How long does the D8 visa application process take?

The complete D8 visa process typically takes 6-10 months from document gathering to receiving your residence card. Consulate processing takes 60-90+ days, and AIMA biometric appointments are scheduled 2-6 months after arrival.

Where do I apply for the D8 visa as a US citizen?

US citizens must apply through VFS Global Visa Application Centers in the United States. All applications are submitted through VFS Global, not directly at Portuguese consulates.

Can I apply for the D8 visa while in Portugal?

No. You must apply from the United States before traveling to Portugal. You cannot apply while on a tourist visa or switch from a tourist visa to a D8 visa.

What documents do I need for the D8 visa application?

Required documents include: valid passport (3+ months validity), passport photos, visa application form, proof of income, FBI background check with apostille, health insurance (€30,000 coverage), and proof of accommodation in Portugal.

How much does the D8 visa application cost?

The D8 visa application fee is €90 (approximately $100 USD) for the consulate, plus VFS Global service fees. Additional costs include FBI background check ($18), apostille ($8-20), and health insurance.

D8 Visa Application Process 2025 Guide

Application Timeline Overview

Week 1-2

Preparation

Gather documents, book appointment

Week 3

Submission

Consulate appointment, submit application

Week 4-6

Processing

Consulate reviews, possible follow-up

Week 7-8

Approval

Receive visa, plan move

Applying for Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa from the United States is more straightforward than many expect. Unlike some European visas, the D8 process for Americans is well-established, with Portuguese consulates experienced in handling applications from US-based remote workers. This guide walks you through every step, from initial preparation to receiving your approved visa.

Realistic Timeline for Americans

The complete D8 timeline from document gathering to residence card typically takes 6-10 months. Consulate decisions take 60-90+ days. After arrival, AIMA biometric appointments are scheduled 2-6 months out, with card production taking 60-90 days (some exceed 120 days). Plan to apply at least 2 months before intended travel.

Determine Your Eligibility

Before starting your application, confirm you meet all D8 visa requirements for US citizens:

Minimum Income Requirement

€3,480/month (~$4,000 USD) gross income from remote work sources outside Portugal. This increases by 50% for your first dependent and 30% for each additional dependent.

Quick Check:

Single applicant: $48,000+/year | With spouse: $72,000+/year

Remote Work Arrangement

Valid employment contract with a US/international employer OR active freelance/consulting contracts with clients outside Portugal OR ownership of a remote business registered outside Portugal.

Clean Background

No serious criminal record. You'll need an FBI background check as part of your application.

Use Our Eligibility Quiz

Not sure if you qualify? Our interactive eligibility quiz asks you 10 simple questions and gives you an instant assessment of your D8 visa eligibility plus personalized recommendations.

Take Eligibility Quiz

Apply via VFS Global

All D8 visa applications in the US are processed in person via VFS Global at Visa Application Centers (VACs). Portuguese consulates direct applicants to VFS and do not handle appointment booking by phone or email.

How to Apply via VFS Global:

Visit the VFS Global website

Go to https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/portugal-usa/ to start your application.

Select your jurisdiction

Choose the VAC that serves your US state of residence. VFS has multiple centers across the US.

Book your appointment

Complete the online booking form and schedule your in-person appointment at the VAC.

Attend your appointment

Bring all required documents to your VAC appointment for submission.

Note: Consulate contact information is provided for reference, but all visa appointment bookings must be done through VFS Global.

Washington, DC

Consulate General

Serves: DC, MD, VA, WV, NC, SC

Address: 2012 Massachusetts Ave NW
Phone: (202) 350-5400
Email: washington@mne.pt

San Francisco, CA

Consulate General

Serves: Northern CA, NV, OR, WA, ID, MT, WY, AK, HI

Address: 3298 Washington St
Phone: (415) 346-3400
Email: sanfrancisco@mne.pt

New York, NY

Consulate General

Serves: NY, CT, PA (eastern)

Address: 590 Fifth Ave, 4th Floor
Phone: (646) 723-0200
Email: newyork@mne.pt

Newark, NJ

Consulate General

Serves: NJ, DE, PA (western)

Address: One Riverfront Plaza
Phone: (973) 643-4200
Email: newark@mne.pt

Important: Jurisdictional Requirements

You must apply at the consulate that serves your US state of residence based on your driver's license or proof of residency. Some consulates are stricter than others about jurisdiction. If you're between moves, wait until you have established residency in your new state.

Gather Required Documents

This is the most time-consuming step. Start gathering documents at least 2-3 weeks before your desired application date. Here's the complete checklist:

1. Valid US Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry to Portugal
Must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
Original passport required at submission (you'll get it back with visa)

2. Visa Application Form

Download from your consulate's website or VFS Global portal
Complete in English or Portuguese, sign and date
Most consulates now accept digital signatures

3. Proof of Income & Employment

For W-2 Employees:

Employment contract or offer letter showing remote work permission
Letter from employer on company letterhead confirming remote work
Last 3 months of pay stubs
Last 3 months of bank statements showing salary deposits

For Freelancers/Self-Employed:

3-6 months of client contracts or service agreements
3-6 months of invoices issued to clients
3-6 months of bank statements showing client payments
Business registration documents (LLC, Corp, sole proprietorship)
Previous year's tax return (Form 1040 + Schedule C/C-EZ)

4. FBI Background Check

Request an FBI Identity History Summary Check
Processing time: 3-5 days (expedited) or 12-14 weeks (mail)
Must be apostilled by US Department of State
Valid for 90 days from apostille date

Pro tip: Start this early! Use the FBI's electronic option and pay for expedited apostille service through a document service like OneSourceProcess or VisaHQ to get it done in 7-10 days total.

5. Proof of Accommodation in Portugal

You need to show where you'll live. Options include:

Rental agreement: Lease for at least 6-12 months (most common)
Property deed: If you've purchased property in Portugal
Hotel booking: Minimum 3-6 months (expensive but works)
Invitation letter: From Portuguese resident offering accommodation

6. Travel Health Insurance

Valid for Portugal/Schengen area
Minimum coverage: €30,000 for medical expenses
Must cover repatriation and emergency medical evacuation
Popular options: SafetyWing, Cigna Global, IMG Global

Complete Document Checklist

Download our comprehensive PDF checklist that includes all required documents, formatting requirements, and submission tips specific to each US consulate.

Download Checklist (PDF)

Need Professional Help?

Skip the stress and confusion. Our vetted immigration lawyers handle D8 applications for US citizens daily, with a proven track record of successful applications.

View Lawyer Referrals See All Services