What is Portugal's D8 Visa?
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers, including freelancers, self-employed professionals, and employees of international companies, to live and work in Portugal. The D8 Visa is tailored for professionals who work remotely in various fields, such as IT, marketing, finance, consulting, and creative industries.
This visa is available exclusively to non-EU and non-EEA citizens. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,480 and secure rental or purchased accommodation in Portugal.
The visa grants a two-year residence permit, with the option to renew. To maintain residency, holders must spend sufficient time in the country.
Key Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
1️⃣ Relocate to Portugal with Ease
Digital nomads can move to Portugal with their families and obtain residence permits, enjoying the country’s vibrant lifestyle and opportunities.
2️⃣ Live in a Safe & Peaceful Country
Portugal boasts a low crime rate, political stability, and friendly international relations, ranking 7th in the Global Peace Index 2024—making it ideal for families.
3️⃣ Visa-Free Schengen Travel
With a Portugal residence permit, digital nomads can travel freely across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
4️⃣ Access to Quality Healthcare & Education
Residents benefit from free education in public institutions and access to top-tier healthcare services, just like Portuguese citizens.
5️⃣ Secure European Banking Services
Opening a bank account in Portugal enables digital nomads to manage finances efficiently, access international banking, and conduct transactions in multiple currencies.
6️⃣ Simplified Pathway to Residency
The Digital Nomad Visa has fewer requirements than a work permit—no investment needed, just proof of sufficient income and accommodation in Portugal.
7️⃣ Pathway to Portuguese Citizenship
After five years of residency, applicants can apply for permanent residence or citizenship, gaining access to a passport that offers visa-free travel to 172 countries.
8️⃣ Citizenship for Newborns
Children born in Portugal to parents holding a residence permit for at least a year automatically receive Portuguese citizenship.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements for Applicants
Types of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas
Since October 2022, Portugal has offered the Digital Nomad Visa, a national Type D visa available in two categories: temporary stay and residency visa.
🔹 Temporary Stay Visa (Short-Term)
This visa allows digital nomads to live in Portugal for up to 12 months with multiple entries, meaning they can travel in and out of the country freely. However, it does not grant a residence card, permit family reunification, or lead to permanent residency or citizenship. While it can be renewed, applicants must leave Portugal and reapply for the D8 Visa at a consulate.
🔹 Residency Visa (Long-Term)
Designed for those seeking long-term residence in Portugal, this visa is valid for 4 months with two entries into the country. Upon arrival, holders can apply for a 2-year residence permit, which can be extended for an additional 3 years after staying in Portugal for more than 183 days per year. After five years, digital nomads become eligible for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Whether you’re looking for a short-term stay or a long-term move, Portugal offers excellent visa options for digital nomads!
Comparison of Temporary Stay and Long-Term Digital Nomad Visas
Costs for the Digital Nomad Visa
The cost of the Digital Nomad Visa varies depending on the number of applicants and whether the property is rented or purchased.
If the applicant buys property, they are responsible for paying stamp duty and annual property tax.
Fees can fluctuate based on individual circumstances, including residency status, age, family structure, and other factors.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and Residence Permit Process
Portugal offers a streamlined process for remote workers seeking to live and work in the country legally. The Digital Nomad Visa, which falls under the Type D visa category, allows individuals to stay in Portugal temporarily or apply for long-term residency. Below is a step-by-step guide to obtaining the visa and residence permit.
1. Initial Assessment and Eligibility Check
📅 Processing Time: 1 Business Day
Before applying, a preliminary review is conducted to ensure the applicant meets Portugal’s visa requirements. This assessment helps identify any potential issues that could lead to a visa refusal. If needed, applicants may be advised to submit additional documents or consider alternative pathways.
2. Obtaining a Portuguese Taxpayer Number (NIF)
📅 Processing Time: 10+ Business Days
A Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) is essential for renting or purchasing property, opening a bank account, and managing financial transactions in Portugal. Non-EU applicants typically acquire an NIF through a tax representative. The process is conducted remotely with the assistance of legal professionals.
3. Securing Accommodation
📅 Processing Time: Up to 2 Months
Applicants must provide proof of accommodation, whether through purchasing or renting a property. Property purchases can take up to two months, while rental agreements are typically finalized within a few days. Securing housing is a crucial step, as it is required for the visa application.
4. Gathering and Submitting Visa Documents
📅 Processing Time: 3+ Weeks
Applicants need to collect and submit all necessary documents, including proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance. The application is submitted at the Portuguese consulate in the applicant’s home country. Biometric data is also collected during this stage.
5. Receiving the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
📅 Processing Time: 90+ Business Days
The Portuguese Consulate processes the visa application within approximately 90 days. Once approved, the applicant receives a visa sticker in their passport, which allows entry into Portugal and includes an appointment date with the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) for the residence permit application.
6. Entering Portugal with the Digital Nomad Visa
📅 Processing Time: 1 Day
The Digital Nomad Visa is valid for four months, during which the applicant must enter Portugal and attend the AIMA appointment to proceed with the residence permit process.
7. Opening a Bank Account
📅 Processing Time: 1–1.5 Months
A Portuguese bank account is required to deposit savings and prove financial stability when applying for a residence permit. Applicants must transfer the necessary funds and provide a bank statement as part of their residency application.
8. Applying for a Residence Permit
📅 Processing Time: 1 Day
Applicants must submit their residence permit application in person at the AIMA office on the scheduled appointment date. This step involves document verification and biometric data collection.
9. Receiving the Residence Permit Card
📅 Processing Time: 2–3 Months
Once the application is approved, the residence permit card is issued, allowing digital nomads to legally live and work in Portugal. The card is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years. After five years, holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
This permit also grants access to Portugal’s healthcare system, financial services, and visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
How Pelican Migration Consultants Simplifies Your D8 Visa Process
Navigating the Portugal D8 Visa process can be overwhelming, but with Pelican Migration Consultants, you get expert guidance every step of the way:
✅ Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your qualifications to ensure you meet the visa requirements, maximizing your chances of approval.
✅ Document Preparation: Our team assists in gathering and organizing all required documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
✅ Seamless Application Submission: We handle your application professionally, ensuring timely and error-free submission.
✅ Proof of Income & Financial Planning: We guide you in meeting the financial criteria, helping you present a strong case to Portuguese authorities.
✅ Post-Visa Assistance: Once your visa is approved, we provide essential support to help you settle in Portugal smoothly.
Start Your Portugal Journey with Pelican Migration Consultants
