Portugal D7 and digital nomad (D8) visas

The D7 is for people with passive income, and the D8 is for remote workers employed by, or serving clients, outside Portugal. Both are based on the Portuguese minimum wage, which is €920 a month in 2026: the D7 needs at least 1× that amount (€920) and the D8 at least 4× (€3,680).

D7 or D8? Comparison

Example: a couple with two children needs at least €1,932 a month of passive income for a D7 (€920 + €460 + €276 + €276).

Documents required

• Valid passport and photo
• Proof of income: leases and title deeds, pension statements, dividend or deposit statements; for the D8, an employment contract or employer letter, or client contracts for freelancers, plus payslips or invoices for the last 3 months
• Bank statements; many consulates expect a Portuguese bank account holding one year of the required income
• Portuguese tax number (NIF)
• Accommodation in Portugal: a long-term lease (usually 12 months) or a title deed
• Health insurance valid in Portugal
• Criminal record certificate, translated and legalised as required

Steps

1. Assess your income source and choose the D7 or D8
2. Get a NIF, open a bank account and sign a lease
3. Apply at the Portuguese embassy or VFS centre; the visa is valid for 4 months and usually carries your AIMA appointment date
4. Enter Portugal, give biometrics and receive a temporary residence card from AIMA

Permit length and required presence

• The first temporary residence card is valid for 2 years, then renewed for 3-year periods.
• Absences of more than 6 consecutive months, or more than 8 non-consecutive months during the card's validity, can lead to cancellation unless justified, for example by work.
• After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence, and after 10 years for citizenship.

Important for families

Under the 2025 foreigners law, if your spouse joins you later you usually need 2 years of residence first (or 15 months if you lived together for 18 months before you entered Portugal). Minor children, and a spouse who is the other parent of those children, are exempt from the wait. Family reunification in detail

Frequently asked questions

What is the D7 minimum income in 2026?

€920 a month for the main applicant, plus €460 for a spouse and €276 for each child.

What is the D8 minimum income in 2026?

Your average monthly income over the last 3 months must be at least 4× the Portuguese minimum wage, i.e. €3,680, paid by employers or clients outside Portugal.

Can I work in Portugal on a D7?

D7 residence card holders may work, but the permit was granted on passive income, which must still exist when you renew.

Is the D8 open to freelancers?

Yes. Freelancers with contracts from clients outside Portugal and sufficient income can apply.

Do the savings have to be in a Portuguese bank?

The law sets no fixed figure, but most consulates expect a Portuguese account holding one year of the required income. Check the practice of your embassy with us before applying.

Amounts are based on the 2026 Portuguese minimum wage and change with its yearly increase.