Does dividend or passive income count for the Portugal D8 visa?
Updated · Income & work guide · Not legal advice
No. The D8 is for income from professional activity done remotely, so dividends, rental income, interest and pensions don't count toward the €3,680 test. If your income is mainly passive, the D7 (passive income) visa is the right route; if you mix both, the remote-work part alone must meet the D8 average.
| Income | D8 | D7 |
|---|---|---|
| Salary from a foreign employer | Yes | Not the point |
| Freelance / contractor fees | Yes | Not the point |
| Salary from your own company | Yes, if it's a real paid role | - |
| Dividends from your company | No | Yes |
| Rent, interest, pensions | No | Yes |
Founders paid in dividends
If you own your company and take most income as distributions, put yourself on payroll or a service contract for at least three months before applying so there's a remote-work income record. Ask a tax advisor about the cost of doing that.
Quick answers
- Does dividend income count for the Portugal D8 visa?
- No. Use the D7 for passive income, or show enough salary/fees from remote work.
- Portugal D7 vs D8 visa: which is better for remote workers?
- The D8, if you work remotely. The D7 is for people living on passive income.
- Can savings replace income?
- Not for the D8 test; savings only support a file.
What to do next
Enter your income and household in the free D8 check: it shows the exact gap (if any) against the current threshold and what proof to bring. A human review of the full file is $599 one applicant, $999 family.
Check my income for the D8Sources
Checked: . Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.