D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal: Which Residency Path is Right for You in 2026?

Are you thinking about moving to Portugal? You’re not alone. The country’s flexible residency programs have turned it into a magnet for retirees, freelancers, and remote workers. But between the D7 Portugal visa and the D8 digital nomad visa, the choice isn’t as simple as it looks. One rewards steady passive income. The other’s built for people earning on the go. 

Here’s a clear breakdown of D7 vs D8 visa Portugal to help you decide which path fits your lifestyle in 2026.

Quick comparison: D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal at a glance

Choosing between the D7 Portugal visa and the Portugal D8 visa depends on your lifestyle, income source, and long-term goals. The table below breaks down the main differences between these two residency options, so you can quickly see which fits you best.

Want to explore the D7 further? Check out how Touchdown can help you. 

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

The D7 Portugal visa, also known as the passive income or retirement visa, is a long-term residence permit designed for non-EU citizens who can support themselves without working in Portugal. 

It is a visa for individuals who earn a stable, passive income from sources such as pensions, rental properties, dividends, or royalties. Unlike short‑stay tourist visas, the D7 allows holders to settle in Portugal, access public healthcare, and pursue permanent residency or citizenship after five years.

Who is the D7 Visa for?

• Retirees and pensioners: The programme is ideal for retirees receiving regular pension payments. Pensioners and retirees can legally reside in Portugal without needing to seek employment. 

• Financially independent individuals: Those living off rental income, dividends, royalties, or other passive earnings also qualify. Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient passive income and savings to support themselves without relying on local employment.

D7 Visa income requirements 2025

Meeting the financial threshold is the most important part of qualifying for the D7 Portugal visa. As of 2025, applicants must demonstrate a passive income of at least €870 per month (approximately $930), which is equivalent to Portugal’s current minimum wage.

To satisfy consulate requirements, you’ll typically need:

• Proof of regular passive income: Recent bank statements, pension confirmations, dividend records, or rental contracts that show consistent monthly earnings.

• Savings equal to one year of income: Most experts recommend keeping at least €10,440 (approximately $11,100), equivalent to 12 months’ income, in a Portuguese bank account.

• Family additions: If you’re applying with dependents, add 50% of the base income (€5,220 / $5,550) for a spouse and 30% (€3,132 / $3,330) per child. A family of four would therefore need about €21,924 ($23,300) in annual passive income to qualify.

What is the Portugal D8 Visa?

The Portugal D8 visa, also known as the digital nomad visa or remote work visa, was introduced in 2022 to attract professionals who earn income from clients or employers outside Portugal. It enables foreign nationals to reside legally in Portugal while continuing to work remotely.

This visa grants an initial four-month entry visa, during which applicants must apply for a two-year renewable residence permit. The residence card grants access to Portugal’s public services, including healthcare and education, and can eventually lead to permanent residency or citizenship after a period of five years. Though, according to the new laws, this might change to ten years.

Who is the D8 Visa for?

The Portugal D8 visa is designed for professionals who work remotely and earn their income from abroad. It’s ideal for:

• Freelancers and remote employees: Individuals with salaried positions or contracts who work online for non-Portuguese employers.

• Self-employed professionals: Independent consultants, creatives, or service providers with international clients who operate fully online.

• Online business owners: Entrepreneurs running location-independent ventures, such as digital agencies, startups, or e-commerce stores, that generate income from outside Portugal.

This visa is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy Portugal’s lifestyle while maintaining an international income stream.

D8 Visa income requirements 2025

Because the Portugal D8 visa targets remote professionals with active income, applicants must meet stricter financial criteria than those applying for the D7 Portugal visa. As of 2025, you’ll need to show a minimum income of €3,480 per month (about $3,700), which is four times Portugal’s minimum wage.

In addition to ongoing earnings, consulates often look for:

• Savings: It’s recommended to maintain at least €10,440 (approximately $11,100) in a Portuguese bank account, which is roughly equivalent to one year’s minimum wage.

