Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa): 2025 Guide

Portugal has become hugely popular among those who want to live, work, or retire in a foreign country. Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa is an attractive prospect for those who can do their jobs online.

The D8 Visa allows digital nomads or remote workers to legally reside in Portugal while working for foreign clients or companies. The key requirements include a stable income from remote or freelance work and submitting documentation such as employment contracts or proof of self-employment.

In this article, we’ll explore why this visa offers an excellent opportunity for digital nomads, the requirements for a successful application, and some of the best places to live in Portugal as a remote worker.

Key Benefits for Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Holders

Ranking among the best Western European countries with digital nomad visas, here are some of the key advantages of Digital Nomad Visas in Portugal:

Right to live and work in Portugal

With this temporary stay visa, you can live in Portugal legally for a specific duration, typically up to one year. For comparison, the tourist visa (Schengen visa) allows you to stay in the country for 90 days every three months.

Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel across many European countries. Those holding a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal can enjoy the benefit of traveling visa-free to other European Union member states.

Pathway to EU citizenship

After five years of legal residence in Portugal, digital nomads can apply for permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship. Please note that you must pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level) to become a Portuguese citizen.

Family reunification

The long-stay version of the visa allows for family reunification. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa applicants can bring family members, such as their spouse or dependent child, to live in Portugal with them.

Access to public services in Portugal

Holders of the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa have access to public services in Portugal, including healthcare, education, and other social benefits.

Portuguese Nationality Law Update: June 2025

New changes to Portugal’s Nationality Laws have been proposed, where the residency requirement before applying for nationality may increase from five to ten years (or seven years for CPLP nationals). This is currently a draft proposal and is not yet officially law. Read the latest updates on the Portugeuse Nationality Law.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Several criteria must be met to be eligible for the D8 Visa, but the most important ones involve proving you work remotely and meeting the minimum income threshold. Here are the main eligibility criteria to get a Digital Nomad Visa to Portugal:

• Your age should be over 18 years old.
• You are to be a non-EU and non-EEA citizen.
• You must have fully remote work on a permanent contract, freelance for a company that isn’t based in Portugal, or be self-employed with clients outside Portugal.
• You have to prove the total income from all sources is at least €3,480.
• You will need an additional €10,440 in savings in your bank account.

Portugal D8 Visa minimum income requirements

The minimum income requirement for the D8 Visa is a crucial criterion that ensures applicants have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Portugal.

This requirement is designed to demonstrate that you can live comfortably in Portugal without relying on local employment or social assistance. Here are some key income requirements to be aware of:

• Additional minimum income: In addition to the €3,480 per month and €10,440 in savings, you will need additional income if you include family members in your visa. In this case, add 50 percent for a dependent spouse or parent and 25 percent for a dependent child.
• Proof of income can be through recent bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns.
• Stable income: Show consistent deposits over the past three to six months from remote work or business activities.
• Foreign source: Income must come from a source outside Portugal.

Portugal D8 Visa requirements: Proving you work remotely

Your proof of remote work is by far the most important criterion to fulfill, and this can be evidenced in different ways:

• Employment contract from a non-Portuguese company stating remote work
• Freelance agreements with foreign clients, including scope of work, duration, payment terms, and proof of ongoing contracts
• Proof of business ownership, such as registration documents, income evidence, and description of remote operations from a business registered outside Portugal
• Bank statements showing consistent income from remote employment, freelance work, or business activities

Portugal remote work visa required documents

In addition to the various requirements for the Portugal remote work visa outlined above, you must also include the following documents in your application:

• Portugal D8 Visa application form
• Cover letter explaining the purpose of your Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa application
• Valid passport
• Two recent passport photos
• Proof of regular income that meets the minimum requirements
• Latest three bank statements confirming the applicant’s monthly income
• Latest tax return or tax receipts
• Work contract, letter of employment, or partnership agreement
• Latest three payslips
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• Certificate of a clean criminal record.
• Proof of valid health insurance coverage
• Proof of Digital Nomad Visa fee payment

Digital Nomad Visa Types

Remote employees can apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa in one of two categories within the visa:

1. The Temporary Visa for short stays

A temporary stay visa is aimed at remote workers who plan to stay in Portugal temporarily or would like to experience life in the country before committing to staying long-term.

• Validity duration: One year, with multiple entries allowed
• Renewals: Up to four times, but it cannot lead to permanent residency
• Family inclusion: Not possible
• Income requirement: At least €3,480 per month

2. The Long-Term Residency Visa for a residency permit

A residency permit allows remote workers to stay in the country for a longer term. Once you’ve held this visa for five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet all the requirements.

