Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8): Requirements and How to Apply

Portugal's D8 visa is the country's dedicated route for remote workers. It comes in two versions, and picking the right one matters if you want to stay long term.

The income and savings you need

• Main applicant income: about 3,680 euros a month (4 times the minimum wage) as of 2026.
• Spouse: add about 50%. Each child: add about 30%.
• Savings buffer: roughly 11,040 euros for a single applicant, plus more per dependent.

AIMA applies the minimum wage in force on your appointment date, not when you file, so the figures can rise mid-process.

Who can apply

• Non-EU nationals aged 18 or over.
• Working remotely as an employee of a foreign company or as a freelancer for foreign clients.
• With proof of the work relationship and a clean criminal record.

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport and a Portuguese tax number (NIF), plus a Portuguese bank account.
• Employment or freelance contracts.
• Three months of bank statements showing income and savings.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
• Health insurance with at least 30,000 euros of cover.
• Criminal record certificate issued within 90 days, apostilled and translated into Portuguese.

How to apply

1. 1

   Get your NIF and bank account

   Often arranged remotely through a representative.
2. 2

   Apply for the entry visa

   At a Portuguese consulate or VFS center in your country.
3. 3

   Travel to Portugal

   On the entry visa, which allows you to attend your appointment.
4. 4

   Attend your AIMA appointment

   To collect the 2-year residence permit.

Official processing is around 60 days, but allow 4 to 7 months end to end given AIMA appointment backlogs.

Validity, residency and tax

• Residence permit lasts 2 years, renewable, up to 5 years total.
• After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency, with A2 Portuguese.
• Over 183 days a year makes you a tax resident on worldwide income.

Common mistakes

• Choosing the temporary-stay D8 when you actually want the residency version.
• Assuming the old NHR tax break still applies. It closed to newcomers in 2024.
• Forgetting the figures rise to the wage in force at your AIMA appointment.
• Underestimating AIMA backlogs, which stretch timelines.

Weighing your options? Compare them in our digital nomad visa countries guide, see the general how to get a digital nomad visa steps, or read our broader guide to relocating to Portugal.