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D7 vs D8 Visa in Portugal: Because you'll want to know which one is best for you.
When planning a move to Portugal, one of the most common questions is: “Should I apply for the D7 visa or the D8 visa?” While both allow foreigners to live legally in Portugal, the eligibility criteria and the legal concept of income behind each visa are very different.
👉 Importantly, active business income, salaries, or freelance earnings do not qualify as passive income for the D7. Even if you earn remotely for foreign clients, that is considered active professional income and falls outside the scope of the D7.
What is the D7 Visa?
The D7 visa, often called the “Passive Income Visa” or “Retirement Visa,” is designed for people who can prove they have stable, recurring passive income. The purpose of the visa is to ensure that applicants can sustain themselves financially in Portugal without needing local employment.
What counts as “Passive Income” under Portuguese law?
The Portuguese legal framework distinguishes between active income (resulting from work, business activity, or professional services) and passive income (arising from investments, assets, or pensions). For D7 purposes, immigration authorities generally accept:
Pensions (retirement or disability pensions)
Dividends from shares
Rental income from property
Royalties (intellectual property, licensing rights)
Financial investments such as interest from savings, bonds, or other securities
Importantly, active business income, salaries, or freelance earnings do not qualify as passive income for the D7. Even if you earn remotely for foreign clients, that is considered active professional income and falls outside the scope of the D7.
The law requires that this income be regular, consistent, and provable, usually via tax returns, bank statements, or pension confirmations. The minimum threshold is tied to the Portuguese minimum wage.
What is the D8 Visa?
The D8 visa, introduced more recently, is often referred to as the Digital Nomad Visa. Unlike the D7, this visa is specifically intended for individuals who generate active income from remote work or self-employment for foreign companies/clients.
Who qualifies for the D8?
Applicants must prove:
Employment contract with a foreign company or
Freelance/independent contractor agreements with foreign clients
The D8 recognizes income from professional activity that is carried out remotely. The applicant must demonstrate that they earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (which sets the bar significantly higher than the D7).
D7 vs. D8 at a Glance
| Criteria | D7 Visa | D8 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Income | Passive (pensions, dividends, rentals, royalties, investments) | Active (remote employment or freelance work for foreign clients) |
| Minimum Income Requirement | Equal or higher to the Portuguese minimum wage | At least 4× the Portuguese minimum wage |
| Target Applicants | Retirees, investors, individuals with recurring passive income | Remote workers, freelancers, digital nomads |
| Key Legal Basis | Passive income under Portuguese law (non-work-based earnings or savings) | Active professional income from remote work |
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the D7 and D8 visa comes down to the nature of your income. If your financial support comes from investments, property, or pensions, the D7 is your route. If you are a remote worker or freelancer earning actively from abroad, the D8 was created with you in mind.
In both cases, clear documentation and proof of financial stability are essential. Understanding how Portuguese law classifies passive income versus active professional income will help you avoid mistakes and select the right visa for your situation.
At Portugal Wizard, we’ve guided hundreds of clients through this exact decision. The right visa depends on the type of income you have — and understanding the distinction under Portuguese law is key.
The difference between the D7 and the D8 is simple once you understand how Portugal legally defines passive income versus active professional income. But in practice, proving the right kind of income can be complex.
That’s where Portugal Wizard comes in. We make sure your application is accurate, complete, and aligned with Portuguese law — giving you the best chance of success.
👉 Ready to find out which visa is right for you? Contact Portugal Wizard today and start your journey to Portugal with confidence.
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