Real Case: YouTube Income and Portugal Residency
YouTube Income and Relocation to Portugal: Passive or Active Income?
In our practice, we increasingly meet clients with unconventional sources of income. Recently, we worked with a family from Russia who decided to relocate to Portugal. Their main source of income was a YouTube channel monetized through ads and payments from the platform itself.
The main question arises: Is YouTube income considered passive or active?
In reality, it depends on the amount and structure of the payments.
🇵🇹 LisbonThis path can be structured in different ways.
If your monthly income meets the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa (€3,480/month in 2025), it can be classified as active income from remote work.
If the amount is lower, it’s possible to qualify under another category.
In this particular case, the client’s income did not reach the Digital Nomad threshold. Therefore, we helped them apply under another scenario — the Passive Income D7 Visa.
The main question arises: Is YouTube income considered passive or active?
In reality, it depends on the amount and structure of the payments.
🇵🇹 LisbonThis path can be structured in different ways.
If your monthly income meets the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa (€3,480/month in 2025), it can be classified as active income from remote work.
If the amount is lower, it’s possible to qualify under another category.
In this particular case, the client’s income did not reach the Digital Nomad threshold. Therefore, we helped them apply under another scenario — the Passive Income D7 Visa.
Lisbon
For this visa, the minimum requirement was €870 per month + 50% for the spouse, since they were relocating as a family.
💡 Why Did They Choose Portugal?
The family dreamed of a safe and comfortable country to raise their children.
They were drawn by:
They submitted their documents through the Portuguese Consulate in Moscow.
💡 Why Did They Choose Portugal?
The family dreamed of a safe and comfortable country to raise their children.
They were drawn by:
- The mild climate and proximity to the ocean,
- A high level of safety,
- Accessible healthcare and education,
- And a welcoming, multicultural environment.
They submitted their documents through the Portuguese Consulate in Moscow.
🔎 Key Points of the Case: Income Source
Main income: YouTube monetization (AdSense + brand integrations).
Specifics: income was irregular, fluctuating month to month.
It was important to demonstrate consistency of income rather than one-time spikes.
Income Qualification
The client’s earnings did not reach the Digital Nomad visa threshold (€3,480/month).
Therefore, the optimal solution was the D7 Passive Income Visa:
The application was submitted through the Consulate of Portugal in Moscow.
One challenge was that consular officers don’t always understand digital professions.
We had to prepare clear and detailed documentation to prove that this was indeed a legitimate and regular income source.
Result
The family successfully obtained their visas and has already moved to Portugal.
They now enjoy legal residency while continuing to grow their YouTube channel.
A pleasant bonus: living in the EU made it easier to sign contracts with European brands — and, of course, to enjoy Pastéis de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tarts!🥧
Planning Your Move to Europe?Not sure where to start?
Book a free consultation — we’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and help you plan your path toward a new life in Europe.
Main income: YouTube monetization (AdSense + brand integrations).
Specifics: income was irregular, fluctuating month to month.
It was important to demonstrate consistency of income rather than one-time spikes.
Income Qualification
The client’s earnings did not reach the Digital Nomad visa threshold (€3,480/month).
Therefore, the optimal solution was the D7 Passive Income Visa:
- Minimum €870/month for the main applicant,
- Plus 50% for the spouse.
- Bank statements showing regular income from YouTube,
- Proof of collaboration with Google / AdSense account confirmation,
- Income declaration in Russia (as a self-employed professional),
- Additional letter describing their activity — channel profile, subscribers, and viewership growth.
The application was submitted through the Consulate of Portugal in Moscow.
One challenge was that consular officers don’t always understand digital professions.
We had to prepare clear and detailed documentation to prove that this was indeed a legitimate and regular income source.
Result
The family successfully obtained their visas and has already moved to Portugal.
They now enjoy legal residency while continuing to grow their YouTube channel.
A pleasant bonus: living in the EU made it easier to sign contracts with European brands — and, of course, to enjoy Pastéis de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tarts!🥧
Planning Your Move to Europe?Not sure where to start?
Book a free consultation — we’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and help you plan your path toward a new life in Europe.
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WhatsApp +351 962 965 896
E-Mail: info@fronttiers.com
E-Mail: info@fronttiers.com
Av. Manuel da Maia 44
1000-203 Lisbon, Portugal
1000-203 Lisbon, Portugal
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