• Additional savings for dependents: Add €5,220 (about $5,550) for each accompanying adult and €3,132 (about $3,330) per child.

• Proof of remote income: Provide recent employment contracts, freelance agreements, invoices, or payslips showing consistent earnings over the last three months.

Key differences between Portugal D7 and D8 visas

Understanding the differences between the D7 and D8 visas helps you choose the right option.

Income source: Passive vs active income

• D7 Visa: Applicants must show passive income from sources such as pensions, rent, dividends, or royalties. Portuguese authorities now carefully verify that this income is genuinely passive rather than earned through active work.

• D8 Visa: Applicants must earn active income through remote work. To qualify, income must come from clients or employers based outside Portugal. Freelancers and remote employees should provide contracts, invoices, or payslips to confirm consistent earnings.

Income amount requirements

• D7 Portugal Visa: The minimum income requirement is €870 per month (around $930), with suggested savings of €10,440 (about $11,100) to cover one year of living expenses. Applicants must also add 50% of the base amount for a spouse and 30% per child.

• Portugal D8 Visa: Applicants need to show a monthly income of €3,480 (about $3,700), roughly four times Portugal’s minimum wage. Savings of around €10,440 are also recommended, plus higher amounts for family members. The higher threshold reflects the expectation that remote professionals typically earn more than retirees or passive-income holders.

Work restrictions and flexibility

• D7 Portugal visa: Holders are allowed to work in Portugal after receiving their residence card and registering with local authorities.

• Portugal D8 visa: Initially, applicants must work remotely for non-Portuguese employers or clients. Once they receive their residence permit, they can take local contracts or employment within Portugal.

Who each visa attracts

• D7 Portugal visa: Best for retirees, pensioners, and financially independent individuals who want to enjoy Portugal’s relaxed lifestyle without working.

• Portugal D8 visa: Tailored for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote professionals who want to maintain an active career while exploring Portugal’s cities, coastlines, and culture.

Application process: D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal

Although the D7 Portugal visa and Portugal D8 visa cater to different lifestyles, their application processes follow a similar structure.

Shared requirements for both visas

• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

• Clean criminal record: Applicants must submit a police clearance certificate, apostilled and translated into Portuguese.

• Travel insurance: A policy covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies within the Schengen area.

• Portuguese NIF (tax number): Required to open a bank account, sign a lease, and handle official paperwork.

• Portuguese bank account: Used to hold your savings and demonstrate financial readiness; requires your NIF and identification to open.

• Proof of accommodation: A 12-month rental contract, property deed, or invitation letter confirming a place to live in Portugal.

• Two passport photos and a completed application form.

Unique documentation for D7 Visa

• Proof of passive income: Bank statements showing regular deposits, pension letters, dividend certificates, or rental agreements that confirm a steady income stream.

• Savings statements: Evidence of at least €10,440 (around $11,100) in savings, plus additional amounts for dependents, held in a Portuguese account.

• Family documents: Marriage or birth certificates for dependents, properly apostilled and translated into Portuguese.

Unique documentation for D8 Visa

Applicants for the Portugal D8 visa must show that their income comes from remote work or digital entrepreneurship conducted outside Portugal. 

Typical documentation includes:

• Employment contract or freelance agreements: Proof that you work remotely for foreign clients or employers, such as contracts, payslips, or invoices.

• Proof of remote work setup: Documents showing that your role or business can be managed online, for instance, letters from employers or clients confirming remote arrangements.

• Employer’s declaration: If you’re a salaried employee, include a letter confirming that your work is fully remote.

Processing timeline comparison

The Portugal D7 vs D8 visa processes follow nearly identical steps:

• Visa approval: Consulate processing typically takes 60–90 days.

• AIMA appointment: After arriving in Portugal, applicants have 120 days to attend their residency appointment with AIMA (formerly SEF).

• Residence permit: Once approved, the residence card is valid for two years and can be renewed.

Due to high demand, it’s best to secure consulate appointments well in advance and ensure every document meets Portuguese translation and authentication standards.

