The Ultimate Guide to Portugal Digital Nomad D8 Visa in 2025

The digital nomad visa has become a popular choice among freelancers and remote workers. 

According to Forbes, Portugal ranks 7th among the most popular destinations for remote workers. It offers affordable rent, a good healthcare system, fast internet speed, and EU access.

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about the Portugal D8 visa, including eligibility, income requirements, and tax exemptions. 

TL;DR — Portugal D8 Visa quick overview (2025)

• What it is: A long-stay residency visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who earn active remote income from employers or clients based outside Portugal.

• Who can apply: Freelancers, remote workers, self-employed individuals, and online business owners

• Residence visa: 4-month entry visa plus AIMA appointment leads to 2-year residence permit. This permit is renewable and provides full access to public services and a citizenship track.

• Minimum income (2025): €3,480/month (and suggested €10,440/year in savings) + Additional suggested savings: €5,220/adult, €3,132/child

• Accommodation requirement: A signed 1-year lease agreement is required

• Key documents: Valid passport, clean criminal record (apostilled), travel insurance, bank statements, proof of remote work income, proof of accommodation, NIF, and Portuguese bank account.

• Timeline: Visa processing takes 60-90 days at your consulate. After arrival, book and attend your AIMA residency appointment within 120 days. Your residence card will be valid for 2 years and is renewable.

• Minimum stay: Stay in Portugal and avoid being away for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months within 2 years to keep your residency and qualify for citizenship.

• Path to citizenship: Eligible after 5 years of residency, A2-level Portuguese test, and a clean criminal record.

• Touchdown Visa package includes:

• Dedicated immigration lawyer

• Portuguese bank account 

• Portuguese NIF (Fiscal Number)

• 1 hour immigration consultation

• Document prep and review  

• Appointment management 

• Tax planning

• Ongoing legal compliance support 

• Real estate legal assistance

What is the Portugal D8 Visa?

The Portugal D8 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, is a type of long-stay residence visa. It’s granted to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who earn income from companies or clients based outside of Portugal.

Unlike tourist or short-term visas, the D8 visa provides a clear path to Portugal residency. If approved, you can access public services such as healthcare, travel freely within the Schengen area, and obtain citizenship. 

Who is the Portugal D8 Visa for?

The Portugal D8 digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and online business owners who earn income from outside Portugal. 

This includes salaried employees working remotely for foreign companies, independent freelancers with international clients, and entrepreneurs who run location-independent businesses. 

To be eligible, you must be financially self-sufficient and do your work online. 

Use our quick Eligibility Checker to see if this visa type is right for you.

Residence Visa for digital nomads

The Residence Visa under the D8 category grants you a 4-month entry visa, which allows you to enter Portugal and apply for a 2-year residence permit. Eligible family members can apply with the main applicant under this visa.

Once approved, the residence permit is renewable and can support long-term relocation. This route allows you to apply for citizenship, depending on your length of stay and legal status.

D7 vs. D8 Visa Portugal Comparison

Portugal D8 Visa eligibility criteria 2025

Here’s a complete breakdown of the Portugal D8 visa requirement in 2025:

Nationality & Age

You must be a non‑EU/EEA/Swiss national and at least 18 years old.

Remote work requirement

You must have a stable remote job, a freelance contract, or run an online business. Your income must come from employers or clients based outside of Portugal.

Income requirement

You must have earned a stable income of at least €3,480 per month over the past 3 months, which is equivalent to four times the Portuguese minimum monthly wage (€870) in 2025. 

Savings requirement

In addition to income, it is suggested to show that you have at least €10,440 in savings, equivalent to 12 times the Portuguese minimum monthly wage. This amount should be available in your bank account to show financial stability.

Travel insurance

For the Visa appointment, you need to have travel insurance covering at least 30k euros in the Schengen Area, valid for at least 6 months.

Clean criminal record

You must provide a police certificate from your home country or your city of residence if you live in a country other than your country of citizenship, showing no serious criminal record.  These documents should be legalized. You might also need to get them translated, depending on the language.

Proof of accommodation

You must show where you plan to stay in Portugal. Most consulates require a signed 12-month rental lease with your name and address in Portugal. 

The lease must be signed and ready by your appointment date, but it can start on or shortly after your intended arrival in Portugal.

