What is a "Digital Nomad"?
The D7 visa, initially intended as a residence visa for investment activities in Portugal, was expanded in October 2022, to cover the so-called “digital nomads” and was named D8 visa
It is important to notice that in spite of Digital Nomade nickname, isn’t limited to those that work in tech. It can be appliable to anyone who work for a foreign company or have foreign clients. It is open to anyone who actively earns an income that comes from outside Portugal.
Through a remote job or freelancing, you may be able to take advantage of Portugal’s D8 visa (or digital nomad visa).
The specific rules introduced in this visa allow professionals to obtain a residence and temporary stay visa in Portugal, while they receive their salaries through remote work. Proof of this income is the basic application requirement.
The minimum income value was €2,820 in 2022, €3,040 in 2023, and rose to €3,280 per month on average, in 2024.
D8 Visa Advantages
The Digital Nomad Visa enables non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to live and work remotely in Portugal. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate an income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately €3,040 per month as of 2024). Beyond extended stays in Portugal, this visa provides the full benefits of residency, including:
More attractive visa granting conditions
While other countries only grant temporary stay authorization that varies between 6 months and 2 years, Portugal is one of the few that grants Residence Permit and in the end allows the option of Citizenship.
Citizenship after 5 years of residence
Through naturalisation you can apply for citizenship after living in Portugal for 5 years.
After 2024, law was changed, and now time for naturalisation starts when you apply for residency, not when you receive your residency card!
You know that the Portuguese passport is, in this regard, one of the “strongest” in the world, according to international rating agencies. It’s been in the top 5 for several years!
That passport will allow you to live, work, and retire throughout the EU—not just Portugal.
Move with your family
The main applicant can also apply for his family during the visa application process at the consular services. In a single visit, the Consulate can present all documents for the entire family, at once.
Taxes and the RNH Exception
The digital nomad worker does not need to register his activity in Portugal, as a self-employed worker, whenever his employer is abroad.
The old NHR regime ended in 2023 (with a transitionary period for some people in 2024). But, there is a new NHR regime, dubbed NHR 2.0. The rules for this are less straightforward and so it is recommended you seek professional advice regarding eligibility. Besides the NHR regime, there are other tax regimes like “the simplified regime” which may even work better than a flat rate of tax.
Easy Travel in Schengen Area
As a D8 visa holder living in Portugal, you can freely explore other countries in the Schengen Area, without the usual 90/180 days restrition of the Schengen Visa rule.
Healthcare
In terms of healthcare, Portugal is among the 30 best countries to live.
Medical assistance services are almost free within the scope of the National Health Service. Qualified doctors and good medical clinic and hospital services can still be optimized through Health Insurance that expands your selection possibilities not only in the public network but also in in the private room.
D8 Visa compared to D7 and Golden Visa
D8 Visa compared to Golden Visa
- Not as expensive (professional assistance around 3.000,00€ per person)
- No need to buy property or make a large investment
- Faster process than a Golden Visa
D8 Visa compared to D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
- Visa D7 can be a good option (if you qualify): There is a lower monthly income requirement (€820/month per sigle applicant) from passive income sources, such as rental income or pension.
