How Much Money Do You Need to Move to Portugal?
It depends on your visa and your lifestyle. For 2026: the D7 needs passive income of at least €920 a month plus savings, the D8 needs about €3,680 a month, and you should budget several thousand euros in one-off setting up costs on top. Outside Lisbon, many couples live comfortably on roughly €2,000 to €2,500 a month.
How much do you need for the visa?
The income test depends on your route. The D7 asks for stable passive income of at least the Portuguese minimum wage, €920 a month in 2026, plus savings. The D8 asks for around €3,680 a month, four times the minimum wage, from remote work or freelancing outside Portugal.
| Route | Monthly income (2026) | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| D7 | From €920 (passive income) | Savings, ideally around €10,000+ |
| D8 | About €3,680 (remote work) | Savings buffer |
One-off costs to move
Beyond income and savings, plan for the costs of actually getting there and setting up. These vary a lot with how much you ship and where you land.
| One-off cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Flights and travel | For you and anyone moving with you |
| Rental deposit and first month | Often two to three months up front |
| Furniture and setup | More if you arrive to an unfurnished place |
| Visa and document fees | Apostille, translation, consular fees |
| Shipping or storage | If you bring belongings from home |
How much to live each month
Living costs swing widely by location. Lisbon is the priciest, Porto a step cheaper, and the interior and smaller towns cheaper again. Rather than trust a single headline number, work out your own figure. Our cost of living guide breaks it down, and the cost calculator gives you a personal estimate.
Put real numbers behind your move. The Move Plan includes a budget planner, and the Fit Plan pressure tests your budget against your visa and chosen region on a one to one call.
The savings buffer that keeps you safe
The biggest mistake is budgeting to the exact minimum. Build in a cushion for a slow visa, a deposit you did not expect, or a quiet first few months while you find your feet. A buffer is also what consulates want to see, and what stops a small setback turning into a crisis.
Know your number before you commit
Start with the free quiz, then let the Discovery Plan map the full cost of your move in order.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do I need for the D7?
Passive income of at least the Portuguese minimum wage, which is 920 euros a month in 2026, so about 11,040 euros a year, plus savings in a Portuguese account. A buffer above the minimum helps.
How much for the D8 digital nomad visa?
Around 3,680 euros a month, which is four times the 2026 minimum wage, proven from remote work or freelance income earned outside Portugal.
How much does it cost to actually live there?
It varies widely by city. Lisbon is the most expensive, while smaller towns and the interior are far cheaper. Use the cost calculator on the site for a figure for your situation.
What one-off costs should I budget for?
Flights, a rental deposit plus first month, basic furniture, visa and document fees, and any shipping. Several thousand euros is realistic, depending on how much you bring.
Do I need savings as well as income?
Usually yes. The D7 in particular expects savings on top of your income, and consulates like to see a cushion rather than just the bare minimum.
Is Portugal still cheaper than the US or UK?
Generally yes, especially outside Lisbon, though rents in popular areas have risen. Day to day costs like eating out, transport and healthcare are typically lower.
Sources: Portuguese Government (2026 minimum wage €920, portugal.gov.pt), visa income rules (vistos.mne.gov.pt). Living cost ranges are estimates that vary by location and lifestyle. Current June 2026.
Last updated June 2026. By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same.