D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal 2026 | Passive Income vs Digital Nomad | Visas.pt

D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal: Which One Is Right for You?

Portugal offers two popular long-stay visa options for people who work remotely or live on passive income. The D7 (Passive Income Visa) and the D8 (Digital Nomad Visa) both lead to residency, but they target different applicants and have very different income requirements. Here's a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide.

At a Glance

🏖️ D7 Passive Income Visa 💻 D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Min. income / investment ~€920/month (single, 2026) ~€3,680/month (4× min. wage, 2026)
Work type Passive — no active work for PT employers Active remote — non-Portuguese employers only
Processing time 3–8 months typical 3–8 months typical
First renewal 2 years (then 3 years) 2 years (then 3 years)

Advantages & Limitations

🏖️
D7 Passive Income Visa
Best for retirees & passive earners

Advantages

  • Lower income threshold — accessible to most retirees
  • Accepts pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties
  • No requirement to work — ideal for lifestyle movers
  • Leads to permanent residency after 5 years
  • Path to Portuguese citizenship and EU passport

Limitations

  • Income must be passive — no active Portuguese employment
  • Must spend 183+ days/year in Portugal to maintain status
  • Proving passive income requires careful documentation
💻
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Best for remote workers & freelancers

Advantages

  • For remote workers earning from non-Portuguese clients
  • Covers employees, freelancers, and contractors
  • Keep your existing foreign job while living in Portugal
  • Leads to full residency and citizenship pathway
  • Flexible for multiple income streams

Limitations

  • Higher income bar (~€3,680/month — 4× minimum wage)
  • Income must come entirely from outside Portugal
  • Higher threshold excludes some remote workers

Our Verdict

Choose the D7 if you have a pension, rental income, dividends, or savings-based income above ~€920/month and want to retire or live freely in Portugal. Choose the D8 if you work remotely for a foreign employer or clients and earn at least €3,680/month. If your income is mixed, our lawyers will advise which application gives you the stronger case.

Frequently Asked Questions

No — you must choose one visa type per application. If your income is a mix of passive and active remote work, our lawyers will assess which visa category gives you the strongest application based on your specific income composition.

Both visa types can qualify for the IFICI tax programme (successor to NHR), depending on your profession and income sources. Our tax lawyers assess your eligibility in a dedicated tax consultation.

Neither is inherently easier. The D7 has a lower income bar but stricter requirements around the passive nature of income. The D8 is more straightforward for demonstrating remote employment, but has a higher income threshold. A complete, professionally prepared application is the most important factor for approval.

For 2026, the D7 requires passive income of at least €920/month for a single applicant. For a couple, the threshold increases proportionally. These figures are updated annually — our lawyers confirm the current requirements for your specific situation.

Still not sure which visa applies to you?

Our Portuguese immigration lawyers will review your income, nationality, and goals — then confirm the exact visa to apply for. No obligation.

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Quick check

Which visa fits your situation?

How would you describe your main income source?

🏖️ Pension, rental income, dividends, or savings
💻 Remote salary or freelance (foreign clients only)
🏢 I want to run a business or freelance in Portugal
🏅 Large capital investment (€500k+)
Step 1 of 2
🏖️ The D7 Passive Income Visa looks right for you.
Income threshold ~€920/month (2026). Our lawyers confirm your full eligibility on a free call. Start again
💻 The D8 Digital Nomad Visa fits your situation.
You need ~€3,680/month from non-Portuguese sources. Book a free call to confirm. Start again
🏢 The D2 Entrepreneur Visa is likely your route.
No fixed income bar — a credible business plan is the key. Our lawyers assess it free. Start again
🏅 The Golden Visa matches your profile.
Qualifying fund investment from €500k. Only 7 days/year in Portugal required. Start again
JO
Jessica Oliveira
Immigration Lawyer · Online now
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