• Validity duration: Two years, with multiple entries allowed
• Renewals: Renewable for another three years, then you may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship (after five years in total)
• Family inclusion: Yes, family members may be included
• Income requirement: At least €3,480 per month
• Visa application fees: €75 – €90

Which family members qualify for the Long-Term Residency Visa?

• Your spouse or committed partner
• 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 Requirements: Accommodation

Another key requirement of your visa application is to provide evidence of your accommodation in Portugal, which can be a rental agreement, a lease, a property deed if you own a home in Portugal, or a letter of invitation from a host if you plan to stay with someone.

For a temporary stay visa, you need a rental lease of at least four months, and for a long-stay visa, you need a lease of at least 12 months. The documentation should clearly state the address of the property, the duration of the rental or stay, and the names of the tenants or occupants. If you are renting, the agreement should also include the rental amount and payment terms.

If you are staying with a friend or family member, you may need a signed declaration from your host confirming that they will provide accommodation. This declaration should include their address, the duration of your stay, and their contact details.

How to find a place to stay in Portugal?

When it comes to finding the best places in Portugal for digital nomads, there are several options to consider. Do you want to live alone, with other digital nomads, or in shared accommodation? Keep in mind that prices will vary based on your preferences and the location you choose.

The real estate market in Portugal has seen significant investment, especially in Lisbon and Porto. In these cities, you can find new Airbnb units that are perfect for digital nomads. In coastal areas, there are comfortable hotels and hostels just a short walk from the beach.

If you venture further inland, it may be more challenging to find suitable accommodation. You can also find apartments through a quick Google search, on Booking.com, on Digitalnomads.pt, and on Facebook. Additionally, consider joining digital nomad Facebook groups, as there are a few in Lisbon and Porto.

Here at Goldcrest, we offer a property rental search service, which is perfect if you would prefer a property professional who knows the local area to find a rental home for you. This will take the stress and uncertainty out of finding a place to live.

Digital Nomad Visa Portugal: Best Places to Live

Portugal boasts an array of stunning destinations, from the vibrant energy of Lisbon and the historical charm of Porto to the serene coastal towns along the Silver Coast. There is much to entice expats, and we will highlight some of our top picks.

Lisbon

There is no place in the world like Lisbon. With excellent food and popular nightlife, there is a vibrant buzz around Lisbon that makes it very difficult not to enjoy yourself in the city.

Whether you are looking for a historic, quiet neighborhood or a more happening neighborhood, the capital of Portugal will have you covered. You can see our guide to the best neighborhoods in Lisbon for a more in-depth look.

Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in the country, is a vibrant and energetic place to live in Northern Portugal. Porto is more affordable than Lisbon, so it is perfect for those with a tighter budget who still want access to modern city amenities and a large expat network.

One thing is for sure: The Douro River and the lit-up wine houses that you can see from the riverside make the city very special, and the abundance of coworking spaces make it a favorite with expats. See our Porto neighborhoods guide to explore the city in detail.

Ericeira and Peniche

Ericeira probably tops the list for being a digital nomad on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Ericeira is popular with surfers and is gradually becoming a digital nomad hub with excellent accommodation and coworking spaces to enjoy.

An added bonus is that Ericeira is less than an hour away from Lisbon, so you will also be able to enjoy the perks of the city; plus, the Ericeira Portugal real estate market offers a range of property types, with many offering stunning ocean views.

Peniche is also an excellent location, a quiet place to live that feels very local, but that also has very good surf spots. Peniche also offers great coworking spaces for remote workers.

The Algarve

There are many locations in the Algarve that are geared up for digital expats. From Faro in the center of the Algarve to Lagos, in the west, the Algarve provides you with the sun, beaches, vibrant nightlife, watersports, and a very good nightlife scene.

Coimbra

Coimbra is probably the best for digital nomads who really need to focus, as the city has a quiet town vibe.

Nonetheless, as a student city (with the University of Coimbra, the oldest university in Portugal) there are also many restaurants, bars, and the social scene can be excellent. To top it off, Coimbra has some of the best architecture in the country, excellent for inspiration and to get ideas flowing.

To the northeast of Coimbra, Guarda is also a top city to consider relocating to, with properties in this part of Portugal extremely affordable. Check out our article on Buying Property in Guarda for more information.

Application Process: How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa

The process for applying for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa is somewhat similar to applying for the D7 Passive Income Visa, the D2 Entrepreneur Visa, and the Portuguese Golden Visa. In all instances, you must gather the required documents and apply through the Portuguese Consulate in your country. Here are the steps for how to get a Digital Nomad Visa:

Step 1: Before you begin your Portugal D8 Visa application, make sure you have all the required documents ready. If you are using documents issued by non-EU countries in another country, they need to be officially authenticated by an Apostille from the country of issuance.

