The Portugal D8 Visa offers digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers the opportunity to establish residency in this picturesque country. Available to non-EU residents, this visa provides a pathway to living in Portugal for a minimum of one year. As a digital nomad visa, the D8 allows you to immerse yourself in a country that caters to the needs of remote professionals. Portugal, known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant nomad community, is an ideal location for those looking to blend work with the exploration of new cultures.
Embrace the freedom of remote work that aligns with the lifestyle of a digital nomad. In Portugal, you can enhance your career while enjoying the flexibility to work from anywhere within its borders—from the historic streets of Lisbon to the sunny beaches of the Algarve. Join Portugal’s growing community of digital nomads and experience life in a country that supports your professional and adventurous lifestyle. This article will outline the specifics of the D8 visa, including application requirements and highlight top Portuguese destinations that cater to the needs of remote workers.
Types of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas
Portugal has recognized the rising trend of remote work by offering specialized visas for digital nomads. These visas enable individuals to reside in Portugal while being employed by companies that are based outside of the country. Digital nomads have the option to choose between two types of visas:
Temporary stay Visa for digital nomads
Designed for a short-term stay, this visa is valid for up to one year and is tailored for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely and satisfy specific income requirements:
Duration: Valid for 12 months.
Renewability: Can be renewed up to four times.
Income Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,280.
Accommodation: Must provide a lease agreement.
Banking: A Portuguese bank account may be necessary as per some consulate requirements.
Legal Clearance: A clean criminal record is mandatory.
Family Reunification: Not available under this visa.
This visa is ideal for those seeking to experience living in Portugal on a temporary basis without the commitment to long-term residency.
Residency Visa for digital nomads (Long-Term Visa)
Also known as the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for long-term stays, this option lays the groundwork for extended residence in Portugal:
Validity: Initially valid for four months; holders can apply for a two-year residency permit upon arrival.
Renewal: Subsequent renewals can extend the residency for another three years.
Income Requirement: The income threshold is set at over €3,040 per month.
Required Documents: A valid passport, proof of consistent income, comprehensive health insurance, and a clean criminal record are necessary.
Application Fee: Costs range between €75 and €90.
Family Inclusion: Family members can accompany the primary visa holder.
This visa suits those who are looking to establish a more permanent base in Portugal while continuing to work for foreign employers.
Eligibility criteria for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa)
To qualify for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet several specific requirements:
Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Citizenship: Only non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens are eligible.
Employment Status: You must be employed in a fully remote role, either on a permanent contract or as a freelancer.
Income Requirements: You need to demonstrate a minimum monthly income from all sources totaling at least €3,040.
Accommodation in Portugal: You must secure housing in Portugal with at least a one-year rental agreement, demonstrating your intent to reside in the country.
Passport: A valid passport is necessary for entry into Portugal, along with any other required travel documents.
Health Insurance: Must have health insurance that covers the duration of stay in Portugal.
Criminal Record: Must have a clean criminal record from your home country.
Path to Citizenship: After five years of residency under this visa, you may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Non-EU/EEA nationals are eligible to apply for this visa. This includes individuals from any country outside the European Union and the European Economic Area, provided they meet the specified requirements such as consistent income and verification of remote work. The visa is popular among digital nomads from diverse countries, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The D8 Visa provides a pathway for non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens to live and work remotely from Portugal, embracing the lifestyle and opportunities the country offers to digital nomads.
Obtaining your D8 Visa in Portugal will no longer hold any secrets for you!
Income guidelines for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa, applicants are expected to earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, which equates to approximately €3,040 per month.
Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa and family reunification
Holders of the D8 visa are entitled to apply for residence permits for their family members under the family reunification statute. If you are sponsoring dependents, you must show sufficient income to support your family's needs in Portugal. For a single applicant, the required income is €3,040 monthly. For a spouse, an additional €380 per month is needed, and for each child, an extra €228 per month is required.
Bringing your spouse to Portugal on a Digital Nomad Visa
Your spouse can also relocate to Portugal with you under the Digital Nomad Visa. The eligibility for spouses to join under this visa includes meeting specific criteria, which will ensure their inclusion in your residency permit application.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility Confirm that you fulfill the income requirements, earning at least €3,040 per month, and ensure that your employment is entirely remote.
