D7 vs D8: what is the difference?
The two visas split on one question: where your money comes from. The D7 is for passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends, investments). The D8 is for active remote income (a salary from a non-Portuguese employer, or self-employment with clients outside Portugal). If you still work for your money, it is the D8. If your income arrives without you working, it is the D7.
D7 vs D8 at a glance (2026)
| Feature | D7 (passive income) | D8 (remote work) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Retirees, pensioners, investors | Remote workers, freelancers |
| Income source | Passive (pension, rent, dividends) | Active (remote salary or clients) |
| Minimum income, single (2026) | €920 / month | about €3,680 / month |
| Family add-ons | +50% spouse, +30% per child | +50% spouse, +30% per child |
| Savings expected | about €11,040 | about €11,040 |
| Leads to | Residency, then citizenship at 10 years | Residency, then citizenship at 10 years |
| Tax | Normal Portuguese tax (NHR closed) | Normal Portuguese tax (NHR closed) |
What documents do you need?
- D7: proof of stable passive income (pension, dividend or rental records) over six to twelve months
- D8: an employment or client contract, three months of payslips or invoices, and tax returns
- Both: a Portuguese NIF, a Portuguese bank account with savings deposited, accommodation, health insurance, and a background check with apostille
Which visa should you choose?
- Choose the D7 if you are retired or living on investments and pensions
- Choose the D8 if you work remotely and earn above the higher threshold
- If you have both, the D7 is often simpler when your passive income alone clears €920 a month
Both are applied for from your home country through VFS Global, after which you attend an AIMA appointment in Portugal to collect your permit. Thresholds are pegged to the minimum wage and rise each January, so confirm the current figure before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the D7 and D8 visa?
The D7 is for passive income such as pensions, rentals and dividends and needs €920 a month in 2026. The D8 is for active remote income from non-Portuguese clients or an employer and needs about €3,680 a month.
How much income do you need for the D7 visa in 2026?
At least €920 a month for a single applicant, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per dependent child, with roughly €11,040 in savings in a Portuguese account.
How much income do you need for the D8 visa in 2026?
About €3,680 a month (four times the Portuguese minimum wage), with the same family additions and savings expectation as the D7.
Can I switch from a D8 to a D7 later?
Your route can change as your circumstances change, but it is cleaner to apply for the visa that fits you now. Get advice if you are unsure.
Do the D7 and D8 lead to citizenship?
Both lead to a residency permit, permanent residency at five years, and citizenship after ten years of residency (seven for EU and Portuguese-speaking-country nationals).
Not sure which fits? Get a recommendation
Sources
- Portuguese visa portal (thresholds and categories): vistos.mne.gov.pt
- AIMA (residency permits after arrival): aima.gov.pt
- 2026 minimum wage and threshold confirmation: Get Golden Visa D7 and D8 guides
General information, current as of June 2026, not legal advice. Thresholds change each January with the minimum wage. Related reading: the Ultimate D7 Visa Guide and Digital Nomad Visa Secrets.
