Portugal’s D8 (Digital Nomad Visa): Updated for 2024

Overview of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

The D8 visa is Portugal’s way of welcoming remote workers from around the world. It allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to live and work remotely in Portugal, as long as their income comes from outside the country. (Already have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport or maybe your spouse/partner has an EU/EEA/Swiss passport? See here ).

To qualify, you’ll need to show a monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (€820 per month in 2024). As of 2024, that’s about €3,280 per month. That’s taken as an average over the past 3 months, so don’t worry too much if your income fluctuates.

Not in tech? This visa isn’t just for coders and web designers. If you work for a non-Portuguese company or have clients outside Portugal, you could be eligible.

What does the D8 visa offer?

This isn’t just a visa – it’s a key to a whole new lifestyle. Here’s what you get:

• The right to live in Portugal: First and foremost, you get to live in Portugal. You can stay here all year-round.
• Freedom to roam: Say goodbye to the Schengen Area’s 90/180 day rule. You can live in Portugal and zip around Europe without needing a visa every time (naturally, there are limits on how long you can spend outside Portugal and in specific EU countries).
• Healthcare made easy: You’ll have access to Portugal’s public healthcare system. And if you prefer private care, you might find the insurance costs surprisingly affordable (particularly compared to the US).
• A path to EU citizenship: After 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. That means you could get an EU passport, opening doors to live and work anywhere in the EU.

Choosing your stay

The D8 visa comes in two flavors:

1. The long-term residence visa (most popular): This one’s valid for 2 years and can be renewed for another 3, getting you to that 5-year mark for potential citizenship and permanent residency.
2. The temporary stay option: Perfect if you want to test the waters. It lets you live in Portugal for up to a year – ideal if you want more than the usual 90-day tourist stay but aren’t ready to commit long-term.

	Temporary Stay	Residence Visa
Duration	12 Months	24 Months
Renewable	Yes	Yes (for 36 months)
Accommodation	Min 4 month lease	Min 12 month lease
Minimum Salary	€3,280 p/m*	€3,280 p/m*
Portugal Bank Account Required	Some Consulates	Yes (not required at all consulates)
Police Clearance	Yes	Yes
Family Reunification	No	Yes

Would I qualify for the D8?

Dreaming of working from a sunny Portuguese café? Let’s break down what you need to make that dream a reality with the D8 visa.

Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it might seem at first glance!

Main Requirements

1. You’re an adult: You need to be at least 18 years old. Easy, right?
2. You’ve got a steady income: You’ll need to show you’re earning at least €3,280 (net) per month. That’s four times the Portuguese minimum wage. (Couple or have kids? The requirements are higher – see below).
3. You’re on the straight and narrow: A clean criminal record is required. But don’t panic if you have a minor offense – anything with less than a year of prison time can be overlooked (however, it’s recommended that you declare it) [source].
4. You’ve got a Portuguese tax number: This is called a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). (Don’t worry, there are lots of companies that can help you get this online).
5. You’ve got a Portuguese bank account: Most consulates ask for this. It should have enough funds to cover a year’s living expenses. (Again, there are lots of companies that can help you get this).
6. You’ve got a place to stay: This could be a one-year rental contract, property deeds, or even a letter from a Portuguese friend inviting you to stay. Going for the short-term stay? A 4-month lease will do. (This is definitely the hardest requirements).
7. You’re insured: You’ll need qualifying travel/health insurance.

Other Requirements

1. A love letter to Portugal: Okay, not really a love letter, but a motivation letter explaining why you want to move to Portugal.
2. Flight details: Some consulates want to see a ticket, others are happy with just an itinerary. This is why a good lawyer is important (they know which you’ll need).
3. Permission for a background check: There’s a form you’ll need to sign allowing the Portuguese government to check if you have any criminal history in Portugal.

And there you have it! Your roadmap to D8 visa success. Remember, requirements can vary slightly between consulates, so always double-check with your specific consulate.

What about couples & Those with Kids?

So, you’ve got the digital nomad dream all figured out for yourself, but what if you want to bring your family along for the Portuguese adventure?

According to Sandra Gomes Pinto [source], “there is no specific regime for the digital nomad visa in terms of family reunification. So it should follow the general rules, and the general rules are that you have to show +50% of your income for your spouse and +30% for each child.”

However, Sandra notes that this is unfair on those applying via the digital nomad visa versus others like the D7 as those applying for the D8 already need to show four times the Portuguese minimum wage.

The €3,280 in itself is enough to support a spouse and around eight children. Sandra says some authorities may interpret this in a different way, allowing couples and families to apply with less income, but there is no legal reason to think they should do so.

Applicant	Monthly Income	Savings Requirement
Single Person	€3,280 per month	€9,840
Couple	€4,920 per month	€14,760
Couple + Child	€5,904 per month	€17,712

Should a couple apply on the same application or two independent visas?

The challenge of applying separately is the costs. If a husband and wife apply for a D8, the amount required is the main amount + 50%. However, if there are two separate applications, each would have to show €3,280 (the amount for the main applicant) [source].

