D8 Visa In-Depth Explanation:
Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa
Dreaming of sipping espresso in a Lisbon café while crushing your Zoom calls? Earn at least €3,480 per month as a freelancer or remote worker? Have at least €10,440 in savings?
Then, you may be able to qualify for Portugal's digital nomad visa (officially known as the D8, but some consulates refer to it as the D9 now). This nifty residence permit lets you establish residency in Portugal while keeping your income from abroad.
At GetFastVisa (www.getfastvisa.com), we've been helping folks make their Portuguese dreams a reality since 2016. And when Portugal introduced its digital nomad visa 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 Digital Nomad Visa
Let's dive into the nitty‑gritty of Portugal's Digital Nomad 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.
Quick Facts
Show Me the Money!
You'll need to show a minimum monthly income that's 4 × the Portuguese minimum wage (which is €870 per month). That means you'll have to show €3,480 per month (4 × €870) as of 2025.
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 €870 × 12 = €10,440.
Bringing the Fam?
Portugal's all about family, so it isn't surprising that you can add family members to your Digital Nomad Visa application.
Spouse/Partner
Add 50% (€1,740) for your spouse or long‑term partner (typically someone you've lived with for 3+ years—use bank statements and utility bills from the same address to prove that relationship).
Children
Tack on 30% (€1,044) 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 | €3,480 p/m | €10,440 |
| Couple | €5,220 p/m | €15,660 |
Important: 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 €3,480 + 50% (€1,740) = €5,220.
Because of these income requirements, Portugal's 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 Digital Nomad Visa together, the amount required is the main amount + 50%. However, if there are two separate applications, each would have to show €3,480 (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
It's a European country, so that means benefits like healthcare, safety, etc. 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. 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 applying 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 Portugal, you can also take on a second job or freelance in Portugal. However, due to the lower wages here, it normally makes more sense to work for non‑Portuguese companies.
Digital nomad hotspot
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 Digital Nomad Visa comes in two flavors:
Long-term residence visa (most popular)
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.
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 | €3,480 p/m* | €3,480 p/m* |
| Portuguese Bank Account Required | Some Consulates | Yes (not required at all consulates) |
| Family Reunification | No | Yes |
*This is the most common requirement, but it can differ depending on the consulate. Some consulates will accept an Airbnb or hotel booking and some will accept less than 12 months. Many people applying through the DC VFS office, for example, have been approved with a 6‑month Airbnb reservation.
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.
Qualification Requirements
So, you're sold on Portugal's charm, but do you tick all the boxes for the Digital Nomad Visa? Here's your qualification checklist:
Main Requirements
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen
You must be from outside the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
Monthly Income €3,480+
Consistent income from remote work, freelancing, or digital business outside Portugal.
Savings €10,440+
At least 12 months' worth of Portuguese minimum wage in savings (higher if bringing family).
Portuguese Address
Proof of accommodation - rental agreement, property purchase, or long-term Airbnb.
Clean Criminal Record
Background checks from your home country and any country where you've lived 12+ months.
Health Insurance
Valid health insurance covering you in Portugal during the application process.
Detailed Requirements Breakdown
Income Documentation
- Employment contract or freelance agreements showing remote work arrangement
- Bank statements from the last 3 months showing consistent income
- Tax returns or income declarations from your home country
- Letter from employer confirming remote work arrangement (if employed)
Accommodation Proof
- Rental agreement for minimum 12 months (residence visa) or 4 months (temporary visa)
- Property purchase deed if buying real estate
- Long-term Airbnb reservation (accepted by some consulates)
- Letter from property owner confirming accommodation arrangement
Additional Documents
- Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity
- Birth certificate (apostilled/legalized for your country)
- Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse)
- Educational certificates or professional qualifications
- Portuguese NIF (tax number) - required before application
- Portuguese bank account (requirement varies by consulate)
Important Note
Requirements can vary between Portuguese consulates worldwide. Some may be more flexible with accommodation proof or bank account requirements. It's essential to check specific requirements with your local consulate or work with an experienced immigration lawyer who knows the nuances of different consulates.
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
General rule of thumb
Most income in Portugal is taxed at progressive rates from 14.5% to 48%.
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 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 are less straightforward, so it's 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 "digital nomad visa" nickname, 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.
The Basic Rule
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 laid‑back lifestyle, but one of the main reasons people move here is the ease of obtaining Portuguese citizenship. It's just faster and easier than many other European countries.
