D8 Digital Nomad Visa Portugal 2025 – Remote Work Residency
Work remotely from Portugal while serving international clients. The D8 visa is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote employees who want legal residency in one of Europe's most attractive destinations.
What is the D8 Digital Nomad Visa?
The D8 visa (Digital Nomad Visa) is Portugal's residency permit for remote workers who earn income from international sources. Introduced in 2022, it allows freelancers, contractors, and remote employees to live legally in Portugal while continuing to work for clients or employers outside the country.
Key requirement: Monthly income of at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage (~€3,510/month in 2025) from remote work activities.
Income Requirements
D8 Visa Income Requirements (2025)
Qualifying income sources: Remote employment with international companies, freelance/consulting income from international clients, business income from companies registered outside Portugal. Income must be from work performed remotely—not passive income like investments.
Single Applicant – ~€3,510/month
Proof of monthly income equivalent to at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage from remote work.
Spouse/Partner – +50%
Additional 50% of the base requirement for your spouse or partner (~€1,755/month).
Each Child – +30%
Additional 30% of the base requirement for each dependent child (~€1,053/month per child).
Benefits
Main Benefits of the D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Legal Remote Work Status
Work legally for international clients while living in Portugal—no grey areas or tourist visa hopping.
Full Residency Rights
Access public services, open bank accounts, sign rental contracts, and establish a real base in Portugal.
Family Inclusion
Include spouse and dependent children in your application. Your family gets the same residency rights.
Schengen Mobility
Travel freely throughout the 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Path to Citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence, apply for Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport.
Quality of Life
Enjoy Portugal's climate, safety, vibrant digital nomad community, and affordable cost of living.
Comparison
D8 vs D7: Which Visa Do You Need?
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
- ✓ For active remote work income
- ! Higher threshold: €3,510/month
- ✓ Freelancers, contractors, remote employees
- ✓ Can continue building your career
- ✓ Path to citizenship after 5 years
D7 Passive Income Visa
- ✓ For passive income (pensions, dividends)
- ✓ Lower threshold: €760/month
- ✓ Retirees, investors, financially independent
- ! Not designed for active work income
- ✓ Path to citizenship after 5 years
Bottom line: If you're actively working remotely, choose D8. If you have passive income and want to retire or live off investments, choose D7.
Requirements
D8 Visa Eligibility Requirements
We review your specific situation during the initial consultation to ensure your income sources and work arrangements qualify for the D8 visa.
Remote Work Income
Proof of income from remote work for international clients/employers (contracts, invoices, bank statements).
Employment Documentation
Employment contract, freelance contracts, or proof of business registration outside Portugal.
Accommodation in Portugal
Proof of housing—rental agreement (12 months) or property ownership.
Clean Criminal Record
No serious criminal offences in Portugal or your country of residence.
Health Insurance
Valid health insurance covering Portugal for at least the initial period.
Our Process
Step-by-Step D8 Visa Process
Step 1 – Eligibility Assessment
We review your remote work situation, income documentation, and client/employer arrangements to confirm D8 eligibility.
Step 2 – NIF and Bank Account
We help you obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account for rental and utility payments.
Step 3 – Documentation Preparation
We gather and prepare all documents: employment contracts, income proof, criminal records, insurance, and translations.
Step 4 – Consulate Application
We prepare your visa application and guide you through the consular interview in your country of residence.
Step 5 – Arrival and Residence Permit
After visa approval, you enter Portugal and apply for your residence permit (valid 2 years, renewable). We assist with AIMA appointments.
Why Choose Us
How Our Law Firm Helps Digital Nomads
We provide end-to-end legal support for remote workers navigating Portuguese immigration.
Income Documentation Strategy
We help structure your proof of income—whether from multiple clients, a single employer, or a mix of freelance and contract work.
Contract Review
We review your employment or freelance contracts to ensure they meet Portuguese consular requirements for the D8 visa.
Full Application Support
We prepare all forms, coordinate translations and apostilles, and ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Tax Coordination
We work alongside tax advisors to help you understand Portuguese tax obligations and potential benefits for remote workers.
Common Questions
D8 Digital Nomad Visa FAQs (2025)
What is the minimum income for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa?
The D8 requires proof of monthly income of at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage—approximately €3,510/month in 2025. This must come from remote work for clients or employers outside Portugal.
Can I work for a Portuguese company on the D8 visa?
No. The D8 is specifically for remote work with international clients or employers. If you want to work for a Portuguese company, you would need a standard work visa or employer sponsorship.
What is the difference between the D8 and D7 visa?
The D7 is for passive income (pensions, dividends, rentals) while the D8 is for active remote work income. The D8 has a higher income threshold (4x minimum wage vs 1x) but is designed for working professionals.
Do I need to pay taxes in Portugal with a D8 visa?
Yes. As a tax resident in Portugal, you'll be subject to Portuguese income tax. However, you may qualify for special tax regimes. We recommend consulting with a tax advisor.
Can I include my family in the D8 application?
Yes. You can include your spouse/partner and dependent children. Additional income requirements apply (typically 50% extra for spouse, 30% per child).
How long does D8 visa processing take?
Consular processing typically takes 30-60 days. After approval, you enter Portugal and apply for your residence permit. The full process is usually 3-6 months.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through the D8 visa?
Yes. After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level).
Do I need to live full-time in Portugal with the D8?
Yes. The D8 requires you to be primarily based in Portugal. You cannot be absent for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 months total per year.
Ready to Work Remotely from Portugal?
Contact us for a free D8 visa consultation. We'll review your remote work situation, explain the requirements, and guide you through the application process.