Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal
Work remotely while living in Portugal. The D8 Visa allows remote professionals and freelancers to legally reside in the country with a path to European citizenship in 5 years.
Who is the D8 Visa for?
The Digital Nomad Visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely for foreign companies or act as freelancers with international clients.
Remote workers
Professionals with employment contracts with companies based outside Portugal who perform their duties remotely.
Freelancers & self-employed
Independent professionals who provide services to international clients, such as consultants, designers, developers and content creators.
Digital entrepreneurs
Online business owners who generate revenue from international sources and wish to establish a base in Portugal.
Digital Nomad Visa Benefits
NHR tax regime
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime allows reduced or zero taxes on international income for up to 10 years.
Affordable cost of living
Portugal offers one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, with significantly more affordable rent, food and transport.
High-speed internet
Portugal has one of the best internet infrastructures in Europe, with speeds up to 1 Gbit/s and comprehensive fiber optic coverage.
Climate and quality of life
Over 300 sunny days per year, stunning beaches, world-renowned gastronomy and one of Europe's most welcoming populations.
Schengen free movement
Travel visa-free across 27 Schengen Area countries. Ideal for nomads who want to explore Europe while keeping a base in Portugal.
Path to citizenship
With the residence visa, after 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport.
Two visa modalities
Portugal offers two visa options for digital nomads, each suited to different length-of-stay goals.
Temporary Stay Visa
Simpler and faster option, ideal for those who want to experience life in Portugal without a long-term commitment.
- Valid for up to 1 year, renewable
- Allows remote work and freelancing
- Free movement in the Schengen Area
- Simplified application process
- Ideal for testing life in Portugal
Residence Visa
For those who wish to stay in Portugal long-term, with the possibility of permanent residency and citizenship.
- Valid for up to 5 years
- Path to permanent residency
- Citizenship possible after 5 years
- Family reunification included
- Access to NHS and education system
Essential requirements
Requirements vary slightly between the two modalities, but the fundamentals are common.
Minimum income
- Monthly income of at least 4× the Portuguese minimum wage (≈€3,480/month in 2026)
- Income proof for the last 3 months prior to application
- For spouse: additional 50% of minimum wage (≈€435/month)
- For each dependent child: additional 30% (≈€261/month)
Professional activity
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Remote employment contract with a company based outside Portugal, or
- Proof of freelance activity with international clients
- Proof of tax residency outside Portugal
Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond expected return date)
- Portuguese NIF (Tax Identification Number)
- Health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (6-12 months)
- Apostilled criminal record certificate
- Motivation letter explaining the purpose of stay
- Bank statements and payment proof (payslips or invoices)
Additional requirements for Residence Visa
- Portuguese bank account
- Rental contract of at least 12 months registered with tax authority
- Proof of tax residency in Portugal (after arrival)
- NISS (Social Security Number) — required in the second phase
Step-by-step application process
Obtain Portuguese NIF
The first step is to obtain the NIF (Tax Identification Number) in Portugal. This can be done remotely through a tax representative. Our team handles the entire process.
Documentation preparation
We gather all documents: income proof for the last 3 months, employment contract or client invoices, health insurance, apostilled criminal records, proof of accommodation and motivation letter.
Consulate submission
The application is submitted at the Portuguese consulate in your country of citizenship or permanent residence. Can be done in person or via the E-Visa portal.
Approval and travel to Portugal
After approval, the embassy issues a dual-entry visa valid for 4 months. With this visa, you travel to Portugal to begin the second phase (residence visa only).
Residence permit application
Already in Portugal, apply for the residence permit at AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). Submit supplementary documents such as NIF, NISS and rental contract.
Residence card issuance
After biometric data collection and document verification, AIMA issues the residence card within up to 90 days. You can then legally reside and work in Portugal.
D8 Visa vs D7 Visa — Which to choose?
Many confuse the D7 Visa (passive income) with the D8 Visa (digital nomad). See the differences.
- For remote workers and freelancers
- Minimum income: ≈€3,480/month (4× minimum wage)
- Active work income (salary or service provision)
- Ideal for tech, marketing, design professionals
- For retirees and investors with passive income
- Minimum income: ≈€9,840/year (≈€820/month)
- Income from rentals, dividends, retirement
- No employment required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum income required for the Digital Nomad Visa?
The minimum income is 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage. In 2026, the estimated amount is approximately €3,480 per month. For spouse, add 50% of minimum wage (≈€435/month), and for each dependent child, 30% (≈€261/month).
Can I work for a Portuguese company with this visa?
No. The Digital Nomad Visa is exclusively for those who work remotely for foreign companies or act as freelancers with international clients. To work for a Portuguese company, the D1 or D3 Visa is required.
Do digital nomads pay taxes in Portugal?
If you stay more than 183 days per year in Portugal, you may be considered a tax resident. In that case, you can benefit from the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime, which offers reduced rates on foreign-sourced income. We recommend consulting a tax specialist.
What is the difference between the temporary visa and the residence visa?
The temporary visa is valid for up to 1 year (renewable) and is simpler to obtain. The residence visa is valid for up to 5 years and offers a path to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship. Income requirements are the same for both.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, with the Residence Visa. The holder has the right to family reunification, being able to bring spouse, minor children and dependent parents. Each additional family member requires extra income proof.
How is the internet speed in Portugal?
Portugal has one of the best internet infrastructures in Europe. Standard speed is about 350 Mbit/s, with fiber optic up to 1 Gbit/s available in major cities and Madeira Island. There are also numerous coworking spaces in Lisbon, Porto and other cities.
How long does the application process take?
The complete process generally takes 3 to 5 months, from documentation preparation to visa issuance. After arriving in Portugal, the residence permit may take up to an additional 90 days.
Ready to work remotely from Portugal?
Our team analyzes your profile for free and recommends the best path to obtain your Digital Nomad Visa.