Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa: All You Need to Know
Portugal is one of the most sought-after destinations for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers. With its mild climate, world-class surf, historic cities, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other EU countries, it’s easy to see why so many want to call Portugal home. In October 2022, Portugal launched a brand-new visa category to attract remote professionals: the D8 Digital Nomad Visa. This visa has quickly become one of the most popular residency options in Europe for remote workers seeking both flexibility and long-term settlement opportunities.
What is the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa?
The D8 visa, commonly known as the Digital Nomad Visa, is a residence permit created specifically for people who work remotely. This includes:
Employees of companies registered outside Portugal.
Freelancers working for international clients.
Entrepreneurs running online businesses.
Unlike a tourist visa, the D8 visa allows you to live in Portugal legally while continuing your professional activity online. It also provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship, making it far more than just a short-term solution for travelers.
There are two types of D8 visa:
Temporary Stay Visa – Valid for up to 12 months. Ideal for those wanting to try out Portugal before committing long-term.
Residence Visa (long-term) – Initially issued for 2 years, renewable for 3 more years. After 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
What is the Income Requirement for D8 in Portugal?
One of the most important eligibility criteria for the D8 visa is meeting the minimum income requirement. As of 2025, applicants must earn at least €3,280 per month.
This figure is based on four times the Portuguese minimum wage, which is updated yearly. The government requires applicants to demonstrate stable, ongoing income, not just savings.
To prove this, you’ll need to provide:
At least 3 months of payslips or invoices.
Bank statements showing regular deposits.
A remote work contract or proof of freelance activity.
💡 Tip: Consistency is key. Irregular payments or income that doesn’t meet the threshold can result in a rejection.
Does a Portugal D8 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes. One of the greatest benefits of the D8 visa is its potential to lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Here’s how the pathway works:
Apply for the 2-year residence visa.
Renew for another 3 years.
After 5 years of legal residence, apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
To qualify for permanent residency, you’ll need to:
Maintain legal residence in Portugal.
Spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal (or prove strong ties like family or property ownership).
Pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level).
Citizenship comes with even greater benefits, including an EU passport that allows you to live, work, and travel freely across the European Union.
How Do I Qualify for a D8 Visa in Portugal?
To be eligible for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet several requirements:
Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Demonstrate remote work income of at least €3,280/month.
Have a clean criminal record.
Provide proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract, Airbnb reservation, or property deed).
Show comprehensive health insurance valid in Portugal.
Present valid travel documents (passport, flight reservations, etc.).
Supporting documents often need to be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an Apostille stamp, so factor this into your preparation timeline.
Step-by-Step Checklist: How to Apply for the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Applying for the D8 visa can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the process manageable. Here’s a detailed checklist to guide you through:
✅ Step 1: Gather Your Core Documents
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).
- Completed visa application form from the Portuguese consulate’s website.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract, Airbnb booking, or property deed).
- Health insurance valid in Portugal covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
- Clean criminal record certificate from your country of residence, issued within the last 3 months.
- Signed statement of purpose explaining why you want to live in Portugal.
✅ Step 2: Prove Your Income
- Employment contract with a foreign company, OR
- Freelance contracts and client invoices, OR
- Proof of self-employment/business ownership.
- Bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least €3,280/month in income.
✅ Step 3: Legalize and Translate Documents
- Get documents apostilled or legalized (depending on your country).
- Provide certified translations into Portuguese if the originals are not in English or Portuguese.
✅ Step 4: Submit Application at Portuguese Consulate
- Book an appointment with the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country.
- Pay the application fee (€90–€120).
- Submit all required documents in person.
✅ Step 5: Wait for Approval
- Processing time is usually 30–90 days.
- If approved, you’ll receive a 4-month entry visa to travel to Portugal.
✅ Step 6: Relocate to Portugal
- Travel to Portugal within the visa validity period.
- Secure your tax identification number (NIF).
- Open a Portuguese bank account (recommended for proof of ties).
