What is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (also known as the D8 Visa) allows remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs to live in Portugal while working for companies or clients outside of Portugal.
Launched in 2022, this visa gives you the opportunity to enjoy Portugal's climate, culture, and cost of living while maintaining your international career. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Not sure if you qualify? Take our free eligibility quiz or compare the D8 visa with alternative options.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Income Requirements
You must earn at least €3,280 per month (~$3,800 USD) (4x the Portuguese minimum wage). This must be proven through:
- Bank statements from the last 3 months
- Employment contract or freelance agreements
- Tax returns or income statements
Use our income calculator to check if you meet the requirements with your family size.
2. Remote Work Proof
Evidence that you work remotely for a company registered outside Portugal, or provide services to clients abroad:
- Employment contract stating remote work
- Company registration documents (if self-employed)
- Client contracts and invoices (for freelancers)
3. Other Requirements
- Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
- Clean criminal record from country of residence
- Health insurance covering Portugal
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Required Documents
Get our interactive document checklist to track your progress. For US citizens, see our detailed guide on D8 visa requirements for Americans.
Valid Passport
Original passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your planned stay, plus 2 photocopies of the ID page
Visa Application Form
Completed and signed national visa application form from the Portuguese consulate
Passport Photos
2 recent passport-size photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm) with white background
Proof of Income
Bank statements (3 months), employment contract, tax returns, or freelance invoices showing €3,280+ monthly income
Remote Work Evidence
Employment contract stating remote work, or company/client documentation for self-employed applicants
Criminal Record Certificate
Clean criminal record from your country of residence (issued within last 3 months), apostilled or legalized. US citizens can use our FBI Apostille service.
Health Insurance
Valid health insurance policy covering you in Portugal with minimum coverage (recommended: €30,000)
Proof of Accommodation
Rental agreement, hotel reservation, or property deed showing where you'll stay in Portugal
Travel Insurance
Insurance covering repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical care, and emergency hospital treatment
Application Process
US citizens should read our comprehensive D8 visa application guide for Americans. Use our timeline calculator to estimate your specific processing time.
Prepare Documents
1-2 weeksGather all required documents listed above. Have them translated to Portuguese by a certified translator if needed.
Schedule Consulate Appointment
2-6 weeks waitContact the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence to schedule a visa application appointment. Book early as wait times can be several weeks. Use our consulate locator to find your nearest location, or see our VFS appointment guide if applying through VFS Global.
Submit Application
1 dayAttend your appointment at the consulate. Submit all documents and pay the visa fee (€90-120). You may be interviewed about your application.
Wait for Processing
4-8 weeksThe consulate will review your application and documents. You may be contacted for additional information or documents.
Receive Visa Decision
1 weekIf approved, collect your visa from the consulate. If denied, you'll receive explanation and can reapply.
Travel to Portugal
Within 4 monthsEnter Portugal with your D8 visa within its validity period (usually 4 months from issue date).
Apply for Residence Permit
First 30 days in PTWithin your first month in Portugal, apply for your residence permit card at AIMA (Portuguese Immigration Agency).
Timeline & Costs
From document gathering to receiving your residence permit
Including visa fees, translations, apostilles, and health insurance
Cost Breakdown
Compare living costs with our cost of living calculator to budget for your move to Portugal.
Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Schengen Area Access
Travel freely within 27 Schengen countries
Path to Permanent Residency
Apply for permanent residence after 5 years
NHR Tax Benefits
Potentially qualify for Non-Habitual Resident tax regime. See our tax guide for details.
Family Inclusion
Bring your spouse and dependent children
Healthcare Access
Access to Portuguese National Health Service
Quality of Life
300+ days of sunshine, beaches, and low cost of living
Professional Services
Navigate the visa process with confidence. Our vetted partners can help with every step of your journey. View all services →
Immigration Lawyers
Expert legal guidance through the entire application process
Document Translation & Apostille
Certified translations of all required documents to Portuguese
Full Concierge Service
Find housing, open bank accounts, and settle into Portuguese life
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work for Portuguese companies with this visa?▼
No, the D8 Digital Nomad Visa requires you to work remotely for companies or clients outside of Portugal. If you want to work for Portuguese companies, you'll need a different type of work permit.
Do I need to pay taxes in Portugal?▼
If you stay in Portugal for more than 183 days per year, you'll become a tax resident. However, you may qualify for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which offers reduced tax rates on foreign income for 10 years. Read our complete tax guide for digital nomads for more details.
Can I bring my family?▼
Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application. They'll receive the same visa validity and residence rights as you.
How long is the visa valid?▼
The initial D8 visa allows you to enter Portugal within 4 months. Once in Portugal, you'll exchange it for a residence permit valid for 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods.
Can I apply from within Portugal?▼
No, you must apply at a Portuguese consulate in your country of residence. You cannot apply while in Portugal on a tourist visa.
What happens if my income drops below €3,280/month?▼
You must maintain the minimum income requirement throughout your stay. When renewing your residence permit, you'll need to prove you still meet the income threshold.
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