A D7 Visa Journey: From Rock Bottom in the US to Portugal in 2026

While I stood watching the fireworks explode into the night sky, something I had done so many times before on New Year’s Eve, one thing was different. Something very BIG was different. This year, I was standing in Portugal. Coimbra, Portugal, to be exact, alongside the Rio Mondego, at an establishment uniquely named after my favorite beverage: Beers.

I was holding a pint of Guinness stout (I’m Irish, as you should know by now), and a moment of reflection washed over me, as it often does on New Year’s Eve. It wasn’t the Guinness talking. I was genuinely stunned by what I had accomplished over the past year. It had been a difficult one, filled with a few disappointments, but also marked by meaningful success.

Hitting Rock Bottom in the United States

One year earlier, I felt lost and deeply discouraged by the direction my life was heading. I was living just to pay the bills, with little to show for years of hard work, and no clear vision of where I was going. At the same time, the country I grew up in and loved so deeply felt like it was unraveling. The things that once offered stability and peace of mind seemed to be disappearing, and no one appeared to be stopping it.

That’s when I decided I needed to change the direction of my own sinking ship, before I was underwater with no place to swim.

I remember asking myself, “What truly makes you happy, and what can you do to bring that happiness back into your life?” I’ve always found fulfillment in helping others and putting a smile on someone’s face. I also love traveling and discovering places I’d only read about or seen in movies. I had done that once before, back in 2001, when I took off on a years-long journey across Europe with nothing but a backpack and a dream.

Waves of Excitement and Energy Unfold Page by Page

Those thoughts reignited something inside me. A wave of excitement and optimism returned, giving me a renewed sense of energy, I felt alive again. My idea began to take shape as I was reading more and researching constantly. Page by page, the path forward became clearer. Within a month or so, I had settled in on a plan: I was going to move to Portugal and retire.

There was a lot to do. I had mountains of paperwork to prepare, a large storage unit full of belongings to downsize, and expenses to cut in half, all while still working full time. Step by step, piece by piece, over the course of seven months, it all came together. The paperwork was completed, my belongings were sold, my budget was reduced, and I was ready just in time for my visa appointment in San Francisco.

Facing the Fears Before the VFS Visa Appointment

But as the date approached, fears began creeping in. What if I spent all this time and money only to have my visa denied? Would my Social Security income be enough to support me in 2026? Would I fit into the Portuguese culture without speaking the language?

With the many challenges I’ve faced in life, I knew the only way to quiet those thoughts was to confront them head-on, one by one. I call it “slaying my dragons.” And I can honestly say, I haven’t met a dragon yet that I couldn’t slay.

In the end, many of those fears never materialized. Most of what I worried about turned out to be nothing more than noise. A few unexpected challenges did arise, of course, but with quick thinking and creativity, I worked through them and moved forward. If there’s one lesson I hope others take from this, it’s this: stop overthinking how hard it might be. Stop letting the “what ifs” hold you back. Take a deep breath and go for it, the reward is worth the risk.

Arriving in Portugal and Starting Over

So there I was, standing on the river’s edge on New Year’s Eve, still a little in shock. I had saved my sinking ship and left a trail of defeated dragons along the way. I had charted a new course and arrived, without fully realizing just how much I had accomplished.

I’ve now been in Portugal for three months. I secured a travel visa to get here, applied for and received my D7 residence permit, and began building a life in this beautiful country. And I’ve only just scratched the surface of what I want to see and do. What a way to start a new year, wouldn’t you say?

No New Years Resolutions This Year

I didn’t feel the need to make any New Year’s resolutions this year. Last year’s was big enough: completely changing my life by applying for a passive income D7 visa and moving to Portugal. I think accomplishing that alone counts as a few resolutions all on its own.

Now, I want to share what I’ve learned with others who may be feeling the way I did a year ago. My hope is to help you turn your dreams into reality by guiding you through the steps I took and helping you create a clear, achievable plan, whatever that dream may be.

Anything is possible. It’s not always easy, but I’m living proof of what can happen when you want something badly enough. It takes time, effort, and determination, but with a little help, it can even be fun. The future is what you make it, good or bad… so let’s make it good. No, on second thought, let’s make it great.

Helping Others Navigate Portugal's D7 Visa Process

I’m going to be opening a Q&A section on the website where you can ask questions and get honest, experience-based answers about the D7 visa process and life in Portugal. I’ll share everything I can to help make your dream of moving abroad a reality.

To support that, my website now includes a How-To-Guide section with essential government forms, checklists, and planning tools to help you through the application process. I’ve also created a comprehensive master checklist and timeline to help you build a solid, stress-free plan.

You’ll also find The Portuguese D7 Visa Guide: Mastering the Maze, an in-depth resource explaining exactly what’s required to apply for your visa. This comprehensive 30+ page guide also includes practical tips and tricks I learned firsthand, many of which can save you both time and money.

Once you arrive in Portugal, there’s a second appointment you need to attend for your residency card through AIMA. I’ve created a dedicated AIMA Appointment How-To Guide that explains what to expect, what documents you’ll need, and includes important updates regarding recent travel changes made in the EU and to the D7 process for 2026.

Upcoming Travels Up and Down the Silver Coast

Right now, I’m planning spring and summer travels that will help fill in the gaps on the travel portion of the website. It’s shaping up to be a great year, filled with adventures up and down the Portuguese coastline, and beyond, into nearby countries. My goal is to give you a clear picture of what’s possible and help you explore your own options.

If you have a question or a specific location you’re curious about, please feel free to reach out. I’m here to help however I can.

Let’s start a Drift, make some memories, and see what the future holds.