Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa For Freelancers & Remote Workers

Dreaming of sipping espresso in a Lisbon café while crushing your Zoom calls?

Enter the D8 visa, Portugal’s golden ticket for freelancers and remote workers. This nifty residence permit lets you establish residency in Portugal while keeping your income from abroad. (Think of it as your official “work from beach” pass!)

At Portugalist, we’ve been helping folks make their Portuguese dreams a reality since 2016. And when Portugal’s digital nomad visa rolled out in October 2022? We were right there, ready to navigate the bureaucratic waters faster than you can say “pastel de nata.”

Ready to trade your cubicle for a coastal view? Let’s make it happen! Fill out the form below, and we’ll help you plan your move to Portugal. Vamos lá!

Overview of Portugal’s D8 Visa

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of Portugal’s D8 visa, shall we?

Who’s it for?

Digital nomads, remote workers, and basically anyone who can move to Portugal and continue bringing in an income from outside Portugal.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (Americans, Brits, South Africans, Argentinians, you name it. Anyone from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who can meet the other requirements).

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.

Show Me the Money!

Let’s talk money, shall we?

You’ll need to show a minimum monthly income that’s 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage (which is €820 per month). That means you’ll have to show €3,280 per month (4 * €820) as of 2024. As an annual salary, that’s €39,360.
Don’t panic! This is based on your average income over the last three months.
You’ll also need to show a year’s worth of savings. If you’re applying as an individual, that’s typically calculated as €820 * 12 or €9,840.

Bringing the Fam?

Portugal’s all about family, and so it isn’t surprising that you can add family members to your D8 application.

Add 50% for your spouse or long-term partner (typically a long-term partner is someone you’ve lived with for 3+ years. Use bank statements and utility bills from the same address to prove that relationship).
Tack on 30% for each dependent child (dependent normally means 18 or under, but there are exceptions if your child is in full-time education).

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

That quickly adds up, especially as the Portuguese authorities will be looking at the main applicant’s income rather than a combination of the two. So, if you’re bringing your better half, you’ll need €3280 + 50% (€1640) or €4920.

Because of these income requirements, Portugal’s digital nomad visa is mainly popular with those from the United States, Canada, the UK, and other countries with higher salaries.

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).

What do you get in return?

Alright, let’s talk rewards. What are the benefits of establishing residency in Portugal?

The right to live in Portugal: First and foremost, you get to live in Portugal. It’s a European country so that means benefits like healthcare, safety, etc. but given the weather, beaches, and cost of living, we think it’s the best option!
Healthcare that Won’t Break the Bank: Access Portugal’s tax-funded public health service, which means you’ll always have that safety net in case you need serious care. Fancy going private? Portuguese private hospitals and health insurance are typically wallet-friendly, especially if you’re used to American prices.
An EU Passport: Apply for Portuguese citizenship after just five years (and even less). In Spain, you typically need 10 years of residency before you can apply for citizenship. We know which one we’d choose (just saying!).
Europe at Your Doorstep: Gone are the days of having to apply for a Schengen Visa. You’ll now have 29 European countries at your fingertips! From Paris to Prague, Amsterdam to Athens – your weekend getaway options just exploded.
Work friendly: As long as you’re bringing in the required amount of income from outside of Portugal, you can also take on a second job or freelance in Portugal. However, due to the lower wages in Portugal, it normally makes more sense to work for non-Portuguese companies.

Did we mention Portugal is a digital nomad hotspot? You’ll be surrounded by other people who work remotely or run startups — perfect for networking or just mingling with like-minded people.

Nomad Visa Options: Short Stay Or Long Stay

Portugal’s D8 visa comes in two flavors:

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 where you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and permanent residency.
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 visa 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*
Portuguese Bank Account Required	Some Consulates	Yes (not required at all consulates)
Family Reunification	No	Yes

Some people may be tempted by the temporary stay visa for flexibility purposes, however it does mean more renewal appointments. And, as getting an appointment with AIMA is never easy, we recommend choosing the main residence visa if you’re serious about moving to Portugal.

Would I qualify for Portugal’s digital nomad visa?

Dreaming of working from a sunny Portuguese café? Let’s break down what you need to make that digital nomad dream a reality.

Main Requirements

You’re an adult: You need to be at least 18 years old. Easy, right?
You’ve got a steady income: You’ll need to show sufficient income that’s 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).
You’re on the straight and narrow: A clean criminal record is required in all the countries you have been resident. 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).

