Portugal D Visas Guide 2026: D2, D7, D8 Visa Types
Live, Work and Build Your Future in Portugal
What Is D Visa In Portugal?
Portugal D visa is a long-term residency visa designed specifically for non-EU/EEA citizens who plan to live in Portugal for more than 12 months. It is available to applicants from countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other non-EU nations. D visa holders are legally permitted to enter Portugal, apply for a residency permit, and — once eligibility requirements are met — apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. Depending on the applicant’s lifestyle and work situation, Portugal D visa is divided into several types, the most common being the D2 Entrepreneur Visa, the D7 Passive Income Visa, and the D8 Digital Nomad Visa.
The Golden Portugal provides professional application and consulting services for Portugal’s D visa, helping individuals who wish to relocate to Portugal choose the most suitable visa type and offering end-to-end support throughout the application process to maximize approval rates.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Status | Portugal's D Visa program has been active since 2007 |
| Purpose | To provide non-EU citizens with a pathway to legally reside in Portugal long-term (more than 12 months) |
| Types | Primarily divided into three types: D2, D7, and D8, with additional visa options available for families, students, and workers |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | Applicants must not be absent continuously for more than 6 months, or cumulatively for more than 8 months, during each residency period |
| Pathway to Citizenship | After 7 years of legal residency (CPLP nationals) or 10 years (other nationalities), applicants may apply for Portuguese citizenship. |
| Schengen Area Travel | Visa-free travel to all 29 Schengen Area member countries |
| Family Members | Spouses, minor children, and dependent parents are all eligible to apply through the family reunification program |
| Eligibility | All non-EU/EEA nationals, including residents of Hong Kong and Taiwan |
What Are the Main Types of Portugal D Visas?
Portugal D2 Visa (Entrepreneurs and Business Owners)
The D2 visa is designed for individuals who want to start a business in Portugal, expand an existing business, or work as a freelancer. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive business plan and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their business operations.
Best For:
- Business owners planning to start a company in Portugal
- Entrepreneurs looking to expand their business into Portugal
- Freelancers who independently serve clients based outside of Portugal
Minimum Requirements:
- Combined personal and business capital of at least €11,040 per year
- A complete and detailed business plan
- Proof of company incorporation or a letter of business intent
Portugal D7 Visa (Retirees and Passive Income Earners)
The D7 visa — also known as the “Passive Income Visa” — is designed for individuals with a stable source of passive income, including retirees, landlords, and investors. Applicants are not required to work or run a business in Portugal.
Best For:
- Retirees looking to relocate to Portugal
- Investors with fixed passive income such as rental income, dividends, or royalties
- Financially independent individuals seeking Portugal’s lower cost of living
Minimum Income Requirements:
- Primary applicant: €920 per month (€11,040 per year)
- Spouse: an additional 50% of the primary applicant’s minimum
- Each dependent child: an additional 30% of the primary applicant’s minimum
Portugal D8 Visa (Digital Nomads and Remote Workers)
The D8 visa — commonly referred to as the “Digital Nomad Visa” — is designed for remote workers who are employed by a company based outside of Portugal or who provide services to clients located abroad.
Best For:
- Remote employees working for a foreign-based company
- Freelancers serving multiple clients based outside of Portugal
- Remote professionals in fields such as digital marketing, software development, and design
Minimum Income Requirements:
- €3,680 per month (€44,160 per year)
- Equivalent to four times Portugal’s national minimum wage
Portugal D Visa Comparison: D2 vs D7 vs D8
| D2 Entrepreneur | D7 Passive Income | D8 Digital Nomad | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Starting/expanding a business, freelancers | Retirees, investors with passive income | Employees with a remote working contract |
| Income Type | Business revenue/investment | Rental, pension, dividends, royalties, etc | Salary/contracts from outside Portugal |
| Minimum Income | €11,040/year personal funds + business capital | €11,040/year (€920/month) | €41,760/year (€3,680/month) |
| Key Requirement | Business plan & company setup | Proof of passive income streams | Employment/client contracts abroad and income proof |
| Processing Time until your 4-month temporary visa | 9 -12 months | 6 – 9 months | 6 – 9 months |
Need personalised advice on which visa suits your profile best? Our experts can guide you.
What Are The Benefits of D Visas?
✓ Path to permanent residency after 5 years
✓ Path to Portuguese citizenship after 7 years of legal residency (CPLP nationals) or 10 years (other nationalities)
✓ Family reunification (spouse, children, dependent parents)
✓ Visa-free Schengen travel (29 countries)
✓ Access to public healthcare and education systems
✓ No restrictions on working in Portugal or running your business
Basic Eligibility Requirements for Portugal D Visas
The following requirements apply to all Portugal D-type visa applicants:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must remain valid throughout the entire application and residency period |
| Portuguese Tax ID (NIF) | Must be obtained prior to submitting the application |
| Portuguese Bank Account | Must maintain the minimum required balance |
| Proof of Accommodation | A formal lease agreement or proof of property ownership in Portugal |
| Health Insurance | EU travel health insurance is required (applicants may switch to public healthcare after receiving a residency permit) |
| Criminal Background Check | Required for all applicants aged 16 and above |
| Cover Letter / Statement of Purpose | Must explain the reason for applying and outline plans for residing in Portugal |
| Minimum Residency Requirement | During each residency permit period, applicants must not be absent continuously for more than 6 months, or cumulatively for more than 8 months |
How Do You Apply for a Portugal D Visa?