5-Year Timeline
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).
As of 2024, the clock starts ticking from when you apply for residency, not when you get your residency card like before.
Language Requirements
You'll only need to show an A2 level of Portuguese to qualify, and the pass mark is 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 Digital Nomad Visa Process
The process from initial application to applying for citizenship.
Consult a Lawyer
Chat with an immigration pro to see if the Digital Nomad Visa is your perfect visa match (psst… GetFastVisa 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 (birth certs, bank statements, contracts that confirm your income).
Apply
Submit your paperwork to the nearest Portuguese consulate or VFS Office. It's recommended that you do this through a lawyer or relocation company.
Attend Interview
Attend an interview at the Portuguese consulate or VFS 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 EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
Pros & Cons of Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa
Let's keep it real. The Digital Nomad Visa isn't all sunshine and sardines. While there are plenty of pros (residency in Portugal, fast route to EU citizenship, healthcare), there are a few things to consider:
Pros
Cons
Comparing the Digital Nomad Visa to Other Residency Visas
There aren't any other residency visas specifically aimed at digital nomads and remote workers, but there are some other visas that might apply.
| Digital Nomad Visa (this visa) | D2 | D7 | Golden Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Requirement | €3,480 p/m | €870 p/m | €870 p/m | 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 (€250k‑€500k) |
| 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—perfect for those who need to travel. However, you must invest around €500k (or donate €250k), which most of us don't have lying around. Another downside: processing takes 2‑3× as long as the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa.
The D7
This passive‑income visa has a lower minimum income requirement, which makes it easier if you're applying with a family, but that income has to be passively earned (think pensions, dividends, social security). Most Digital Nomad Visa applicants are still working age and not drawing a pension or social security—but you might qualify with rental income from property you own or substantial investment dividends.
The D2
Technically suitable for freelancers as well. However, now that the Digital Nomad Visa exists, you'll need a solid reason why you're opting for the D2 instead—usually a Portuguese‑based business or startup.
Where should I live?
The Digital Nomad Visa lets you live anywhere in Portugal, but a few locations are magnets for remote workers:
Lisbon
The ultimate nomad hub, buzzing with thousands of remote workers, coworking spaces, Wi‑Fi cafés, and a vibrant startup scene. Rents are high but still lower than major US cities.
The Algarve
Beach‑lover's paradise with Lagos as the hotspot. Other popular towns include Portimão, Faro, and Albufeira, each blending work and seaside life.
Madeira
Home to the world's first digital nomad village. Amazing mountains and ocean views, but island life can feel isolated and flights are occasionally cancelled.
Porto
A charming, smaller‑city alternative to Lisbon. More affordable, full of northern Portuguese character, and rapidly growing in popularity.
Ericeira
A surfer's paradise close to Lisbon. Perfect for small‑town coastal living with big‑city amenities only a bus ride away.
Example Costs
Although government fees for this visa are low, it isn't completely free. Budget for the following:
| Cost Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NIF Number | €60–€350 | Can be higher depending on the service provider |
| Bank Account Opening | €0–€500 | Opening from abroad usually requires a company or lawyer |
| Lawyer Fees | €1,000–3,000 p/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 |
| Document Certificates | Varies | Birth, marriage, and other certificates |
| Passport Photos | €10–€20 | A small but necessary cost |
Ready to Make Your Portuguese Dream a Reality?
You've got the low‑down on the Digital Nomad Visa, you're picturing those Atlantic sunsets, and you're itching to swap your current view for a Portuguese one. But let's face it—navigating Portuguese bureaucracy can be trickier than pronouncing pastéis de nata after a third glass of vinho verde.
That's where GetFastVisa comes in!
Why Choose GetFastVisa?
We Speak Bureaucracy
Our legal team knows the quirks of every consulate and how to present your case.
Peace of Mind
From document spell‑checking to sourcing a dream Portuguese pad, we've got you covered.
Save Time (and Sanity)
Focus on planning your adventures while we handle the paperwork maze.
Expert Guidance
Whether you need the Just the Basics package or The Whole Enchilada, we tailor our services to your needs.
Smooth Sailing
Even if there's a hiccup, we know how to keep your Digital Nomad Visa dreams alive.
Ready to Turn What If into What's Next?
Don't let red tape 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, GetFastVisa is here to help you make Portugal your new home.
Start your journey today at www.getfastvisa.com. Vamos lá!