 15th out of 53 countries.
Expats highlight the friendliness of locals, the simplicity of integrating into the community, and the laid-back lifestyle. Many also appreciate the availability of residency programs like the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa, which make relocation easier for retirees, remote workers, and investors.
3. Affordable cost of living. One of the benefits of living in Portugal is affordable living compared to other Western countries.
The cost of living in Portugal is, on average, 33% lower than in the United States. Rent in Portugal is, on average, 39% lower than in the US.
Portugal also has a lower cost of living than many other European countries. For instance, rent and everyday expenses in Portugal are more affordable than in Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK.
Comparison of average prices in Portugal and the US
| Expenditure | Portugal | The US |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €12 | €18 |
| A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two | €51 | €65 |
| Imported Beer, a 0.33-litre bottle | €3 | €6 |
| A cup of cappuccino | €2 | €5 |
| Milk, 1 litre | €1 | €1 |
| A loaf of white bread | €2 | €3 |
| Eggs, a pack of 12 | €3 | €4 |
| Chicken, 1 kg | €8 | €10 |
| A mid-range bottle of wine | €6 | €13 |
| A one-way bus ticket | €2 | €2 |
| A monthly pass for public transport | €45 | €57 |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | €1.7 | €0.8 |
| Taxi, 1 hour waiting | €17 | €26 |
| Basic utilities | €132 | €182 |
| Internet monthly bill | €43 | €62 |
| Monthly gym plan | €45 | €40 |
| 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre | €1,065 | €1,524 |
4. Attractive tax system for expats. Portugal offers a special tax regime for foreign professionals under the Incentivised Tax Regime for Scientific Research and Innovation.
Often referred to as NHR 2.0, this program provides a flat 20% income tax rate on Portuguese-sourced income for eligible workers in high-value sectors such as IT, engineering, scientific research, and education. In contrast, regular income tax rates in Portugal can reach up to 48%.
Unlike the previous Non-Habitual Resident scheme, this new regime no longer broadly exempts foreign-sourced income. Still, for qualified professionals relocating to Portugal, it remains a valuable tool for reducing their tax burden.
5. English is commonly spoken. Living in Portugal as an expat is easy due to the widely spoken English in the country. It is more spread in big cities and the Algarve.
Around a third of Portuguese people speak English, especially the youth and people who work in tourism. Even though it is recommended, people are not required to learn Portuguese to live in Portugal.
6. Safety and low crime rate. The country is ranked 7th among the safest in the world, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace.
It means that Portugal has a well-functioning government, a sound business environment, acceptance of the rights of others, good relations with neighbours, free flow of information, high levels of human capital, low levels of corruption and equitable distribution of resources.
7. Affordable healthcare. Working expats who contribute to Social Security are equal to the citizens in healthcare rights. All residents have free access to the healthcare system, including pregnant women, children and pensioners.
Before obtaining residency cards, expats can use only paid healthcare packages. Private medical coverage in Portugal costs €20 to 100 per month.
8. High-quality education. Higher education in Portugal is well-respected worldwide. Five Portuguese universities are included in the QS World University rankings in the top-500: University of Lisbon, University of Porto, University of Coimbra, University of Aveiro, and the NOVA university.
There are both public and private universities in Portugal. The public provides free education to citizens of Portugal and the EU, their spouses or children, and foreigners who have legally resided in Portugal for over 2 years.
9. Different immigration schemes to obtain residency. Portugal is famous for being an expat-friendly country. According to the High Commissioner for Migration in Portugal, most locals think of expats either positively or neutrally.
There are various visas for those who want to stay in Portugal for a long time: the D7 Visa for financially independent people, the Job Seeker Visa, the Startup Visa, and D1 and D3 Visas for employees of Portuguese companies. Portugal also welcomes volunteers.
10. Laid-back lifestyle. Portugal is known for its relaxed way of life. Locals are used to enjoying their days without hurry rather than building a work-centric lifestyle. According to the OECD Better Life report, 94% of Portuguese do not work long hours in paid work.
11. Comfortable living in retirement. According to the 2025 Global Retirement Index, Portugal is the second-best place to stay during retirement. Pros of retiring in Portugal include advanced public and private healthcare and higher living standards.
Portugal also outperforms the other states in the rating in terms of housing, visas and benefits, cost of living, affinity rating, development, climate and healthcare.
12. Affordable travel to other destinations in Europe. Even though it is difficult to travel within Europe by train due to Portugal’s location on the edge of the continent, it’s quite easy to buy inexpensive plane tickets and travel by air. All the European cities with their sights and galleries, mediaeval cathedrals and delicious cuisine are just a couple of hours away.
