Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa, known as the D8 Visa, specifically for remote workers and freelancers. This visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to live and work in Portugal while working for a company outside Portugal or self-employed with clients abroad.
The D8 visa provides a route to residence, with the option of a temporary stay of up to one year or a longer-term residence visa renewable for up to five years. This may ultimately lead to permanent residence and possible naturalisation.
With attractive benefits such as access to the Schengen Area, favourable tax policies and an affordable cost of living, the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa has become a leading option for global professionals wishing to combine work with the appeal of European life.
In this article, we explore the key requirements, the application process and the benefits of holding the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, helping determine whether Portugal is right for the applicant’s digital nomad journey.
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Changes to Portuguese nationality law in 2025
On 23/06/2025, the Portuguese government announced plans to amend the Nationality Act and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals passed a plenary vote on 28/10/2025, marking an important step in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are increasing the residence requirement for naturalisation from 5 years to 10 years – 7 years for nationals of CPLP countries and the EU – and changing how the residence period is calculated, so that the clock starts from the grant of residence rather than from the date of application.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo presidential review. At that stage, the President may enact the law, veto it or request review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including possible transitional provisions or exemption rules, but these may not be enacted as the law is not final until it is promulgated.
For the latest information on these changes, readChanges to Portuguese citizenship and naturalisation in 2025.
What is the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa?
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, officially called the D8 Visa, is for non-EU/EEA remote workers wishing to live in Portugal while maintaining employment or contracts with a company outside the country. The visa is open to both salaried employees and freelancers, provided the income comes from abroad.
The visa is valid for up to one year, with the option to renew where the requirements are met, and allows the holder to live and work from anywhere in Portugal, whether a coworking space, a café by the sea or their own home.
Applicants may also travel freely within the Schengen Area, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, which is ideal for those wanting flexibility across Europe. According to theGlobal Digital Nomad Report 2025, Portugal ranks 6th, scoring higher than countries such as Malta, the UAE and Germany.
| Index | Ranking | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Overall ranking | 6 | 90,12 |
| The Process Index | 27 | 90,38 |
| The Citizenship and Mobility Index | 8 | 82,5 |
| The Economy Index | 35 | 84,41 |
| The Tax Optimisation Index | 31 | 59,01 |
| The Quality of Life Index | 14 | 86,28 |
| The Technology and Innovation Index | 12 | 82,98 |
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The benefits of the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Some of the main benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal are set out below:
- The right to live and work in Portugal:With this temporary stay visa, the applicant may live lawfully in Portugal for a specified period, usually up to one year. A tourist visa (Schengen visa) only allows a stay in the country of 90 days in every three months.
- Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area:Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. Digital Nomad Visa holders may travel visa-free to other European Union countries.
- Access to public services in Portugal:Portugal Digital Nomad Visa holders have access to public services in Portugal, including healthcare, education and other social benefits.
- A route to EU citizenship:Digital nomads may apply for Portuguese permanent residence and citizenship after five years of lawful residence in Portugal. To become a Portuguese citizen, a basic Portuguese language test (level A2) must be passed.
- Family reunification:The long-term version of the visa allows family reunification. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa applicants may bring family members such as a spouse or dependent children to Portugal.
Types of Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is divided into two categories. Remote workers may apply for a temporary stay (short-term visa) of up to one year or a residence permit renewable for up to five years.
The short-term visa
The short-term visa is for remote workers wishing to stay temporarily in Portugal for up to one year. The visa brings all the benefits, allowing enough time to decide whether to stay in Portugal.
- Visa validity: multiple entry for up to 12 months.
- Renewal: renewable up to four times.
- Minimum income: the applicant must demonstrate monthly income of at least EUR 3,480.
- Application fee: from EUR 75 to EUR 90.
- Family eligibility: no.
The residence permit (long-stay visa)
The second option is to apply for a residence permit or long-stay visa. This temporary residence permit is valid for two years and may be renewed for a further three years thereafter.
After five years, where all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law are met, an application may be made for a permanent residence permit and Portuguese citizenship.
- Visa validity: initially valid for 4 months, after which a 2-year residence permit must be applied for.
- Renewal: a further 3-year renewal and citizenship after 5 years.
- Minimum income: at least EUR 3,480 a month to be eligible.
- Application fee: from EUR 75 to EUR 90.
