Article Overview
Portugal offers two popular residence visas for people who do not need a Portuguese employer: the D7, often called the passive income or retirement visa, and the D8, the digital nomad visa. Both lead to a residence permit and both require stable income, but they suit very different profiles. This guide helps you decide which one fits.
The D7 visa: for passive income
The D7 is designed for people with regular income that does not come from active work in Portugal. Typical sources include:
- pensions;
- rental income from property;
- dividends and interest from investments;
- royalties and intellectual property income.
The income requirement is linked to the Portuguese minimum wage. For 2026, the main applicant generally needs at least €920 per month, with 50% more for a spouse and 30% more for each child. Many consulates also expect to see savings equivalent to one year of income in a Portuguese bank account.
The D8 visa: for remote workers
The D8 is for people who work remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal. You can be an employee of a foreign company or a freelancer with foreign clients. The income requirement is four times the minimum wage, which is about €3,680 per month in 2026. There is also a temporary stay version of the D8 for shorter periods, but most applicants seeking residence choose the residence option.
Side-by-side comparison
- Who it suits: D7 for retirees and people with investment or rental income; D8 for remote employees and freelancers.
- Income source: D7 passive income; D8 active income from work done for clients or employers abroad.
- Income level: D7 around €920 per month for the main applicant in 2026; D8 around €3,680 per month.
- Working in Portugal: both allow you to live in Portugal; local employment rules differ, so check the conditions of your permit.
- Family: both allow family reunification with additional income for each family member.
- Residence: both lead to a residence permit that can be renewed and may later lead to permanent residence.
Documents commonly required
- Valid passport and recent photos.
- Proof of income: pension statements, rental contracts, investment statements (D7) or employment contracts, client contracts and payslips (D8).
- Bank statements for the past months, usually from your home country and Portugal.
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF) and, usually, a Portuguese bank account.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental contract.
- Criminal record certificate from your country of residence, legalised or apostilled.
- Travel and health insurance.
How the process works
- Get a NIF and open a Portuguese bank account.
- Arrange accommodation in Portugal.
- Apply for the national visa at the Portuguese embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence.
- Travel to Portugal once the visa is issued.
- Attend your appointment with AIMA, the immigration agency, to receive your residence permit.
Applying from Pakistan or the UAE
Apply at the Portuguese mission responsible for the country where you legally live. UAE residents usually apply through the embassy in Abu Dhabi, while residents of Pakistan apply through the embassy in Islamabad or its designated visa service. Documents from Pakistan often need attestation or legalisation, so start early.
Which one should you choose?
If most of your income comes from a pension, rent or investments, the D7 is usually the natural fit. If you earn by working remotely, the D8 is designed for you, but you must meet the higher income level. Some people have mixed income; in that case, the source of the main and most stable income often decides the route.
How ZANS Consultants can help
We assess your income profile, prepare your documents and guide you through the consulate and AIMA stages. Learn more about our Portugal D7 Visa and Portugal D8 Visa services, explore Portugal immigration options, or book a consultation.
General information only: Portuguese visa rules and income thresholds change, usually each year with the minimum wage. Check the current requirements with the Portuguese mission and AIMA before applying. The Portuguese authorities make the final decision on every application.
