Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal (D8 Visa) is the best option for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs looking to live and work legally in Portugal. A perfect blend of stunning landscapes like the cliffs of Algarve, modern infrastructure such as high-speed internet, and an affordable cost of living have made Portugal one of the top destinations for digital nomads.
What is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
In October 2022, the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa was introduced, allowing non-EU/EEA citizens to reside in Portugal for a maximum of one year. With a monthly income requirement of €3,280 and a savings threshold of €36,480, this visa provides a clear pathway to temporary residency, and even permanent residency after five years.
Key Aspects for Digital Nomad Visa Holders (Portugal D8 Visa)
- Freedom of location: Work remotely from anywhere in Portugal — whether it's a cozy Lisbon café, a beach town in the Algarve, or a quiet countryside village.
- Thriving expat communities: Connect easily with other internationals through supportive and well-established expat networks.
- Tax advantages: Benefit from financial incentives that make day-to-day living more affordable.
- Excellent healthcare: Access a reliable and high-quality healthcare system for greater peace of mind.
- Remote work culture: Enjoy a remote work–friendly environment that fuels creativity, productivity, and a better work-life balance.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Requirements and Eligibility Criterias for Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
- Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) Types
- The Key Benefits of D8 Visa for Remote Workers and Freelancers
- Cost of Living in Portugal as a Digital Nomad
-
Best Places to Live in Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa
Thinking about making Portugal your new home in 2025? Discover how easy it is to apply for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa and start your exciting remote work journey in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries today!
Requirements and Eligibility Criterias for Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Income: You must have a consistent monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, around €3,480 per month.
- Employment: Provide evidence of remote or freelance jobs.
- Accommodation: You need to arrange for accommodation in Portugal.
- These specifications are consistent across all of the sources listed. It is crucial to note that the actual income criteria may differ significantly between sources.
- Valid Passport: To enter Portugal, you must have a valid passport and, if appropriate, the necessary travel authorizations.
- Health Insurance: Have health insurance that covers your stay in Portugal.
- Clean Criminal Record: Have a clean criminal record from your own country.
Individuals who are not EU/EEA nationals or Swiss citizens can apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. This means that persons from any nation other than the European Union and the European Economic Area can apply for this visa as long as they match the other qualifying requirements, such as a consistent monthly income and proof of remote employment. The visa has drawn applicants from various countries, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others.
Who Qualifies?
- Your spouse or committed partner, but eligibility criteria depend on.
- Dependent children under 18
- Children aged 18-35 who are unmarried and financially dependent
- Parents over 65 (or younger with proven financial dependence.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) Types
Portugal offers two types of Digital Nomad Visas for remote workers and freelancers. Both require similar income and document criteria, but they differ in residency commitments.
1. Long-Term Residency Visa
- Validity: The permit is valid for 4 months. You must convert it to a 2-year residence permit when you arrive.
- Renewal: You can extend for 3 more years. This can lead to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.
- Income Requirement: Minimum €3,480 per month.
- Documents Needed:
- Valid passport
- Proof of income
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Accommodation proof
- Application Fee: €75 – €90.
- Family Inclusion: Yes, you can bring family members.
- Best For: Non-EU/EEA remote workers who want long-term residency in Portugal.
2. Temporary Stay Visa (Best for short-term stays and flexibility)
- Validity: Up to 12 months with many entries.
- You can renew it up to 4 times, but it does not lead to permanent residency.
- Income Requirement: Minimum €3,480 per month.
- Documents Needed: Like the long-term visa, you may also need a Portuguese bank account.
- Family Inclusion: Not allowed.
- Best For: Non-EU/EEA citizens wanting to live in Portugal temporarily, without needing a residency permit.
It is so obvious that the long-term visa is ideal for those aiming for Portuguese residency and citizenship, while the temporary visa is perfect for testing Portugal beyond the 90-day tourist limit.
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The Key Benefits of D8 Visa for Remote Workers and Freelancers
- Residency: You can stay for at least a year.A tourist visa only allows 90 days within six months.
- Visa-Free Travel in Europe: As a resident of a Schengen country, you can visit other Schengen states. (90 days every six months)
- Pathway to EU Citizenship: Digital nomads can apply for citizenship in Portugal after five years. They must meet integration and language requirements.
- Affordable, High-Quality Healthcare: They can access to Portugal’s excellent and low-cost public healthcare system.
- Quality Education for Families: Portugal has qualified schools and universities. They are easy to reach for residents. This makes the country great for digital nomads with kids.
- Cost and Effort: Compared to other national visas, the application process is generally low-cost and low-effort, requiring proof of sufficient income and remote work capabilities.
- Tax Advantages: The potential to become a non-habitual resident for tax reasons, potentially leading to lower tax rates or exemptions for 10 years.
- Great Lifestyle and Cost of Living: Digital nomads can enjoy a pleasant climate, lively culture, and lower living costs compared to many Western European countries. Also, the Portuguese culture places a high priority on work-life balance.
- Language: Excellent English proficiency, particularly in metropolitan regions, which facilitates communication.
Source: Statistics Portugal
In January 2025, Portugal’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.2%, marking the lowest level since October 2022.
According to preliminary estimates from the Portuguese Statistics Institute, the unemployment rate fell from 6.4% in December 2024 to 6.2% in January 2025. The rate has been gradually declining since November.
Who Qualifies?
- Your spouse or committed partner, but eligibility criteria depend on.
