D7 or D8 visa: which one is right for you?

The D7 and D8 visas are two of the routes most sought after by Brazilians who want to live in Portugal without an employment contract with a Portuguese company. Both are residence visas, issued by the consulate, which allow entry into the country and a subsequent residence permit application with AIMA. The essential difference lies in the source of the income that supports the stay.

In this guide, we compare the two visas, show the reference amounts in force in 2026 and explain the route from the application in Brazil to the residence card in Portugal.

Who is the D7 visa for?

The D7 visa is for people who live on regular passive income that does not depend on working in Portugal. This includes, for example:

• state or private pensions;
• rental income from property in Brazil or elsewhere;
• income from financial investments;
• dividends and other capital income.

Beyond the amount, the consulate looks at how regular and stable this income is: lease agreements, pension payment statements and tax returns help show that the money comes in every month and will keep coming in. Applicants must also prove accommodation in Portugal and means of subsistence.

Who is the D8 visa for?

The D8 visa, known as the digital nomad visa, is for people who work remotely for companies or clients based outside Portugal, either as employees or as self-employed professionals.

In addition to the minimum income, applicants must demonstrate the working relationship (employment contract, employer statement or service agreements) and the ability to work remotely. The D8 comes in two forms: the residence visa, for those who want to live in Portugal, and the temporary stay visa, for stays of up to one year.

How much do you need to prove in 2026?

Both visas use the Portuguese national minimum wage as their reference, which is €920 a month in 2026. As this amount changes every year, so do the thresholds.

The amounts in the table are a calculation reference. In practice, each consulate may ask for additional evidence, so it is worth checking the document list on the official visa portal on the date of your application.

Which documents are required?

The list varies by consulate and profile but usually includes:

• a valid passport and the visa application form;
• proof of income (D7) or of the remote working relationship (D8);
• bank statements and, if available, a Portuguese bank account;
• proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a lease or a statement of responsibility;
• health insurance valid for the initial period;
• a criminal record certificate with a Hague apostille;
• a Portuguese tax number (NIF), which can be obtained before travelling through a representative.

How does the process work, from application to residence?

1. Preparation: choose the right visa, obtain the NIF, gather the evidence and apostille the Brazilian documents.
2. Visa application: filed at the Portuguese consulate or at the visa application centre that represents it, with the corresponding appointment.
3. Entry into Portugal: the residence visa allows entry and is valid for a short period, during which the residence permit must be handled.
4. Residence permit: the application is made to AIMA, which issues the residence card. If the case does not move, see what to do when your AIMA application is stalled.

How to choose between them?

The central question is simple: where does your income come from? If it comes from pensions, rent or investments, the D7 tends to be the natural route. If it comes from your work, performed remotely for clients or employers outside Portugal, the D8 is the visa designed for that. There are mixed profiles, and in those cases it is worth assessing which source is more stable and easier to prove.

Career plans and tax implications also matter: when you move to Portugal, you usually become a tax resident there, which changes how your Brazilian income is taxed. This planning should be done before the move.

This article is for information only and does not replace a legal consultation.