💡 Touchdown Insight: When signing a lease, include a diplomatic clause that lets you cancel if your visa is denied. Touchdown’s legal team can help review this to avoid early relocation risks.

D8 Visa requirements for family members

Family members can be included in the initial D8 visa application form. You can include your legally married spouse or partner, children under 18, and dependent parents. 

To qualify, you need to provide documentation such as:

• Marriage or partnership certificates

• Birth certificates

• Proof of dependency 

Suggested savings for family under the D8 Visa

For each family member, we suggest additional savings: €5,220 for every adult and €3,132 for every child. This is added on top of your own required savings of €10,440 (based on 12 months of Portugal’s minimum wage in 2025).

For example, if you're applying with a spouse and one child, it’s recommended to show about €18,792 in savings.

Tax implications for Portugal’s digital nomad Visa

Paying taxes in Portugal depends on how long you’re staying. 

Tax residency rule: 183 days

If you stay 183 days or more, or maintain a permanent home, you become a Portuguese tax resident and must report worldwide income. 

But if you stay in Portugal fewer than 183 days in a 12-month period, you are not considered a tax resident and usually won’t pay tax on foreign-sourced income.

Tax rates and simplified regime

Portugal uses a progressive income tax system. In 2025, rates range from 14.5% to 48%, depending on how much you earn.

If you’re a freelancer or self-employed with annual foreign-source income under €200,000, Portugal offers a simplified tax regime. In this system, only 75% of your gross income is taxed, with the remaining 25% considered business expenses by default.

Foreign Income & Double Taxation

Portugal treats foreign income carefully:

• If your home country has a double tax agreement with Portugal, you may avoid or reduce Portuguese tax on your income.

• Certain types of foreign income (e.g., dividends, royalties) may be exempt under the IFICI, also known as NHR 2.0.

Touchdown is a registered law firm in Portugal that offers tax consultations for remote workers and freelancers. We provide personalized tax planning from a bar-certified tax attorney to help you understand your income, residency, and benefits.

What is NHR 2.0?

NHR 2.0, officially known as the Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), is Portugal’s updated tax regime. It offers major tax benefits to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors.

To qualify, you must be a Portuguese tax resident and work in a high-value profession such as software development, scientific research, design, engineering, or financial consulting. Entrepreneurs launching startups and employees at certified Portuguese startups may also qualify.

Key personal benefits include:

• 20% flat tax rate on eligible Portuguese-sourced income

• 0% tax on most foreign passive income (dividends, capital gains, rental income)

• 10-year duration of guaranteed tax benefits

Touchdown helps you apply for an NHR 2.0 application to benefit from the tax benefits. We provide a dedicated tax attorney, a personal application strategy, and company incorporation guidance to increase your success rate. 

How to apply for the D8 Visa: A complete timeline overview

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for D8 visa Portugal edition. 

Step 1: Gather required documents

The following are the documents needed to meet Portugal D8 visa requirements:

• Filled national D8 visa application form

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay)

• Two recent passport-sized photographs

• Proof of remote work and income (employment contract, freelance agreement, payslips, and/or invoices or business registration with clients outside Portugal)

• Proof of savings (typically at least €10,440 in personal savings)

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal 

• Travel insurance valid for 6 months and covers the Schengen area

• Criminal background certificate 

• Proof of legal stay (if applying from a third country, show visa or residence permit)

This prep stage can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly you get your supporting documents.

Step 2: Register for a Portuguese tax number (NIF)

You need to get a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), Portugal’s tax number. You’ll need this number to open a local bank account, sign a rental contract, and complete your residence permit application at the AIMA appointment.

You can get your NIF at a Finanças (tax office) in Portugal by presenting your passport and proof of address. 

Touchdown submits the NIF application on your behalf and delivers your tax number remotely. Our legal team submits everything directly to the Portuguese Tax Authority to save time. 

Step 3: Open a Portuguese bank account

Once you obtain your NIF, you need to open a Portuguese bank account for your D8 visa. 

Here’s what you need to open a bank account:

• NIF

• Valid passport

• Proof of income

Step 4: Book and attend your consulate appointment

Consulate appointments are mandatory and must be attended in person. Since appointment slots are hard to secure, start looking for one as early as possible while you gather your documents.