Dreaming of Portuguese Citizenship?

Good news! After living in Portugal for five years, you can apply for citizenship through naturalisation. And it gets even better – starting in 2024, the clock starts ticking from when you apply for residency, not when you get your residency card [source].

This means by the time you’re sipping your first Portuguese coffee as a resident, you’re already on your way to citizenship. Just keep in mind that currently, the citizenship application process takes about two years [source]. So, patience is key!

But here’s the kicker – Sandra mentions that the authorities haven’t been playing hardball about this. In her words:

“This is something that’s only checked when you renew rather than when you leave each time. In practice, this isn’t something that has been checked in great detail. To date the authorities have mainly wanted to check that your life and new home is in Portugal rather than counting the exact days.”

[source]

So, while it’s best to stick to the rules, don’t stress too much about counting every single day.

What about Taxes?

Ah, taxes. Not the most exciting topic, but definitely one you need to get your head around when moving to Portugal. Let’s break it down in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over.

The One-Size-Doesn’t-Fit-All Situation

First things first: there’s no simple, universal answer to “How much tax will I pay?” Why? Well, it’s a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure book:

• Portugal has different tax treaties with different countries
• Your income might come from various sources (salary, investments, that side hustle you’ve got going on)
• The Azores and Madeira have slightly different tax bands

The Tax Lowdown: What You Need to Know

1. The General Rule of Thumb: Most income in Portugal is taxed at progressive rates from 14.5% to 48%.
2. The NHR Plot Twist: The old Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime is no longer accepting new applicants. But wait! There are new tax regimes (NHR 2.0) and even talks of bringing back parts of the old NHR regime. Stay tuned!
3. Double Taxation? Not on Portugal’s Watch: If you’ve paid taxes in another country, you might be eligible for tax credits in Portugal. Thanks to tax treaties, you normally won’t pay tax twice for the same income.

The Golden Rule of Taxes

Here’s the most important piece of advice: Talk to a tax expert!

How Much Time Do You Need to Spend in Portugal?

First things first – how much time do you need to spend in your new Portuguese paradise? According to immigration lawyer Sandra Gomes Pinto:

“Within the first two-year period, you should not leave Portugal for more than six months in a row or eight months in total.”

[source]

Pros & Cons of the D8

Sure, lots of countries are jumping on the digital nomad visa bandwagon, but Portugal’s D8 visa? It’s in a league of its own. Here’s why:

• It’s not just a quick fling – this is a long-term commitment. We’re talking potential citizenship here!
• You get to enjoy all the perks of living in an EU country. Public healthcare? Check.

The Perks That’ll Make You Say “Sim, Por Favor!”

1. Fast-track to Citizenship: After just 5 years (maybe even a tad less), you can apply for citizenship.
2. Language Requirements That Won’t Make You Sweat: Only need A2 level Portuguese for citizenship. That’s like ordering coffee and a pastel de nata without breaking a sweat!
3. Healthcare for All: Full access to Portugal’s public healthcare. Because nobody should have to choose between seeing a doctor and buying that vintage Port wine.
4. Family-Friendly: Bring the whole crew along (depending on your visa option). Because the more, the merrier!
5. Europe at Your Doorstep: Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area. Weekend in Paris, anyone?
6. Work Your Way: Freedom to work in Portugal or start a business (as long as you continue to earn via the sources you stated on your application [source]).

Why the D8 Might Just Beat the Competition

Compared to other visas (looking at you, Golden Visa), the D8:

• Is easier on your wallet (lawyer fees around €2,000-€3,000 per person)
• Doesn’t require you to buy property or make hefty investments
• Gets processed faster than the golden visa

However, if you also qualify for the D7 (often called the passive income visa) it’s worth considering this because:

There’s a lower monthly income requirement (€820 per month for a single applicant from passive income sources such as rental income or a pension). This makes a big difference if you’re applying as a couple or family.

	D8 (this visa)	D7	Golden Visa
Income Requirement	€3280 p/month	€820 p/month	None
Income Type	Active (e.g. freelancing or remote job)	Passive (e.g. pension or social security)	None
Investment Required	No	No	Yes (€250,000-€500,000)
Physical Stay	Majority of year	Majority of year	7 days p/year
Tax residency requirement	Yes	Yes	No
Typical Fees	€1,000-3,000 p/person	€1,000-3,000 p/person	€10,000 p/person

But Wait, There’s Always a “But”…

Let’s keep it real. The D8 isn’t all sunshine and sardines. Here are a few things to consider:

• Income Requirements: €3,280 per month is quite a high number. It’s higher if you’re bringing family.
• Physical Presence: You’ll need to spend most of your time in Portugal. (But with those beaches, is that really a downside?)
• Tax Residency: You’ll likely be a tax resident. But don’t worry, tax treaties usually prevent double taxation.
• Address Needed: You’ll need a Portuguese address before applying (this is the same for most visas, excluding the golden visa).
• Consulate Roulette: Different consulates have different requirements. A good lawyer can be your secret weapon here.
• Commitment Required: This isn’t a toe-dipping exercise. You’re moving to Portugal, my friend!

