A guide to residence visas for UK expats and digital nomads (2025)
Relocating to Portugal is an exciting decision, but navigating the visa process can be daunting without the right information. For UK expats and digital nomads, the most common residence visas are: the D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa), the D9 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa), and the Accompanying Family Member Visa (for spouses and children). This guide will walk you through the initial steps, key considerations, and common challenges to help you start your journey smoothly.
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa for Your Situation
D7 Visa – Passive Income Visa
The D7 Visa is ideal for individuals with stable income from non-employment sources such as dividends, pensions, or rental income.
Requirements:
- Minimum monthly income of €920 (2025 Portuguese minimum wage)
- Proof of 12 months' worth of minimum wage (€10,440) in a Portuguese bank account
D9 Visa – Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers, freelancers, or self-employed individuals earning income from clients outside Portugal. Suitable for sole company owners who pay themselves a salary or show self-employment income.
Requirements:
- Average monthly income over the past three months of at least €3,480 (2025 minimum)
- Acceptable sources: remote work contracts, freelance agreements, or self-employment earnings
Accompanying Family Member Visa
Allows spouses and children to live in Portugal alongside the main D7 or D9 visa holder.
Financial requirements:
- €460/month (50% of minimum wage) for each adult family member
- €276/month (30% of minimum wage) for each dependent child
- €5,220 in savings for each additional adult; €3,132 for each child
Step 2: Prepare Key Documents
Proper documentation is critical. Some essential documents include:
1. Criminal Record Certificate (ACRO)
The ACRO Police Certificate is the only accepted criminal record for Portuguese visa applications.
2. Birth and Marriage Certificates
For family applications, ensure certificates are legalized and translated as needed.
3. Proof of Self-Employment Income
For D9 applicants: self-employed individuals or business owners should establish a consistent income pattern for at least three months before applying.
Pro Tip
Start gathering documents early as some certifications can take several weeks to obtain. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated by certified translators.
Step 3: Where to Apply – VFS Global Centres
UK residents must apply through VFS Global.
London
For the South of England and Greater London.
Manchester
For Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Edinburgh
Alternative for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Book Early
Appointments can be limited, so book early to avoid delays. Peak seasons (summer months) tend to have longer waiting times.
Why Work with Professionals?
At ZR Advogados, we provide comprehensive legal support to ensure your application meets all requirements:
- Direct representation with the Portuguese Consulate
- Handle clarifications, appeals, and document corrections
- Qualified lawyers specialized in Portuguese immigration law
- End-to-end support from application to approval
- Expertise in UK-specific documentation requirements