D7 Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide to Key Differences and Choosing the Right Option 🇵🇹

Andryellen Costa

January 22, 2025

D7 Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal:

Relocating to Portugal has become an increasingly popular choice for expats seeking a high quality of life, affordable living costs, stunning landscapes, and access to all that Europe has to offer. Among the most popular visa options for those considering a move to Portugal are the D7 Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa.

For those weighing their options, understanding the differences between these two visas is crucial, as each caters to distinct lifestyles and income profiles.

This guide will explore the key differences, income requirements, and important factors to consider when choosing the visa that best suits your unique circumstances

D7 Visa: The Passive Income Visa

The D7 Visa, often referred to as the ‘Passive Income Visa,’ is designed for individuals who can support themselves financially without the need for active employment in Portugal. It’s ideal for retirees, investors, or anyone with non-work-related income from sources such as:

Income Criteria for 2025:

To apply for the D7 Visa, you must demonstrate financial independence. The baseline income requirement aligns with the Portuguese minimum wage (€870/month in 2025 for a single applicant). However, additional amounts are required for dependents:

Example:

A single applicant must show proof of at least €820/month in passive income, while a family of four must demonstrate a total income of at least €1,722/month.

Savings Requirements:

Additionally, applicants must provide proof of savings equivalent to 12 months of the minimum wage. For 2025, this amounts to:

These are baseline figures. Portuguese Consulates will always assess whether this income is sufficient, taking into account the cost of living in Portugal, including your rent. Therefore, immigration planning is highly recommended, as the base income may not always guarantee visa approval.

Key Features:

Eligibility: You must show that you have sufficient passive income to support yourself and any dependents you bring with you. The exact income requirements vary depending on family size.
Length of Stay: Once converted into a residence permit, it is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years. After five years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship
Flexibility: There is no requirement to work in Portugal, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle without the need to actively generate income.

It’s important to note that salaries do not qualify for the D7 Visa. This happened because the Digital Nomad Visa was created to address income earned from remote work/work-related income, leaving the D7 Visa focused on passive income sources.

Digital Nomad Visa: Remote Workers Visa

The Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, targets remote workers who are earning an active income from outside Portugal. This visa is perfect for individuals who have location-independent careers and are seeking the flexibility to live in Portugal while continuing to work remotely.

Income Criteria for 2025:

The financial threshold for the Digital Nomad Visa is higher than the D7 Visa. Applicants must earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, which equals €3,480/month in 2025.

Important Note: Different consulates may have specific rules depending on your application location. For instance, countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the USA typically consider gross income, while the UK assesses net pay.

Saving Requirements:

Similar to the D7 Visa, digital nomad applicants are also required to meet savings requirements, providing proof of funds equivalent to 12 months of the minimum wage. For 2025, this amounts to:

Key Features:

Eligibility: To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, you must provide proof of remote work. This can include an employment contract, freelance work, self-employment, or being a shareholder of a company, as long as you can perform your services remotely from Portugal.
Length of Stay: Once converted into a residence permit, it is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years. After five years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Work-Life Balance: The Digital Nomad Visa offers the opportunity to blend work with leisure, allowing you to explore Portugal’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture while working remotely.

Which Visa Should You Choose If You Have Both Passive and Work-Related Income?

This is a common question among expats planning to move to Portugal. If you have both types of income, careful planning is essential. Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Eligibility Rules

It´s important to know that you cannot combine passive and active income to meet the minimum income requirements for either visa. For instance:

If the Digital Nomad Visa requires €3,480/month, you cannot add your salary and passive income to reach this threshold.
In the same way, you cannot combine income types to meet the €870/month requirement for the D7 Visa.

2. Long-Term Goals

If you plan to retire or transition away from work, the D7 Visa may be more suitable.
If you intend to continue working remotely and your passive income is not a long-term source of income, the Digital Nomad Visa would likely be the better choice.

3. Consulate-Specific Approaches

Consulates often handle applications differently. For example:

In the United States, consulates may assess your income sources differently. If they notice you rely on a combination of active and passive income, they might suggest applying for a Digital Nomad Visa instead of a D7 Visa.
This approach can surprise applicants and complicate their immigration plans, as the Digital Nomad Visa requires more detailed documentation and a higher income threshold.
That’s why it’s crucial to carefully choose the visa that best aligns with your circumstances and submit only the documents relevant to that specific visa. Providing mixed or unnecessary documents can lead to confusion, delays, or even prompt officials to suggest switching visa types—making the application process more complicated.

4. Documentation and Bureaucracy

Both visas follow the same process; The D7 Visa is typically easier to apply for, as it primarily requires passive income documentation, which is often straightforward to obtain.
In contrast, applicants for the Digital Nomad Visa may need to submit more detailed paperwork, including contracts, employment letters, and comprehensive income statements—documents that often need to be issued or verified by a third party.

Practical Steps to Choose the Right Visa

To make an informed decision, consider the following:

Evaluate Your Income Sources: Is the majority of your income passive or work-related?
Plan for the Future: Think about your long-term goals—whether they involve retiring or maintaining remote work.
Analyze the Requirements: Assess the documentation and financial thresholds for both visas.
Consult a Professional: Immigration lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of visa requirements and consulate-specific rules, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process.

Conclusion: Which Visa Is Right for You?

Both visas offer excellent pathways to living in Portugal, however, choosing the right visa depends on your income, future goals, and how you envision your life in Portugal. With careful planning and the right guidance, you can ensure a smooth relocation experience.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your visa application, don’t hesitate to contact us! 👇

D7 Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide to Key Differences and Choosing the Right Option 🇵🇹