D8 Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
The Portugal D8 Visa is specifically designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely for a company or clients outside of Portugal.This visa requires applicants to prove a gross monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately €3,480 per month in 2025) and demonstrate a work connection (employment contract or service provision contracts) that allows remote work. The process follows the standard two-stage path: first, applying for the residence visa at a Portuguese Consulate in the home country, and second, applying for the two-year residence permit at the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) in Portugal upon arrival. Key documents include a valid passport, proof of income and remote work status (over the last three months), health insurance, a criminal record check, and proof of Portuguese accommodation. The D8 allows full-time residency and is a path to citizenship after five years.
Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work)
- We schedule your VISA appointment in your home country´s Portuguese Consulate.
- You apply for the residence permit in Portugal, through a law office
The D8 Visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely for an entity or clients outside Portugal. It follows a two-stage application process (Consulate then AIMA) and requires applicants to establish full residency.
Stage 1: Pre-Application and Preparation
- Obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF): Essential first step, often done remotely.
- Open a Portuguese Bank Account: Needed to transfer and demonstrate sufficient savings.
- Secure Long-Term Accommodation: Must have a confirmed address in Portugal (e.g., a 12-month rental agreement or property deed).
- Gather Required Documents: Collect and prepare documents, especially those proving remote work status and income consistency.
Stage 2: Visa Application at the Consulate
- Schedule and Attend an Appointment: Book an appointment at the Portuguese Consulate or VFS Global in your country to submit the application.
- Submit Application and Pay Fee: Submit the completed D8 Visa application form and all supporting documents.
- Visa Processing: The consulate reviews the application. Processing typically takes 60 to 90 days from submission.
- Receive the D8 Visa: If approved, you receive a residence visa (valid for 120 days and two entries) to travel to Portugal and apply for your residence permit.
Stage 3: Residence Permit Application in Portugal
- Travel to Portugal: Enter Portugal using your D8 visa.
- Attend AIMA Appointment: Attend the appointment with the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA, formerly SEF) to submit biometrics and officially apply for the 2-year Residence Permit
- Receive Residence Permit Card: Once approved, AIMA mails the card to your Portuguese address. This permit is initially valid for two years and is renewable (e.g., for three years thereafter).
Key Requirements and Documentation (D8)
| Category | Requirement Details |
| Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss National with a clean criminal record. |
| Income Type | Active, remote work income (salary, freelance, business owner) from non-Portuguese entities. |
| Minimum Income | Gross monthly income equivalent to at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage (approx. €3,480/month in 2025). |
| Family Income | Add 50% of the minimum for a spouse/partner and 30% for each dependent child/adult. |
| Essential Documents | Valid Passport, Proof of Accommodation, Health Insurance (€30,000 min.), Criminal Record Certificate (apostilled/legalized), Portuguese NIF, Portuguese Bank Account. |
| Core D8 Proof | Employment Contract allowing remote work or Service Provision Contracts/Invoices (for freelancers/business owners) for the last 3-6 months. |
Essential Services (D8)
- CONSULATE APPOINTMENT – Securing and preparing documentation for the initial visa submission at the Portuguese Consulate in your home country.
- LEGAL TAX NUMBER & REPRESENTATION – Swiftly obtaining the NIF (tax number) and appointing a fiscal representative as required by law.
- PREPARATION OF ALL LEGAL DOCUMENTS – Vetting and preparing all required documents, especially the Proof of Remote Work (Employment/Service Contracts) and high bank statements.
- BIOMETRICS APPOINTMENT – Scheduling the appointment with AIMA (Immigration Services) in Portugal for the conversion of the D8 visa into the 2-year Residence Permit.
- BANK ACCOUNT & INCOME VERIFICATION (15 DAYS) – Coordination to open a Portuguese bank account and transfer the required proof of funds/savings.
- RESIDENCE CARD & ALL RENEWALS – Managing all residence card applications and the subsequent renewals (which require continued proof of remote income).
Included Services (D8)
- PERSONAL ACCOUNT ADVISOR – Dedicated advisor to ensure smooth communication regarding the consulate and AIMA processes.
- REQUIRED LEGAL RENTAL AGREEMENT – Preparation of a compliant, long-term rental contract, which is mandatory for the residency application.
- FULL FAMILY HEALTH INSURANCE – Selection and arrangement of a private health insurance policy that meets the minimum coverage requirements.
- NHR TAX REGIME APPLICATION – Assistance with registering as a tax resident and applying for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status (if applicable).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions & Answer
D8 Questions
Q6: Who is the D8 Visa for, and what is the difference from the D7?
The D8 Visa is specifically for non-EU nationals who work remotely for companies or clients outside of Portugal. The key difference is that the D8 qualifies based on active, high salary income, whereas the D7 qualifies based on lower, passive income.
Q7: What is the minimum income requirement for the D8?
You must prove a gross monthly income of at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage (approx. €3,480 per month in 2025). This income must be consistent over the preceding 3 to 6 months.
Q8: Can freelancers and business owners apply for the D8?
Yes. The D8 is for both employed workers (proving an employment contract) and independent professionals/freelancers (proving service provision contracts, bank statements, and tax returns).
Q9: Does the D8 lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
Yes. Like the D7, the D8 is a full residency visa. After five years of legal residency, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship which your eligible for after 10 years from the date of your first residency card, subject to passing a basic language test.
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