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Portugal has become one of Europe’s top destinations for people chasing a better lifestyle, more freedom, and a smoother path to residency. Two of the most popular routes are the D7 Visa, designed for those with passive income, and the D8 Visa, created for remote workers and digital nomads.
While both offer the chance to live legally in Portugal — with access to public services, Schengen mobility, and a path to citizenship — they suit very different types of applicants.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear and simple breakdown of what sets the D7 and D8 apart, helping you choose the option that matches your income, your goals, and the way you want to live in Portugal.
📣 Portugal Citizenship Law Update 2025
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved proposed amendments to the Nationality Law and the immigration framework, following their initial presentation by the government on June 23, 2025. This development marks a major step forward in Portugal’s ongoing legislative reform process.
The proposal aims to extend the minimum residency period for citizenship from five to ten years, or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals, and to revise how residency time is calculated—starting from the issuance of the first residence permit rather than the date the application was submitted.
The bill is not yet in effect, as it still requires Presidential review. The President may approve, veto, or refer the legislation to the Constitutional Court, and the final version could still be modified before promulgation.
D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal Overview
What Is the D7 Portugal Visa?
The Portugal D7 Visa is designed for individuals who earn stable passive income, making it a popular choice for retirees, long-term investors, and those with income sources such as pensions, rental earnings, dividends, royalties, or interest. As of 2026, to qualify, you must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €920, with additional financial requirements if you plan to bring family members along.
The Portugal D7 visa is well suited for anyone seeking a calm, long-term lifestyle in Portugal, supported by reliable income and with the intention of making the country their primary home.
What Is the D8 Visa Portugal Visa?
The D8 Visa, commonly known as the Digital Nomad Visa, caters to remote workers, freelancers, consultants, and entrepreneurs who earn active digital income from outside Portugal. To qualify, applicants must show a minimum monthly income of €3,680—four times Portugal’s minimum wage in 2026—along with additional proof of funds for any accompanying family members.
It is especially attractive to location-independent professionals who want to enjoy Portugal’s quality of life, as it also includes a short-stay option of up to one year for those seeking a more temporary relocation.
What Are the Similarities Between the D7 Visa and D8 Visa?
Visa Application Process
Both visas must be obtained abroad at the Portuguese consulate in your home country or the country where you hold legal residency. Once approved, the visa is valid for 120 days, during which the applicant must enter Portugal and attend an appointment with AIMA to obtain the residence card.
Mobility
Both visas grant visa-free movement within the Schengen Area, allowing easy travel across Europe once you become a resident. Keep in mind that when you travel outside Portugal, you are still subject to the Schengen rules of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Public Healthcare
After receiving Portuguese residency, you gain access to essential Portugal Healthcare System, such as the National Health Service (SNS), public education, and vocational training.
Portuguese Citizenship
Both visas offer a clear pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency. Citizenship applicants must pass the A2 Portuguese language exam.
Family Reunification
Both the D7 and D8 Visas allow you to bring eligible family members to Portugal through the D6 family reunification visa. Eligible relatives include your spouse or partner, children under 18, dependent adult children who are still studying, dependent parents from either side of the family, and minor siblings under your legal care.
What Are the Differences Between the D7 Visa and D8 Visa?
While the D7 and D8 Visas share some similarities, they are designed for very different lifestyles and income profiles. Understanding the specific requirements for each program will help you determine which one is the right fit.
1. Eligibility Criteria
D7 Visa Eligibility
The Portugal D7 Visa is aimed at individuals with passive income. This includes pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties, or interest. As of 2026, applicants must show a minimum monthly passive income of €920, with additional amounts required for family members.
D8 Visa Eligibility
The D8 Digital Nomad Visa targets remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs whose companies or clients are located outside Portugal. To qualify, you must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,680 (four times the Portuguese minimum wage in 2026).
2. Required Income Documents
D7 Visa Required Income Documents
For the D7 Visa Portugal, applicants must provide documents that prove they receive stable passive income. This can include bank statements, pension statements, rental contracts or proof of rental income, as well as records of dividends or interest.
D8 Visa Required Income Documents
When applying for the D8 Visa Portugal, applicants need to show documentation that confirms they earn active remote income. Common examples include work contracts or service agreements, bank statements, recent invoices from clients, and proof of self-employment or company ownership.