Residency and stay requirements: D7 vs D8

Minimum physical presence

To keep your residency active, both D7 Portugal visa and Portugal D8 visa holders must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first two years. 

You can’t be away for more than six consecutive or eight non-consecutive months. Extended absences may lead to visa renewal issues or impact your eligibility for permanent residency and citizenship in the future.

Schengen travel access

Once you receive your residence permit, you can travel freely across the Schengen Area. You may stay in any other Schengen country for up to 90 days but your primary residence must remain in Portugal to maintain your legal status.

Path to citizenship: D7 vs D8 Visa

Timeline to portuguese citizenship

According to Portugal’s citizenship rules, both visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of lawful residence, provided they pass an A2-level Portuguese language exam and maintain a clean criminal record. The final decision on this is yet to be made, after which this law will be put into action.

Permanent residency option

If citizenship isn’t your goal, you can apply for permanent residency after five years. This status grants nearly all the same rights as citizenship, including access to healthcare, education, and employment, but without the right to vote or a Portuguese passport.

Tax implications: D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal

Portugal determines tax residency under the 183-day rule or the permanent home rule. Anyone spending 183 days or more in Portugal during any 12-month period, or maintaining a permanent home there, becomes a Portuguese tax resident. 

Residents must report their worldwide income, while those staying in Portugal for fewer than 183 days are typically taxed only on Portuguese-sourced income.

IFICI (NHR 2.0) Eligibility

Portugal replaced its Non-Habitual Resident program with the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), known informally as NHR 2.0. This regime targets highly skilled professionals in fields like tech, research, and engineering.

Key benefits include:

• 20% flat tax on eligible Portuguese income for up to ten years.

• 0% tax on most foreign income, including dividends and capital gains.

Eligibility depends on working in a qualifying field or founding a company that contributes to Portugal’s innovation sector.

• D7 Portugal visa holders: Retirees and passive-income earners generally don’t qualify for IFICI. Their pensions and other income are taxed under Portugal’s standard progressive rates (14.5% - 48% in 2025).

• Portugal D8 visa holders: Digital nomads may qualify if they work in an approved profession or register a local business on certain sectors of activity in Portugal. Those accepted enjoy a 20% flat tax on Portuguese income and 0% on most foreign earnings for ten years.

Taxation of different income types

• D7 visa: Passive income, like pensions, rent, and dividends, is taxed under the progressive income system once you become a tax resident.

• D8 visa: Active remote income is also subject to progressive tax rates. Freelancers earning under €200,000 (around $213,000) per year can opt for a simplified regime, taxing only 75% of gross income.

Portugal also has double-taxation treaties with many countries, including the U.S., to prevent being taxed twice on the same income.

Family reunification: D7 vs D8 Visa

Both the D7 Portugal visa and Portugal D8 visa allow you to bring:

• A spouse or legal partner.

• Dependent children under 18 or adult children still in school.

• Dependent parents of the main applicant or their spouse.

• Minor siblings under legal care.

Applicants must show sufficient income and housing to support dependents.

Additional income requirements

• D7 visa: Add 50% of the base income for a spouse and 30% per child. For example, a couple with two children would need roughly €21,924 per year (about $23,300).

• D8 visa:  Add savings of €5,220 (about $5,550) per adult and €3,132 (about $3,330) per child to show financial stability (recommended, but not mandatory).

Cost breakdown: D7 vs D8 Visa comparison

Both visas involve similar fees:

• Visa application: €90–€120 ($95–$130).

• AIMA residence permit: €85–€120 ($90–$130).

• VFS Global service fee (if applicable): €40–€44 ($43–$47).

Total government costs usually range between €245 and €315 ($260–$340) per applicant.

Additional costs

• Document legalisation: Apostilles, notary stamps, and certified translations may cost €100–€500 ($110–$530).

• Travel insurance: Comprehensive Schengen coverage (six months) typically costs €400–€1,000 ($425–$1,070) annually.

