Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8) For US Citizens

Income Requirements

For example, a couple applying together would need:

• €3,680+€1,840 in monthly income
• €11,040+€5,520 in savings (roughly speaking)

This comes to €5,520 in monthly income (around $6,462) and €16,560 in savings (around $19,386).

Benefits of Living in Portugal for Americans

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements for Americans

The following are the main requirements for a D8 application. Americans residing in the US apply through the Portuguese consulate covering their state of residence — requirements can vary slightly between consulates, so always verify with yours directly.

⚠️ Which consulate do Americans use? Americans apply through the Portuguese consulate that covers their state of residence — the same consulate network as the D7. Consulates are located in Washington DC, New York, Newark, Boston, New Bedford, San Francisco, and Houston. Appointment wait times vary significantly — some are booking 3–6+ months out. Check your consulate’s website early.

Note: some requirements differ depending on whether you’re applying for the one-year visa or the two-year visa — both are renewable.

The Big Question for Americans: Can I Keep My US Job?

This is the question most American D8 applicants are really asking, and the honest answer is: it depends on your employment setup — and it’s more complicated than most articles suggest.

If you’re a W-2 employee, you typically cannot simply keep working as normal from Portugal. When a US company employs someone living in Portugal, it can create legal and tax obligations for the employer in Portugal — including potential permanent establishment liability, payroll tax complications, and benefits issues. Most US companies aren’t going to open a Portuguese entity just because one employee wants to relocate. Some firms will tell you this is fine as long as you don’t tell anyone, but that puts both you and your employer in a gray area that can create real problems.

In practice, Americans who successfully move to Portugal while working for a US employer usually end up in one of three arrangements:

1. Employer of Record (EOR)
An EOR is a third-party company that legally employs you in Portugal on behalf of your US employer. The EOR handles local payroll, taxes, and compliance — your US employer pays the EOR, and the EOR pays you. This is increasingly common and is the cleanest solution for both sides. Companies like Deel, Remote, and Rippling offer EOR services. The downside is cost — EOR services typically add $300–$800+ per month to your employer’s costs, which some companies are willing to absorb and others aren’t.

2. Convert to 1099 Contractor
Some Americans convert from W-2 employee to independent contractor (1099) status. Your US employer becomes a client rather than an employer, which removes the employer’s compliance burden. The tradeoff is significant: you lose employee benefits (health insurance, 401(k) match, paid leave), you become responsible for your own self-employment taxes, and the working relationship changes. This works well for some people and poorly for others — it’s worth thinking through carefully before agreeing to it.

3. Informal arrangement
Some US companies informally allow employees to work from Portugal without changing the official employment structure. A few firms actively support this. This is technically a gray area — some companies are comfortable with it, others explicitly prohibit it. If you go this route, make sure you understand your company’s policy and the potential consequences if the arrangement comes to light.

📌 Bottom line: Talk to your HR department and/or an employment lawyer before you apply for the visa. The D8 itself is straightforward — the harder part is making sure your work arrangement is structured correctly before you move.

What Americans Need to Know: Taxes

Tax is where Americans face a layer of complexity that citizens of most other countries don’t. Here’s a plain-English overview — but always work with a US expat tax accountant before you move.

You’ll still file US taxes after moving. Americans are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Moving to Portugal does not end your US tax filing obligation. You will continue to file a US return every year.

You’ll also become a Portuguese tax resident. Once you’ve spent 183+ days in Portugal — which the D8 requires — you’ll be a Portuguese tax resident. That means filing taxes in both countries. The US–Portugal tax treaty and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) exist to prevent most cases of true double taxation, but you will be filing in both countries.

Freelancers: self-employment tax still applies. American freelancers and 1099 contractors pay 15.3% self-employment tax to the US on top of income tax, regardless of where they live. The US–Portugal totalization agreement is meant to prevent you from paying into both countries’ social security systems simultaneously — but only if properly handled. This is a significant cost that most generic D8 guides never mention. Make sure your US tax advisor addresses this specifically.

NHR/IFICI: don’t assume it benefits Americans. Portugal’s preferential tax regime for new residents (formerly NHR, now IFICI) is frequently cited as a major financial benefit of moving to Portugal. For most nationalities, it can be. For Americans, the interaction with the Foreign Tax Credit is complex and in some cases the regime can actually make your overall tax burden worse, not better. Do not assume NHR/IFICI is beneficial for you without specific advice from a US expat tax specialist who has worked with American D8 holders.