- Family eligibility: yes.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa requirements and eligibility
To be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa, a number of basic Portugal D8 Visa requirements must be met, including:
- Being over 18
- Being a non-EU and non-EEA national
- Having entirely remote work under a permanent or freelance contract.
- Total income from all sources must be at least EUR 3,480 a month.
- Having a clean criminal record.
The most important requirements, particularly in relation to the necessary paperwork, are demonstrating remote work, meeting the minimum income threshold and completing the Portugal D8 Visa application form.
Demonstrating remote work for the D8 income requirement in 2025
Employment or business activity carried out remotely and outside Portugal may be demonstrated in a number of ways:
- An employment contract:Where working for a company outside Portugal, provide a valid contract evidencing the remote role.
- Freelance agreements:Freelancers must submit contracts with foreign clients setting out the work, payment terms and the duration of the contract.
- Business ownership: where a remote business is owned, include evidence of registration, a description of the activity and income records.
- Bank statements:Submit recent bank statements evidencing stable income from employment, freelancing or business.
Demonstrating the D8 minimum income requirement
This requirement is intended to demonstrate the ability to live comfortably in Portugal without depending on local employment or social assistance, and may be met in the following ways:
- Minimum income: the applicant must earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (currently EUR 3,480.00) and have at least EUR 10,440 in savings, increasing by 50% for a spouse or parent and 25% for each child.
- Proof of income: submit recent bank statements, payslips or tax returns.
- Stable income: demonstrate stable income over the past 3–6 months.
- Foreign income source: the income must come from outside Portugal.
Documents required for the Portugal D8 Visa
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Proof of valid health insurance
- An employment contract, letter of employment or partnership agreement
- The three most recent bank statements confirming that monthly income meets the minimum requirement
- The most recent tax return or tax receipts and the tax identification number
- The Portugal D8 Visa application form
- Proof of payment of the Digital Nomad Visa fee
- A letter explaining the purpose of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application
- A valid passport
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- A clean criminal record certificate
- The completed Portugal D8 Visa application form
Where family members are to be included in the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, the following additional documents are required:
- A marriage certificate (apostilled)
- Birth certificates for dependants (apostilled)
- Passport photographs
Proof of accommodation
As part of the Portugal remote work visa application, evidence of accommodation in Portugal must be provided.
The temporary stay visa requires a tenancy agreement of at least four months, while the long-stay visa requires a tenancy agreement of at least 12 months.
This may be a tenancy agreement, a lease, a title deed where a home in Portugal is owned, or an invitation letter from the property owner where staying with someone.
The document must clearly state the property address, the duration of the tenancy or stay and the name of the tenant or resident. In most cases, a hotel booking is not sufficient.
Health insurance
By the time of the AIMA appointment, health and travel insurance must be in place for the visa application.
The health insurance must provide cover as a resident of Portuguese territory during the application period. After obtaining residence in Portugal, an application may be made to the Portuguese public health insurance system.
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application process
Applying for the Portugal D8 Visa is relatively easy. It is similar to applying for a tourist visa, with only a few additional documents. Before beginning the visa application, make sure all the necessary documents are in place.
Where documents were issued by non-EU countries, they must be officially certified with an apostille from the issuing country in order to be used in another country.
- Step 1: Complete the Portugal D8 Visa application form:Complete the National Visa Application form with detailed personal and financial information. All covering letters must be signed and dated by the applicant or their legal guardian.
- Step 2: Submit the application:Where there is a VFS Global branch in the country, book an appointment and submit the application with supporting documents. Otherwise, the application must be submitted through the local Portuguese consulate. Biometric data is collected and the Digital Nomad Visa application fee of EUR 93 must be paid.
- Step 3: Wait for the D8 Visa:Visa processing usually takes 60 days. An email confirmation is received once the Digital Nomad Visa is approved.
- Step 4: Approval:After the visa is approved, the passport with the visa may be collected or sent by secure post if preferred.
- Step 5: Enter Portugal and register as a resident:Portugal may now be entered, and although the visa is valid for only 120 days, AIMA usually schedules the residence appointment within this period. The appointment date is included in the visa documents. Otherwise, AIMA may be called to book an appointment.
At this stage, evidence of a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) and a Portuguese bank account is required.
A new residence permit application form must also be submitted, which is different from the original visa application. The appointment takes around an hour, after which a fee of EUR 170 must be paid. The residence permit takes around two weeks to process and is sent to the home address in Portugal.
