- Home
- Residence permits
- Portugal
- Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
A residence permit for people who work remotely for a company or clients outside Portugal. It suits both employees and freelancers, and your family can move with you.
The Portugal digital nomad visa (D8) is for people who earn their income outside the country and want to live in Portugal. The main conditions are a steady income from abroad of at least four Portuguese minimum wages a month, savings in a bank account, housing in Portugal and a clean criminal record. You first get a national visa at a consulate, then, after you arrive, you apply for a residence permit with the AIMA migration agency. The first permit is issued for 2 years and then renewed for 3.
Before filing you need a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and a housing solution: a lease or property you own. That is where we start, while we review your contracts and bank statements at the same time. The NHR tax regime is closed to new residents, so it makes sense to work out your taxes before the move, not after.
Who it is for
- Remote employees of companies based outside Portugal
- Freelancers and sole traders with clients outside Portugal
- IT, design, marketing, analytics and other online professions
- Families: a spouse, children and dependent parents can move with you
Requirements
- Remote work for a company or clients outside Portugal
- Income of at least four Portuguese minimum wages a month
- Savings in a bank account, with 12 minimum wages as a guideline
- Housing in Portugal: a lease agreement or property you own
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Health insurance and a criminal record certificate
What we do
- Review your income, contracts and statements and calculate the amount needed for your family
- Help you get a NIF and open an account with a Portuguese bank
- Advise on how to arrange housing so the consulate accepts it
- Gather documents, apostilles and translations into Portuguese
- Book the consulate appointment, file the visa, then the residence application with AIMA
- Help with renewals and documents for your family
Key documents
- Passport
- Employment contract or client contracts
- Proof of income: bank statements for recent months, certificates, tax returns
- Statement showing your savings
- Lease agreement or proof of property ownership
- Criminal record certificate with an apostille and translation
- Health insurance
- Marriage and birth certificates if your family is moving with you
How it works
- Income checkcontracts, statements and the amount needed for your family
- NIF, account, housingtax number, Portuguese bank account, a lease or a purchase
- Documentsapostilles, translations, insurance and a cover letter
- Visafiling at the consulate; the review usually takes about 2–3 months
- Residence permit with AIMAentry to Portugal, biometrics and collecting the residence card
Timeline
Preparation usually takes a few weeks and the consulate typically reviews the visa in about 2–3 months, followed by the AIMA steps in Portugal.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- Income below the threshold or irregular payments are a common reason for refusal
- A short lease may not satisfy the consulate
- Consulate appointments and AIMA biometrics can take a long time to book, so we build in extra time
- The tax breaks of previous years are not available to new residents, so we work out your taxes in advance
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is from $3,600. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
How much income do I need for the Portugal digital nomad visa?
At least four Portuguese minimum wages a month for the main applicant, and more if family members join you. On top of that you need savings in an account, with 12 minimum wages as a guideline. We calculate the exact amounts for your filing date during the consultation.
Do I need housing in Portugal before I apply?
Yes. The consulate expects proof that you have a place to live: a lease agreement or ownership documents. For a long-stay visa, a one-year lease works best. To sign a lease you will need a NIF tax number, and we help you get one.
How long is the residence permit valid?
The first residence permit is issued for 2 years and then renewed for 3. After that you can apply for permanent residence. Portugal has tightened its citizenship rules, so we confirm how long it will take to qualify for a passport on the date you apply.
Can I move with my family?
Yes. Your spouse, children and dependent parents can apply together with you or later. The required income and savings go up with each family member. You will need proof of family ties with an apostille and translation.
What taxes will I pay in Portugal?
If you spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal, you become a tax resident and pay income tax at progressive rates. The NHR regime is closed to new residents, and the new preferential regime is open only to certain professions. It is best to work out your taxes before you move.
How long does the whole process take?
Documents, the NIF and housing usually take a few weeks. The consulate typically reviews the application in about 2–3 months. After you arrive, you wait for the AIMA biometrics appointment and for the card itself. Timing depends on how busy these offices are.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Related programs
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