Process

The process from initial application to applying for citizenship.

Step	Explanation
Application	Apply for the D8 visa (this is normally done in your country of residency).
Visa	Following a successful interview with your consulate, receive a residence visa which allows you to move to Portugal and stay there for 120 days.
Permit	During that 120-day period, attend an interview with AIMA. Shortly after, you will receive your residence permit (valid for 24 months)
Renewal	After two years, attend another interview with AIMA (previously known as SEF) to renew your visa (valid for 36 months).
Renewal & Citizenship Application	After 36 months, renew you residence permit. Around the five-year mark, you will also be able to apply for citizenship through naturalisation (due to the new rules, this is likely to work out at less than five years). You can also apply for permanent residency at this point, should you wish.

D8 Requirements Checklist

The following are the full requirements for the D8. Note: these can vary depending on the consulate or VSF office you apply through.

D8 Visa Requirements Checklist

If I rent a property, do I need a 6 or a 12-month lease?

It depends on the consulate. Some places accept a six-month lease, while others require a 12-month lease as a minimum. Note: that even if a six-month lease is allowed, it can be hard to find a landlord that wants to rent for that short a period.

[source]

Can I move to Portugal if I have a criminal record?

The crime would have to have a prison sentence of more than one year in Portugal to affect your D7 visa application. However, it is important that you make note of this in your personal statement. A lawyer can not only help write a suitable personal statement but also can include the applicable Portuguese law.

[source]

Example Costs

Although the government fees on the D8 are low, that doesn’t mean it’s completely free. The following are some of the costs you should factor in:

Cost Type	Estimated Cost	Notes
NIF Number	€60-€350	Can be higher depending on the service provider
Bank Account Opening	€0-500	It is possible (but sometimes challenging) to open a bank account in Portugal. However, to open one from abroad, you’ll typically need to use a company or lawyer, which costs money.
Lawyer Fees	€1,000-€3,000 per person	Often includes NIF, bank account, and application fee
Criminal Record Checks	Varies	Required for both your current country and Portugal
Scouting Trip Costs	Varies	For scouting trips or apartment hunting
Travel Insurance	Varies	Required for visa application
Health Insurance	Varies	Typically required for the AIMA interview, although some travel insurance may still be valid
Document Certificates	Varies	For birth, marriage, and other required certificates
Passport Photos	€10-€20	A small but necessary cost

To Lawyer or Not to Lawyer?

So, you’re ready to embark on your Portuguese adventure with the D8 visa. But here’s the million-euro question: should you hire a lawyer? Let’s break it down, shall we?

Why You Might Want a Legal Eagle in Your Corner

1. Bureaucracy: It’s Not Just You, It’s Complicated for Everyone
   • Different consulates ask for different things (and they rarely publish what they want).
   • Portuguese lawyers have the inside scoop on how things really work.
   • They can help you sidestep those pesky pitfalls that could delay your D8 dreams.

Lawyer Services and Costs

1. The “Just the Basics” Package (€500-€1,000)
   • They’ll give your documents the once-over.
   • Think of it as a bureaucratic spell-check for your application.
2. The “Whole Enchilada” Service (€2,000-€3,000+)
   • Document checking? Check.
   • Help with AIMA interviews? You got it.
   • Finding your dream Portuguese pad? They’re on it.
   • Sorting out your NIF and bank account? No problem.
   • They’ll even help you find the best pastéis de nata in your new neighborhood! (Okay, maybe not, but they’ll guide you on schools and other relocation stuff.)

What happens if my visa is rejected?

In Portuguese administrative law, it’s important to remember that you’re entitled to make your case if the authorities are about to take a step that could harm your chances of success[source].

Where should I live?

The D8 allows you to live anywhere in Portugal. However, there are a few locations that are particularly popular with digital nomads and remote workers.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular spots:

• Lisbon:
  • The ultimate digital nomad hub in Portugal, buzzing with thousands of remote workers.
  • Packed with coworking spaces, wifi-equipped cafes, and a vibrant startup scene.
  • Rental costs are high, but typically lower than major US cities.
• The Algarve:
  • Perfect for beach-loving nomads, with Lagos as the current hotspot.
  • Other popular towns include Portimão, Faro, and Albufeira, each offering a blend of work and seaside life.
• Madeira:
  • Home to the world’s first digital nomad village, ideal for both short-term stays and settling down.
  • Offers a ready-made nomad community amidst stunning mountain and ocean landscapes.
  • However, it can be a bit isolated and getting to and from the island can be challenging as flights are often cancelled.
• Porto:
  • A charming alternative to Lisbon, growing popular with nomads seeking a smaller city vibe.
  • More affordable than the capital, with plenty of northern Portuguese character.
• Ericeira:
  • A surfer’s paradise close to Lisbon, perfect for nomads who love small-town coastal life.
  • Offers a great balance of seaside living with easy access to big city amenities.