Portugal D8 Visa Income Requirements 2025: Complete Breakdown
Everything you need to know about Portugal D8 visa income requirements for 2025, including the new €3,680/month threshold, family calculations, proof requirements, and strategies to qualify.
2025 Income Requirement Increase
The Portugal D8 visa income requirement increased from €3,480/month (2025) to €3,680/month (2026) — a 5.7% increase. This guide reflects the new 2026 requirements.
2025 Income Requirements at a Glance
Single Applicant
4x Portuguese minimum wage (€870 in 2025)
Couple
+50% for first dependent
Family of 3
+50% first, +30% second dependent
Family of 4
+50% first, +30% each additional
How the Income Requirement is Calculated
Portugal's D8 visa income requirement is tied directly to the Portuguese minimum wage (salário mínimo nacional). The formula is simple:
Historical Income Requirements
Family Income Requirements (With Dependents)
If you're bringing family members, the income requirement increases based on a specific formula:
Family Income Formula
- Base (single applicant): €3,680/month
- First dependent: +50% (€1,740/month)
- Each additional dependent: +30% (€1,044/month)
Family Size Income Table (2025)
| Family Size | Monthly (EUR) | Annual (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | €3,680 | $48,000 |
| Couple (1 dependent) | €5,220 | $68,400 |
| Family of 3 (2 dependents) | €6,264 | $82,000 |
| Family of 4 (3 dependents) | €7,308 | $95,700 |
| Family of 5 (4 dependents) | €8,352 | $109,400 |
What Counts as Income for D8 Visa?
Accepted Income Sources
- ✓W-2 employment income from US/foreign companies
- ✓1099 contractor income from non-Portuguese clients
- ✓Freelance/consulting income from foreign clients
- ✓Remote business income (e-commerce, SaaS)
- ✓Commission-based remote work
- ✓Multiple income streams combined
Not Accepted for D8 Visa
- ✗Income from Portuguese sources
- ✗Portuguese employment contracts
- ✗Passive investment income only (use D7 visa)
- ✗Rental income only (use D7 visa)
- ✗Cryptocurrency gains only
- ✗Retirement/pension income (use D7 visa)
Key rule: All income for the D8 visa must come from remote work or business activities conducted outside of Portugal. You cannot work for Portuguese companies or provide services directly to Portuguese clients.
How to Prove Your Income
Portuguese consulates require substantial documentation to verify your income meets the threshold. Requirements vary by employment type:
For W-2 Employees (Salaried Workers)
- Employment contract showing remote work permission and salary
- Last 3 months of pay stubs (some consulates request 6 months)
- Bank statements for last 3-6 months showing salary deposits
- Employer letter on company letterhead confirming remote work
For Freelancers & Self-Employed
- Client contracts for 3-6 months showing ongoing work
- Invoices to clients for last 3-6 months
- Bank statements showing client payments received
- Business registration (LLC, S-Corp, sole proprietorship)
- Tax return (Form 1040 + Schedule C) from previous year
For Business Owners
- Business registration documents (articles of incorporation, EIN)
- Business bank statements for 3-6 months showing revenue
- Tax returns (personal + business from previous year)
- Profit & loss statement showing consistent income
Do I Need Savings Beyond Income?
While the D8 visa focuses primarily on income, showing savings significantly strengthens your application. Our visa review service can help ensure your financial documentation meets consulate expectations.
Recommended Savings Amounts
- Minimum recommended: €5,000-10,000 ($5,500-11,000 USD)
- Ideal amount: €15,000-20,000 ($16,000-22,000 USD) - 6 months expenses
- AIMA requirement (post-arrival): €10,440 (12x minimum wage)
Pro tip: Even if not explicitly required by your consulate, having 3-6 months of living expenses in savings demonstrates financial stability and can be the difference between approval and denial for borderline applications.
Strategies to Meet the Income Requirement
1. Combine Multiple Income Sources
You can combine W-2 employment with freelance work, consulting, or online business income. As long as all sources are from outside Portugal and properly documented, they count toward your total.
2. Negotiate a Raise or Take on Additional Clients
If you're close to the threshold, ask for a raise or take on 1-2 additional freelance clients several months before applying. You'll need 3-6 months of documentation at the new income level.
3. Use Gross Income (Before Taxes)
The income requirement is based on gross income before taxes and deductions. Your pay stub's gross salary (not net/take-home) is what counts.
4. Consider the D7 Visa if You Have Passive Income
If your income comes primarily from investments, rental properties, pensions, or retirement accounts, the D7 "Passive Income" visa may be a better fit with a lower income requirement.
5. Show Income Stability and Growth
Consulates look favorably on applicants whose income has been stable or growing over time. Provide 6 months of documentation rather than just 3 if your income trend is positive.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Use our free income calculator to instantly check if you meet the 2025 D8 visa income requirements for your family size.
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