Obtaining a NIF number and a Portuguese bank account
The NIF number in Portugal
The tax identification number in Portugal, known as the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), is an essential requirement for applying for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. This nine-digit tax number is also needed to comply with tax obligations in the country.
Issued by the Portuguese tax authority, the NIF number is essential for financial transactions such as signing contracts, opening a bank account, renting property and other financial activity in Portugal.
Opening a Portuguese bank account
A detailed article ona bank account in Portugal.
Opening a local bank account is another essential step for digital nomads moving to Portugal. A bank account may be opened once the Portuguese NIF number has been obtained.
Although a few Portuguese banks offer convenient online account opening, most usually require attendance in person at a local branch.
To open a bank account in Portugal, guidance helps navigate the process smoothly, providing step-by-step instructions, the essential documents required and valuable tips to ensure a smooth and efficient experience suited to your financial needs.
Portugal D8 Visa processing times
Digital Nomad Visa processing times vary with the country of application, but the initial visa application usually takes around 60 days to review and approve.
On receiving the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, an appointment date with AIMA is also allocated in order to obtain the residence permit. The appointment may take more than four months. Once the appointment has taken place, the residence permit is expected to be delivered within 90 days.
The cost of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The exact visa fee for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa may vary with the country of application and local currency fluctuations. But usually, the Digital Nomad Visa application fee is EUR 93, while the Digital Nomad Visa residence permit fee is EUR 170.
Please allow for additional costs for certifying documents with an apostille, translation and certification of translated documents. These costs may vary considerably by country.
Portugal Nomad Visa tax
When working as a digital nomad in Portugal, the same tax obligations apply as to other residents.
The tax system operates on a self-assessment basis, meaning that responsibility for calculating and meeting tax obligations rests with the applicant. Note that the Portuguese tax year runs from January to December.
Paying tax and complying with tax obligations is mandatory for freelancers in Portugal. These obligations include the annual income tax return, value added tax (VAT) and social security contributions.
So where residence in Portugal is for a long period, the person becomes a tax resident and is subject to income tax. In Portugal, personal income tax may reach between 48% and 53%.
Yes. In fact, it is recommended to apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa while still in the home country or country of residence. The application is usually submitted at the Portuguese embassy or a VFS Global centre in the country of residence.
There is a minimum income requirement for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, currently EUR 3,480 a month. This income requirement is intended to ensure that there are sufficient financial means to support oneself during the stay in Portugal.
The initial visa application cost for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is around EUR 180. However, this does not include the cost of the residence permit on arrival in Portugal, which is around EUR 320. Note that these fees may change and also vary with the country of application. There may also be other costs relating to translation and certification of documents.
The applicant must provide a current employment contract or an official statement from the employer evidencing the relationship in order to be eligible.
Where an independent contractor, an official services contract, documents evidencing the services or company contracts must be submitted.
The applicant must also meet the minimum income requirement of EUR 3,480 a month.
The Golden Visa programme grants residence in exchange for a capital investment, usually by subscribing to an investment fund or investing in a local business. By contrast, the Portugal Nomad Visa is for remote workers wishing to reside temporarily in Portugal without a substantial investment.
EU citizens may work remotely in Portugal without a visa. Non-EU citizens need a visa to work remotely in Portugal where they wish to stay for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. Where the person is a remote worker, the D8 Visa, also known as the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, is an option to consider.
Where family members are included in the application, evidence of the relationship must be provided, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or birth certificates for dependent children.
To apply for the Portugal remote work visa, monthly income above the EUR 3,480 threshold must be demonstrated. Bank statements with at least 12 times the Portuguese minimum wage in the balance must also be provided. In 2025, that amount is EUR 10,440. This income must be active income, not passive (such as rental income, pensions, dividends, royalties, and so on).
Losing a job as a remote worker under the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa requires prompt action. Renewing the residence permit depends on demonstrating income, so contact the immigration authorities to explore the options. Focus on finding new remote work that complies with the temporary stay visa rules. Consulting an immigration lawyer familiar with the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is recommended.
The Portuguese visa is usually more flexible and may provide an easier route to citizenship, while the Spanish visa is regarded as more comprehensive with potentially business-friendly incentives and a stronger legal structure for long-term residence.
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