Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa

What is the Portugal D8 Visa? Who can get the Digital Nomad [D8] Visa?

The D8 visa is also known as the Portugal Digital Nomad visa is a special new visa that is specifically designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers.

The D8 is both a “temporary stay” and “residence visa” for digital nomads.

  • The temporary stay option allows you to live in Portugal for up to 1 year.
  • The residence visa option allows you to stay for up to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal or exchange for permanent residency after. After 5 years, you will also be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

It is ideal for those that want to live in Portugal, obtain Portuguese citizenship, and take advantage of the NHR regime.

The D8 Visa Requirements?

Income requirement: Earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (around €3040 p/month in 2023).

What are the benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad [D8] Visa?

Permanent free entry and circulation in the Schengen Space, comprising 26 European Countries.

Freedom to live in Portugal and, if so wished, to have a professional activity in this country.

Option to become a non-habitual resident of Portugal for tax purposes (little or no tax for 10 years).

Access to other Portugal’s residents’ rights, such as education, healthcare, social security.

Obtaining of The D8 Visa

The D8 Visa is a residence visa that is intended to enable the holder to obtain a residence permit in Portugal. In this context, the visa is valid for two entries and entitles the holder to remain in Portugal for a period of 4 months, while the applicant waits in Portugal for a final resident permit issued by the immigration department.

  • First step: The local consulate stamps a temporary D8 visa on your passport.
  • Second step: The applicant travels to Portugal on that’ D8 temporary visa and waits for the final visit to the immigration department to convert the temporary visa to a final D8 residence visa.

Apply D8 Visa

Residence Permit

The D8 visa enables the respective holder to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for a period of one year, which can then be renewed for successive periods of 2 years and can be converted into a permanent residence permit after 5 years.

To be able to convert and apply for the final D8 visa the applicants will need to visit the immigration department in person in order to collect fingerprints and photos and in order to deliver the original documents previously shown at the local embassy.

After this visit the Residence Visa card is mailed to the Address of your choice.

The first card will have a validity of 1 year.

Lists of documents to apply for the D8 Visa

Applicants will need to have:
  • An application form, available in the SEF’s website.
  • Passport or other valid travel document.
  • Two identical passport size photos; with blank background, and easily identifiable.
  • Valid trave insurance, with coverage for all medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
  • Application for Criminal Record consultation by Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF);
  • Certificate of criminal records issued by his/her home country of origin or the country where the applicant resided for more than one year.
  • Proof that the applicant has adequate accommodation – by either buying, renting or borrowing a property.
  • Proof of health insurance coverage.
  • Document providing the amount of income exceeding the minimum requirement.
Additional Documents:
  • NIF and Portuguese bank account
  • Proof of tax residence (12 months)
  • Employment contract from outside Portugal or freelancer contract
  • Payslips