Portugal D7 vs D8: which is better for remote workers?

The D8, because it is built for active remote-work income. The D7 is for passive income.

Does dividend income count for the Portugal D8 visa?

The D8 is assessed on remote-work income. Dividends and other passive income fit the D7; they may help as supporting savings, but check with the consulate.

Can I switch from D7 to D8 later?

Changing the basis of your residence is handled by AIMA. Check AIMA for the current procedure before relying on a switch.

Portugal D7 vs D8 visa: which is better for remote workers?

Updated 2026-11-12 · Portugal guide · Not legal advice

If your money comes from working remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal, the D8 is the visa built for you; it needs 4x the minimum wage (€3,680 a month in 2026). The D7 is for people living on passive income such as pensions, rentals or dividends, and its income threshold is lower; check the current value on the MNE visa portal.

D7 vs D8 at a glance
Item	D7 (passive income)	D8 (remote work)
Main income type	Pensions, rentals, dividends, investments	Salary or freelance fees from outside Portugal
Income threshold	Lower; check the current value on the MNE portal	4x minimum wage: €3,680/month (2026)
Remote work allowed?	Not the basis of the visa; check before relying on it	Yes, that is the basis
Short-stay option	No	Yes: temporary stay visa up to 1 year
Leads to residence permit	Yes, via AIMA	Yes (residence visa version), via AIMA

How to choose

Salaried by a US/foreign company: D8.
Freelancer with foreign clients: D8.
Retired or living on investments/rental income: D7.
Mixed income: talk to the consulate or a lawyer about which source they will treat as primary.

Taxes are a separate question

Neither visa decides your tax position on its own. Spending more than 183 days in Portugal or having your habitual residence there can make you a Portuguese tax resident. Speak to a cross-border tax advisor before you move.

Quick answers

Portugal D7 vs D8: which is better for remote workers?: The D8, because it is built for active remote-work income. The D7 is for passive income.
Does dividend income count for the Portugal D8 visa?: The D8 is assessed on remote-work income. Dividends and other passive income fit the D7; they may help as supporting savings, but check with the consulate.
Can I switch from D7 to D8 later?: Changing the basis of your residence is handled by AIMA. Check AIMA for the current procedure before relying on a switch.

What to do next

Earning from remote work? Spain's nomad visa may suit you too. Check your eligibility for free.

Run the free check

Sources

Checked: 2026-11-12. Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.