How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal

By Atif Bashir | Published July 30, 2025 | 7:30 pm | 157 views

Portugal launched the D8 Digital Nomad Visa in October 2022. This visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens, including remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, to live and work in Portugal for up to one year. The visa can be renewed and may eventually lead to permanent residency after five years.

Portugal has become a favorite destination for digital nomads because of its beautiful landscapes, modern infrastructure, affordable living, and vibrant culture.

Key Requirements

To apply for the D8 Visa, you must meet the following conditions:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Income: You must earn a minimum monthly income of €3,480 (which is four times the Portuguese minimum wage).
Employment: You need to prove that you work remotely or are self-employed/freelancer.
Accommodation: You must show proof of housing in Portugal.
Documents Required:
- A valid passport
- Health insurance that covers your stay
- A clean criminal record
- Proof of savings of at least €36,480 in your bank account

Who Can Apply?

The visa is open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. You can also include your family members:

Spouse or legal partner
Dependent children
In some cases, dependent parents

Types of Visas

1. Long-Term Residence Visa (Ideal for people planning to settle long-term):

Validity: Starts with a 4-month visa, which can be converted into a 2-year residence permit upon arrival in Portugal. This permit can be renewed for up to 3 more years.
After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship (if you meet integration and language requirements).
Application Fee: Between €75 to €90.

2. Temporary Stay Visa (For short-term digital nomads):

Validity: This visa is valid for 1 year, with multiple entries allowed, and can be renewed up to 4 times.
However, this visa does not lead to permanent residency, and family members cannot be included.

Benefits of the D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Stay in Portugal for at least one year (much better than the 90-day tourist visa).
Visa-free travel in Schengen countries: You can stay up to 90 days every 6 months in other European countries within the Schengen Zone.
After 5 years, you can apply for EU citizenship (with language and integration requirements).
Low cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and excellent education system.
English is widely spoken in big cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra.

How to Apply for the D8 Visa – Step-by-Step Process

Check your eligibility:
- Minimum monthly income of €3,480
- Must be working remotely or freelancing
Prepare your documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work or freelance contracts
- Bank statements showing savings of €36,480
- Proof of Portuguese accommodation
- Health insurance
- Clean police/criminal record
- Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)
Submit your application to the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country.
Wait for approval, receive your visa, and travel to Portugal.
Upon arrival, apply for the residence permit to stay long-term.

Cost of Living in Portugal (Per Person, Per Month)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost
Accommodation	€1,000–€2,000
Utilities	€180–€184
Groceries	€300–€500
Internet & Phone	€40–€90
Public Transport	€30–€40
Health Insurance	€20–€100

So, on average, a single person can live comfortably in Portugal with a monthly budget starting from €1,600 to €2,800, depending on lifestyle and location.

Difference Between D8 and D7 Visas

Feature	D8 Visa	D7 Visa
Income Type	Active income (remote work)	Passive income (pension, rent, etc.)
Minimum Income	€3,480/month	€820/month
Ideal For	Digital nomads, freelancers	Retirees, investors, remote earners
Duration	1–2 years, renewable	2 years, renewable

If you’re a digital nomad looking for a legal, flexible, and long-term solution to live in Europe, Portugal’s D8 Visa offers a fantastic opportunity — combining lifestyle, work freedom, and a path to EU residency.

Atif Bashir