How the Cost Calculator Works

The calculator builds your D7 visa cost estimate by adding up every applicable cost line: mandatory government fees (which scale per person), and optional variable costs like health insurance, legal assistance, apostille services, and travel. You toggle optional items on or off based on your situation.

The AIMA residence permit fees (paid after you arrive in Portugal) are shown separately as a notice, not added to the total. That is intentional: those costs are paid in Portugal at a different stage, from a different budget. Mixing them with Nigeria-side application costs creates planning confusion.

What the Portugal D7 Application Actually Costs

Most Nigerian applicants underestimate the D7 application cost because they only look at the consulate visa fee (around 90 EUR per adult). The real cost is higher once you add health insurance, apostille fees for Nigerian documents, document translation, and travel to the consulate.

Mandatory costs you cannot avoid

The Portuguese consulate in Lagos charges a visa application fee for each adult applicant. As of 2024, this is approximately 90 EUR per adult and is non-refundable whether your visa is approved or not. Children under 6 are typically exempt; children aged 6 to 12 pay a reduced fee.

Health insurance is also mandatory. You must show comprehensive coverage for Portugal for the initial visa period. Annual premiums from international providers typically range from 300 to 700 EUR per adult and 150 to 300 EUR per child, depending on age and coverage scope.

Variable costs that depend on your situation

Apostille authentication for Nigerian documents is one cost many applicants forget entirely. Any official document used in your application (bank statements, criminal record, birth certificate, marriage certificate) typically needs apostille through the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a recognised authentication body. Budget 10,000 to 15,000 NGN per document, plus time.

Document translation applies to anything not in Portuguese or English. If you have documents issued in Yoruba or Igbo or a non-standard format, you may need certified translation. This is not always required but worth budgeting for.

Legal assistance is optional but commonly used. A Portuguese immigration lawyer handling a D7 application typically charges 1,000 to 3,000 EUR depending on complexity and whether dependants are included. Some firms charge per person; others charge a flat family rate.

Table of Truth: Cost by Household Size

The table below shows estimated cost ranges for common household profiles. The low end includes only mandatory costs. The high end includes lawyer, apostille, and all optional items.

NGN estimates at 1,700 NGN/EUR. These are estimates, not quotes. Actual costs depend on the lawyer, health insurance provider, and how many documents need apostille. Verify current consulate fees before applying.

AIMA Costs After Arrival in Portugal

Once you enter Portugal on your D7 visa, you need to apply to AIMA (the immigration authority, formerly SEF) for your residence permit. These costs are separate from the Nigeria-side application and are paid inside Portugal:

So for a couple, the AIMA stage alone costs approximately 11,716 EUR in the first year (2 x (533 + 5,325)). This is a significant amount and should be in your Portugal-side budget before you travel.

Realistic Scenarios for Nigerian Applicants

Scenario 1: Single applicant, no lawyer, DIY approach

Tobi is applying alone. She pays the consulate visa fee (90 EUR), gets health insurance (380 EUR for one year), handles apostilles for her 4 main documents herself (approximately 60 EUR equivalent), and travels from Lagos to the consulate once. Her total Nigeria-side cost is roughly 550 to 700 EUR. She then budgets 5,858 EUR for AIMA fees after arrival.

Scenario 2: Couple with one child, using a lawyer

Emeka and Ngozi are applying with their 7-year-old daughter. They hire a Portuguese immigration lawyer at 2,500 EUR. Consulate fees: 90 EUR each for Emeka and Ngozi, 45 EUR for the child. Health insurance for the three of them: approximately 950 EUR. Apostilles and translations: approximately 200 EUR. Total Nigeria-side estimate: around 3,800 to 4,200 EUR. Then 17,574 EUR for AIMA fees for all three after arrival.

Scenario 3: Solo parent with two children

Adaeze is applying with her two children aged 8 and 11. Consulate fees: 90 EUR (her) plus 45 EUR each for the children. Health insurance: approximately 680 EUR for all three. No lawyer, but she uses an online document service for apostilles at around 150 EUR. Her Nigeria-side total is approximately 1,000 to 1,200 EUR. AIMA stage will cost 17,574 EUR for all three.

Why Portugal Attracts Nigerians for the D7 Route

Portugal sits at an intersection of factors that make it practical rather than aspirational for many Nigerians. The income threshold (760 EUR per month) is achievable for remote workers earning in foreign currency. The cost of living outside Lisbon is moderate by Western European standards. And the path leads to EU citizenship after 5 years, which has long-term value for families.

The D7 also does not require you to have a Portuguese job offer. If you are earning remotely, running a business, or receiving pension or rental income, you can qualify without needing a sponsoring employer. That makes it distinctly accessible compared to work-permit-dependent routes in the UK, Germany, or Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology and Assumptions

Consulate fees are based on Portuguese consulate published rates for non-EU nationals as of 2024. Health insurance ranges reflect annual premium estimates from international health insurers offering coverage in Portugal, for adults aged 25 to 45. Legal fee ranges reflect market rates reported by applicants and immigration services based in Nigeria and Portugal.

Apostille cost estimates are based on Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs fee schedules and third-party apostille service providers in Lagos and Abuja. These vary and may have changed; verify current costs before budgeting.

All AIMA post-arrival fees are presented separately and are not included in the calculator total. This is intentional: they are paid in Portugal from Portugal-side funds, not from your Nigeria-side application budget.