Residents of Portugal are entitled to visa-free travel to all the Schengen states, while citizens of the country can enter 188 countries without visas.
13. Supportive entrepreneurial environment. Portugal is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto. The country ranks 31st in the 2024 Global Innovation Index and is known for hosting major tech events, such as the annual Web Summit in Lisbon.
Government support is also notable. There are several startup incubators and incentive programs, such as Startup Portugal and the Tech Visa program, designed to attract foreign founders and talent. Corporate tax benefits, funding opportunities, and relatively low overhead costs make Portugal attractive for launching or scaling a business.
14. Progressive social policies. Portugal stands out in Europe for its progressive stance on social issues. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and the country has comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. It also offers strong protections for workers, universal healthcare, and affordable public education.
15. A variety of entertainment activities. In Portugal, there are numerous world-class leisure complexes offering golf, tennis and other sports. Plenty of beautiful national parks, vineyards, cinemas, festivals and wellness retreats are good reasons to stay in Portugal for a long time.
The country offers a whole range of fun activities. For instance, on the coastline, one can try all kinds of watersports, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, sailing and surfing. There’s also an option to go to a dolphin-watching trip from the Algarve or Lisbon. Besides, Portugal has a lot of waterparks as well as attractions, such as the Zoomarina and the Oceanarium.
16. Mild climate. The country offers hot summer weather and extra sunshine in winter. The peak summer temperature is about 29°C in Lisbon and the southern regions like the Algarve and 26°C in the northern ones. It's quite comfortable on the coastline due to the breeze from the Atlantic. The average winter temperature is about 16°C in the Algarve and 14°C in Lisbon.
17. Stunning beaches. The total coastline of Portugal is 1,793 km, which is just enough to fit hundreds of beautiful beaches.
Many water sites receive the international Blue Flag award annually for their clean water and sustainable management. In total, Portuguese beaches and marinas received 444 Blue Flags in 2025.
18. Unique food and wine culture. Portugal is famous for its port wine, also known as Porto. It is sweet, fortified and usually red wine. Port wine is aged and bottled in Porto. The region of true port production is strictly delimited by law.
Other Portuguese fortified wines, such as Carcavelos, Madeira, and Moscatel, are worth tasting as well.
Portuguese cuisine, affected by the Age of Discovery, varies from seafood and pork-based dishes to completely vegan authentic options.
19. Rich cultural heritage. In the annual ranking of the 100 best world cities produced by Resonance Consultancy, Lisbon occupies the 57th position. The ranking looks at the city's cultural diversity, among other factors.
In Lisbon, the ruins of the 14th-century Carmo Convento and the 16th-century Belém Tower adjoin industrial sights, such as the LX Factory, a textile production complex transformed into a modern creative district. Numerous churches, chapels and cathedrals can be found in the historic centre of Porto, Portugal's second-largest city.
Outside of large cities, there are many places to see as well: picturesque castles, scenic wineries, megalithic stone complexes, hidden villages, and more.
20. Portugal is sought after and well-known. Portugal is the centre of attraction for both tourists and expats. According to the official statistics by Portugal’s Immigration and Border Service, or SEF, the country approves up to 200 applications for so-called Golden Visas a month.
There are plenty of sources to expand your knowledge about Portugal, like websites, blogs, and forums. If an expat has a question about living in Portugal, it has probably been answered online many times.
Bad things about living in Portugal
Nothing is perfect, and even though the list of advantages of living in Portugal can be continued, several drawbacks also need consideration before deciding to move to Portugal.
1. Cashless payment is often not an option. It is possible to use a MasterCard or a Visa card in Portugal, but there are still a lot of instances, like in small shops or bars, where you need cash.
2. Slow pace of life. Some people complain about boredom in Portugal, explaining it by the slow pace of life. Some expats mention dull nightlife outside Lisbon and Porto, and others complain that many shops and restaurants close for siesta every afternoon and for the entire day on Sundays.
3. Bureaucracy and long waiting times. Bureaucracy and long waiting times. Regarding paperwork, expats in Portugal complain about understaffed government departments with different opinions on which papers are required.
The service in public hospitals is not very fast if the cases are not highly urgent. According to “The Portuguese and Health in the post-pandemic” study, prepared by the Health Observatory of the European University, 30.2% of respondents have been waiting for more than three months for their medical appointments.