Step 2: Document Preparation Collect all required documentation needed for the visa application:
A valid passport
Passport-sized photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm)
Employment verification (contract or partnership agreement)
Bank statements showing monthly income and savings
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Appropriate health insurance coverage for Portugal
A certified translation of your criminal record clearance into Portuguese
A NIF (Portuguese tax identification number) registration certificate
A motivation letter detailing your reasons for moving to Portugal
Step 3: Application Submission Complete the visa application form available from the Portuguese consulate or embassy. Schedule an appointment and submit your application along with the gathered documents.
Step 4: Application Processing Wait for the processing of your application. The duration can vary, but you will be notified once your application has been evaluated.
Step 5: Visa Issuance Upon approval, your visa will be issued and stamped in your passport, permitting your travel to Portugal.
Step 6: Establishing Residency in Portugal Upon arrival in Portugal with a long-term visa, apply for a residence permit before your initial visa expires to prolong your stay.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa types and costs
| Visa Type |
Cost (EUR) |
Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Stay Visa |
75 |
Valid for 1 year, multiple entries, no residency permit |
| Long-term Visa |
90 |
Valid for 4 months, two entries, leads to 2-year residence permit upon arrival |
Additional expenses associated with the Digital Nomad Visa:
Medical and Rent: Applicants should also budget for ongoing monthly expenses such as medical insurance and accommodation rent.
Health Insurance: Costs for private health insurance may vary significantly, generally ranging from €20 to €100 per month, depending on the chosen insurance package.
Portugal is a heaven for digital nomads
Comparing the D7 Visa and Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Understanding the key differences between Portugal's D7 Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa can help prospective applicants choose the right path for their residency needs.
| Feature |
D7 Visa |
Digital Nomad Visa (D8) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type |
Passive Income Visa |
Digital Nomad Visa |
| Income Requirement |
€820 per month |
€3,280 per month |
| Source of Income |
Pension, dividends, royalties, interest |
Salary or freelancing from remote work |
| Visa Validity |
2 years, renewable |
2 years, renewable for additional 3 years |
| Path to Citizenship |
Eligible after 5 years |
Eligible after 5 years |
| Minimum Stay |
6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months |
6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months with some flexibility for work or family emergencies |
The D7 Visa is specifically designed for individuals who have passive income sources such as pensions or rental income. It offers a lower income requirement, reflecting its focus on non-active income earners.
Conversely, the Digital Nomad Visa, designated as the D8, caters to those generating active income through remote work or freelancing. This visa requires a higher monthly income, emphasizing the active nature of the applicants' earnings. Both visas offer potential long-term residency and a path to citizenship after five years, but they cater to distinctly different types of income earners and lifestyles.
FAQs about the Portugal D8 Visa
What is the best visa option in Portugal for digital nomads?
Portugal offers a specialized Digital Nomad Visa tailored for remote workers. This visa can initially be obtained as a one-year temporary stay visa and is renewable up to five years, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads planning to reside in Portugal.
Does Portugal offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Portugal provides a Digital Nomad Visa specifically designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who meet certain income requirements.
What are the income requirements for a digital nomad visa in Portugal?
To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €2,800, equivalent to four times the Portuguese minimum wage.
Are digital nomads liable to pay taxes in Portugal?
Digital nomads in Portugal have the option to apply for Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status, which offers substantial tax benefits. This status may allow them to pay no taxes on foreign-sourced income and a flat rate of 20% on Portuguese-sourced income.
What is the duration of the digital nomad visa in Portugal?
The Digital Nomad Visa allows for a stay of up to one year in Portugal, with the possibility to renew the visa subsequently.
Which European country is the easiest to obtain a digital nomad visa from?
The ease of obtaining a digital nomad visa varies by individual needs and circumstances. However, countries like Estonia, Croatia, and Hungary are popular for their straightforward and accessible digital nomad visa programs.
Useful links
AIMA (Former SEF) - Official Website
Comprehensive information on visa requirements and residency procedures in Portugal.
Portal das Comunidades Portuguesas
Essential details and guidance for expatriates about living in Portugal.
Portal das Finanças
For tax-related information and to understand the fiscal obligations in Portugal, including the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime.
Instituto Nacional de Estatística
Useful for researching demographic and economic data about Portugal.
IAPMEI - Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation
Resource for entrepreneurs looking to start or move their business to Portugal.
