A Citizenship Network Guide to Digital Nomad, D7, and D2 Visas

Portugal has officially increased its national minimum wage — and while this may sound like a purely local labor update, it has direct consequences for some of Europe’s most popular residency visas.

At Citizenship Network, we closely monitor regulatory and economic changes that impact residency and citizenship pathways. This particular update is especially relevant if you are considering relocation to Portugal, remote work residency, or retirement planning in Europe.

Why? Because several Portuguese residency programs use the minimum wage as a financial benchmark.

Let’s break down exactly what has changed — and how it affects you.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: Updated Income Requirements

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is currently one of the most searched and requested residency routes in Europe — and for good reason. It is accessible, flexible, and does not require large upfront investments.

The core requirement remains unchanged:

You must earn your income remotely from outside Portugal and meet a minimum income threshold tied to the national minimum wage.

What’s new?

Starting 2026, the required monthly income for the main applicant increases from:

• €3,480 → €3,680 per month

Portugal also allows family reunification, which means additional income thresholds apply:

• Spouse or adult dependent: +50% → €1,840/month

• Each minor child: +30% → €1,104/month

Practical examples:

• Couple applying together: approx. €5,520/month

• Family of three: approx. €6,624/month

These figures reflect income only and do not include additional costs such as accommodation, health insurance, or application fees.

At Citizenship Network, we also advise applicants that these updated figures may influence upfront savings expectations, as immigration authorities may request proof of available funds.

Portugal D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa): New Minimum Thresholds

The D7 Visa remains one of the most attractive options for retirees, passive income earners, landlords, and individuals with stable foreign income.

Because the D7 is directly indexed to the national minimum wage, the financial requirements have been adjusted accordingly.

Updated D7 income requirements:

• Main applicant:

  €920/month → €11,040/year

• Spouse or adult dependent (+50%):

  €5,520/year

• Each minor child (+30%):

  €3,312/year

What has

not

changed

As Citizenship Network consistently emphasizes, the logic of the D7 program remains the same:

• No property purchase requirement

• No need for active employment in Portugal

• Family members can apply together

• Clear pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship

If your income is predictable, recurring, and sourced from outside Portugal, the D7 Visa continues to be a highly efficient and realistic residency route — simply with updated figures.

Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa: Contextual Impact Only

The D2 Entrepreneur Visa is designed for founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs who want to establish or expand operations in Portugal.

Unlike the Digital Nomad Visa or the D7, the D2 does not rely on a strict monthly income formula.

Instead, Portuguese authorities assess:

• Your business plan

• Projected revenue

• Available capital

• Economic contribution to Portugal

The updated minimum wage still serves as a baseline reference (similar to the D7), but in the D2 context, it functions as supporting evidence rather than a hard threshold.

In practice, most serious entrepreneurial applications already project income well above minimum salary levels, meaning this change has a limited practical impact.

At Citizenship Network, we generally see this adjustment as minor for well-structured D2 applications.

Final Thoughts from Citizenship Network

Portugal’s minimum wage increase may appear modest, but it directly affects financial eligibility for key residency visas.

If you are planning to apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, D7 Passive Income Visa, or D2 Entrepreneur Visa, these updated thresholds should be factored into your strategy immediately.

At Citizenship Network, we help clients assess eligibility, structure applications correctly, and plan long-term residency and citizenship pathways based on the latest legal and economic developments.

Staying informed is the first step. Planning correctly is the second.