Overview
Thinking about applying for the Portugal D8 Visa but not sure where to start?
You’re not alone—and See You in Portugal is here to help! Let’s go over everything you need to know about Portugal’s digital nomad visa, from who qualifies to how to apply (and what to expect along the way).
As an expat living in Portugal who came on the D8 Visa, I know firsthand how overwhelming the process can feel. Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this ultimate guide will make your move to Portugal a whole lot easier.
What is the Portugal D8 Visa?
The Portugal D8 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, was created for remote workers who want to live in Portugal while working for a company or clients outside the country.
It’s perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and full-time remote employees who earn a steady income and dream of swapping their home office for ocean views, cobblestone streets, and good great coffee!
- Temporary Stay Visa – This one is valid for up to 1 year and can be renewed. It’s ideal if you’re testing the waters or just planning a longer sabbatical. Think of it as a trial run!
- Residence Visa – This is a better fit if you know Portugal is where you want to be. It’s a two-step process that starts with a visa to enter Portugal, followed by a residence permit that can be renewed and eventually lead to permanent residency or even citizenship.
So, do you qualify for the D8 visa? Here’s the shortlist of who’s eligible:
- Remote workers (employees or freelancers)
- Entrepreneurs running their own business
- Earning at least €3,280 per month (4x Portugal’s minimum wage in 2024)
- Working for clients or companies based outside of Portugal
If that sounds like you, keep reading—Portugal might just be your next home base.
Benefits of the D8 Visa
The Portugal D8 Visa offers more than just the chance to work remotely—it opens the door to a better lifestyle and long-term opportunities.
Legal Residency
The D8 Visa lets you live in Portugal full-time while working for clients or employers outside the country, giving you stability and a real home base.
Access to Healthcare and Services
As a resident, you can join Portugal’s national health system, set up utilities, and access public services like schools and libraries.
Affordable Lifestyle
Portugal’s lower cost of living means you can enjoy housing, food, and healthcare at better prices compared to many other countries.
Quality of Life
With mild weather, safe cities, and welcoming communities, Portugal is consistently ranked among the best places to live.
Path to Citizenship
The D8 Visa can lead to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship, giving you the right to live and work anywhere in the EU.
Cons of the D8 Visa
While the Portugal D8 Visa has many advantages, it also comes with challenges. Below are the main drawbacks to consider before applying.
A Lot of Paperwork
Applicants must open a Portuguese bank account, obtain a NIF, and secure long-term housing—tasks that can be hard to complete from abroad.
Housing Challenges
Most consulates require proof of a 12-month rental agreement, which is difficult to secure without being in Portugal and competing with local applicants.
Tax Obligations
Spending more than 183 days per year in Portugal makes you a tax resident, meaning you may need to file returns and possibly pay local taxes.
Processing Delays
Visa approval times vary by consulate, and AIMA residence permit appointments can take weeks or months to schedule.
Residency Commitment
To maintain your D8 Visa status, you must spend most of the year in Portugal and keep a permanent address.
Family Requirements
Bringing dependents under the D8 Visa is possible but requires more documents, higher income, and careful planning for schooling and healthcare.
Eligbility Criteria
Who Is This For?
- Freelancers who want a soft-entry into the Portuguese ecosystem
- Startup-minded professionals
- Executives with no time to manage a business full-time
- Remote Employees
Validition Period
120
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3
Required Documentation
Now that we know the pros and cons of the D8 visa, let’s talk logistics. The D8 Visa opens the door to a pretty incredible lifestyle—but to get there, you’ll need to gather a decent stack of paperwork.
Don’t worry, it’s manageable (especially if you know what to expect), but it does take some prep. Here’s what you’ll need to include in your visa application.
The Application Process
Step 1: Acceptance & Documents Preparation
Before you even think about booking an appointment, take time to organize everything you’ll need for your application. Here’s a quick checklist of the most common documents:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months left before expiration)
- Proof of remote work (contract, freelance agreements, business registration, etc.)
- Proof of income (bank statements or pay slips from the past 3 months)
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Private health insurance that covers you in Portugal for at least a year
- Criminal background check (apostilled and translated into Portuguese)
- Your NIF (Portuguese tax number)
- Proof of a Portuguese bank account, often with 12 months of income already deposited
- Completed visa application form
- A passport-sized photo
- Cover letter explaining why you want to live in Portugal and how you meet the visa criteria
- Payment for the visa fee (amount varies by consulate)
Tip: Create a digital folder to keep everything scanned and labeled. It’ll save you a ton of stress later.
Step 2: Consulate Appointment
Once your documents are ready, it’s time to book an appointment at the Portuguese consulate in your home country (or the country where you have legal residence). This part can vary quite a bit depending on where you’re applying:
- Some consulates let you submit everything online first, then follow up with an in-person appointment.
