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D7 vs D8 — passive income vs digital nomad
Both grant Portuguese residency and trigger PT tax residency in year one. The split is where your income comes from: D7 needs it passive; D8 needs it active + remote.
| D7 (passive income) | D8 (digital nomad) | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Retirees, rentiers, anyone with pension / dividends / rental / passive returns. | Remote workers with a stable employer or freelance contract outside Portugal. |
| Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national with stable passive income + accommodation in PT. | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national with a foreign remote-work contract + income above threshold. |
| Minimum monthly income (2025) | €820 for the main applicant (+50% spouse / +30% per child). | €3,040 (4× PT minimum wage). No lower ceiling for family increments — same math applied on top. |
| Physical presence to keep residency | ≥183 days/year OR 8 months split with at least one continuous 6-month period. | Same 183-day / 6-month rule — both are residency permits. |
| Portuguese tax residency | Yes from year one — worldwide income is reportable. | Yes from year one — worldwide income is reportable. |
| Active work in Portugal | Not the point — designed for passive income. Active work inside PT possible but muddies the visa story on renewal. | Explicit — remote work for a foreign employer / clients is the point of the visa. |
| Family reunification | Available and well-trodden — spouse + minor / dependent children. | Available, same standard as D7. |
| Best for | Anyone whose main income is passive — pension, dividends, rental, interest. | Remote employees / freelancers with monthly income comfortably above €3,040. |
Which visa fits you?
Where does your main income come from?
Frequently asked questions
Does either visa give me NHR or IFICI automatically?
No. NHR is closed. IFICI is applied for separately at AT once you become tax-resident, and only if your PT activity qualifies. The visa is immigration; NHR/IFICI is tax.
Can I switch from D7 to D8 later?
Yes, at renewal. The bigger question is whether it makes sense — D7 is fine for anyone who eventually holds passive income, so most people don't need to switch.
What if my income is variable?
AIMA / consular staff look at the last 12 months of statements. Aim for 3-6 months at or above the threshold before applying so the file doesn't need explanation.
Do savings count toward the minimum?
Savings back up the file but don't substitute income. Expect to show income above the threshold plus a savings cushion equal to 12 months of rent.