D7 vs D8: which Portuguese visa is right for you?
Two of Portugal's most popular residence visas: the D7 for those with stable passive income, and the D8 Digital Nomad visa for remote workers earning above a salary threshold.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | D7 Residence Visa (Passive Income / Retirement) (D7) | D8 Digital Nomad Visa (D8) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Retirees and people with stable passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends) who want to live in Portugal. | Remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Portugal who want to live there while working remotely. |
| Government cost | ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit | ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit |
| Processing time | ~60 days | ~60 days |
| Length of stay | Visa valid 4 months/2 entries, then residence permit 2 years, renewable for 3 | Temporary-stay (1 year) or residence permit (2 years, renewable for 3) |
| Where to apply | At a Portuguese consulate abroad, then AIMA in Portugal | At a Portuguese consulate abroad, then AIMA in Portugal |
| Work rights | Work permitted, but not required | Remote work for non-Portuguese employers/clients |
| Pathway to PR | After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship. | The residence-permit version counts toward permanent residence and citizenship after 5 years. |
Which is right for you?
D7 Residence Visa (Passive Income / Retirement) (D7)
Retirees and people with stable passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends) who want to live in Portugal.
Full D7 guide →D8 Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Portugal who want to live there while working remotely.
Full D8 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, D7 or D8?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, D7 Residence Visa (Passive Income / Retirement) (D7) is the lowest at ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, D7 or D8?
Indicatively D7 Residence Visa (Passive Income / Retirement) (D7) is the quickest at ~60 days. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between D7 and D8?
D7 Residence Visa (Passive Income / Retirement) (D7) is for retirees and people with stable passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends) who want to live in Portugal. D8 Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is for remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Portugal who want to live there while working remotely.