You’ll submit your full D8 visa application, including your passport, forms, and supporting documents. 

You’ll be required to pay the visa fee at this stage, which is around €90 to €120. 

Appointment availability varies by city. Some consulates book out weeks or even months in advance, especially in places with high demand like London or New York.

Make sure to monitor your local consulate’s booking portal frequently. 

Step 5: Wait for Visa approval

Portugal D8 visa processing time can range from 60 to 90 days.

If approved, you receive a 4-month visa valid for 2 entries and a residence permit application. 

Step 6: Enter Portugal with your D8 Visa

Once your D8 visa is approved, travel to Portugal within the validity window.

Step 7: Attend your AIMA appointment

Some appointments are scheduled automatically by Immigration after your visa is approved. Many applicants receive the AIMA appointment date printed on their visa file.

If not, you may need to contact AIMA directly to book the appointment yourself.

During this appointment, you’ll:

• Submit some new documents at this stage. These include a passport, proof of income, proof of accommodation, private health insurance, and bank statements. You need to present original copies as well.

• Complete the formal residence permit application process, entering all necessary details into AIMA’s system and paying the residence permit processing fee.

What happens after you get a resident permit?

Once AIMA approves your application, your residence card (valid for 2 years) will be sent to your Portuguese address.

But you still need to manage several administrative and legal responsibilities. These are important for maintaining your legal status and preparing for future renewals or citizenship.

You must report global income to Portuguese tax authorities, even if it’s exempt under a regime like IFICI. You’ll need to declare this status officially through the Portuguese Tax Office (AT).

Enroll in the public healthcare system

You can register with your local health center (Centro de Saúde) to get access to Portugal’s SNS system. Bring your NIF, proof of address, and residence card. If you have private health insurance, public care can be a reliable backup.

Apply for Citizenship

You can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence. 

To be eligible, you must:

• Maintain a clean criminal record throughout your stay

• Meet the minimum physical presence requirement (typically 183+ days per year)

• Pass a basic Portuguese language exam at the A2 level.

Lifestyle of digital nomads in Portugal

Portugal has been a popular destination for many U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who want to relocate and travel around Europe. 

Here's why most people choose Portugal for remote working:

Cost of living

According to International Living, the cost of living is around €350 to €2,500+ per month in Portugal, depending on the city and type of accommodation. But this cost is relatively lower than in most Western European countries.

Good quality of life

Portugal ranks high for safety, healthcare, and climate. Cities are walkable, public transport is reliable, and the relaxed pace of life appeals to long-stay nomads. 

Portugal’s lifestyle is great for a healthy work-life balance with access to beaches, hiking, and local cafés that double as workspaces.

Coworking and community

Cities like Lisbon and Madeira host regular events for nomads, from networking breakfasts to startup workshops and surfing weekends. 

Coworking spaces like Second Home, Selina, and Heden offer an inclusive community for you to grow your career.

Benefits of the Portugal D8 Visa for freelancers & remote workers

Here’s how the Portugal D8 visa benefits freelancers and remote workers:

Schengen travel access

Holding the D8 Visa gives you access to the entire Schengen Area, so you can travel visa-free across 26 European countries. This makes Portugal an excellent base for exploration or multi-destination work stays.

Access to healthcare & public services

Once your D8 visa is converted into a residence permit, you're eligible to register with Portugal’s national public healthcare system. You get primary care, hospital services, and subsidized prescriptions, which is far less than in the U.S. or the UK.

An accessible pathway for remote professionals

The D8 visa is more accessible for remote workers. You don’t need to invest in Portuguese real estate, start a local business, or get a job offer from a Portuguese employer. 

Instead, you simply need to prove you earn a steady income from remote work and have a clean criminal record.

Full cost breakdown of the Portugal D8 Visa

Here’s a complete cost breakdown of the Portugal D8 visa:

Visa application fee

The national visa fee is around €110 per person as of 2025. But some consulates may charge €90 to €120, depending on your country. 

Residence permit fee

After arrival, you apply for a residence permit through AIMA.

Additional administrative fees

Some consulate centers, like the VFS Global Center, may charge an extra €40–€44 service fee.

Supporting document expenses

Costs for criminal records, apostilles, and document translations can vary by country. The total usually ranges from €100 to €300 or more, depending on the number of documents and processing needs.

