D7 vs D8 — which visa fits my situation?
The single question that decides it: is your income passive or active?
| D7 | D8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income type | passive: pension, rents, dividends | active: remote salary, freelance |
| Threshold (2026) | ~€920/mo (min. wage) | ~€3,680/mo (4× min. wage) |
| Typical person | retiree, landlord, investor | remote employee, freelancer |
Family members add to the minimum on the official per-person scale (Portaria 1563/2007, as applied by the consulates): +50% of the minimum wage for each extra adult (€460/month in 2026) and +30% per child (€276/month). For a D7 couple that means about €1,380/month. For the D8, the law only sets 4× the minimum wage for the applicant's own income; a safe target — our suggestion, not a legal rule — is to add 50% / 30% of the D8 figure (€1,840 per extra adult, €1,104 per child). A savings cushion helps in both cases.
People constantly apply for the D7 with a remote salary because the threshold looks friendlier — consulates see through it, and it's a common source of refusals. If you earn by working, it's the D8; if money arrives whether you work or not, it's the D7. Full details: D7 guide · D8 guide.
Sources
MSP Lawyer — D7/D8 requirements 2026Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from D7 to D8 later (or vice versa)?
What if I have both passive and remote-work income?
Which one is faster to get?
Keep reading
D7 vs D8: the confusion that gets visa files rejected How much income do I need to show for a Portuguese residence visa? Family reunification in Portugal: using the 2-year waitWhere are you stuck?
This page gives you the rule. What it cannot give you is your case — your timeline, your documents, your consulate. Tell me where you are and I will tell you what to sort out first.
≈ Figures with ~ are rounded or indicative — market prices vary by provider, and official thresholds are shown rounded. Check the exact amount for your case.
Guidance, not legal or tax advice — verify your case with official sources.