A Guide to Portugal Residency: D7 Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa
Thinking about moving to Portugal? It’s a great choice!
Portugal has beautiful places to live, friendly people, and a relaxed way of life. There are a few different ways to get a Portugal residence permit, depending on your situation.
Two popular options are the D7 Visa (also called the Passive Income Visa) and the Digital Nomad Visa. Let’s take a closer look at both of these visas to help you choose the best one for you.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The D7 Visa
- What is the D7 Visa?
- Who Can Apply?
- Income Requirements
- Application Process
- Benefits of the D7 Visa
- The Digital Nomad Visa
- What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
- Who Can Apply?
- Income Requirements
- Application Process
- Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
- Comparing the D7 and Digital Nomad Visas
- Income Requirements
- Passive vs. Active Income
- Visa Validity and Renewal
- Taxation
- Places to Relocate to in Portugal
- Pathway to Portugal Permanent Residence and Citizenship
- Requirements for Permanent Residence or Citizenship
- Conclusion
- Key Differences Between D7 and Digital Nomad Visas
- Importance of Considering Your Situation When Choosing a Visa
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The D7 and Digital Nomad Visas in a Nutshell
The D7 Visa is for people who have a steady income from things like pensions, investments, or rental properties.
The Digital Nomad Visa, which started in October 2022, is for people who work remotely or freelance for companies outside of Portugal.
Both visas initially provide you and your dependents with a temporary residence permit for one year, which you can renew for up to five years. Both allow you to apply for permanent residence and Portuguese dual citizenship after five years.
Portugal D7 Visa
What is the D7 Visa?
The Portugal D7 Visa is a residence permit for people who have a regular passive income. This means you can live in Portugal without having a traditional job, as long as you have money coming in from things like pensions, investments, or rental income.
Who Can Apply?
To get a D7 Visa, you must be from a country outside the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
You need to have a steady passive income that’s enough to support you and any family members coming with you, without needing to work in Portugal.
How Much Money Do You Need?
The main applicant needs to show a passive income of at least €9,870 per year (the same as Portugal’s minimum wage).
If you want to bring a spouse, you’ll need an extra 50% (€4,935 per year). For each child, you’ll need an extra 30% (€2,961 per year).
For example, a married couple with two children would need to evidence a passive income of €20,727 per year.
How to Apply for the Portugal D7 Visa
To apply for a D7 Visa, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of your passive income (like pension statements or rental contracts)
- Proof of where you’ll be living in Portugal
- Private health insurance in Portugal
- A criminal background check
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- The application fee
The application process usually takes 3-6 months. You’ll need to apply at a Portuguese consulate or embassy where you currently live as you might have to attend an interview.
Once you arrive in Portugal, you are required to schedule an appointment with AIMA (the immigration office) within 90 days to receive your Portugal residence permit.
Benefits of the D7 Visa
The D7 Visa gives you a clear path to permanent residence in Portugal. After living there for five years, you can apply for permanent residence.
You’ll have access to Portugal’s public healthcare and education systems.
You can travel freely within the Schengen Area (26 European countries) for up to 90 days every 180 days.
The D7 Visa is a great choice if you have enough passive income and want to make Portugal your long-term home.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a new type of residence permit that started in October 2022. It’s made for people who work remotely or freelance for companies outside of Portugal.
With this visa, you can stay in Portugal for up to one year and renew it for up to five years.
Who Can Apply?
Just like the D7 Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa is for people from countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland.
You need to show that you work remotely or freelance for clients or companies outside of Portugal and earn the minimum eligible amount. This can include jobs like digital marketing, web development, graphic design, writing, and consulting.
How Much Money Do You Need?
To get a Digital Nomad Visa, you need to earn at least €2,800 per month (about four times Portugal’s minimum wage) from your remote work or freelancing.
You’ll need to show proof of your income, like contracts, pay stubs, or bank statements. You might also need to show that you have enough savings to support yourself while in Portugal.
How to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for a Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of your income (contracts, pay stubs, bank statements)
- Proof of where you’ll be living in Portugal
- Private Health insurance in Portugal
- A criminal background check
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- The application fee
The application process is similar to the D7 Visa and takes around 3-6 months. You’ll need to apply at a Portuguese consulate or embassy where you live now.
Once you arrive in Portugal, you are required to schedule an appointment with AIMA (the immigration office) within 90 days to receive your Portugal residence permit.
Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa gives you a temporary residence permit for one year, which lets you live and work in Portugal while enjoying the country’s great weather, culture, and quality of life.