FBAR reporting on your Portuguese account. Once your Portuguese bank account exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file an FBAR (FinCEN 114) annually. The penalties for non-compliance are severe.

Your US LLC may need attention. If you operate through a single-member LLC, your move to Portugal may affect how the LLC is treated for tax purposes in both countries. Get advice on this before you move — restructuring after the fact is harder and more expensive.

📌 Bottom line: Get a US expat tax accountant involved before you move, not after. Specifically look for someone with experience in both Portuguese tax and US international tax — not just a general CPA.

Which Family Members Can You Include?

The two-year version of the Digital Nomad Visa allows you to include family members (dependents) on your application. You can also bring them later through family reunification if they can’t move at the same time. Each additional person increases the income and savings requirements.

Spouse/Partner

A spouse or long-term unmarried partner can be added to the residence version of a D8 application.

For unmarried partners, you’ll typically need to show you’ve lived at the same address for 3+ years with paper evidence — shared bills or both names on a lease or mortgage.

Dependent Children

Children under 18 can be added to a D8 application. Dependent children between 18 and around 24 who are in full-time education can normally also be added.

Public schools in Portugal are free for residents, and higher education is very affordable compared to US tuition — a meaningful consideration for families moving with school-age children.

Dependent Parents

Dependent parents can be added if you can show they’re physically or financially dependent on you.

If they have their own income — including Social Security or a pension — they would typically be better suited to their own D7 visa application rather than applying as your dependent.

Income Requirements for Families

⚠️ Note: Typically, one person’s income is used for the whole application. If one person can’t support the full family on their income alone, it may make more sense to submit two separate applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Keep My W-2 Job and Move to Portugal? 

Not as a standard W-2 employee without your employer’s involvement. When you live in Portugal, your employer technically has potential tax and compliance obligations in Portugal — most US companies aren’t set up for this and won’t open a Portuguese entity for one employee.

The two most common solutions are an Employer of Record (EOR) — a third party that legally employs you in Portugal on your US employer’s behalf — or converting to 1099 independent contractor status, where your employer becomes a client. Both work, both have tradeoffs, and both require a conversation with your employer before you move.

Some companies do informally allow employees to work from Portugal, and a few firms explicitly support it. If your employer is comfortable with the arrangement and has legal guidance confirming it’s workable for them, that can also function in practice. But don’t assume — ask HR directly and get clarity in writing before you apply for the visa.

Do Americans Have to Pay Taxes in Both the US and Portugal? 

Yes — you’ll file in both countries, but you won’t necessarily pay full tax in both. Unlike citizens of most countries, Americans are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Moving to Portugal doesn’t end your US filing obligation.

Once you’re spending 183+ days in Portugal, you’ll also be a Portuguese tax resident. The US–Portugal tax treaty and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) exist to prevent true double taxation on the same income — but you will be navigating both systems.

For freelancers and 1099 contractors specifically: US self-employment tax (15.3%) continues to apply on your earnings regardless of where you live. The US–Portugal totalization agreement should prevent you from paying into both countries’ social security systems at once, but this requires proper handling.

Don’t make assumptions about NHR/IFICI (Portugal’s preferential tax regime for new residents) either — for Americans, the interaction with the Foreign Tax Credit is complex and the regime doesn’t always produce the benefit you’d expect. Get specific advice from a US expat tax accountant before assuming it will help you.

Which Portuguese Consulate Do I Apply Through? 

You apply through the Portuguese consulate that covers your state of residence — you can’t choose which one to use. The main consulates and their coverage areas are:

Washington DC — DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Indiana

New York — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and Alaska

Boston — Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

New Bedford — Parts of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island

San Francisco — California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, and US Pacific territories

Houston — Texas, Oklahoma

⚠️ Appointment wait times vary significantly and change frequently — some consulates are currently booking 3–6+ months out. Check your consulate’s website early and build this into your timeline. Document requirements can also vary by consulate, so always verify the specific checklist with yours directly.

What Happens to My Health Insurance When I Move? 

Your US health insurance will almost certainly not cover you in Portugal — most US plans are domestic only. For the visa application itself, you’ll need international travel insurance with at least €30,000 in medical coverage.

