Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Changes in 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Major updates to the D8 visa requirements, income thresholds, tax regime changes, and AIMA processing improvements. Here's what changed and how it affects your application.
1. Income Requirements Increased to €3,480/Month
The minimum monthly income requirement has increased from €3,280 to €3,480 per month for 2025. This represents a 6.1% increase tied to Portugal's rising minimum wage.
The requirement is calculated as 4 times Portugal's national minimum wage, which increased to €870/month in 2025. This means:
- •Single applicants: €3,480/month (€41,760/year)
- •+ Spouse/partner: Add 50% (€1,740) = €5,220/month total
- •+ Each dependent: Add 30% (€1,044) per child
💡 New Savings Threshold
In addition to monthly income, applicants must now demonstrate savings of €10,440 (12 times Portugal's minimum salary) or maintain a total savings threshold of €36,480.
This can be shown through bank statements covering the last 3-6 months.
2. End of NHR Tax Regime (Major Change)
Critical Tax Change for New Applicants
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime officially ended on January 1, 2024 for most new applicants. This is the most significant change affecting digital nomads moving to Portugal.
What Was the NHR Program?
The NHR program allowed new tax residents in Portugal to benefit from:
- •Flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-sourced income from "high-value activities"
- •0% tax on most foreign-sourced income (dividends, capital gains, pensions)
- •10-year tax benefits period
What Replaced It?
Portugal introduced the Incentivized Tax Status (ITS) Program to replace NHR, but it offers significantly fewer benefits:
NHR (Ended 2024)
- ✓ 20% flat tax on PT income
- ✓ 0% tax on foreign income
- ✓ 10-year benefits
- ✓ No wealth requirements
ITS (New 2024+)
- • Standard progressive tax (up to 48%)
- • 20% tax on employment/self-employment income
- • 10-year benefits (stricter criteria)
- • Higher wealth/income thresholds
Impact on Digital Nomads
Without NHR, digital nomads will be taxed under Portugal's standard progressive income tax system:
| Annual Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to €7,703 | 14.5% |
| €7,703 - €11,623 | 21% |
| €11,623 - €16,472 | 26.5% |
| €16,472 - €21,321 | 28.5% |
| €21,321 - €27,146 | 35% |
| €27,146 - €39,791 | 37% |
| €39,791 - €51,997 | 43.5% |
| Over €78,834 | 48% |
💼 Action Item
Consult with a Portuguese tax advisor to understand your specific tax situation under the new regime. Consider using our Tax Calculator Tool to estimate your annual tax liability.
3. New NISS Social Security Number Requirement
Starting in 2025, applicants are now required to obtain a NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) - Portuguese Social Security Number - as part of the D8 visa application process.
What is NISS?
NISS is Portugal's social security identification number. Previously, it was only required after arriving in Portugal, but AIMA now increasingly requests it during the residence permit application stage.
How to Obtain NISS:
- 1Visit a Portuguese Social Security office (Centro Distrital de Segurança Social) or apply online via Segurança Social Direta
- 2Bring required documents: Passport, proof of address in Portugal, visa or residence permit
- 3Receive your number: Usually issued immediately or within a few days
Note: While not always an official requirement at the consulate stage, having your NISS ready can expedite your AIMA residence permit processing.
4. AIMA Processing Time Improvements
Good news: AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) has implemented significant improvements to address their massive backlog of 400,000+ applications.
What's Changed at AIMA:
✓ Automatic Appointment Scheduling
Starting January 15, 2025, AIMA automatically schedules biometric and document verification appointments in chronological order based on submission date.
✓ Faster Biometric Processing
Biometric appointments now scheduled within 30-90 days instead of the previous 6+ month wait times.
✓ Residence Permit Processing: 2-12 Weeks
Once in Portugal with your D8 visa, AIMA processes residence permit applications within 2-12 weeks.
📊 Expected Timeline for 2025 D8 Applications:
5. Stricter Document Completeness Rules
New Policy Effective April 28, 2025
AIMA will only accept residence permit applications that are 100% complete at the time of submission. Missing even a single document will result in rejection.
Previously, AIMA would sometimes accept incomplete applications and request missing documents later. This is no longer the case.
Complete Document Checklist for 2025:
💡 Pro Tip
Use our interactive document checklist tool to ensure you have everything ready before your AIMA appointment. Consider hiring an immigration lawyer to review your documents.
6. Proposed Citizenship Timeline Changes
A draft law published in June 2025 proposes increasing the residency requirement for Portuguese citizenship from 5 to 10 years.
⚠️ Important Note
This change has NOT been voted on or enacted yet. It remains a proposal as of January 2025.
Current 5-year pathway to citizenship remains valid. However, if you're planning to apply for citizenship, it's worth monitoring this legislation closely.
7. What This Means for You
If You're Planning to Apply in 2025:
- ✓Budget for higher income requirements (€3,480/month minimum)
- ✓Prepare for standard Portuguese tax rates (no NHR benefits)
- ✓Obtain NISS early to avoid delays
- ✓Ensure ALL documents are complete before submission
- ✓Expect faster AIMA processing (4-7 months total)
If You Already Have a D8 Visa:
- ✓Your existing visa terms remain valid
- ✓When renewing, you'll need to meet new income requirements
- ✓If you had NHR before 2024, you keep your benefits for the full 10 years
Bottom Line: Is the D8 Visa Still Worth It?
Yes - despite the changes, Portugal's D8 visa remains one of Europe's most accessible digital nomad visas. You still get:
The end of NHR is significant, but Portugal's quality of life, strategic location, and welcoming digital nomad community make it an excellent choice for remote workers in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to Start Your Application?
Use our interactive tools to check your eligibility, calculate your income requirements, and plan your timeline.