Overview
The D8 is Portugal's dedicated visa for remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Portugal. It comes in two flavours: a temporary-stay visa valid up to 12 months, and a residency visa that lets you collect a renewable residence permit once you arrive.
Most long-term nomads choose the residency track because the time accrued counts toward permanent residency and citizenship eligibility after five years — one of the few nomad routes in the world that does.
Editor's note — Portugal is one of the only nomad visas worldwide where time spent can count toward citizenship — making it a strategic choice for those seeking an EU passport long-term.
Who is eligible
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national working remotely for clients or an employer based outside Portugal.
- Demonstrable monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (lease, property deed or hosting declaration).
- Clean criminal record certificate and valid health insurance.
- Portuguese tax number (NIF) and a local bank account for the residency route.
Income & financial requirements
Roughly 4× the national minimum wage; higher with dependants.
About 12× the minimum wage held in an accessible account.
Added to the income threshold for an accompanying partner.
Added for each dependent child included in the application.
The income bar is set as a multiple of the Portuguese minimum wage and therefore rises each year. For 2026 the headline figure is roughly €3,680 per month for a single applicant, evidenced over the prior three to twelve months via contracts, invoices and bank statements.
On top of recurring income, consulates want to see liquid savings equivalent to about twelve months of the minimum wage (~€11,040) to prove you can self-support.
Costs & fees
- Consular visa fee of roughly €75–90, plus the residence-permit issuance fee (around €170) once in Portugal.
- Private health insurance for the first year (~€20–100/month depending on coverage and age).
- Document apostilles, certified translations and the NIF/bank-account setup, which many applicants outsource to a local lawyer or relocation service.
Taxes
Spending more than 183 days in Portugal generally makes you a Portuguese tax resident on worldwide income. The former Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme has been replaced by the narrower IFICI / NHR 2.0 regime aimed at certain high-value and scientific activities.
Standard Portuguese income tax is progressive (up to 48%). Because rules are individual to your situation, model your liability with a Portuguese accountant before committing to residency.
How to apply
Gather documents
Assemble proof of income, savings, accommodation, insurance, a clean criminal record and your NIF.
Apply at the consulate
Submit the D8 application at the Portuguese consulate covering your country of residence.
Enter Portugal
Travel on the issued visa, which is valid for the initial entry window.
Collect your residence permit
Attend your AIMA appointment in Portugal to receive the renewable residence card.
Duration & renewal
The temporary-stay visa lasts up to one year. On the residency track you receive a residence permit valid for two years, renewable for a further three. After five years of legal residence you may apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Bringing family
Spouses, dependent children and dependent parents can be included. Each dependant raises the income requirement (+50% for a spouse, +30% per child) and the family enjoys the same residency rights.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Direct path to EU permanent residency and citizenship
- Low cost of living versus Western Europe
- Large, established nomad community and English widely spoken
- Schengen-wide travel
Considerations
- Worldwide taxation if you become tax resident
- AIMA appointment backlogs can delay residence cards
- Income threshold rises with the minimum wage each year
- Housing costs in Lisbon and Porto have risen sharply