What Is the Portugal D8 Visa?

The Portugal D8 Visa, commonly referred to as the Digital Nomad Visa, is a residence visa created for remote workers, freelancers, and independent contractors who earn income from outside Portugal. Introduced in October 2022, the D8 allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to legally live in Portugal while working remotely.
It comes in two forms: a temporary stay visa (up to 12 months) for those who want to test the waters, and a residency visa that leads to a 2-year residence permit and eventually permanent residency or citizenship.

Who Is the D8 Visa For?

The D8 Visa is for non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to work remotely in Portugal. You must demonstrate that your employment or business activities are conducted remotely and outside Portugal.  It’s ideal for:

• Remote employees working for foreign companies
• Freelancers with international clients
• Self-employed professionals and online business owners
• Entrepreneurs running location-independent businesses

Key Benefits

Schengen freedom — you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, up to 90 days within any 180-day period, making it ideal for those who want flexibility across Europe.

Path to permanent residency — you may be eligible for permanent residency after 5 years, or citizenship depending on the application date and legal requirements. 

Family inclusion — as of the revised immigration bill of October 2025, main applicants can include family members in their D8 Visa application after 2 years of legal residence, reduced to 15 months if the couple cohabited for 18 months before the main applicant’s arrival. 

Right to work — you can keep your existing foreign employment or clients while living legally in Portugal. Once you hold a residence permit, you can also take on Portuguese clients if you choose.

NHR 2.0 tax benefits — newly arriving residents may qualify for Portugal’s revised Non-Habitual Resident tax regime, offering reduced rates on foreign income for up to 10 years.

Income Requirements (2026)

The D8 Visa requires €3,680 per month for the main applicant — equivalent to four times Portugal’s minimum wage of €920. 

Applicants must also provide a bank statement showing a balance of at least 12 times Portugal’s minimum salary, which in 2026 equals €11,040.

Accepted Income Sources

The income requirement can originate from salary, dividends, or freelance earnings, but it must be demonstrably stable and derived from foreign sources. Accepted types include:

• Salary from a foreign employer (with remote work contract)
• Freelance invoices from international clients
• Self-employment income from an online business
• Dividends from business ownership abroad

Two Visa Pathways

Temporary Stay Visa (Short-Stay) Valid for up to 12 months with multiple entries, renewable up to four times. Application fees between €75 and €90. Does not include family members. Best for those testing the lifestyle before committing long-term.

Residency Visa (Long-Stay) The residency visa is initially valid for 4 months with two entries. Once in Portugal, the holder applies for a 2-year residence permit, renewable for another 3 years.  This is the route to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
• Completed visa application form
• Proof of remote work (employment contract, client contracts, or freelance agreements)
• 3–6 months of bank statements showing regular income
• A certificate of no criminal record from your country of residence 
• Valid health insurance covering at least €30,000 in the Schengen Area
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property deed)
• Portuguese NIF (tax ID number)

The Application Process

1. Eligibility Check — We assess your income, work setup, and documents.
2. Get Your NIF — We help you obtain your Portuguese tax number remotely.
3. Open a Portuguese Bank Account — Required before your AIMA appointment.
4. Prepare Your File — We compile, review, and certify your full application.
5. Consulate Appointment — Submit at the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
6. Arrive & Register with AIMA — Once approved, you enter Portugal and convert the visa into a residency permit with AIMA. 

Processing time: Typically 60 to 90 days at consulates, though it varies depending on volume and jurisdiction.

D8 vs D7 — Which Visa Is Right For You?

FAQ

Can I keep working for my current employer? Yes. The D8 visa is only for remote workers employed by foreign companies, freelancers, or self-employed professionals. If you wish to work for a Portuguese employer, you would need to change your status to a work residence permit. 

Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal? Remote workers and freelancers in Portugal pay taxes there after they become Portuguese tax residents, which happens if they spend at least 183 days a year in the country. We recommend consulting a tax advisor — you may qualify for NHR 2.0 benefits.

Can my family join me? Yes, after 2 years of residency (or 15 months in some cases). Spouse, dependent children, and parents can all be included.

What are the most common reasons for rejection? Not enough income, unclear remote work proof, insufficient accommodation proof, and missing apostilles or certified translations are the top reasons — all of which our team helps you avoid.