Portuguese immigration lawyers · Lisbon
Portugal D7, D9 & D8 Residence Visas for UK Citizens — 2026
Post-Brexit, British nationals require a national visa to relocate to Portugal. We assist with D7 (passive income from €920/month), D9 (digital nomad, €3,680/month) and D8 (family accompaniment) — from ACRO certificate and VFS UK submission to AIMA residence permit registration in Portugal.
Which visa is right for you?
D7, D9 & D8 — at a glance
Same residence-permit outcome, different income tests. Post-Brexit, UK nationals need a national visa to relocate to Portugal.
| D7 — Passive income | D9 — Digital nomad | D8 — Family | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Pensions, rental income, dividends | Remote job, freelance, or own business income from outside Portugal | Spouse & dependants of a D7 or D9 main applicant |
| Income test | ≥ €920/month + €11,040 in a Portuguese bank account | ≥ €3,680/month average (last 3 months) + €3,680 savings | +50% / +30% of minimum wage per adult / child (see section below). D9 main applicants often already meet the family threshold. |
| Criminal record | ACRO police certificate + apostille — issued within 3 months of application. | ||
D7 Visa — Passive income
D7 eligibility requirements
For UK nationals living on pensions, rental income, dividends, or other stable passive streams.
Passive income
Pension, rental, dividends or similar passive income ≥ €920 / month (Portuguese minimum wage reference).
NIF & bank account
Portuguese tax number and a Portuguese bank account required before the application.
Bank balance
Proof of 12 months of minimum wage (typically €11,040 total) in a Portuguese bank account.
Accommodation
Long-term accommodation commitment in Portugal — typically a 1-year lease or equivalent.
ACRO certificate
ACRO police certificate apostilled and issued within 3 months. No convictions in Portugal punishable by over one year.
GBP income: amounts are assessed against euro thresholds using prevailing exchange rates. We help you present consistent bank evidence.
D9 Visa — Digital nomad
D9 eligibility requirements
For UK remote employees, freelancers, and business owners whose income originates outside Portugal.
Remote employee
Employed by a non-Portuguese company with a letter confirming approval to work remotely from Portugal.
Freelancer / own business
Freelance agreements, self-employment earnings, or own business paid as salary — with supporting invoices or company docs.
Income threshold
Average net monthly income ≥ €3,680 over the last 3 months, plus savings equivalent to at least €3,680.
Bank statements
Last 3 months of statements showing income deposits and a positive balance consistent with the threshold.
ACRO certificate
ACRO police certificate apostilled and issued within 3 months. No convictions in Portugal punishable by over one year.
Note: All foreign documents must be apostilled. Documents issued in English do not require translation into Portuguese.
D8 Visa — Family
D8: accompanying family members
The D8 visa lets spouses and dependent children join the main D7 or D9 applicant in Portugal.
Who it is for
Family members who relocate with the principal applicant holding an approved D7 or D9 residence visa — not a standalone “work” route; it mirrors the main applicant's project.
Key requirements
- Proof of family relationship: legalised birth or marriage certificates. Documents in English do not require translation into Portuguese.
Proof of financial resources
The 50% and 30% rules refer to the national minimum wage (e.g. €920): roughly +50% of the minimum wage per additional adult and +30% per dependent child. In practice, D9 applicants at €3,680/month usually already satisfy the accompanying-family income test without separate top-ups.
- 50% of minimum wage (€460/month) for each adult family member
- 30% of minimum wage (€276/month) for each dependent child
Savings requirement
- €5,220 in savings for each additional adult
- €3,132 in savings for each dependent child
Video: Portugal visa timing and options
Our immigration lawyers explain timing considerations and how to compare Portugal residence visa routes
Why You Should Apply Now
Portuguese immigration laws change frequently. Our legal experts explain why timing is crucial for your visa application and what recent updates mean for UK applicants.
Choosing Your Portugal Residence Visa
Understand the differences between D7, D9, and Golden Visa options. Our lawyers guide you through selecting the right pathway for your specific situation and goals.
Our services for UK applicants
Comprehensive legal support tailored specifically for British nationals applying from the UK
Free eligibility check
Assess your income type (passive vs remote-active), documentation needs, and the right visa route.
Document preparation
Compile ACRO, bank statements, income proof, accommodation evidence, health insurance, and personal statement.
Appointment booking & monitoring
Continuous tracking of VFS UK openings (London, Manchester, Edinburgh) until your slot is secured.
VFS submission
File your application via VFS Global under lawyer supervision.
Consulate & AIMA support
Handle consular queries and guide post-entry residence permit finalisation with AIMA.
Dedicated client support
Direct WhatsApp access to your Portuguese-licensed attorney throughout the process.
Why hire a Portuguese immigration lawyer
Professional legal representation helps align your file with applicable requirements and procedural expectations
Compliance assurance
All documents reviewed to meet strict VFS & Consulate requirements—with the aim of reducing formal errors and inconsistent documentation before submission.
Authorized representation
Only lawyers and solicitors registered in Portugal are legally permitted to represent clients and provide legal advice.
Experienced legal support
End-to-end assistance from application through AIMA registration, including appeals if needed, from lawyers with over 6 years of immigration law experience.
Where to apply — VFS Global UK
UK residents submit Portuguese visa applications through VFS Global. Book early — appointments can be limited, especially in summer.
London
South of England & Greater London
Manchester
Northern England, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Edinburgh
Alternative for Scotland & Northern Ireland
Pro tip: Start gathering documents early — some certifications take weeks. All foreign documents must be apostilled.
What Our Clients Say
See below some of the reviews we have received from our clients on Google.
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Start your Portugal residence visa application today
Tell us whether your income is passive or remote-active — we'll map the correct visa and build your personalised step-by-step plan for the UK application.
Applying from the United States? D7 US · Digital Nomad (D9) US