What is the difference between the D7 and D8 visa in Portugal?

The D7 and D8 are Portugal's two most popular visa options for non-EU nationals who want to live in Portugal without traditional employment. While they seem similar, they have important differences in requirements and intended purposes.

D7 Visa (Passive Income/Retirement Visa)

Purpose: Designed for people with stable passive income who want to live in Portugal.

Income requirement: €920/month (Portugal's minimum wage as of January 2026)

Qualifying income sources:

• Pension payments
• Rental income from property
• Investment dividends
• Interest from savings
• Royalties
• Other passive income streams

Key characteristics:

• Lower income threshold
• Must demonstrate PASSIVE income (not active work)
• Originally designed for retirees
• Applications from active freelancers increasingly rejected under D7

D8 Visa (Digital Nomad/Remote Work Visa)

Purpose: Specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs earning income from outside Portugal.

Income requirement: €3,480/month (4x minimum wage as of 2026)

Qualifying income sources:

• Salary from remote employment with non-Portuguese company
• Freelance income from international clients
• Business income from company based outside Portugal
• Online business revenue

Key characteristics:

• Higher income threshold
• Designed for ACTIVE work income
• Can work remotely for any employer outside Portugal
• Launched in late 2022 specifically for digital nomads

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

Choose D7 if:

• You have pension income
• Your income comes from investments, rentals, or royalties
• You don't need to work actively
• You want lower income requirements

Choose D8 if:

• You work remotely for a company outside Portugal
• You're a freelancer with international clients
• You're a digital nomad
• You earn more than €3,480/month

Important Notes:

• D7 for freelancers is increasingly difficult: Immigration authorities have tightened enforcement. Active freelance income should use D8.

• Both lead to the same destination: Permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship eligibility (currently 5 years, proposed change to 10 years pending).

• Family reunification: Both visas allow you to bring family members with adjusted income requirements (+50% for spouse, +30% per child).

• Tax implications are the same: Both make you Portuguese tax resident, with worldwide income taxable (the NHR tax regime ended for new applicants in 2024).

• Documentation is similar: Both require NIF, Portuguese bank account, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and criminal record certificates.

The D8 was created because authorities wanted to distinguish between passive income recipients and active remote workers. Choose the visa that genuinely matches your income situation.