Once you’re a resident, you’ll have access to Portugal’s universal public healthcare system (SNS). In practice, many American expats also take out private health insurance in Portugal for faster access to specialists and English-speaking doctors. Even comprehensive private health insurance plans in Portugal typically cost a fraction of US premiums — it’s one of the more noticeable financial differences Americans experience after moving.

If you’re converting from W-2 to 1099 status, losing employer-sponsored health insurance is one of the biggest practical changes to plan for. Make sure you have coverage lined up for the transition period — both the initial 120 days in Portugal before your AIMA appointment, and the longer term once you’re resident.

Should I Apply for the One-Year or Two-Year Visa? 

Both are renewable, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you applied for the one-year visa and decided to stay longer. That said, the two-year option means fewer renewals — lower costs and less bureaucracy overall — and it’s the recommended option for most people who are committed to moving. The two-year version also allows you to include dependents on the same application.

Is the Digital Nomad Visa Only for Tech Workers? 

No. The D8 isn’t limited to any specific industry. If your employer or clients are outside Portugal and your work can be done remotely, this visa can work across a wide range of professions — consultants, designers, writers, marketers, analysts, lawyers advising non-Portuguese clients, educators, and many others. The key requirement is that your income comes from outside Portugal and can be demonstrated with documentation.

I Operate Through a US LLC — Does That Count? 

Income from a US-based single-member LLC can generally count toward the D8 income requirement, provided the clients are outside Portugal. Many American freelancers operate this way and apply successfully.

However, moving to Portugal may affect how your LLC is treated for tax purposes in both countries. Portugal may view the LLC as a foreign entity doing business in Portugal if you’re managing it from here, which can create tax complications. This is an area where you need specific advice from a US expat tax accountant before you move — not after. Restructuring your business arrangements after the fact is harder and more expensive than getting it right before you go.

What Does “Permission to Work from Portugal” Actually Mean? 

For W-2 employees, this typically means a letter from your US employer on company letterhead confirming that you are authorized to work remotely from Portugal. Some consulates want this to be fairly specific — stating the company name, your role, that your work is entirely remote, and that the company consents to you working from Portugal.

For 1099 contractors and freelancers, your contracts with US clients serve as the equivalent — they demonstrate that your work is for non-Portuguese entities and can be done from anywhere. Some consulates may also ask for an accompanying letter or statement.

This is one of the more variable requirements across consulates — check what your specific consulate is currently asking for, as requirements evolve.

Is This Officially Called the D8 or D9? 

It depends on the consulate. The visa was originally introduced as the D8, but some consulates have begun referring to it as the D9. If you see either term, they’re referring to the same Digital Nomad Visa. When in doubt, check with your specific consulate or your immigration lawyer.

Do I Need to Speak Portuguese? 

There’s no language requirement for the visa application itself. However, if you apply for Permanent Residency or Portuguese citizenship down the line, you’ll need at least an A2 level of Portuguese — the second-most basic level on the European scale. You can pass with a 55% mark on the CIPLE exam (cost: typically €70–€120, around $80–$135) or complete an approved 150-hour online course. Given you’ll be living in Portugal full-time, picking up conversational Portuguese will come naturally over time.

Are There Any Restrictions on Where I Can Live in Portugal? 

None at all — you can live anywhere in Portugal, including Madeira and the Azores. Popular spots with American remote workers include Lisbon, Porto, Ericeira, Lagos, and Madeira. Each has its own character, cost profile, and community size — worth researching before committing to a location for your accommodation proof.

Can I Apply with a Criminal Record? 

Minor offenses are often fine, but more serious crimes — especially those that would be punishable by more than one year in prison under Portuguese law — are likely to cause problems and may result in your application being rejected. See our guide to moving to Portugal with a criminal record.

How Much Time Can I Spend Back in the US? 

This is a residency visa, so Portugal needs to be your primary home. During the temporary residency period, you can normally be outside Portugal for up to six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months per permit period. In practice, that means roughly three to four months per year that you can spend back in the US visiting family, on work trips, or traveling elsewhere.

After five years you can apply for Permanent Residency, which is significantly more flexible. See the physical stay requirements section below for a full breakdown.

What Happens if My Visa Application Is Denied? 

You can usually appeal or re-apply. A good immigration lawyer can help identify what went wrong — often it’s documentation gaps, insufficient proof of income, or the employer authorization letter not meeting consulate requirements — and fix it before resubmitting. It’s always better to work with a lawyer upfront; appeals take time and add cost.