COMPARISON | D7 Visa | Golden Visa | D8 Visa |
Income Requisit | 820,00€ /monthly | None | 3.820,00€ /monthly |
Income Type | PASSIVE (pensão; dividendos, etc.) | None | ACTIVE (trabalho remoto; freelancer) |
Investiment is necessary? | NO | YES | NO |
Stay in Portugal | Most of the year | 7 days per year | Most of the year |
Fiscal Residency Requirement | YES | NO | YES |
Estimated Tax Values (estimadas) | Up to 3.000,00€ p/person | Up to 10.000,00€ p/person | Up to 3.000,00€ p/person |
D8 Visa Pros and Cons
PROS AND CONS | PROS | CONS |
CITIZENSHIP | You can apply for citizenship after 5 years or a little less! | |
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY | Citizenship requires only A2 level proficiency | |
HEALTHCARE | Full access to public health services | |
FAMILY REUNIFICATION | Possible | |
VISA/SCHENGEN | Visa exemption in the Schengen Area | |
WORK OPPORTUNITIES | If you continue to have the income sources declared in the application, you can also have a job in Portugal or start a business here | |
CONSULATE REQUIREMENTS | Requirements at each Consulate may vary, with different interpretations of the law | |
INCOME REQUIREMENTS | The amount per person is high, and even higher with the whole family | |
PHYSICAL PRESENCE | Most of the time you will need to be in Portugal | |
TAX RESIDENCY | You will need to become a tax resident, making it almost impossible to have double taxation | |
ADDRESS REQUIREMENT | An address in Portugal is required for the application, which is a common measure required for any other visa, except the Golden Visa |
Two ways to get a D8 VISA
The D8 visa serves both as a ‘temporary stay’ and a ‘residence visa’ for digital nomads.
- Renewable residence visa (most popular): Initially valid for 24 months, it can be renewed for an additional 36 months, totaling five years. After five years, you’re eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
- Temporary stay option: This temporary stay visa allows you to stay in Portugal for up to one year. Ideal for those who want to stay for less than 12 months but more than the typical 90 days allowed by the Schengen Visa.
| Temporary Stay | Residence Visa | |
| Duration | 12 Months | 24 Months |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes (for 36 months) |
| Accommodation | 4 months lease minimum | 12 months lease minimum |
| Minimum Salary | €3,280 monthly (4 times Portuguese Minimum Salary) | €3,280 monthly (4 times Portuguese Minimum Salary) |
| Portuguese Bank Account | No (but required by some Consulates) It should have funds equivalents to one year minimum salary requirement. | Yes (but not required at all consulates) It should have funds equivalents to one year minimum salary requirement. |
| Clean Criminal Record | Required | Required |
| Family Reunification Possibility | No | Yes |
Necessary Documents & Requirements
- Age: Applicants must be over 18 years old.
- Work Contract: Proof of remote work for a company registered outside Portugal. This can be through a service provision or employment contract. You can be a salaried employee or self employed professional.
- Income Proof and Tax Declarations: Present the last 3 years of Income and Tax Declarations with tax residence identification.
- Monthly Income: Required to earn more than €3,280 (net) per month on average, for a single person (this is equivalent to four times the Portuguese minimum wage (820€ – value for 2024)
- Criminal Record Certificate: Clean Criminal Record is required. Minor crimes – less than one year prision – might be overlooked, but its recommended that an explanation about the situation be made, for instance in Motivation Letter. Also required a express authorization for a background check on Portuguese Criminal System.
- Portuguese NIF Number: Portuguese Tax Number.
- Portuguese Bank Account (not required by all Consulates): A Portuguese Bank Account with evidence of funds for one year living in Portugal (earnings as above for 12 months).
- Portuguese Proof of Address: For long term stays typically a one-year rental contract, but possible to be accepted shorter periods. For short-term stay option, only required a 4 month lease. Also possible to present a deed to a property or a letter of invitation from a Portuguese resident.
- Insurance: Needed a travel insurance covering health problems for the initial four-month stay in Portugal (while waiting for AIMA appointment) and a health insurance for the subsequent period.
D8 Visa Application Process
1
Application Request:
Done in your home country or residency country, at the Portuguese Consulate.
2
VISA:
After an interview at Consulate, if everything is correct they will issue a VISA for a 120 days period.
3
Permit:
After arriving Portugal, in this 120 days, need to have an interview at AIMA. They will take biometrics and issue a residence permit (valid for 24 months).
4
Renewal:
After 24 months, you will need to have another visit to AIMA, to renew residence permit. This time for a longer period – 36 months (3 years).
5
Renewal or Citizenship?:
After 36 months, another renewal process is necessary. When this 5 years period is finished, you can also apply to citizenship or a permanent residency.
