Retirement migration shifts as Portugal's visa costs rise and French seniors favor Italy's Bari
Portugal’s D7 retirement visa, popular with Brazilian retirees, requires a minimum passive income of €920 per month for the applicant, plus additional amounts for spouses and dependents, and a bank deposit covering twelve months of the minimum wage. The visa grants a two‑year residence permit, renewable and potentially leading to permanent residency.
In 2026, Portugal’s once‑attractive tax regime for foreign pensioners has weakened and property prices have surged, prompting many French retirees to look elsewhere. The Italian city of Bari, in the Puglia region, is gaining attention for its lower cost of living—about 15‑20 % cheaper than Portugal—moderate taxes, pleasant climate, and strong transport links to France. These factors are driving a noticeable shift in senior expatriate destinations away from Portugal toward Bari.