Other Requirements

You’ve got a Portuguese tax number: This is called a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) and you’ll probably need a fiscal representative to get one. (Don’t worry, we can help here).
You’ve got a Portuguese bank account: Most consulates ask for this. It should have enough funds to cover a year’s living expenses. Sorry, but Wise or Revolut aren’t accepted here. (Don’t worry, we can help you get one!).
You’ve got a place to stay in Portugal: This could be a rental agreement (typically 12 months), property deeds for somewhere you own, or even a letter from a friend inviting you to stay. Sorry, but Airbnb and hotel bookings aren’t normally accepted.
Insurance: You’ll need travel insurance for your initial application at your local Portuguese embassy/ consulate/VSF Office and health insurance for your AIMA appointment.
A love letter to Portugal: Okay, not really a love letter, but a motivation letter explaining why you want to move to Portugal.
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).
Birth (and marriage) Certs:
Passport Photos: 2 European-sized photos
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.
Valid Passport:

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 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 to mainland Portugal.

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

The Tax Lowdown: What You Need to Know

The General Rule of Thumb: Most income in Portugal is taxed at progressive rates from 14.5% to 48%.
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. For many, the Simplified Regime is enough to make their move to Portugal more tax-friendly.
Double Taxation: Portugal has tax treaties with numerous countries worldwide, including the US and UK. If you’ve paid taxes in another country, you might be eligible for tax credits in Portugal, which prevent double taxation.

Can I apply for NHR?

Here’s the deal: lots of websites out there list NHR as a benefit but the NHR regime ended in 2023 (with a transitionary period for some people in 2024). However, there is a new NHR regime, which some have dubbed NHR 2.0. The rules for this are less straightforward and so it is recommended you seek professional advice regarding eligibility. Besides the NHR regime, there are other tax regimes like “the simplified regime” which may even work better than a flat rate of tax.

How Much Time Do You Need to Spend in Portugal?

We get it! You’re a digital nomad. You want to spend as much time traveling as you can. However, despite the nickname “digital nomad visa,” this is a residency visa for those that want to move to Portugal — not just visit — so if you’re thinking about spending most of the year in Chiang Mai and Medellin, this may not be right for you.

Within each validity period (initially 2 years and then 3 years), you should not leave Portugal for more than 6 months in a row or 8 months in total.

Visa/Permit	Validity Period
Temporary Visa	120 Days
Initial Residency Permit	2 Years
Renewed Residency Permit	3 Years

After that, you’ll be able to apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship. Things get a little more flexible then.

And the good news: up until now, the authorities haven’t been super-strict about people spending all their time in Portugal. Of course, this may change in the future.

Dreaming of Portuguese Citizenship?

Portugal may have beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, and a wonderful laid-back lifestyle, but one of the main reasons people move here — ease of obtaining Portuguese citizenship. It’s just faster and easier than many other European countries.

After living in Portugal for 5 years, you can apply for citizenship through naturalisation (compare that to Spain where you need to wait 10 years).
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 like before.
You’ll only need to show an A2 level of Portuguese to qualify, and the pass mark is only 55% (that’s easier than France and Germany).
Just keep in mind that currently, the citizenship application process takes about two years. So, patience is key!

The D8 Process

The process from initial application to applying for citizenship.

Step	What’s the Deal?
Consult a Lawyer	Chat with an immigration pro to see if D8 is your perfect visa match (psst… Portugalist can help!)
Scouting Trip (optional)	Come to Portugal to see if it’s right for you! Pro tip: Sort your NIF and bank account first so you can rent or buy a property while here.
Second Scouting Trip (optional)	Some folks do a double-take – first for vibes, then for practicalities.
Gather Required Documents	Time to play paper chase! You’ll need some tricky bits like a NIF, Portuguese bank account, and Portuguese address as well as obvious ones (like birth certs and bank statements and contracts that confirm your income).
Apply	Submit your paperwork to the nearest Portuguese consulate or VSF Office. It’s recommended that you do this through a lawyer or relocation company.
Attend Interview	Attend an interview at the Portuguese consulate or VSF Office. Remember: it’s more of a document check than a job interview.
Receive Visa	Aced the interview? Congrats! You’ll get a 120-day pass to start your Portuguese adventure.
Fly to Portugal	Time to say “tchau” to your old life and “olá” to Portugal!
Arrange Health Insurance	Swap that travel insurance for private health insurance before your AIMA interview date.
Attend Interview	You’ll need to attend an interview with AIMA in Portugal.
Receive Residency Permit	Post interview, you’ll get your 24-month residence permit. Welcome to the club, official Portugal resident!
Register for Healthcare	Got your SNS number? Time to enjoy that famous European healthcare!
Renewal	Two years fly by! Time for another AIMA chat and a 36-month residence permit renewal.
Portuguese Exam	Dreaming of citizenship? You’ll need to show an A2 level of Portuguese. Most people sit the A2 exam, but there are also 150-hour courses you can take instead.
Renewal & Citizenship Application	Another renewal, and… drumroll… you can now apply for citizenship! (Thanks to new rules, it might be less than 5 years – score!) You can also apply for permanent residency at this point.
Receive Passport	The wait is real (about 1-2 years), but oh so worth it. Now you can live anywhere in the European Union, EEA, or Switzerland.