Family Reunification
If you want to bring your family to live in Portugal with the D8 Visa, there isn’t a specific family reunification policy. You need to follow the general rules, which require you to prove an additional 50% of your income for your spouse and 30% for each child.
This can seem unfair compared to the D7 Visa, as D8 Visa applicants already need to show four times the Portuguese minimum wage.
Some authorities interpret the law differently and may allow couples and families to apply with less income, but there is no legal basis for this.
If you need any more help, feel free to ask!
Applicant | Monthly Income | Total Savings (proof of financial capacity for a minimum of 3 months) |
Single | 3.280,00€/month | 9.840,00€ |
Couple | 4.920,00€/month (3.280,00€+50%) | 14.760,00€ |
Couple + 1 Child | 5.904,00€/month (3.280,00€+50%)+(3.280,00€+30%) | 17.712,00€ |
Taxes
Portugal has treaties with different countries about this subject, so there isn’t a universal answer on «how much will I pay?».
On a quick review:
- Progressive Tax Rates: Most income in Portugal is taxed at progressive rates ranging from 14.5% to 48%.
- NHR 2.0 Regime: The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime no longer exists. However, a new tax regime, NHR 2.0, has been introduced. With potencial political changes, parts of the old NHR regime may be reinstated.
- No Double Taxation: When you pay taxes in another country, you may be eligible for tax credits in Portugal, ensuring you do not pay tax twice on the same income.
An easier immigration process for you and for your family, with Permanent Residency or Citizenship in mind
Contact us! We can help you find the most suitable solution for you, presenting you with a detailed plan for your case and accompanying you throughout the process.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I aply for Visa D8 while in Portugal
Yes! This is one Visa, you can apply for, during your stay in Portugal! Though, it is not advisable to do so as the process doesn’t work very well.
How to proceed i while in Portugal?
Scheduling at AIMA: First, you need to schedule an appointment at AIMA.
Required Documentation:
. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
. Valid Passport: With a minimum validity of six months.
. Proof of Income: Demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,280.
. Employment Contract or Proof of Freelance Activity: Documents proving that you work remotely.
. Health Insurance: Coverage valid in Portugal.
. Proof of Accommodation: Proof of residence in Portugal.
. Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by your country of origin.
Submission of the Application: On the day of your appointment, bring all documents to AIMA . They will review your documentation and, if everything is in order, start the visa issuance process.
Awaiting Approval: After submission, you will need to wait for the approval of your application. The processing time may vary, but it usually takes a few weeks.
Receiving the Visa: Once approved, you will receive the D8 Visa, which will allow you to reside and work remotely in Portugal.
How to make the AIMA appointment?
You need to get in touch with AIMA, because even if it should be some sort of automatic procedure, they are overhelmed with service and so the iniciative has to be on your side.
During the first 4 month period can I leave the country?
If you have come to Portugal with your 4 month Visa stamped on your passport, after having the interview with AIMA, you can leave the country twice.
Not recommended to leave before this interview at AIMA, and having your residence permit card! Maybe nothing will happen in short absence period, but one can not be sure!
How long do I need to stay in Portugal during the first two year period?
You must not leave for more than six months in a row or eight months in total during the first two years period.
If I have a criminal record can I still move to Portugal?
It is important that you do not wide your past! When you do your personal statement explain clearly what happened. With the help of a lawyer a satisfactory statement can be achived and explain situation under Portuguese law. Relevant crimes that may affect your application are those who have a prison sentence of more than one year.
Renting an apartment as a proof of residency. For how long?
That depends on the Consulate. Some accept a 6 months lease others as a minimum require 12 months. But keep in mind that they don’t accept short stay rentals, and there you will not have a contract with your name on it! Landlords normally will not accept too a contract for a short period, like 6 months.
Visa rejected! What to do?
Under Portuguese administrative law, you can make a case against administrative authorities, but it is recommendable the support of a lwayer.