If you’ve spent even five minutes Googling “how to move to Portugal as a non-EU citizen,” chances are you’ve run into the usual suspects: the D2, D7, and D8 visas.
When I first considered moving from the UK to Portugal after Brexit (cheers, lads), I was overwhelmed by all the contradictory advice floating around. Everyone seemed to have an opinion, but few had actual experience.
Now that I’ve gone through the process myself (and settled in under a D8 visa as a digital nomad), I figured I’d break it down in plain English for anyone who’s thinking about making the jump. Whether you’re a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking to live that sunny, low-cost European dream, there’s probably a visa that fits you.
🧳 Visa Requirements at a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison of the basic requirements for each visa. If you’re not into walls of text, this should give you a good starting point:
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Income Requirements | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7 | Retirees, financially independent folks | ~820€/month minimum (suggested 1000€+) passive income | Must reside in Portugal, income must be passive (rent, pension, dividends, etc.) |
| D2 | Entrepreneurs, small business owners | No fixed minimum, but should show startup capital (e.g., 5,000€+) | Need business plan and local presence; ideally benefit Portugal’s economy |
| D8 | Digital nomads, remote workers | ~3,040€/month (4x Portuguese minimum wage) from non-Portuguese sources | Can’t work for PT companies, income must come from abroad, remote work only |
The D7 Visa – For Passive Income People (aka Retirees & Chill Workers)
Let’s start with the D7 — probably the most talked-about visa. This one’s designed for folks with passive income — think pensions, rental income, investments, royalties, that sort of thing.
If you’re financially independent and don’t need to work day-to-day, the D7 might be your golden ticket. But don’t be fooled — they will want proof. The Portuguese authorities are chill, but not that chill.
Who it’s for:
- Retirees
- People with property income
- Folks living off dividends or trust funds
- Remote workers with a fixed salary sometimes qualify, but tread carefully — technically that’s what the D8 is for
Perks:
- Path to residency and citizenship
- Access to NHR tax regime (RIP, it’s not as sweet as before, but still decent)
- You can bring your family with you
Downsides:
- You need to show a solid passive income stream — no side hustle counts
- You’re expected to reside in Portugal for most of the year
The D2 Visa – For Entrepreneurs and Startup Dreamers
Thinking of opening a business in Portugal? The D2 visa is your friend. This one’s for entrepreneurs, small business owners, or freelancers setting up shop locally.
You’ll need a viable business plan — not necessarily the next Uber, but something realistic and ideally with local value.
Who it’s for:
- Entrepreneurs and founders
- Freelancers planning to work with Portuguese clients
- Anyone wanting to start a business and live in Portugal full-time
Perks:
- No passive income needed — your business is your income
- Flexible in terms of business type (tech, tourism, services, etc.)
- Can lead to permanent residency
Downsides:
- More bureaucracy (yay…)
- You’ll probably need a Portuguese accountant to help with the setup
- You may be asked to prove how your business will help the local economy
The D8 Visa – For Digital Nomads (Like Yours Truly)
Ah yes, the shiny new(ish) D8, a.k.a. the digital nomad visa. This one’s for remote workers and freelancers with active income from outside Portugal.
That means if you’re employed by a foreign company, or you freelance for international clients, this is likely your best option. It’s what I used, and overall, the process was pretty smooth.
Who it’s for:
- Remote workers with a fixed contract
- Freelancers or consultants working for non-Portuguese clients
- Solopreneurs who operate online
Perks:
- No need to create a Portuguese business
- Faster application process than the D2 in many cases
- You can choose between a temporary stay (up to 1 year) or a residency route (2 years, renewable)
Downsides:
- You’ll need to show proof of income (roughly 3,000€/month+)
- Technically, you can’t work for Portuguese companies
- NHR regime eligibility may depend on your specific case — check with a tax advisor
But What If You’re an EU Citizen?
Good news: if you hold a passport from another EU/EEA country (or Switzerland), life’s a lot simpler. You don’t need a visa — just get yourself to Portugal, find somewhere to live, and within 90 days, register your residence at your local town hall (Câmara Municipal). You’ll get an EU residence certificate (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia), and you’re good to go.
No income thresholds, no consulate headaches. Honestly, I’m still salty that Brexit took that away from us.
So… Which One’s Right for You?
Here’s my personal take, after living here and talking to a bunch of other expats:
| Your Situation | Recommended Visa |
|---|---|
| Retired with pension/investments | D7 |
| Freelancing remotely for foreign clients | D8 |
| Running an online business or startup | D2 or D8 |
| Planning to open a physical business in PT | D2 |
| Remote employee with a stable foreign salary | D8 |
| Just want to chill and have a passive setup | D7 |
Still not sure? Start with a consultation (there are loads of immigration lawyers and relocation advisors who do free or cheap first calls). Every situation has its quirks, especially when it comes to taxes and timelines.
Portugal’s been an amazing place to call home — affordable, beautiful, and genuinely welcoming. But navigating the paperwork maze is a rite of passage. Hopefully this post helps you get a clearer picture of what your options are.
If you’ve got any questions or want to share your own experience with any of these visas, drop a comment or reach out — I’m always up for a chat.
Boa sorte, and see you in Portugal! 🇵🇹