4. No central heating. It depends on the property item, but the houses in Portugal generally can be extremely cold in winter as the country has no central heating system. It can lead to huge utility bills if you want to use an electrical heater.
5. Low salaries. Portugal's average monthly net wage equals €1,600. It's approximately 3 times less than in Germany and 3.5 times less than in the USA.
6. The probability of cold winters. Those willing to relocate to Portugal in winter should keep in mind that it might be chilly there. Packing winter clothing might be useful when travelling in December or January.
In winter, snow falls only in the mountains of Portugal. In other areas, temperatures almost never drop below 0 °C.
7. Limited career opportunities in some sectors. Portugal’s job market can be challenging for foreigners, especially those outside the tech, tourism, or real estate sectors. While the country attracts many expats, it does not offer the same breadth of professional opportunities as larger European economies like Germany or the Netherlands.
Multinational companies and English-speaking roles are mostly concentrated in Lisbon and Porto. Outside these cities, job options are more limited and often require fluency in Portuguese. Highly qualified professionals may find it difficult to match their experience with local demand or salary expectations.
According to Eurostat, Portugal consistently ranks below the EU average in terms of employment rates and average wages, which can make career progression slower for expats seeking competitive roles.
8. The necessity to learn Portuguese for full integration. While English is widely spoken among young people in Portugal, knowing Portuguese is a significant benefit in some cases.
You may need Portuguese to negotiate the rent or settle some public service issues. Another reason to learn Portuguese is successful adaptation to a new country and its culture. Moreover, it is said that learning a local language helps you feel less homesick.
9. Tourist crowds in summer. Portugal is one of the most visited countries in Europe, especially during the high season from June to August. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and coastal areas such as the Algarve become packed with tourists.
This seasonal influx can lead to overcrowded public spaces, long queues at popular attractions, higher accommodation prices, and fully booked restaurants. In August 2024 alone, the tourist accommodation sector recorded 3.8 million guests — the highest monthly figure on record
While tourism is vital for the economy, expats and locals often find it harder to enjoy daily life in the most popular areas during peak season.
10. Inconsistent service. The quality of customer service in Portugal varies significantly depending on the region, business type, and even time of year. While many people report friendly and helpful staff, others experience a lack of efficiency or attentiveness, particularly in public institutions or busy tourist areas.
Expats commonly mention issues such as slow response times, unclear communication, and poor follow-up on service requests — especially in sectors like real estate, administration, and utilities.
Side-by-side comparison of the pros and cons of living in Portugal
| Pros of living in Portugal | Cons of living in Portugal |
| High standards of living | Cashless payment is often not an option |
| Expat-friendly environment | Tourist crowds in summer |
| Affordable cost of living | Low salaries |
| Attractive tax system for expats | No central heating |
| English is commonly spoken | Necessity to learn Portuguese for full integration |
| Safety and low crime rates | Probability of cold winters |
| Affordable healthcare | Bureaucracy and long waiting times |
| High-quality education | Limited career opportunities in some sectors |
| Different immigration schemes to obtain residency | Inconsistent service |
| Laid-back lifestyle | Slow pace of life |
| Comfortable living in retirement | |
| Affordable travel to other destinations in Europe | |
| Supportive entrepreneurial environment | |
| Progressive social policies | |
| Variety of entertainment activities | |
| Mild climate | |
| Stunning beaches | |
| Unique food and wine culture | |
| Rich cultural heritage | |
| Portugal is sought after and well-known |
Ways to move to Portugal
There are several ways to move to Portugal. For those who don’t have relatives and spouses in Portugal, the easier options are residency visas for financially independent individuals, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and employees of Portuguese countries.
Portugal offers one of the most diverse selections of visas in Europe — from the popular D7 and Digital Nomad visas to options for entrepreneurs, investors, and students. This flexibility makes the country especially attractive to expats with different goals, whether it’s remote work, retirement, or starting a business.
In recent years, Portugal has also taken steps to improve the efficiency of its immigration processes. The government is actively working on reducing backlogs and wait times by digitising services and implementing AI-tools to streamline application reviews. These innovations reflect Portugal’s ongoing commitment to remaining a welcoming and modern destination for international residents.
Vladlena Baranova
Lawyer, AML Compliance officer, certified CAMS specialist
Lawyer, AML Compliance officer, certified CAMS specialist
Portugal Golden Visa requires investing at least €250,000 in the country’s economy. Investment options include supporting art and culture projects, businesses, and research activities. Aside from that, applicants can purchase investment fund units.
