Overview
Thinking about applying for the Portugal D8 Visa but not sure where to start?
You’re not alone—and See You in Portugal is here to help! Let’s go over everything you need to know about Portugal’s digital nomad visa, from who qualifies to how to apply (and what to expect along the way).
As an expat living in Portugal who came on the D8 Visa, I know firsthand how overwhelming the process can feel. Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this ultimate guide will make your move to Portugal a whole lot easier.
What is the Portugal D8 Visa?
The Portugal D8 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, was created for remote workers who want to live in Portugal while working for a company or clients outside the country.
It’s perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and full-time remote employees who earn a steady income and dream of swapping their home office for ocean views, cobblestone streets, and good great coffee!
- Temporary Stay Visa – This one is valid for up to 1 year and can be renewed. It’s ideal if you’re testing the waters or just planning a longer sabbatical. Think of it as a trial run!
- Residence Visa – This is a better fit if you know Portugal is where you want to be. It’s a two-step process that starts with a visa to enter Portugal, followed by a residence permit that can be renewed and eventually lead to permanent residency or even citizenship.
So, do you qualify for the D8 visa? Here’s the shortlist of who’s eligible:
- Remote workers (employees or freelancers)
- Entrepreneurs running their own business
- Earning at least €3,280 per month (4x Portugal’s minimum wage in 2024)
- Working for clients or companies based outside of Portugal
If that sounds like you, keep reading—Portugal might just be your next home base.
Benefits of the D8 Visa
So, why would you choose the Portugal D8 Visa over just hopping from Airbnb to Airbnb on a tourist visa?
Simple: it opens up a whole new lifestyle!
Live in Portugal legally while working remotely
I’m sure most digital nomads are tired of bouncing between 90-day tourist visas and temporary housing. The D8 Visa for Portugal solves that. It gives you the legal right to live in Portugal full-time while working for an employer or clients based outside the country. That means less stress, more stability, and an actual address to call home (yes, you can finally get those Amazon packages delivered!).
Access to public healthcare and local services
Once you’re officially a resident under the D8 Visa, you can register for Portugal’s national health system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS)—which is affordable, reliable, and surprisingly good. You’ll also be able to set up utilities, open a library account, and enroll your kids in public school if you’re moving with family.
Lower cost of living
Compared to the U.S., U.K., or much of Western Europe, Portugal is still relatively affordable. Rent, groceries, healthcare, and transportation are all significantly more affordable. You can eat out without guilt, enjoy weekend getaways around the country, and still save money—all while sipping vinho verde by the sea.
Great weather, safe cities, and strong infrastructure
Portugal is often ranked as one of the best countries in the world for quality of life—and for good reason. The weather is mild year-round, the crime rate is low, and everyone is so friendly!
A path to long-term residency (and citizenship!)
Unlike many digital nomad visas in other countries, the Portugal D8 Visa can be your first step toward permanent residency or citizenship. If you choose the Residence Visa track, you’ll start with a temporary residence permit that can be renewed.
After five years, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship—which includes the ability to live and work anywhere in the EU.
In other words: The D8 Visa isn’t just about working remotely—it’s about building a real life and home in Portugal!
Cons of the D8 Visa
While the Portugal D8 Visa offers many appealing advantages, it’s important to go into the process with a clear understanding of the challenges. Like any immigration pathway, it comes with its own set of complications. Below are some of the most common drawbacks applicants should be aware of.
Huge Administrative Burden
One of the most common frustrations with the D8 Visa is the amount of paperwork involved—much of which must be completed before you even submit your application.
Applicants are required to open a Portuguese bank account, obtain a NIF (Portuguese tax number), and secure long-term housing in Portugal. These tasks can be particularly difficult to complete from abroad, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the systems or don’t speak Portuguese.
Difficulties Securing Housing in Advance
A major hurdle for many applicants is proving long-term housing in Portugal prior to even coming here! While short-term rentals may be accepted in some cases, most consulates expect a 12-month lease or official rental agreement.
