The short answer
The D7 is built around stable passive income — pensions, rental income, dividends and similar. The D8 (digital nomad visa) is built around active remote-work income earned from clients or an employer outside Portugal.
If your money mostly comes in while you sleep, look at the D7. If you actively work remotely for non-Portuguese clients or an employer, look at the D8. Many people technically qualify for both, and the better choice depends on the details.
How they're similar
Both are residence routes that can include your family, both expect you to genuinely live in Portugal, and both can lead to a long-term path with real, continuous residence. Both also involve a Portuguese tax number, a local bank account and standard documents like proof of income and accommodation.
How to decide
Start with where your income comes from and how stable it is, then factor in your family situation and long-term goals. Income expectations, tax treatment and document rules differ between the two and change over time, so confirm the current position for your case.
The fastest way to narrow it down is our free route matcher, followed by a short professional review. This is general information, not legal advice.
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