Move to Portugal: D7 and D8 Execution Guide

The D7 visa targets people with passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends), while the D8 is Portugal's digital nomad visa for remote workers employed by non-Portuguese companies. Both require proof of stable income above Portugal's minimum wage threshold — check our visa navigator for current figures since they update annually. The D8 also requires a valid employment contract or proof of freelance activity with non-Portuguese clients. Apply through VFS Global or your nearest Portuguese consulate; processing typically takes 60–90 days.

Before applying, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), criminal background check (apostilled), proof of income (3–6 months of bank statements), and health insurance covering Portugal. You'll also need a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — Portugal's tax number. You can get a NIF through a fiscal representative before arrival via services like Bordr or e-Residency Portugal, or in person at a local Finanças office. The NIF is required to open a bank account, sign a lease, and complete your SEF (immigration service) appointment.

Lisbon and Porto rents have risen sharply — expect competition and prices that rival mid-tier Western European cities. Use Idealista, Imovirtual, and OLX for listings. Always visit properties in person or via live video before transferring any money. Landlords typically ask for 2 months' deposit plus first month's rent upfront. If you're considering smaller cities like Braga, Coimbra, or Faro, you'll find significantly lower rents and a smoother rental process. Keep all receipts — landlords are legally required to issue them (recibos de renda).

After arriving in Portugal on your D7 or D8 visa, you must schedule an appointment with AIMA (formerly SEF) to convert your visa into a residence permit. Wait times for AIMA appointments have been notoriously long — often 3–6 months in Lisbon. Book your appointment as early as possible through the AIMA online portal. Bring your passport, visa, proof of address, NIF, health insurance, and income documentation. The initial residence permit is valid for 2 years and is renewable.

Portugal previously offered the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime with favorable rates for new residents, but this program has been reformed — check our tax calculator for the current rules applicable to new arrivals. Register with your local Junta de Freguesia (parish council) for proof of residence. Open a Portuguese bank account (ActivoBank, Millennium BCP, and Moey are expat-friendly). Get a Portuguese phone number (NOS, MEO, Vodafone) and apply for a Cartão de Utente at your local health center to access the national health service (SNS).