Articles on: Europe

Portugal — Digital Nomad Visa (D8): Everything you need to live and work remotely in Portugal

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Portugal (the essentials)

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most attractive bases for remote professionals: a mild climate, welcoming culture, and lively DN hubs in Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira. Legally, the country offers the D8 “Digital Nomad” route in two flavors—Temporary Stay and Residence—so you can choose a short or multi-year plan. (vistos.mne.gov.pt)


What is the D8 Digital Nomad Visa?

A migration route for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely for foreign employers/clients (employees or freelancers). There are two pathways:

  • Temporary Stay visa (up to 1 year) — ideal for short stays. (Global Citizen Solutions)
  • Residence route (consular visa → residence permit: initial 2 years, then renewals that can total 5 years and lead to permanent residence/citizenship). (Global Citizen Solutions)


Who regulates and processes it

  • Abroad (visa): Portuguese consulates/embassies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE). Official visa category listing includes “Remote Work / Digital Nomad.” (vistos.mne.gov.pt)
  • In Portugal (residence permit): since Oct 29, 2023, the former SEF was replaced by AIMA – Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (you’ll complete biometrics/permits with AIMA after you arrive). (Government of Portugal)

Official portals


The D8 sits within Portugal’s Aliens Act (Law 23/2007) as amended by Law 18/2022, which introduced the explicit remote-work route and split Temporary Stay vs Residence tracks. (Use the law link below for the consolidated amendment.) (vistos.mne.gov.pt)


Duration & renewals (at a glance)

  • Temporary Stay (D8 TS): up to 12 months, intended as non-renewable short stay. (Global Citizen Solutions)
  • Residence track (D8 RV): consular visa → residence permit valid 2 years, then renewals (commonly to a total of 5 years), after which you may apply for permanent residence; citizenship is typically possible after 5+ years of legal residence. (Global Citizen Solutions)


Financial threshold (2025)

Portugal requires income ≥ 4× the national minimum wage for D8. As the national minimum wage rose to €870/month on Jan 1, 2025, the reference income floor is ~€3,480/month for the main applicant (consulates may round figures). Always check your consulate’s checklist. (portugal.gov.pt)


Core eligibility & documents (what authorities actually ask for)

  • Proof of remote work:
    • Employee: contract with a non-Portuguese employer + letter authorizing remote work from Portugal.
    • Freelancer: contracts/letters with foreign clients. (Portuguese MFA lists the category as Remote Work/Digital Nomad.) (vistos.mne.gov.pt)
  • Income evidence meeting ≥ 4× minimum wage (e.g., recent bank statements, payslips, contracts). (portugal.gov.pt)
  • Health insurance valid in Portugal.
  • Clean criminal record (apostilled/legalized as required).
  • Proof of accommodation (lease, long-stay booking, or invitation).
  • Translations/legalizations where applicable (per consulate instructions).

(Consulates publish exact, up-to-date checklists and fee tables.) (vistos.mne.gov.pt)

Tip: Many practical steps (lease, bank, utilities) are easier with a Portuguese NIF (tax number). While not always a visa prerequisite, it’s often requested during settlement and for residence-permit logistics.


Step-by-step application

Path A — Temporary Stay (up to 1 year)

  1. Book a consular appointment (MNE network). (vistos.mne.gov.pt)
  2. Gather docs: remote-work proof, income (≥4× MW), insurance, criminal record, accommodation, passport, translations/legalizations.
  3. Submit & pay fees; complete biometrics if required.
  4. Travel to Portugal with your D8 Temporary Stay visa (valid up to 12 months). (Global Citizen Solutions)

Path B — Residence (multi-year)

  1. Apply at a Portuguese consulate for the D8 Residence visa (the visa is short-validity for entry). (vistos.mne.gov.pt)
  2. Enter Portugal and schedule your AIMA appointment to obtain a 2-year residence card. (Government of Portugal)
  3. Renew as eligible until reaching 5 years, then consider permanent residence and later citizenship. (Global Citizen Solutions)


Advantages of the D8

  • Clear legal route tailored for remote work (employees or freelancers). (vistos.mne.gov.pt)
  • Choose short stay or multi-year residence (PR/citizenship track after 5–6 years). (Global Citizen Solutions)
  • Strong DN ecosystems (Lisbon, Porto, Madeira’s Digital Nomad Village), solid internet, and a cost of living lower than much of Western Europe.



QUESTRAVEL’s take

Most refusals we see come from unclear income proof (not cleanly meeting the 4× threshold) and weak remote-work letters (not explicit about foreign payer and the fully remote nature of the work). Our concierge team builds consulate-specific packs, validates translations/legalizations, and sequences your AIMA steps so your residence card comes through without drama.

💡 Ready to make Portugal your base? Book a 1:1 with QUESTRAVEL at fromquestravel.com and we’ll craft your checklist, timeline, and city plan (Lisbon/Porto/Madeira/Algarve) around your lifestyle.

Updated on: 03/11/2025