Compare Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa with D7 Passive Income and Golden Visa options
| Criteria | D8 Digital Nomad | D7 Passive Income | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Remote workers, freelancers | Retirees, investors | High-net-worth individuals |
| Min. Income Required | €3,480/month (€41,760/year) | €9,120/year (€760/month) | No income requirement |
| Min. Investment | €0 ✓ | €0 ✓ | €250,000-€500,000 |
| Residence Card | 2 years, then +3 years ✓ | 2 years, then +3 years ✓ | 2 years (renewable) |
| Processing Time | Varies by consulate/AIMA | Varies by consulate/AIMA | 12-24 months (variable) |
| Stay Requirement | General absence limits apply | ~16 months in first 2 years | ~7 days/year ✓ |
| Work in Portugal | Yes (remote work) ✓ | No (passive income only) | Yes (after residency) |
| Path to Citizenship | 10 years (7 for CPLP)* | 10 years (7 for CPLP)* | 10 years (7 for CPLP)* |
| Application Cost | ~€90 ✓ | ~€90 ✓ | €5,000-€7,000 |
| Family Reunification | After 2+ years residence | After 2+ years residence | After 2+ years residence |
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Situation: Works remotely for a US tech company, earns $120k/year ($10k/month), wants to explore Europe while maintaining US employment
✓ Best Choice: D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Why: Income well exceeds €3,480/month requirement, can prove remote employment easily, wants flexibility to travel (no residency requirement), fast 4-8 week approval lets her start quickly.
Situation: Combined pension income of $2,500/month ($30k/year), want to retire permanently in Portugal, own home in US they'll rent out
✓ Best Choice: D7 Passive Income Visa
Why: Pension income qualifies for D7 (€760/month minimum), planning to live in Portugal full-time (meets 16-month residency), don't meet D8's higher €3,480/month threshold, rental income counts as passive.
Situation: Has $400k to invest, wants EU residency for family, only plans to visit Portugal 2-3 weeks/year, seeking diversification
✓ Best Choice: Golden Visa
Why: Has capital for €280k+ investment fund requirement, only wants 7 days/year residency (can't meet D8/D7 requirements), investment may generate returns, family gets residency, path to citizenship in 5-6 years.
Situation: Earns $4,500/month from multiple freelance clients worldwide, wants base in Lisbon but travels frequently for inspiration
✓ Best Choice: D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Why: Freelance income exceeds €3,480/month, can provide client contracts as proof of work, flexible residency suits travel lifestyle, D7 would require 16 months in Portugal which doesn't fit her needs.
What is the difference between D8 and D7 visa Portugal? D8 is for remote workers earning €3,480+/month from active work (employment/freelancing) with no residency requirement. D7 is for retirees/investors with passive income (€760+/month minimum) requiring 16 months residence in first 2 years. D8 processes faster (4-8 weeks vs 8-12) but has higher income requirements. D7 gives a longer initial term (2 years vs 1).
Is D8 visa better than Golden Visa Portugal? D8 is better if you can't invest €250k-€500k, need fast processing (4-8 weeks vs 12-24 months), and work remotely. Golden Visa is better if you have capital to invest, want minimal residency (7 days/year vs flexible for D8), and seek investment returns. D8 costs €90 vs €5,000-7,000 for Golden Visa application fees alone.
Can I switch from D8 to D7 visa or vice versa? Yes, you can switch between visa types when renewing, but you must meet the new visa's requirements. Switching from D8 to D7 requires proving passive income and accepting residency requirements. Switching from D7 to D8 requires proving remote work income of €3,480+/month. Consult with immigration specialist before switching as it may reset your residency timeline for citizenship.
Yes, both D8 and D7 visas provide a path to Portuguese citizenship. Under the new nationality reform, citizenship will require 10 years of lawful residence (7 years for CPLP citizens). Until the reform is promulgated and published, the 5-year rule applies. You must pass a Portuguese language test (A2 level), have good conduct, and meet other legal conditions.
D8 is suitable if you earn €3,480+/month from remote work for foreign employers/clients. D7 is for passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends). Golden Visa requires significant capital (€250k-€500k+). Processing times vary by consulate and AIMA - there are no official guaranteed timeframes or approval rates. Choose based on your income profile and documentation.
Can I have multiple Portuguese visas at the same time? No, you can only hold one Portuguese residency visa at a time. However, you can switch visa types when renewing if you meet the new requirements. Some people start with D8 for fast entry, then switch to Golden Visa after purchasing property, or transition from D8 to D7 when retiring. Each visa type has distinct purposes and cannot be combined.