Like the D7 Visa, it provides a path to permanent residence in Portugal after five years.
It’s a great way for remote workers and freelancers to experience life in Portugal without making a long-term commitment right away.
The Digital Nomad Visa is an exciting option for remote workers and freelancers who want to live in a beautiful, welcoming country while still growing their careers or continuing to enjoy higher salaries offered elsewhere.
Comparing the D7 and Digital Nomad Visas
| Category | D7 Visa | Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Income Requirements | - Requires a passive income of at least €9,870 per year (Portugal's minimum wage) | - Requires a higher monthly income of €2,800 (about four times Portugal's minimum wage) from active employment or freelancing |
| Passive vs. Active Income | - For people with passive income (pensions, investments, rental properties) - No need to work actively while living in Portugal | - For people who earn an active income through remote work or freelancing - Expected to continue working while living in Portugal |
| Visa Validity and Renewal | - Initially valid for 1 year - Can be renewed for 2 years at a time - After 5 years of legal residency, provides a path to permanent residence in Portugal | - Valid for 1 year - Can be renewed for up to 5 years - After 5 years of legal residency, provides a path to permanent residence in Portugal |
| Taxation | - Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program offers reduced tax rates or exemptions on certain foreign income for 10 years - NHR program allows receiving passive income from abroad with reduced or no tax in Portugal, potentially saving significant money | - Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program offers reduced tax rates or exemptions on certain foreign income for 10 years - NHR program offers a 20% flat tax rate on income from high-value activities, potentially resulting in lower taxes compared to the home country |
Overall, the D7 Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa offer different ways to live in Portugal, depending on your income type and needs. The D7 Visa is better for those with passive income, while the Digital Nomad Visa is made for active remote workers and freelancers. Both visas let you benefit from Portugal’s NHR tax program, which makes them appealing to people who want to save on taxes while enjoying life in Portugal.
Places to Relocate to in Portugal
Check out our article “Portuguese Cities You’ll Fall in Love With” for a detailed look at the best cities to live in Portugal.
This guide gives you an in-depth view of what makes each of these amazing places special, including their unique charms, lifestyle, and opportunities. It will help you decide where to base yourself in Portugal.
Pathway to Portugal Permanent Residence and Portuguese Citizenship
Both the D7 Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa provide a way to get permanent residency and citizenship in Portugal. By understanding what it takes to get permanent residence and citizenship, visa holders can plan their journey to making Portugal their forever home.
Requirements for Permanent Residence or Citizenship
To be eligible for permanent residence or citizenship in Portugal, visa holders must have lived in the country legally for at least five years in a row. This means keeping a valid residence permit (either D7 Visa or Digital Nomad Visa) and meeting the renewal requirements during this time.
Applicants must show a basic level of Portuguese language skills. This helps ensure that long-term residents can fit into Portuguese society and talk with locals in everyday situations.
Applicants must also maintain a clean criminal record and show proof that they’re integrating into Portuguese society. These might include:
- Strong ties to the local community
- Taking part in civic or charitable organizations
- Knowing about Portuguese history, culture, and values
- Having a stable job or a successful business in Portugal
- Owning property in Portugal
- Having Portuguese family members
Remember that while the path to permanent residence and citizenship is clear, each applicant’s journey may differ based on their situation. Getting help from experienced legal professionals or immigration consultants can make the process go more smoothly.
Conclusion
Key Differences Between D7 and Digital Nomad Visas
In this guide, we’ve looked at the key differences between the Portugal D7 Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa.
The D7 Visa is for people with passive income sources, like pensions or investments, and offers a path to permanent residence and citizenship after five years.
The Digital Nomad Visa, on the other hand, is for remote workers and freelancers who actively earn income from clients or employers outside of Portugal.
Both visas are valid for one year at first and can be renewed for up to five years, also leading to permanent residence and citizenship opportunities.
If you would prefer to gain EU citizenship without having to move to Portugal, check out our Portugal Golden Visa guide.
Importance of Considering Your Situation When Choosing a Visa
Choosing the right Portugal residence permit depends on your unique situation, goals, and lifestyle preferences. Things like the type of income you earn, your long-term plans for living in Portugal, and your family situation should all be carefully considered when deciding between the D7 Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa.
As you start your journey to Portugal, remember that careful planning, thorough research, and expert guidance can help make sure your move goes smoothly and successfully.
By taking the time to understand the differences between the D7 Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa, and thinking about your own situation and goals, you can make a choice that will set you on the path to a fulfilling and rewarding life in Portugal.