If you’re considering a move to Portugal, you’ve probably heard about the D7 and D8 visas. These popular options for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens come with specific income requirements. But what if you’re applying as a couple or family? Can you combine your incomes to meet the threshold?
Let’s dive in and explore this question.
Understanding the Income Requirements
D7 Visa
The D7 visa, often called the “passive income” or “retirement” visa, requires:
- Main applicant: €820 per month
- Spouse or partner: Add 50% (€410)
- Each dependent child: Add 30% of the original amount (€246)
So, for a couple with one child, the total required would be €1,476 per month.
D8 Visa
The D8, or “digital nomad” visa, follows a similar structure but with higher requirements:
- Main applicant: €3,280 per month (four times the minimum wage)
- Spouse or partner: Add 50% (€1,640)
- Each dependent child: Add 30% of the original amount (€984)
For a couple with one child under the D8, the total required would be €5,904 per month. This is obviously considerably higher than the requirements for the D7.
The Big Question: Can You Combine Incomes?
With these substantial requirements, especially for the D8, it’s natural to wonder if couples can combine their incomes to meet the threshold.
According to Lisbon-based immigration lawyer Sandra Gomes Pinto, combining incomes isn’t typically the norm. “To date, the authorities have interpreted the law as meaning that this income has to come from the main applicant,” she explains [source].
However, there’s a glimmer of hope for those who fall short as individuals but meet the requirements as a couple. Gomes Pinto suggests, “If a couple (or family) wanted to apply for the D7 and the main applicant didn’t have enough income to support them both, it would make sense to contact the consulate and to ask them if they would accept such a situation.”
What This Means for Applicants
While the official stance seems to favor individual income, there’s no harm in asking. If you’re in a situation where combining incomes would make you eligible, consider these steps:
- Calculate your combined income carefully.
- Prepare documentation showing both partners’ income sources.
- Work with a Portuguese lawyer to present your case.
- Contact the Portuguese consulate in your area.
- Explain your situation and ask if they would consider a combined income application.
- Be prepared for either outcome – they may say no, but they might also be open to the possibility.
The Takeaway
While combining incomes for the D7 or D8 visa isn’t standard practice, it’s not completely offer the cards either — at least until you get a definite no. The key is to communicate clearly with the Portuguese authorities. Remember, immigration policies can change, and individual consulates may have some discretion in how they interpret the rules.
If you’re considering this route, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer who specializes in Portuguese visas. They can provide up-to-date advice and potentially help you navigate the application process.
Regardless of the outcome, Portugal remains a beautiful and welcoming country. Whether through these visas or other pathways, many expatriates find their way to calling Portugal home each year. With some persistence and careful planning, you could soon find yourself among them!