Residence by investment can be obtained in 12+ months and is valid for 2 years. A spouse, children, parents, and siblings can get visas along with the main applicant.
D7 visa for financially independent individuals allows foreigners with stable passive income to obtain residency in Portugal and move to the country.
To get this visa, applicants must prove they have at least €870 monthly in passive income. Pensions, royalties, and other legal income sourced outside Portugal qualify for the D7 visa.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a visa for remote employees who can verify their monthly income of €3,480.
The applicant has to rent property in Portugal for at least 3 months. It is necessary to provide a bank statement for €10,440, a contract for remote work, a motivation letter, tickets to Portugal and a police clearance certificate from the country of origin.
D1 and D3 visas for employees of Portuguese companies allow them to obtain residency and work permits. The D3, or HQA visa, is granted to highly qualified professionals with exceptional skills. It requires a higher education diploma, a contract with the employer with a salary higher than €1,441. To obtain the D1 Visa, the applicant needs just a 12-month job contract.
The Startup Visa is intended for entrepreneurs wishing to move to Portugal and establish their innovative businesses. The project has to create jobs and show potential for rapid financial growth.
The applicant must obtain project approval from an accredited business incubator that will accelerate the startup and submit an application to IAPMEI, the Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation.
How to move to Portugal with the D7 Visa
The D7 Visa, also known as “the passive income visa”, is an appropriate way to obtain Portuguese residency for financially independent foreigners as pensioners and investors. It may take up to 12 months to obtain this type of visa.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
Before signing a contract with a client, Immigrant Invest lawyers check information in international legal and business databases to discover the facts which might affect obtaining the D7 Visa and residence permit.
The procedure reduces the risk of refusal to 1%. For instance, lawyers may recommend providing extra documents or choosing another program. The Preliminary Due Diligence is fully confidential and takes 1 business day.
Up to 5 business days
Getting a Portuguese taxpayer number.
To rent or buy real estate, an applicant needs a taxpayer number, which is required for many actions, such as opening a bank account in a Portuguese bank and signing a mobile phone contract.
Non-EU citizens obtain their NIF remotely via a tax representative in Portugal, assigning Immigrant Invest a power of attorney.
2+ weeks
Opening a bank account
The investor needs a NIF and a passport to open a bank account in Portugal. The applicant also confirms the money’s legal origins in some cases. An amount sufficient for a family for a year must be transferred to the bank account.
Up to 2 months
Purchasing or renting residential property in Portugal
Properties for rent or purchase are offered to the investor by Immigrant Invest real estate experts. It is possible to choose an item remotely or in person. Buying a property takes up to 2 months. Renting is faster and takes several days.
1 day
Submitting the visa application
Immigrant Invest lawyers help investors and their families collect the documents and fill out the forms. After that, applicants submit the documents and biometric data to the Portuguese consulate in their country of residence.
Up to 4 months
Entry to Portugal and residency application
After getting the D7 visa, the investor has to come to Portugal within 4 months and apply for a residence permit at an immigration office.
An Immigrant Invest representative accompanies the applicant at the Portuguese Migration Service (SEF), where the latter submits the documents in person.
2+ weeks
Obtaining a residence permit card
If the application is approved, the residence permit is sent to a registered address in Portugal within 1—2 months.
The first residence permit card is valid for 2 years. After that, the investor can extend it for 3 years. After 5 years of residency in Portugal, the permit holder can obtain permanent residence or citizenship.
Document required for Portugal D7 visa
The list of documents for D7 visa application includes:
- international passport;
- medical insurance policy;
- 2 colour photos;
- police clearance certificate from the country of origin;
- lease agreement or title documents for real estate;
- proof of kinship between family members: marriage or birth certificates;
- Portuguese bank statement;
- NIF registration certificate.
The D7 Visa is issued within 60 days of the application date.
5 best places to live in Portugal as an expat
Lisbon. The capital city is a top choice for many expats. It offers a dynamic job market, cultural life, and an international community. Lisbon has modern infrastructure, many English-speaking services, and international schools.
Digital nomads and entrepreneurs choose Lisbon for its tech scene and co-working spaces. The cost of living is high, but the lifestyle often justifies it.
Porto. Portugal’s second-largest city is more laid-back and affordable than Lisbon. It still has a cosmopolitan feel. Porto is known for its riverside views, historic buildings, and startup culture. The expat community is small but active. Public transport and healthcare are reliable. The city is well-connected by train and plane.