Pros & Cons of Portugal’s Digital nomad visa

Let’s keep it real. The D8 isn’t all sunshine and sardines. And while there are plenty of pros (residency in Portugal, fast route to EU citizenship, healthcare), there 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. There are other European digital nomads with easier income requirements, however, you may not be able to obtain citizenship so quickly.
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, which means you’ll pay taxes in Portugal. 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 will be your secret weapon here.
Commitment Required: This isn’t a toe-dipping exercise. It’s a long term residency visa.

Comparing the D8 To Other Visas

Alright, digital nomads and Portugal dreamers, let’s break down the residency visa options. There aren’t any other Portugal digital nomad visas, at least specifically aimed at digital nomads and remote workers, but there are some other visas that might apply.

	D8 (this visa)	D2	D7	Golden Visa
Income Requirement	€3280 p/month	€820 p/month	€820 p/month	None
Income Type	Active income (e.g. freelancing or remote job)	Freelancing/Company	Passive income (e.g. pension or social security)	None
Investment Required	No	No	No	Yes (€250,000-€500,000)
Physical Stay	Majority of year	Majority of year	Majority of year	7 days p/year
Tax residency requirement	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Typical Fees	€1,000-3,000 p/person	€1,000-3,000 p/person	€1,000-3,000 p/person	€10,000 p/person

Here’s the breakdown:

Golden visa: Due to the low physical stay requirements, Portugal’s golden visa offers a lot of flexibility which is perfect for digital nomads. However, you will need to invest around €500k (or donate €250k), which most of us don’t have lying around. Another downside: visa processing for the Portugal golden visa takes around 2-3 times as long as the D7 or D8.
The D7: This passive income visa has a lower minimum income requirement, which also makes it easier if you’re applying with a family, but that income has to be passively-earned (think pensions, dividends, social security, etc.). Most D8 applicants are still working age and so not drawing a pension or social security, but may be able to qualify with rental income from a property you own (or a very successful investment that’s reaping big dividends).
The D2: Technically, this one is suitable for freelancers as well. However, now that the D8 has been introduced, you’ll need a solid reason why you’re applying for the D2 and not the D8.

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.

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

Ready to Make Your Portuguese Dream a Reality?

You’ve got the lowdown on the D8 visa, you’re dreaming of starting a new life here, and you’re itching to trade your current view for a Portuguese sunset. But let’s face it – navigating Portuguese bureaucracy can be trickier than pronouncing “pastéis de nata” after a third glass of wine.

That’s where we come in!

Why Choose Portugalist for Your D8 Visa Journey?

We Speak Bureaucracy: Our team of legal eagles knows the ins and outs of every consulate’s quirks.
Peace of Mind: From document spell-checking to finding your dream Portuguese pad, we’ve got you covered.
Save Time (and Sanity): Focus on planning your Portuguese adventures while we handle the paperwork maze.
Expert Guidance: Whether you need the “Just the Basics” package or “The Whole Enchilada”, we’ll tailor our services to your needs.
Smooth Sailing: Even if there’s a hiccup, we know how to make your case and keep your D8 dreams alive.

Ready to Turn “What If” into “What’s Next”?

Don’t let bureaucracy stand between you and your Portuguese paradise. Whether you’re a digital nomad, remote worker, or just someone with big dreams and a stable income, we’re here to help you make Portugal your new home.

👇 Take the First Step to Your Portuguese Adventure 👇

Click above, and let’s chat about making your Portugal move as smooth as a fine Douro wine. Whether you need a little help or a lot, we’re here to ensure your transition to life in Portugal is more “olá” than “oh no”!

P.S. Still weighing your options between the D7 and D8? Not sure if the Portugal digital nomad visa is right for you? Let’s talk and find the perfect visa fit for your Portuguese dreams!