Physical Stay Requirements

Despite the name, the Digital Nomad Visa is a residency visa — not a travel pass. It’s designed for Americans who want to build a life in Portugal, not just visit for a few months. Portugal needs to be your primary home.

During the first five years, you can normally be outside Portugal for up to six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months per permit period. In practice, that means roughly three to four months per year that you can spend back in the US or traveling elsewhere.

The first residence permit is valid for two years, followed by a second permit valid for three years. After five years, you can apply for Permanent Residency, which is much more flexible. Portuguese citizenship follows after that, with no physical stay requirement once you’re a citizen.

There can be exceptions for health issues or other documented emergencies — but for most people, this visa is best suited to those genuinely planning to settle in Portugal.

Alternative Visa Options

The D8 is the right fit if you’re earning active income remotely. But it isn’t the only option.

If your income is mainly passive — Social Security, 401(k) or IRA distributions, pensions, dividends, or rental income — the D7 visa is the better fit and has a lower income threshold.
See: The D7 Visa vs the Digital Nomad Visa

If you’re building a Portugal-based business rather than working remotely for foreign clients, the D2 entrepreneur visa could be worth exploring.
See: The D8 vs the D2 Visa

If you aren’t ready to move to Portugal yet — or want EU residency without relocating — the Golden Visa requires a minimum investment but has no meaningful physical stay requirement.
See: The Digital Nomad Visa vs the Golden Visa

Income requirements based on an individual applicant. Couples and families require more.

Quick Guide: Which Visa Is Right for You?

• If you’re a remote worker or freelancer with active income from US employers or clients and want to live full-time in Portugal → Digital Nomad Visa (D8).
• If you’re retired or living off passive income — Social Security, 401(k)/IRA, pensions, dividends — → D7 Visa.
• If you want EU residency without moving to Portugal and have capital to invest → Golden Visa.

Further Reading

We have a growing library of articles about the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) on Portugalist.

🔗 The Pros & Cons of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

🔗 The Digital Nomad Visa vs the D2 Visa

🔗 The Digital Nomad Visa vs the Golden Visa

🔗 The Digital Nomad Visa vs the D7 Visa

1. Portugal has become more expensive in recent years, particularly in Lisbon, but many remote workers still find the overall cost-to-lifestyle balance attractive compared to high-cost US metros.
2. The EU’s 2025 Digital Decade Country Report describes Portugal’s digital infrastructure as robust, with near-full 5G and gigabit coverage. Availability still depends on the specific building and neighborhood, especially in rural areas, but for most cities connectivity is a strong point.
3. Portugal ranked 7th in the 2025 Global Peace Index. That doesn’t mean crime is nonexistent, but internationally it still ranks very strongly on peace and stability.
4. For Americans, this means a federal FBI background check plus a state-level check. The apostille is obtained through your state’s Secretary of State office. Minor offenses punishable by up to one year in Portugal are often acceptable, but more serious convictions can cause problems. If you’ve lived abroad for more than a year, you may also need a police certificate from that country.
5. Most consulates expect a long-term rental agreement — typically 12 months — registered with Finanças. Don’t assume a short Airbnb booking will be sufficient unless your specific consulate confirms otherwise.
6. AIMA’s guidance refers to a work contract or employer declaration for remote employees, and service contracts, invoices, or proof of services provided for independent workers. You want clear documentary evidence that the work is real, ongoing, and based outside Portugal.
7. Family members applying with you may also need their own personal statements.
8. Many consulates expect a Portuguese bank account funded with your savings. Wise, Revolut, and similar services are not usually accepted. Note: once your Portuguese account balance exceeds $10,000, you are required to file an FBAR (FinCEN 114) with the IRS annually.
9. Your US health insurance almost certainly does not cover you in Portugal. You will need a separate international policy. Some consulates accept 4–6 months of coverage; others increasingly ask for 12 months. Always check with your specific consulate.
10. Some consulates ask for this. If your dates aren’t fixed, a refundable ticket is the safest choice.
11. Some consulates accept copies; others require notarized or apostilled versions. For Americans, apostilles are obtained through your state’s Secretary of State office.
12. Some consulates may ask for a copy of your driver’s license.
13. If you operate through a single-member LLC, your LLC income can generally count toward the income requirement. However, moving to Portugal may affect how your LLC is treated for both US and Portuguese tax purposes — speak to a US expat tax accountant before moving.