Cascais. Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, this coastal town combines luxury and calm. Families and retirees like the clean beaches and international schools. The cost of living is high. Still, many expats enjoy the safety, walkable streets, and proximity to the capital. Cascais has a strong expat network and hosts many cultural events.
Faro. The Algarve region’s capital offers city services and coastal charm. Faro is a functional city with good healthcare, a university, and an airport. It’s quieter than Lisbon or Porto. Still, it attracts many expats, especially retirees and digital nomads. The cost of living is lower, and English is widely spoken.
Madeira. This island suits those who want peace and mild weather all year. Funchal, the capital, attracts remote workers and retirees. They value its safety, low costs, and nature. Entrepreneurs benefit from tax incentives under the Madeira International Business Centre. Life is slower, but the quality is high.
Key takeaways on the pros and cons of living in Portugal
- Portugal is one of the most popular countries among expats with about 700,000 foreigners residing in the country
- Portugal is so popular for its nearly perfect weather, breathtaking beach views, historical sights, low cost of living, and high quality of education and healthcare.
- Some cons of residing in Portugal are the slow pace of life, which doesn't suit everyone, bureaucracy and long waiting times, the necessity to carry cash, no central heating, and relatively low salaries.
- There are multiple ways to move to Portugal, including the Golden Visa, the D7 Visa, the Startup Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa.
- The D7 visa allows foreigners to move to Portugal without high investments or switching jobs. To obtain this visa, one has to prove €870 in stable passive income.
Frequently asked questions
Is Portugal worth moving to?
What amount of money does one need to live comfortably in Portugal?
To live comfortably in Portugal, a single person will need around €1,200 and a couple will require around €2,000—2,500. It depends on the chosen city of residence. The prices and costs in big cities like Lisbon and Porto are higher.
Is English spoken everywhere in Portugal?
English is spoken by more than a third of the population in Portugal, but in governmental offices, they prefer the Portuguese language. Nonetheless, more than a million expats live in Portugal, and most of them feel comfortable speaking just English.
Why is Portugal so inexpensive?
Low average wages can explain why everything is cheaper in Portugal than in other European countries. The average monthly net salary in Portugal equals €1,600. It’s approximately 3 times less than in Germany.
Is it necessary to learn Portuguese?
You can comfortably live in Portugal, speaking just English. However, you must be aware that they prefer speaking Portuguese in governmental offices.
Expats residing in Portugal for over five years and willing to obtain citizenship must learn Portuguese as a part of their naturalisation process.
What are the negatives of living in Portugal?
Cons of moving to Portugal include a slower pace of life, lower salaries than in other European countries, no central heating in most of the housing, and cumbersome bureaucracy. Portugal also requires foreigners to know Portuguese at a basic level to integrate into the country’s society.
Is it hard to get a job in Portugal as a foreigner?
Finding a job in Portugal can be challenging for foreigners. Employers often prefer those who can speak both Portuguese and English. The chances of getting a job are higher if a foreigner is a skilled professional, otherwise employees might need to prove that a Portuguese national cannot be hired.
Can you live in Portugal on $1,000 a month?
Living in Portugal on $1,000 a month can be challenging, especially in larger cities like Lisbon or Porto, where living costs are higher. This budget might be more feasible in smaller towns or rural areas, where rents and daily expenses are lower. Essentials such as housing, food, and transportation will require careful budgeting. It’s possible but would necessitate a very modest lifestyle and good financial management.
Can a foreigner live in Portugal?
Yes, foreigners can live in Portugal provided they meet certain criteria and obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit. Options include visas for work, study, investment, and family reunification. Once these initial permissions are granted, individuals can apply for a residence permit to continue their stay legally.
Portugal is known for its welcoming approach to expatriates and offers various pathways to accommodate long-term stays.
Is Portugal a good place to live?
Portugal is widely considered a great place to live thanks to its mild climate, affordable cost of living, high safety standards, and relaxed lifestyle.
Expats appreciate the country’s quality healthcare, welcoming locals, and the growing number of English speakers in cities and tourist areas. Whether settling in a vibrant urban center like Lisbon or a peaceful coastal town, Portugal offers a comfortable and enjoyable living environment.
More about Portugal
25 benefits and drawbacks of living in Portugal
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Hello,
Please advise, if I move to Portugal with a Golden Visa or a D7 visa, can I apply for any special tax regime?
Hello Alfredo,
There is currently no special tax regime for foreigners except for certain highly-qualified specialists who can obtain Non-Habitual Resident status. Thus, holding a Golden Visa or a D7 visa will not automatically qualify you for a special tax regime.