3. Tax Implications
D7 Visa Tax Implications
According to the Portugal tax system, a D7 holder who spends more than 183 days per year in the country becomes a Portuguese tax resident. This means they must declare their worldwide income in Portugal.
In the past, many applicants relied on the former NHR regime, which offered very attractive tax benefits—especially for retirees. However, the new replacement regime, known as IFICI, is considerably more restrictive and limits the tax advantages that were previously available.
D8 Visa Tax Implications
The same 183-day rule applies: if you stay more than 183 days in Portugal, you become a tax resident. However, the D8 program includes a short-stay option of up to one year, which does not trigger tax residency if you stay under 183 days. This makes it attractive for digital nomads who want flexibility without immediate tax obligations in Portugal.
Get In Touch With a Portugal Immigration Specialist
Portugal Residency Advisors® has assisted numerous international families in successfully relocating to Portugal and securing residency. Discover how our trusted, all-in-one solution makes your move simple and successful.
Portuguese Citizenship After the D7 Visa and D8 Visa
Both the D7 and D8 Visas offer a clear path to Portuguese citizenship. After holding legal residency for five consecutive years, applicants may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
To qualify, you must demonstrate basic integration into the country, which includes passing the A2 Portuguese language exam as well proving strong ties with a Portuguese community. Once approved, citizenship grants the benefits of holding an EU passport, allowing you to live, work, and travel freely across all European Union member states.
Can I Switch Between the D7 and D8 Later?
Yes, it’s possible to switch between the D7 and D8 Visa later, but you must meet the full requirements of the visa you want to change to. This means you’ll need to submit a new application, provide updated financial proof, and attend a new residency appointment with AIMA.
For example, if you start with the D7 and later begin working remotely, you can apply for the D8 as long as you meet the income and documentation criteria. The same applies in reverse: if you move from remote work to earning passive income, you can request a switch to the D7.
Just keep in mind that these are treated as new residency applications, not automatic conversions, so proper planning and documentation are essential.
D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal: Which One is Better for You?
When it comes to choosing between the D7 and D8 Visa, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The D7 Visa works best for retirees or anyone with reliable passive income, allowing them to live in Portugal without needing local employment.
The D8 Visa, on the other hand, requires active remote income from outside Portugal. However, once you become a D8 resident, you are free to change jobs or even work for a company based in Portugal later on. What truly matters is proving that you have sufficient financial means to renew your residency permit.
To help you decide, start by asking yourself a few honest questions:
- Is my income passive, or do I actively work online?
- Am I still in my full-time career, or transitioning into retirement?
- Do I want to live in Portugal full-time or prefer more flexibility?
- Does my income meet the requirements of the visa I’m considering?
Thinking through these points will quickly guide you toward the option that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term plans in Portugal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the D7 and D8 visas?
The D7 is for passive income earners, while the D8 targets digital workers earning actively from foreign clients or companies.
Can I switch from a D7 to a D8 visa later?
Yes, but you’ll need to prove your income type has changed and submit a new set of documents for approval.
Is there a big financial difference in the D7 vs D8 Visa requirements?
Yes. D7 requires around €870/month, while D8 applicants must show at least €3,480/month in active remote income.
Can I bring my spouse and children on either visa?
Yes, both visas allow family reunification, but you must prove additional income to support each family member.
Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal with either visa?
Possibly. Portugal’s NHR tax regime can offer benefits, but rules depend on your income source and tax residency status.
Is it easier to get approved for the D7 vs D8 Visa?
Approval depends on how clearly you prove your income and meet requirements – not necessarily on the visa type itself.
Can I apply for these visas from outside Portugal?
Yes, applications must start at your local Portuguese consulate in your home country before traveling to Portugal.
Does Portugal offer visa flexibility for non-EU citizens?
Absolutely. The country provides multiple visa routes, and both D7 and D8 are tailored to fit different income situations.
Will I get access to healthcare in Portugal on these visas?
Yes, once approved, you can access public healthcare services, though private insurance is needed during the application stage.
Who should I talk to if I’m unsure about D7 vs D8 Visa options?
It’s best to consult an immigration expert who understands Portugal’s laws and can help you avoid delays or rejections.
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