Portugal is a firm favorite of digital nomads looking for an easy way to access the EU. Find out more about their D8 visa here.
November 8, 2024
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
In October 2022, Portugal newly created its digital nomad visa, which quickly attracted remote workers from all over the world. In 2023 alone, over 2,600 visas were issued, and that number is set to only grow.
After all, the country has pleasant weather, a low cost of living, and is located in Europe, giving you access to so many other nations rich in culture. So it’s easy to see why people are flocking to Portugal.
Do you want to follow in their footsteps? Then read on for your guide to the Portugal digital nomad visa, or the D8 visa.
What Is the D8 Visa in Portugal?
The D8 visa in Portugal was created in order to attract remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in the country. It’s specifically for non-EU and non-EEA citizens. It may offer a simpler route to residency than other paths, as it allows you to stay in Portugal for an extended period while continuing to work for companies or clients outside of the nation.
What’s so attractive about this visa is that it’s considered a fast-track procedure. Previously, digital nomads had to use other routes, such as the golden, D2, or D7 visas (more on this later).
There are two types: temporary stay and long-term residency.
The former allows you to stay in the country for 12 months, and you can renew it up to four times for a total of five years in the country. However, you won’t be eligible for permanent residency.
The latter initially lets you stay for four months, but once you enter the country, you can apply for a two-year residence permit. You can then renew it for another three years for a total of five years in the country. After this period, you can apply for permanent residency if you wish (and if you meet all the requirements).
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Like most other visas, not every person will be eligible. Here are the main requirements for the Portugal digital nomad visa:
Proof of Remote Work or Freelance Status
The whole point of the Portugal digital nomad visa is that the people applying for it are working for outside companies or clients. If they were employed by a Portuguese company or have clients in the country, then that defeats the purpose of the whole visa.
Therefore, there’s a reasonable requirement to demonstrate that you’re working remotely or freelancing for clients or companies not based in Portugal. This can include:
- Employment contracts
- Freelance contracts
- Other documentation showing remote work
Minimum Income Requirement
All nations like to see their inhabitants be self-sufficient, especially those who immigrate. Otherwise, they’ll be a burden to the public system.
For this reason, there’s a minimum income requirement for the D8 visa (it’s commonly found on other visas too). You need to provide proof of a minimum monthly income of four times the Portuguese minimum wage. As of January 1st, 2024, the minimum wage in the country is €820, which means you’ll have to earn at least €3,280 per month.
In addition to proving that you earn enough, you must also prove that you don’t have local job ties.
Proof of Accommodation
To further prove that you won’t be a burden to the system, you’ll have to provide proof of accommodation in Portugal. For example, you can show a rental agreement or property ownership documents.
Valid Travel Insurance
We never plan for emergencies or health issues to arise, which is why insurance is extremely important. Not only will it protect you from financial ruin, but it’ll also prevent you from using Portugal’s resources intended for its citizens.
To apply for the visa, you’ll need proof of travel and health insurance that covers the duration of your stay.
Clean Criminal Record
No country wants to take in troublemakers. You must submit a criminal background check from your home country or current country of residence to show that you’re a responsible and trustworthy person.
D7 vs D8 Visa in Portugal
As we’ve mentioned before, the D7 visa is a popular option too, and you may be trying to weigh up your options. Here are the main points you should know about the two.
| Criteria | D7 visa (passive income) | D8 visa (digital nomad) |
| Target audience | Passive income earners (retirees, rental property owners, investors) | Remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs |
| Income type | Passive income (pension, rentals, dividends) | Active income from remote work done for non-Portuguese companies or clients |
| Income requirement | 100% of the minimum wage (€9,840 per year for 2024) | 4x the minimum wage (€3,280 per month, or €39,360 per year) |
| Work permissions | Can work locally if desired | No local employment allowed |
| Tax benefits (NHR) | Eligible | Eligible |
| Visa duration | 1 year; renewable for 2-year periods | 1 year (temporary stay visa), renewable for 1-year periods up to 4 times; 2 years (long-term residency visa), renewable 1 time for an extra 3 years |
| Schengen travel | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent residency | After 5 years | After 5 years (on the long-term residency visa) |
How to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
If the above has solidified your opinion that the D8 visa is right for you, then the next step is to apply for it. Here are the steps you should take.
Apply for a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF)
The NIF is an individual tax ID number, which is similar to a Social Security number. You need it to do economic activities in Portugal.
To apply for an NIF, you’ll go to the NIF website. You’ll need your passport and proof of residence in your home country to complete the free application.
Gather the Required Documents
Before you start filling out the application, you need to first gather the required documents. This includes proof of:
- Remote work
- Income
- Accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Passport (should have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay)
- 2 passport-sized photos
In addition, you’ll have to write a cover letter. It should explain your intention to live in Portugal, your work situation, and why you’re applying.
Submit the Application
You can submit the application at the Portuguese Consulate in your home country. Or, if you’re already in Portugal, you can submit it at a local Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office (immigration services). You must schedule an appointment for either option.
When you get your appointment, attend it with all the required documents. You may need to pay a visa application fee, which ranges between €100 to €300, depending on the consulate.
Some consulates may also ask you to provide biometrics, which are fingerprints and photos. Plus, you might have a brief interview to explain your work situation, income, and reasons for applying.
Wait for Processing
The processing time for the D8 visa can vary. However, it typically takes between 1-3 months, although some people have longer waits of 3-6 months.
Factors that may impact the processing time include your consulate’s workload or any missing documentation. On that note, you may be notified to provide additional documents or clarifications.
Receive the Visa
Once it’s approved, you’ll receive a D8 temporary residence visa that allows you to enter the country. It’s valid for four months; once you travel to Portugal, you’ll have to register with SEF to obtain your residence permit. It’s initially valid for one year (temporary stay visa) or two years (long-term residency visa).
Get Your Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
If you need a change in scenery and want to start a new chapter in life, then a Portugal digital nomad visa might be just what you need. You’ll get to continue your journey as a digital nomad while exploring all the beauty that Portugal has to offer.
And if you’re interested in staying there on a more permanent basis, you can get a permanent residence permit after staying for five years on a long-term residency visa. So keep this in mind when submitting your application.
Contact us today if your next digital nomad leg is in Portugal and you want to protect your assets. We at Global Wealth Protection can help minimize your tax obligations so money stays in your pockets.