- Others require you to bring everything to the appointment and submit the whole packet at once.
- A few may ask for your documents to be sent by mail in advance.
Check your consulate’s official website (and maybe even give them a call) to confirm their process—it’s not always clearly laid out.
Step 3: Submission and Interview
At your appointment, you’ll submit your documents and have a brief interview. It’s usually pretty straightforward and focused on confirming:
- What you do for work and where your income comes from
- Why you want to live in Portugal
- How you plan to support yourself
- Where you’ll be staying
They may ask a few follow-up questions about your income, job type, or family situation, but it’s generally friendly and formal.
Step 4: Application Processing
Once your application is submitted, all that’s left to do is… wait. Most applicants hear back within 6 to 12 weeks, but timelines vary depending on your consulate and the time of year.
In the meantime:
- Start researching neighborhoods and logistics for your move
- Keep checking your email (including spam) for updates
Some consulates may request additional documents during this period, so stay flexible and responsive.
Step 5: Move to Portugal and Register with AIMA
Once your D8 Visa is approved (hooray!), you’ll get a temporary visa sticker in your passport, valid for 120 days.
You may also have a AIMA appointment in your passport, which will show as a link. This link will tell you the time and AIMA location of your appointment.
If not, you will have to try to book a AIMA appointment yourself via telephone. Appointments can book up quickly, so schedule yours as soon as possible after arrival. Some people use lawyers or relocation services to help secure a spot.
In the next 120 days, you’ll move to Portugal and complete the second step: getting your residence permit.
Here’s what happens next:
- You’ll have an appointment with AIMA, Portugal’s immigration office.
- At your AIMA appointment, you’ll bring your original documents again (passport, proof of income, housing, insurance, etc.).
- If all goes well, they’ll collect your biometric data and give you a residence permit card, usually valid for 1 to 2 years.
Portugal D8 Visa Costs
- Let’s talk money—because while the Portugal D8 Visa is one of the more accessible long-stay visas in Europe, there are some costs to factor in. Between paperwork, services, and government fees, the full process can add up quickly—especially if you’re applying with a partner or kids.Here’s a breakdown of the most common expenses so you can plan (and budget) ahead:
Visa Application Fee
Expect to pay between €75–€100 per person to submit your visa application at the Portuguese consulate. The exact fee can vary slightly by country and consulate, and sometimes there’s an added fee for document handling or postage.
Tip: Check your consulate’s website to confirm the exact amount and preferred payment method (some require money orders, others accept credit card or bank transfer).
NIF and Portuguese Bank Account Setup
If you’re applying from abroad, you’ll likely need help getting your NIF (tax number) and opening a Portuguese bank account.
- NIF through a lawyer or fiscal representative: €50–€150
- Bank account setup help (if needed): €100–€250
Some expats DIY this part, but many find it easier to pay for a service that handles it all, especially if they don’t speak Portuguese.
Health Insurance
You’ll need private health insurance valid in Portugal for at least 12 months. Prices can vary depending on your age, coverage, and whether you’re applying solo or as a family.
- Average monthly premium: €40–€100 per adult
- Total for 12 months: €480–€1,200+ per person
Make sure the policy meets visa requirements, including repatriation coverage.
Legal Assistance (Optional)
Hiring a lawyer or visa consultant isn’t required, but it can make the process much less stressful—especially if you’re navigating everything from abroad or applying as a family.
- Expect to pay between €500–€2,000+, depending on the level of support you choose (some offer full packages that include NIF, housing assistance, and AIMA booking).
AIMA Residence Permit Fee
After you arrive in Portugal, you’ll attend your AIMA appointment and pay a fee to receive your residence card. The current AIMA fee is €109.30 per application. Please note that permit fees may change.
Other Costs to Consider
- Translations & apostilles: Documents like your criminal background check will need to be translated into Portuguese and legalized. Budget €50–€150, depending on how many documents you need translated.
- Housing deposits: If you’re signing a 12-month lease, be prepared for 2–3 months’ rent upfront (first month, last month, and security deposit).
- Flights & relocation costs: These vary widely but are worth factoring into your overall budget.
In total, a solo applicant should budget €1,000–€2,500+ for the full visa process—not including housing or flights. Families should expect to spend more, especially with higher income requirements and multiple residence cards.
While it’s an investment up front, the long-term benefits—legal residency, access to healthcare, and the chance to build a life in Portugal—are well worth it for many digital nomads.
How Can We Help You
- Acceptance & Admission Support
- Visa document preparation
- Legal assistance and translations
- NIF and health insurance registration
- Accommodation search
- SEF appointment booking
- Family reunification process
Let us simplify your move and take care of the bureaucracy, so you can focus on your study. Ready to Start?