IMPORTANT: Recent Changes for Portugal D7 and D8 Visa Requirements

Felipe Jorquera
Oct 2
3 min read

If you're planning on applying for Portugal's D7 (Non-Lucrative Visa) or D8 (Digital Nomad Visa), you've probably heard of AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). They recently made a significant change to the proof of accommodation requirement for the visa and residency permit applications.

Below we explain what the new requirement is, why it matters, and how our we can help you comply.

What Has Changed for the D7 and D8 Visa Requirements

Up until August 2025, applicants for the temporary residency permit tied to the D7 visa (“retirement/ passive income visa”) or D8 visa (“digital nomad visa”) could prove accommodation with a registered lease.

Now, AIMA explicitly requires a “declaração sob compromisso de honra”—a sworn declaration under oath of honor—stating the applicant’s address of residence and the legal basis for occupying the property (owner, tenant, subtenant, usufruct, borrower, etc.).

If you own the property, you must attach proof such as the property registry certificate or the access code.

If you rent (which is the most common situation among our clients), and your lease is not registered with the Portuguese Tax Authority (Finanças), AIMA requires a landlord’s declaration confirming your right to occupy the dwelling.

Many AIMA offices are now requiring both, proof of lease registration AND the sworn declaration under oath of honor signed by landlord and tenant.

Why AIMA Introduced This Rule

The idea behind this new requirement is to improve the integrity of the immigration system and reduce fraud in accommodation proof. It also brings immigration documentation into alignment with Portuguese housing and tax rules by encouraging properly registered leases.

For applicants, this means stricter scrutiny of housing documents and potentially longer preparation times if the property owner or landlord is slow to cooperate.

Common Challenges for Applicants

Informal rentals or sublets: If your arrangement is not formalized, your landlord may be reluctant to sign or notarize the declaration.
Extra costs: Notarization fees and trips to lawyers or notaries add time and expense.
Inconsistent practice: Some AIMA offices enforce the rule more strictly than others.

"We just received our visas! Thank you Felipe, and your team, for handling this entire process for us. With all the unexpected changes, hidden loopholes, and obscure requirements, we would have never been able to do it without you. My family is forever grateful." - Linda W., D7 Visa Client

How We Help D7 and D8 Visa Applicants

At Global Expat Support, we specialize in helping Americans move to Portugal under the D7 and D8 visas. Our experienced legal team:

Pre-screens your lease or property documents to ensure they meet AIMA’s accommodation standards.
Prepares a compliant sworn declaration of residence (“declaração sob compromisso de honra”) using AIMA’s preferred template.
Submits your visa or residence permit application with all required supporting evidence to minimize delays.

Our goal is to make your move to Portugal smooth, legally secure, and fully compliant with the latest regulations.

Want to move to Portugal the right way? Our visa experts are happy to help you.

Book a Consultation

Review of the new D7 and D8 Visa Requirements

All D7/D8 visa applicants must provide a sworn declaration of residence stating their address and legal right to occupy the property.
Even if your lease is registered, AIMA may require a notarized landlord’s declaration.
Failing to meet this requirement can result in delays or refusal of your residence permit.

Need Help With Your D7 or D8 Visa?

Don’t let paperwork derail your dream to live in Portugal. Global Expat Support guides U.S. citizens through every step of the immigration process—from visa application to residence permit—ensuring full compliance with AIMA’s latest requirements.

📩 Contact us today to schedule a consultation about your D7 or D8 visa application and learn how we can prepare your accommodation documents for success.