• Housing: Expect to prepay several months’ rent. Homebuyers pay 0.8% stamp duty and 0.3–0.8% annual municipal tax.

• Miscellaneous: Bank account setup, NIF registration, and local notarization add smaller fees.

Benefits of each visa type

D7 Portugal Visa benefits

• Lower income requirement (€870/month) makes it accessible to retirees and those living off savings or investments.

• Ideal for financially independent individuals who don’t need to work.

• Provides access to public services like healthcare (SNS) and education.

• Flexibility to work or start a business after receiving your residence permit, though not mandatory.

Portugal D8 Visa benefits

• Designed for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs maintaining international careers.

• Access to Portugal’s growing digital-nomad community, coworking spaces, and global networking.

• Easier qualification for younger professionals earning higher incomes.

• Encourages a location-independent lifestyle with the stability of European residency.

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing between D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal

Confusing passive and active income

The D7 Portugal visa is strictly for passive earnings. Applicants who include freelance or remote income under this category risk rejection, as such income is considered active and falls under the Portugal D8 visa criteria.

Using outdated information

Visa and tax regulations evolve frequently. Following outdated blog posts or unofficial sources can lead to incorrect documentation or missed eligibility criteria. Always verify requirements directly on official consulate websites or updated guides, such as Touchdown’s.

Underestimating post-arrival requirements

After arriving in Portugal, applicants must complete essential steps within the first 120 days: attend the AIMA residence permit appointment, update their NIF with a Portuguese address, register with the national SNS healthcare system, and comply with tax obligations. 

Failing to do so can delay permit renewals or future citizenship applications.

Which visa should you choose: D7 or D8?

Choosing between the Portugal D7 vs D8 visa depends on your income type, work status, and goals.

Choose D7 if you:

• Earn passive income from pensions, rent, or investments.

• Are retired or financially independent and want a slower pace of life.

• Meet the savings requirement of €10,440 (around $11,100).

• Prefer stability and simplicity over ongoing work obligations.

Choose D8 if you:

• Work remotely for a foreign employer or freelance for international clients.

• Run a location-independent business or online venture.

• Earn at least €3,480 per month (around $3,700).

• Want to keep working while enjoying Portugal’s lifestyle and potential tax perks under IFICI (NHR 2.0).

How touchdown simplifies your D7 or D8 application

Starting a new life in Portugal can feel exciting yet overwhelming. Between income requirements, paperwork, and consulate appointments, managing the process alone often becomes stressful. Touchdown makes it easier.

As Portugal’s leading relocation platform, Touchdown offers clear legal guidance, simple technology, and personalized support to streamline every step of your D7 Portugal visa or Portugal D8 visa application. 

Our free eligibility checker quickly determines which visa is best suited to your situation. Once you know your path, we help you obtain your Portuguese NIF, open a bank account, and prepare all required documents with the oversight of licensed lawyers.

When it is time to submit, our team coordinates your consulate appointment and ensures your file meets all current requirements. After you arrive in Portugal, we will continue to guide you through the final steps, including your annual tax returns.

With Touchdown, the relocation process becomes clear and manageable. You gain expert legal support, transparent progress tracking, and one secure platform to handle everything from visas and banking to housing and taxes.

Book a 1:1 consultation with our team or explore the platform to start your move to Portugal with confidence.

FAQs about D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal

What is the main difference between the D7 and D8 visas in Portugal?

The D7 Portugal visa targets retirees and passive-income earners with a minimum monthly income of €870, while the Portugal D8 visa is for remote workers and digital nomads earning an active income of €3,480 per month or more. Both offer renewable two-year residence permits and a five-year path to citizenship.

Does the Portugal D7 visa lead to citizenship?

Yes. Both visas allow you to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of residence, assuming you pass the language exam and meet legal requirements. However, this could change to ten years if the new law is implemented, 

What is the minimum income for the Portugal D8 visa?

The Portugal D8 visa requires a monthly income of at least €3,480, which is four times Portugal’s minimum wage, plus savings of around €10,440 ($11,100) and additional funds for dependents.