Home › Portugal › Digital Nomad Visa
🇵🇹 Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8): The Complete Guide (2025)
What is the Digital Nomad Visa (D8)?
The D8 Visa — officially the Visto de Residência para Exercício de Atividade Profissional Remotamente — was introduced in October 2022. It is designed for remote workers who are employed by or providing services to companies outside Portugal. Unlike the D7, the D8 allows you to work actively (for foreign employers), not just live on passive income.
To qualify, your remote income must be at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage. As of 2024, the minimum wage is €820/month, so the D8 income threshold is approximately €3,280/month gross. This is the biggest filter: it excludes lower-income freelancers and junior employees.
Who qualifies?
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
- Employed remotely by a non-Portuguese company OR self-employed/freelancer with non-Portuguese clients
- Monthly income ≥ €3,280 (4× minimum wage, verified by last 3 months' payslips or invoices)
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or property deed)
- Clean criminal record from home country
- Private health insurance
Freelancers must show contracts or recurring invoices with non-Portuguese clients. A single contract may not be sufficient — AIMA prefers to see multiple sources or a long-standing client relationship.
Required documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Completed D8 visa application form
- 2 passport photographs
- Employment contract or freelance service contracts (clearly stating remote work)
- Last 3 months' payslips or client invoices totalling ≥ €3,280/month
- Letter from employer confirming remote work is permitted from abroad (employed applicants)
- Last 3 months' bank statements showing income deposits
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (12-month rental contract)
- Criminal record check (apostilled, issued within 3 months)
- Private health insurance valid in Portugal
- Portuguese NIF (tax number)
Step-by-step process
- Get your Portuguese NIF remotely via a fiscal representative or in person on a visit.
- Secure accommodation in Portugal and sign a 12-month rental contract.
- Apply at your local Portuguese consulate. Book via VFS Global or directly. Bring originals and certified copies.
- Consulate review (60–90 days). You may be called for an interview at some consulates.
- Enter Portugal on your D8 visa (4-month entry visa, 2 entries).
- Register with AIMA within 4 months for your Residence Permit. Book your appointment immediately — wait times can be months.
- Attend AIMA appointment, provide biometrics, pay fees (~€120).
- Receive Residence Card (valid 2 years, renewable for 3, then permanent).
Cost breakdown
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| D8 visa fee | €90 |
| VFS / consulate service fee | €30–60 |
| NIF + fiscal representative (if remote) | €150–300 |
| Criminal record apostille | €20–100 |
| Health insurance | €50–150/month |
| AIMA residence permit | €120 |
| Immigration adviser (optional) | €500–1,500 |
| Total (DIY) | ~€350–600 |
Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document preparation | 2–6 weeks |
| Consulate processing | 60–90 days |
| Enter Portugal & book AIMA | 0–4 months |
| AIMA wait + card issuance | 2–8 months |
| Realistic total | 5–12 months |
Do I need a lawyer?
The D8 is manageable without a lawyer if your income is clearly documented. Professional help pays off if:
- Your income mixes freelance and employed sources and needs structuring
- Your consulate has a reputation for document rejections
- You are combining with NHR/IFICI registration and need tax advice
💼 Need help with your application?
If your case is complex — tight finances, previous refusals, or criminal history — a short consultation with a specialist can prevent a costly mistake. We partner with vetted immigration lawyers and licensed consultants.
Get a free 15-minute consultation →Frequently asked questions
Can I work for Portuguese clients on a D8?
The D8 is intended for those working for non-Portuguese employers or clients. Working with Portuguese clients is not strictly prohibited, but your primary income should demonstrably come from abroad. Once you have residency, you can register as self-employed in Portugal and take on Portuguese clients.
I earn €2,500/month — can I still get in?
The official threshold is €3,280/month (4× minimum wage for a single applicant). If you fall short, consider the D7 visa instead — it has a lower income requirement (€820/month) but requires income to be passive or from savings.
What is the difference between D7 and D8?
The D7 is for passive income (pensions, dividends, rental income). The D8 is for active remote workers. Both lead to the same Residence Permit and eventual citizenship. Key difference: D8 requires active employment evidence; D7 requires passive income evidence. Income threshold: D8 is much higher (≥ €3,280/month vs. €820/month for D7).
Can my spouse join me?
Yes, via family reunification. Your spouse can apply for a family reunification visa once your residence is established, or join you on a simultaneous D8 application if they meet their own income threshold.
Related Portugal pathways
📅 Last reviewed: April 2026 — Source: AIMA — Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum