Program Quick Facts
Fees and Expenses
From €320
Income Requirement
€41,760/year
Residency (Visa) Length
2 year
Time to Obtain
3-6 months
Complexity
Simple
The Portugal D8 Visa, also called the Digital Nomad Visa, offers non-EU remote workers and digital nomads a pathway to secure a temporary residency permit in Portugal.
Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €41,760, with additional legal and processing fees starting from €320. Dependents, including spouses and minor children, can also join the main applicant under this program.
The D8 Visa supports remote applications, and approval is typically granted within 90 to 180 days. After 5 years, residents may apply for permanent residency, with the option to pursue citizenship during the same period.
While the visa offers flexibility and access to a European lifestyle, Portugal’s high-tax environment and recent changes to the NHR program may impact its overall appeal to some applicants.
Who can apply for Portugal D8 visa?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least €3480.
- Be employed by a foreign company or self-employed for a minimum of 3 months.
- Hold a valid long-term contract (at least 1 year) with an employer outside Portugal.
- Submit your application in the country of your citizenship or residence.
- Provide official documentation proving your income, such as contracts and tax returns.
- Present a bank statement showing savings of at least €10,500 per adult.
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Your spouse or civil partner is eligible to join.
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- Minor children are eligible to join.
Over 18:
- Children above 18 qualify if enrolled in a Portuguese educational facility.
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Other Family Members Requirements
- Dependent parents:
- Must be included in your tax return
- Must be under your care
- Legal dependents:
- Disabled children
- Family members under your care
- Siblings for whom you have legal guardianship
- Adopted children
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: Portugal D8 Visa
A visa designed for digital nomads and remote workers to live and work in Portugal. Applicants must prove a stable remote income and meet accommodation requirements.
Requirements:
Proof of Income
Proof of annual remote income of €41760 for the main applicant (equivalent to €3,480 per month), €19,680 for a spouse, and €13,120 per child.
Amount: €41,760
Health Insurance
Health insurance for the main applicant and dependents, starting at €400 per person but it can range from 20-100 per month.
Amount: €400
Fees:
Visa Application Fee
Fee for submitting the visa application, €90 per person.
Amount: €90
Residency Permit Fee
Fee for issuing the residency permit, €178 per person.
Amount: €178
NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)
Fee for obtaining the NIF (Tax Identification Number) for the main applicant and dependents, €89 per person.
Amount: €89
A visa designed for digital nomads and remote workers to live and work in Portugal. Applicants must prove a stable remote income and meet accommodation requirements.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Proof of Income* | €41,760 (not included in total) | €19,680 (not included in total) | €13,120 (not included in total) |
Health Insurance | €400 | €400 | €400 |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Visa Application Fee | €90 | €90 | €90 |
Residency Permit Fee | €178 | €178 | €178 |
NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) | €89 | €89 | €89 |
| Total Cost | €757 for main applicant | €1,514 for married couple | €2,271 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
Warm ClimatePortugal offers a mild Mediterranean climate, providing sunny days and comfortable temperatures year-round, making it an attractive destination for those seeking an enjoyable lifestyle. | High Tax CountryPortugal's taxation rates are among the highest in Europe, potentially impacting the financial attractiveness of relocating, particularly for high-income earners. |
High Quality of LifeWith excellent infrastructure, safety, and access to world-class healthcare and education, Portugal ranks highly in global quality-of-life indices, offering an ideal environment for expats and families. | Slow ProcessingProcessing times for the visa can take up to 180 days, requiring applicants to plan ahead and accommodate potential delays in their relocation timeline. |
Family FriendlyPortugal is known for its welcoming culture, safe neighborhoods, and robust educational system, making it an excellent choice for families relocating from abroad. | |
Well-Connected AirportPortugal's major international airports provide direct flights to Europe, North America, and beyond, ensuring seamless global connectivity for remote workers and frequent travelers. | |
EU Schengen AccessThe visa grants access to the EU Schengen area, allowing visa holders to travel freely across 26 European countries without additional paperwork. | |
Path to CitizenshipAfter maintaining temporary residency for 5 years, individuals can apply for Portuguese citizenship, gaining an EU passport with extensive global mobility. | |
Path to Permanent ResidencyApplicants can transition to permanent residency after 5 years, ensuring long-term stability and access to Portugal's benefits without frequent renewals. | |
Minimal Residency RequirementThe program requires only 7 days of physical presence per year, offering flexibility for digital nomads who travel frequently while maintaining their residency status. |
D8 visa vs other programs in Portugal
| Criteria | D8 - Digital Nomad Visa | D1 - Highly Skilled Worker Visa> | Golden Visa> | D7 - Passive Income Visa> | D2 - Entrepreneur Visa> |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | €0 | €0 | €500,000 | €0 | €0 |
| Residency Type | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency | Permanent Residency | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency |
| Application Fees | €320 | €1,650 | €34,000 | €2,500 | €1,146 |
| Annual Income Requirement | €41,760 | €10,440 | €0 | €9,800 | €10,440 |
| Annual Presence Requirement | 0 days | 183 days | 7 days | 183 days | 183 days |
| Key Perks | Simple SetupEU Schengen Access | EU Schengen AccessSimple Setup | EU Schengen AccessInstant Permanent ResidencyNo Presence Required | Simple SetupEU Schengen AccessLow Cost Program | EU Schengen AccessSimple Setup |
| Ideal For | Digital NomadsPerson of independent means | Digital Nomads | Investors | Person of independent means | EntrepreneursInvestorsDigital Nomads |
How to apply for D8 visa - Timeline
Visa Application Submission
Submit the completed visa application form and provide all required personal, financial, and health documents to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
Proof of Income and Remote Work
Submit proof of income showing a minimum monthly income of €3,480 and documentation proving remote work or employment with foreign clients or employers.
Health Insurance and Accommodation
Provide proof of private health insurance valid in Portugal and confirm your accommodation arrangements, such as a rental agreement or invitation letter.
Criminal Record Certificate
Submit a criminal record certificate issued within the last three months from your country of residence.
Visa Processing
Wait for the Portuguese authorities to process and approve your visa application, which can take up to six months.
Approval and Entry to Portugal
Once approved, receive your visa and travel to Portugal and visit one of the AIMA and pay 178 euro fee.
Annual Presence Requirement
To maintain your visa, ensure you spend at least 7 days per year in Portugal.
Apply for Permanent Residency
After five years of maintaining temporary residency, apply for permanent residency in Portugal.
Citizenship Application
After meeting the required time for permanent residency, apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to approval and processing times.
Portugal Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Residence based
Special Regime: Non-Habitual Residence
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency: Permanent home
Income Tax Rate: 48
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Programs in Other Countries
SpainDigital Nomad Visa
Best For:
Spain digital nomad visa is fast, simple and cheap way to get EU residence permit.
GeorgiaDigital Nomad Visa
Best For:
Georgia Digital Nomad Visa allows you to obtain a Temporary Residency by showing you have an employment or enough funds to support yourself.