Legal support

If you’re hiring an immigration lawyer or legal advisor, you pay between €1,000 and €3,000 for a full application package. This may include document review, strategy guidance, and support through consulate and residency steps.

Hourly consultations range from €100 to €300, depending on the lawyer’s experience.

How touchdown assists you in applying for Portugal’s digital nomad Visa

Touchdown is Portugal's leading relocation platform. Backed by a veteran team of expert lawyers, we simplify the entire relocation journey by providing everything you need to set up and thrive in your new home in an integrated, easy to use platform. You can view our D8 Digital Nomad Visa Package here.

We understand that every move is different, so whether you’re moving solo or with family, Touchdown is designed to build a plan around your goals and needs. Our free Eligibility Checker helps us identify your needs and criteria within minutes. We then blend our skilled in-house legal expertise with a platform that gives you full visibility and guidance.

From your visa application, to structuring your tax, to supporting you after you land, Touchdown turns complex immigration processes into a smooth, stress-free experience.

Here’s how Touchdown helps you meet D8 visa requirements and assists you throughout the relocation process:

Initial planning and document preparation

Use our free Eligibility Checker to see if D8 is the best visa for you. Then, we hold a 1:1 session to walk you through our visa options and services. 

We guide you through gathering all the required documents, like proof of income, remote work contracts, travel insurance, and accommodation details.

Legal review

Our legal team prepares and reviews every part of your application before submission. This includes validating your documents, reviewing translations and apostilles, and making sure everything meets immigration standards. 

We also help you schedule your consulate appointment and track your application.

Dedicated immigration lawyer

We provide a dedicated immigration lawyer with years of expertise to help you throughout your D8 visa processing and citizenship. 

Portuguese bank account setup

After your visa is issued, we assist with obtaining your Portuguese tax ID (NIF) and opening a bank account, all set up the right way from the start.

We’ve partnered with Novo Banco to offer premium bank accounts with home banking access, a dedicated manager, and fast onboarding. 

Our team handles the paperwork on your behalf, reviews your documents, and opens your account within five business days.

Tax Planning

Our in-house legal team evaluates tax eligibility for schemes like IFICI, also known as NHR 2.0, based on your income. 

Support after you land

Once you land, we help you schedule AIMA appointments, review your lease agreements, update your NIF, and set up your tax filing. 

Applying for D8 Visa: DIY vs. With Touchdown

Touchdown’s legal services for D8 Visa

Touchdown is a Portugal-registered immigration and relocation service firm with experienced professionals. Our legal team reviews every document you submit to meet Portuguese immigration standards.

We draft and process a Power of Attorney to represent you locally and handle tasks on your behalf. 

See more details about our D8 visa application package.

Your move to Portugal starts with us

Relocating to Portugal as a digital nomad shouldn’t feel like a maze of paperwork and uncertainty. Touchdown gives you expert legal support, a clear process, and everything you need to apply for the D8 Portugal visa with confidence.

Use our free Eligibility Checker to see which visa is right for you.  

Or book a 1:1 consultation with our team today!

Portugal D8 Visa FAQs

Is remote work for a U.S. Company eligible for a D8 digital nomad Visa?

Yes, working remotely for a U.S. company does qualify for Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa. You’ll need to provide an official contract or employment letter stating that your role is remote and not tied to a physical office in Portugal.

Do I need to learn portuguese for the D8 Portugal Visa?

You don’t need to learn Portuguese to obtain the D8 visa. But if you’re applying for citizenship, you must hold a basic level (A2) language certification in the Portuguese language. 

Can I apply for the Portugal D8 Visa if my employer is based in the country I’m currently living in?

Yes, if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and your employer is not based in Portugal. The D8 visa requires your income to come from outside Portugal.

For example, if you live in Brazil and work remotely for a Brazilian company, you’re still eligible because your income is foreign-sourced relative to Portugal.

What if I’m employed by a Portuguese company but work remotely?

You won’t qualify for the D8 Visa if your employer is based in Portugal. The program is designed for remote workers who earn income from non-Portuguese employers or clients. 

If your employer is registered in Portugal, use our Eligibility Checker to see which visa is right for you. 

Touchdown provides 1:1 visa consultation to help you understand your options, prepare your application, and meet all legal and compliance requirements for the new visa.