This can be difficult to obtain if you’re not physically in Portugal to view properties or meet with landlords. In competitive rental markets like Lisbon or Porto, it’s not uncommon for landlords to prioritize tenants who can visit in person.
Possible Tax Obligations in Portugal
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Portugal, you are generally considered a tax resident of Portugal, even if your income is earned entirely outside the country.
This means you may be required to file a Portuguese tax return and could owe taxes locally, depending on your total income and tax treaties with your home country. While Portugal offers tax benefits under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, these must be applied for separately and may not fully exempt you from Portuguese taxation.
Long and Unpredictable Processing Times
Visa processing times can vary significantly by country and consulate, and there is currently no standardized timeline. Some applicants receive approval within a few weeks, while others wait several months.
After arriving in Portugal, you’ll also need to attend an in-person AIMA (Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo) appointment to receive your residence permit, and appointments can be booked out for weeks or even months in advance.
Requires Commitment to Living in Portugal
The D8 Visa is not intended for short stays or casual travel. To maintain your residence status, you are expected to spend the majority of the year in Portugal, maintain a local address, and renew your permit (in the case of the Residence Visa).
If your goal is to travel frequently or base yourself in multiple countries throughout the year, the D8 may not be the best fit.
Additional Complexity for Families
While it is possible to bring dependents (spouse, children) under the D8 Visa through family reunification, doing so adds complexity. You will need to provide additional documentation, meet higher income thresholds, and manage multiple applications (and application fees).
It’s certainly manageable, but it requires extra planning—especially when enrolling children in schools or navigating healthcare.
Overall, the D8 Visa offers a promising opportunity for remote workers who want to build a life in Portugal, but it is not without its challenges. It’s important to understand the requirements and plan ahead can make the process smoother. This will also help you decide whether the D8 visa is the right choice for your situation.
Eligbility Criteria
Who Is This For?
- Freelancers who want a soft-entry into the Portuguese ecosystem
- Startup-minded professionals
- Executives with no time to manage a business full-time
- Remote Employees
Validition Period
120
2
3
Required Documentation
Now that we know the pros and cons of the D8 visa, let’s talk logistics. The D8 Visa opens the door to a pretty incredible lifestyle—but to get there, you’ll need to gather a decent stack of paperwork.
Don’t worry, it’s manageable (especially if you know what to expect), but it does take some prep. Here’s what you’ll need to include in your visa application.
The Application Process
Step 1: Acceptance & Documents Preparation
Before you even think about booking an appointment, take time to organize everything you’ll need for your application. Here’s a quick checklist of the most common documents:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months left before expiration)
- Proof of remote work (contract, freelance agreements, business registration, etc.)
- Proof of income (bank statements or pay slips from the past 3 months)
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Private health insurance that covers you in Portugal for at least a year
- Criminal background check (apostilled and translated into Portuguese)
- Your NIF (Portuguese tax number)
- Proof of a Portuguese bank account, often with 12 months of income already deposited
- Completed visa application form
- A passport-sized photo
- Cover letter explaining why you want to live in Portugal and how you meet the visa criteria
- Payment for the visa fee (amount varies by consulate)
Tip: Create a digital folder to keep everything scanned and labeled. It’ll save you a ton of stress later.
Step 2: Consulate Appointment
Once your documents are ready, it’s time to book an appointment at the Portuguese consulate in your home country (or the country where you have legal residence). This part can vary quite a bit depending on where you’re applying:
- Some consulates let you submit everything online first, then follow up with an in-person appointment.
- Others require you to bring everything to the appointment and submit the whole packet at once.
- A few may ask for your documents to be sent by mail in advance.
Check your consulate’s official website (and maybe even give them a call) to confirm their process—it’s not always clearly laid out.
Step 3: Submission and Interview
At your appointment, you’ll submit your documents and have a brief interview. It’s usually pretty straightforward and focused on confirming:
- What you do for work and where your income comes from
- Why you want to live in Portugal
- How you plan to support yourself
- Where you’ll be staying
They may ask a few follow-up questions about your income, job type, or family situation, but it’s generally friendly and formal.