- Dependent children under 18
- Children aged 18-35 who are unmarried and financially dependent
- Parents over 65 (or younger with proven financial dependence.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Application
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Be sure that you meet the monthly income requirement of at least €3,480 and get ready to prove that you have a remote work arrangement.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Gather all necessary documents, including: (Whether you choose the temporary stay or long-term residency visa)
- A valid passport.
- Photos for passports (4.5 x 3.5 cm).
- Contract or partnership agreement proving remote work.
- Bank statements displaying monthly earnings and savings.
- Proof of accommodation to show you are staying in Portugal.
- The required health insurance in Portugal
- A certificate of no criminal record translated into Portuguese.
- A NIF registration certificate (Portuguese tax identification number).
- A letter in English outlining why you are relocating to Portugal.
Step 3: Visa Application
Fill out the visa application form. It is available from the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Make an appointment with the Portuguese consulate or embassy. Then, you can submit your application along with the required documents.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
The processing time may vary. You will get a notification once your application is approved.
Step 6: Visa Issuance
If your application is approved, the visa will be stamped on your passport, allowing you to travel to Portugal.
Step 7: Arrival in Portugal
If you have a long-term visa, apply for a residence permit before your visa expires upon your arrival.
Cost of Living in Portugal as a Digital Nomad
The cost of living depends on location and lifestyle. Here’s a basic monthly cost of living breakdown for a single person:
- Accommodation (one-bedroom apartment in city center): 1.000 € – 2.000 €
- Utilities: (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): €180 – €184
- Groceries: €300 – €500
- Internet and mobile phone plans: €40 – €90
- Public transportation pass: €30 – €40
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Cost (EUR) | Validity |
| Temporary Stay Visa | 75 | Valid for 1 year, multiple entries, no residency permit |
| Long-term Visa | 90 | Valid for 4 months, two entries, leads to 2-year residence permit upon arrival |
Other expenses associated with the Digital Nomad Visa may include:
- Medical insurance payments and rent.
- Private health insurance costs can range from €20 to €100 monthly, depending on the package.
How to Open a Portuguese Bank Account
- Obtain a NIF: A Portuguese tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal).
- Provide Identification: A valid passport or ID card.
- Proof of Address: A recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Proof of Employment: A pay slip or employment contract.
Some banks, particularly if you are already a resident, may allow you to open an account online. Non-residents may need to hire a lawyer or a relocation business. Because the procedure varies, it is best to check with the specific bank for their needs. Account opening services cost between €269.25 and €395.
D7 Visa vs. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa): What are the Differences?
| Visa Name | D7 Visa | Digital Nomad Visa (D8) |
| Visa Type | Passive Income Visa | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Income Requirement | €820 per month | €3,480 per month |
| Income Types | Pension, dividends, royalties, interest | Salary or freelancing work from a remote job |
| Validity | 2 Years (renewable) | 2 years (renewable for 3 years) |
| Citizenship | Possible after 5 years | Possible after 5 years |
| Minimum Stay Requirements | 6 consecutive months/8 non-consecutive months | 6 consecutive months/8, non-consecutive months with some flexibility for work or family emergencies |
D7 Passive Income Visa
Portugal D7 Visa is for the ones with passive income sources like pensions or rental property income. In contrast, the Digital Nomad Visa is for people who earn an active income through remote work or freelancing. The D8, the Digital Nomad Visa, has a higher income requirement than the D7, showing the active income nature of the visa.
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want to start a business in Portugal can apply for a Portugal D2 Visa, often known as the Entrepreneur Visa.
If you are looking for different visa options in Portugal and cannot be quilfied for Digital Nomad Visa requirements, you might also be interested in Portugal HQA Visa or Portugal Golden Visa.
Best Places to Live in Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa
- Lisbon: A top choice that offers great networking opportunities for digital nomads. Perfect working conditions with high-speed internet, affordable living, and a mild climate year-round.
- Porto: Known for its stunning architecture and lower cost of living than Lisbon. The city has a growing coworking scene, friendly locals, and an expanding international community.
- Braga: A peaceful and budget-friendly destination, perfect for those who prefer work-life balance and a relaxed lifestyle away from the crowds.
- Madeira: A unique island experience with breathtaking landscapes. Home to Ponta do Sol, the digital nomad village, offering free coworking spaces and community events for remote workers.
- Aveiro: One of the most affordable options for digital nomads in Portugal. Small, easy to navigate, and charming city with canals and Art Nouveau architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which visa type in Portugal is best for digital nomads in 2025?
The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to apply for a one-year temporary stay visa or a residency permit. It can be renewed for up to five years, is the finest visa for digital nomads in Portugal.
What are the income criteria for a digital nomad visa in Portugal?
The monthly income criterion is at least €3,480, which is four times the Portuguese minimum wage.
Do digital nomads have to pay taxes in Portugal?
Digital nomads can apply for Non-Habitual Resident status in order to cut their taxes, potentially paying 0% tax on global income and a flat 20% tax on income received within Portugal.
How long does a digital nomad visa in Portugal last?
The digital nomad visa Portugal (Visa Nómada Digital Portugal) permits you to stay in Portugal for up to a year, with the option of renewing.
Which European country makes it the simplest to obtain a digital nomad visa?
The easiest European country to obtain a digital nomad visa is a matter of opinion and varies according to individual circumstances. Digital nomad countries such as Estonia, Croatia, Italy, and Hungary, on the other hand, are known for their comparatively simple digital nomad visa requirements.