Step 1 — Gather Your Required Documents
Start by collecting all the core documents required for any D-type visa application, including a valid passport, NIF number, and etc. In addition, applicants must submit supplementary documents specific to the visa type they are applying for:
- D7 Visa: Proof of passive income (e.g., pension statements, rental income records, dividend payment records)
- D8 Visa: An employment contract from an overseas employer or proof of freelance income (minimum €3,680 per month)
- D2 Visa: A business plan, along with company incorporation documents or a formal letter of business intent
Step 2 — Translate and Certify Your Documents
All documents not written in Portuguese — including criminal background checks and bank statements — must be certified with an Apostille stamp and authenticated by the Portuguese consulate. Documents written in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese or English by a certified translator.
Step 3 — Schedule an Appointment and Submit Your Application
Schedule an appointment at the Portuguese consulate in your area. All applicants must appear in person at the time of submission to complete biometric data collection, including fingerprinting and a photograph.
Step 4 — Wait for Visa Approval
Once the Portuguese consulate completes its initial review, approved applicants will receive a D-type entry visa valid for 4 months with two permitted entries into Portugal.
Step 5 — Apply for Your Residency Permit Upon Arrival
After entering Portugal on your D visa, you must schedule an appointment with the Portuguese immigration authority (AIMA) within 4 months to convert your visa into an official residency permit card. The residency permit is valid for 2 years upon first issuance, and 3 years upon renewal.
Can Family Members Apply Under a Portugal D Visa?
Yes. Family members of D Visa holders can apply for residence in Portugal through family reunification. This allows close relatives to join the primary visa holder and legally live in Portugal.
Eligible Family Members:
✓ Spouse or legal partner
✓ Dependent children (minors or financially dependent adult children)
✓ Dependent parents or grandparents
The family reunification application can be submitted at the same time as the primary D visa application, or separately after the primary application has been approved.
Planning to move to Portugal with your family? The Golden Portugal offers comprehensive, end-to-end support — from visa applications and school enrollment for your children to finding your new home. Get in touch with us today.
What’s Included in Our Service
When applying for a Portugal D-type visa, many applicants experience delays or outright rejections — often because they selected the wrong visa category (D2, D7, or D8), or because their supporting documents were incomplete or insufficient.
The Golden Portugal has spent years specializing in Portugal relocation services. Our team has an in-depth understanding of the requirements and procedures for every visa type. We provide clear, personalized assessments and comprehensive support to make sure your application is headed in the right direction and your documents are fully in order — significantly increasing your chances of approval.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Application Phase |
✓ Free initial consultation to determine best visa pathway ✓ NIF application ✓ Introduction to bank manager + bank account opening support ✓ Document checklist personalized to your situation ✓ Assistant searching for a property to buy or an introduction to available rental property options for a D Visa Application |
| Application Phase |
✓ Document legalization guidance ✓ Lease agreement preparation or review ✓ VFS/Consulate appointment scheduling support |
| Throughout Process |
✓ Dedicated lawyer assigned to your case ✓ Dedicated account manager for continuous follow-up ✓ Video call consultations at every stage ✓ Document analysis and verification ✓ Lawyer accompaniment to AIMA appointment |
| Additional Support (If Needed) |
✓ Renewal support (year 2) ✓ Permanent residency application support (year 5) |
Start Your Portugal D Visa Application Today
Not sure whether the D2, D7, or D8 visa is the right fit for you? Fill out a short form to connect with our visa specialists based in Portugal.
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FAQ on Portugal D Visas
Which Portugal D Visa Is Right for Me?
The best visa depends on your purpose for moving to Portugal. The D2 is ideal for individuals who plan to start a business or work as a freelancer in Portugal. The D7 is best suited for retirees or investors with a stable source of passive income, such as rental income, a pension, or dividends. The D8 is designed for remote workers who are employed by an overseas company or serve clients based abroad. If you are unsure which visa applies to your situation, we recommend scheduling a free consultation.
How Long Does It Take to Apply for a Portugal D Visa?
The entire process typically takes between 6 and 12 months, depending on the visa type and the completeness of your documentation. The D7 and D8 visas generally take around 6 to 9 months to process, while the D2 visa usually takes 9 to 12 months due to the additional review of the required business plan. We recommend starting your preparations at least 12 months in advance.
Can Hong Kong or Taiwan Citizens Apply for a Portugal D Visa?
Yes. Portugal’s D visa is open to all non-EU/EEA nationals, including Hong Kong permanent residents and citizens of Taiwan. Applicants must submit their application through the Portuguese Consulate General in Macau.
Can I Switch Between D Visa Categories Later?
Do I Need to Have a Place to Stay in Portugal Before Applying?
Is the Portugal D Visa a Pathway to Citizenship?
Are There Additional Fees for Family Members Applying for Family Reunification?
Yes. Each family member must submit a separate family reunification application and pay the corresponding government filing fees. Fees vary depending on the applicant’s age and the type of application being submitted. We recommend consulting with our advisors for the most up-to-date fee information.
How Long Is a Portugal D Visa Valid?
The Portugal D visa validity is broken into two stages. Once your application is approved, the consulate will stamp a 120-day temporary visa in your passport, which allows you to legally enter Portugal. You must travel to Portugal within this period and apply to AIMA for an official residency permit. Once your residency permit is approved, your first residency card will be valid for 2 years. Upon renewal, the residency card can be extended for an additional 3 years.
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