Step 2: Complete the Application for National Visa form with detailed personal and financial information. Make sure that the information on the form matches the details in your supporting documents. Also, specify how you would like your passport to be returned to you after the application process.

Step 3: Remember to submit your application, supporting documents, and the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa fee at your local Portuguese Consulate. In some countries, you can book an appointment with VFS Global, which operates as the official partner of the Embassy of Portugal and functions like a local Portuguese Embassy.

Step 4: Your visa is usually processed in 60 days. After your Digital Nomad Visa is approved, you will receive a confirmation email. You can collect your passport and Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa from the location where you applied, or you can choose to have them sent to you via secure post. 

You can now legally enter Portugal and start working remotely in Portugal as a Digital Nomad. If you have a Long-Term Residency Visa, you will be able to apply for a residence permit with AIMA.

Digital Nomad Visa cost

The exact visa fees for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application may vary depending on your country of application and local currency fluctuations. However, the application fee for the Digital Nomad Visa is generally €75 – €90, while the residence permit fee is €170.

Please note that there may be additional costs for document authentication through Apostille, translation, and certification of translated documents. These expenses can vary significantly from country to country.

Banking in Portugal

If you are a digital nomad planning to move to Portugal, it is best to register with one of the international banks in the country. They will have an advanced banking system that includes one of the most advanced collaborative bank networks in the world through Multibanco. 

You are able to open a Portuguese bank account online, but you will first need to secure your NIF number in Portugal (Portuguese tax number). The best digital banks to consider are N26, Bunq, and Revolut. You can have constant access to your funds and instant updates on your accounts. 

Quick Tips for Digital Nomads in Portugal and How to Save Money

Working out the ins and outs of any country can be difficult at first, and Portugal is no different. Here are some tips, tricks, and useful information for making the most of being a digital nomad in the country.

• Portugal has a very good healthcare system, and the faculty also extends to digital nomads. If you have jumped through all the residency formalities, then you will be able to access the healthcare system in Portugal.
• If you are thinking about a longer-term plan, it is relatively straightforward to buy property in Portugal. Given the popularity of Portugal, you can even get some very attractive returns on investments.
• Try to shop locally and avoid buying imported products to save money.
• Country markets and stalls offer excellent produce, where you are helping the local businesses and will often find cheaper products and establish relationships with the seller.
• Portugal offers some of the best coworking spaces for remote workers, especially in digital nomad hotspots like Lisbon, Porto, Ericeira, and Peniche. From lively hubs like Porto i/o to quieter spots like Largo in Peniche, there’s a space to suit every work style.
• Portugal has one of the fastest internet connection speeds in the world, with an upload speed of 17.09 megabits per second and a download speed of 135.11 megabits per second. There is an extensive network of Wi-Fi hotspots, excellent internet cafés, brunch places, and hostels.

Remote Work Visa Portugal: Other Residency Visa Options

How to get Portuguese residency other than through the Digital Nomad Visa? If you think that you will spend more than one year in Portugal, then consider the Portugal D2 Visa and the Portugal D7 Visa.

A third type, the Portugal Golden Visa, is also an option if you are looking to invest a substantial amount of money into Portugal in return for residency. There are a variety of investment options, such as job creation, investment funds, or the cultural production visa Portugal, whereby you can secure a Golden Visa by investing in an eligible cultural project.

The Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa is perfect for you if you are looking to establish a business presence in Portugal or carry out business activities in the country. Some form of investment is needed and business activities qualify.

This visa type is good for entrepreneurs who intend to use Portugal as their base country. You can also apply for the Portugal D2 Visa as an independent worker. To be eligible, you will need to show proof of your services.

Portugal D7 Visa

The Portugal D7 Visa allows you to live in Portugal without the need to have any investment activities or business presence in the country. This visa is very good for retirees, but as a digital nomad, you can still benefit from this visa type.

You will simply need to show that you have passive income amounting to at least €870 per month and show your bank statements for the past six months to testify to this.

Passive income can include investment funds, rental income from properties that you own, share dividends, and royalties. In essence, you need to demonstrate that you are able to live in Portugal through your passive income.

D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal: What’s the difference?

The main difference between these two visa options is that the D7 Visa is for individuals with passive income like pensions or rental earnings, while the D8 Visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers earning active income from a source outside Portugal.

The D8 Visa requires a higher income threshold (four times the Portuguese minimum wage), but both visas offer a path to residency and the chance to live in Portugal long-term.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.