ℹ️ Informational Tool Only: This tool provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Results are estimates based on publicly available information. For advice specific to your situation, consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
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What documents do I need for D8 visa application depends on whether you're an employee or freelancer, but all applicants need: valid passport, passport photos, apostilled birth certificate, FBI background check (apostilled), health insurance, bank statements, proof of accommodation in Portugal, and a completed application form. Employees also need employment contracts and pay stubs, while freelancers need business registration, client contracts, and tax returns.
How do I get documents apostilled for D8 visa? For federal documents like FBI background checks, request apostille from the US State Department. For state documents like birth certificates, contact your state's Secretary of State office. The process takes 2-8 weeks depending on the state. Some services offer expedited apostille for additional fees ($150-300).
Do I need a NIF before applying for D8 visa? It's not officially required for the visa application itself, but you'll need it for rental agreements in Portugal. Many applicants get their NIF (Portuguese tax number) before applying through a fiscal representative. Some consulates prefer seeing it in your application. You can obtain it remotely for €50-150 through authorized services.
How much money do I need to show for D8 visa? You must prove minimum monthly income of €2,820 (2025 requirement, 4x Portugal's minimum wage). For dependents, add €1,410 per person. This translates to $33,840/year for solo applicants, $50,760 for couples. Bank statements should show 3-6 months of consistent income and accessible funds.
Can I use Airbnb reservation as proof of accommodation for D8 visa? Some consulates accept Airbnb reservations for minimum 6 months, but traditional rental agreements are preferred. The landlord must provide their NIF and signature. Hotel reservations are rarely accepted. If you haven't secured housing yet, some services offer "promise to rent" letters from landlords specifically for visa applications.
How long does it take to gather all D8 visa documents? Plan for 8-12 weeks minimum. The FBI background check takes 2-4 weeks, apostille processing adds 2-8 weeks, and obtaining birth certificates and other records varies by state. Starting document collection 3-4 months before your desired application date is recommended. Professional services can reduce this to 6-8 weeks.