Step 4: Application Processing
Once your application is submitted, all that’s left to do is… wait. Most applicants hear back within 6 to 12 weeks, but timelines vary depending on your consulate and the time of year.
In the meantime:
- Start researching neighborhoods and logistics for your move
- Keep checking your email (including spam) for updates
Some consulates may request additional documents during this period, so stay flexible and responsive.
Step 5: Move to Portugal and Register with AIMA
Once your D8 Visa is approved (hooray!), you’ll get a temporary visa sticker in your passport, valid for 120 days.
You may also have a AIMA appointment in your passport, which will show as a link. This link will tell you the time and AIMA location of your appointment.
If not, you will have to try to book a AIMA appointment yourself via telephone. Appointments can book up quickly, so schedule yours as soon as possible after arrival. Some people use lawyers or relocation services to help secure a spot.
In the next 120 days, you’ll move to Portugal and complete the second step: getting your residence permit.
Here’s what happens next:
- You’ll have an appointment with AIMA, Portugal’s immigration office.
- At your AIMA appointment, you’ll bring your original documents again (passport, proof of income, housing, insurance, etc.).
- If all goes well, they’ll collect your biometric data and give you a residence permit card, usually valid for 1 to 2 years.
Portugal D8 Visa Costs
- Let’s talk money—because while the Portugal D8 Visa is one of the more accessible long-stay visas in Europe, there are some costs to factor in. Between paperwork, services, and government fees, the full process can add up quickly—especially if you’re applying with a partner or kids.Here’s a breakdown of the most common expenses so you can plan (and budget) ahead:
Visa Application Fee
Expect to pay between €75–€100 per person to submit your visa application at the Portuguese consulate. The exact fee can vary slightly by country and consulate, and sometimes there’s an added fee for document handling or postage.
Tip: Check your consulate’s website to confirm the exact amount and preferred payment method (some require money orders, others accept credit card or bank transfer).
NIF and Portuguese Bank Account Setup
If you’re applying from abroad, you’ll likely need help getting your NIF (tax number) and opening a Portuguese bank account.
- NIF through a lawyer or fiscal representative: €50–€150
- Bank account setup help (if needed): €100–€250
Some expats DIY this part, but many find it easier to pay for a service that handles it all, especially if they don’t speak Portuguese.
Health Insurance
You’ll need private health insurance valid in Portugal for at least 12 months. Prices can vary depending on your age, coverage, and whether you’re applying solo or as a family.
- Average monthly premium: €40–€100 per adult
- Total for 12 months: €480–€1,200+ per person
Make sure the policy meets visa requirements, including repatriation coverage.
Legal Assistance (Optional)
Hiring a lawyer or visa consultant isn’t required, but it can make the process much less stressful—especially if you’re navigating everything from abroad or applying as a family.
- Expect to pay between €500–€2,000+, depending on the level of support you choose (some offer full packages that include NIF, housing assistance, and AIMA booking).
AIMA Residence Permit Fee
After you arrive in Portugal, you’ll attend your AIMA appointment and pay a fee to receive your residence card. The current AIMA fee is €109.30 per application. Please note that permit fees may change.
Other Costs to Consider
- Translations & apostilles: Documents like your criminal background check will need to be translated into Portuguese and legalized. Budget €50–€150, depending on how many documents you need translated.
- Housing deposits: If you’re signing a 12-month lease, be prepared for 2–3 months’ rent upfront (first month, last month, and security deposit).
- Flights & relocation costs: These vary widely but are worth factoring into your overall budget.
In total, a solo applicant should budget €1,000–€2,500+ for the full visa process—not including housing or flights. Families should expect to spend more, especially with higher income requirements and multiple residence cards.
While it’s an investment up front, the long-term benefits—legal residency, access to healthcare, and the chance to build a life in Portugal—are well worth it for many digital nomads.
How Can We Help You
- Acceptance & Admission Support
- Visa document preparation
- Legal assistance and translations
- NIF and health insurance registration
- Accommodation search
- SEF appointment booking
- Family reunification process
Let us simplify your move and take care of the bureaucracy, so you can focus on your study. Ready to Start?