✅ Step 7: Residence Permit Appointment (AIMA, formerly SEF)
- Book an appointment with AIMA once in Portugal.
- Bring your documents plus the residence permit fee (€170).
- Residence permit is initially valid for 2 years and renewable.
💡 Pro Tip: Start preparing your paperwork 3–6 months before applying. Missing translations, apostilles, or incomplete financial proof are the most common reasons for delays or rejections.
If the above seems to daunting for you, TGA has partnered with Prismaat, they will handel everything for you and fast track your D8 Visa.
Can You Leave Portugal on a D8 Visa?
Yes, you can. The D8 visa grants access to the Schengen Area, allowing you to travel visa-free across 27 European countries.
However, there are residency obligations:
You should spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal, or
Prove Portugal is your primary home (with property, tax residence, or family ties).
Failure to meet these conditions could jeopardize your residency renewal.
Is it Hard to Get a Digital Nomad Visa?
The Portugal D8 visa is considered one of the more accessible digital nomad visas in Europe, but it’s not without challenges.
Common difficulties include:
Meeting the high income threshold.
Finding long-term accommodation in Portugal before applying.
Navigating bureaucracy and paperwork (translations, apostilles, consular delays).
That said, if you meet the requirements, your chances of approval are very strong. Hiring a Portuguese immigration lawyer or relocation consultant can simplify the process significantly.
How Much is the D8 Visa Fee in Portugal?
Costs vary slightly depending on the consulate, but you can expect:
Visa application fee: €90–€120.
Residence permit fee (AIMA/SEF): €170.
Additional costs:
Document translation and legalization: €100–€500.
Health insurance: €400–€1,000/year.
Accommodation costs (deposit + rental contract): varies widely.
All in, most applicants spend between €1,000–€2,000 to complete the process.
What is the Difference Between D7 and D8 Visa?
Both the D7 and D8 visas are popular residency options, but they target different groups:
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa) – Best for retirees, investors, or individuals with passive income such as pensions, dividends, or rental properties. The income requirement is lower (just the Portuguese minimum wage, ~€820/month).
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) – Specifically for active remote workers earning income online. The requirement is much higher (€3,280/month).
Both visas allow long-term residence and eventual citizenship. The main difference is the source and type of income.
What is the Easiest Digital Nomad Visa?
The “easiest” visa depends on your circumstances. A few comparisons:
Portugal D8 Visa – Great for high-earning professionals wanting EU residency and a pathway to citizenship.
Estonia Digital Nomad Visa – Requires ~€3,500/month but offers a fast, fully online application process.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa – Lower income requirement (~€2,539/month) but no permanent residency pathway.
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa – Popular for North Americans; more flexible with income and allows up to 4 years of stay.
If your goal is long-term EU residency and citizenship, Portugal’s D8 visa is arguably the best option available today.
Pros and Cons of the Portugal D8 Visa
✅ Pros
Pathway to permanent residency and EU citizenship.
Live in one of Europe’s most affordable and desirable countries.
Access to free movement within the Schengen zone.
Stable legal status (unlike living on tourist visas).
❌ Cons
High income requirement excludes many freelancers.
Bureaucracy and long waiting times.
Need to secure housing before applying.
Must spend significant time in Portugal each year.
Final Thoughts: Is the Portugal D8 Visa Right for You?
The Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa is a fantastic opportunity for remote workers who earn €3,280+ per month and want to enjoy European residency. Not only does it grant legal stay and travel freedom, but it also provides a pathway to citizenship—something many other digital nomad visas do not offer.
We arrived in Portugal two years ago (our 2nd immigration) and I must say “Im lovin it”, the people, the weather, the beauty the country has to offer and of course the easy access to the EU.
If you’re looking for long-term stability, European lifestyle, and access to the Schengen Area, Portugal’s D8 visa may be the perfect fit. Just be prepared for paperwork, planning, and patience as you go through the process.
If you likes this article, also read – Unlocking Lisbon in 3 Days and Exploring Portugal
