The Digital Nomad Residence Permit, commonly referred to as the D8 Visa, was introduced by the Portuguese government in 2022.

This visa/residence permit is tailored for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to reside in Portugal while engaging in remote work for entities outside the country.​

The D8 Visa offers two distinct pathways.

Temporary Stay Visa: Allows for a stay of up to one year, suitable for those seeking a shorter-term experience in Portugal.​

Residency Visa: Grants an initial four-month visa, during which the holder must apply for a two-year residence permit, renewable for an additional three years.​

Both options require proof of remote work and sufficient income, providing flexibility for digital nomads to choose the path that best suits their lifestyle and long-term plans.​

• Legal Residency: Live and work in Portugal legally while maintaining employment with foreign entities.​
• Schengen Area Access: Enjoy visa-free travel across 26 European countries within the Schengen Zone.​
• Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: After five years of legal residence, applicants may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting additional requirements.​
• Access to Public Services: Benefit from Portugal’s national healthcare and education systems, legal protections, and the ability to work as an independent professional.​
• Family Reunification: Immediate family members, including spouses, dependent children, and parents, can join the primary permit holder in Portugal.​

To qualify for the D8 Visa, applicants must:

• Be a non-EU/EEA national.
• Engage in remote work: Employed or self-employed individuals providing services to entities outside Portugal.​
• Demonstrate sufficient income: A minimum monthly income equal to four times the Portuguese minimum wage (Euro 870 as of January 2025), with higher thresholds applicable for dependents.​
• Provide proof of accommodation: A rental agreement, property deed, or hotel booking covering the intended stay in Portugal.​
• Have a clean criminal record: Provide criminal record certificates from the country of origin and any country of residence for the past year.​
• Other requirements apply (Taxpayer number, bank account and health insurance).

Application Process

Step 1 – Obtaining an entry Visa

The D8 entry visa must be issued by the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s country of origin or residence. Some countries have outsourced part of this process to third-party visa processing centers. The process and paperwork vary by country but often include an interview, the filing of forms, and the submission of documentation.​

Step 2 – Obtaining a residence permit

Upon arrival in Portugal, applicants must apply for a residence permit with the Foreigners and Borders Authorities (AIMA) within 120 days of the visa issue date. The residence permit is typically valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years.​

The holder of the residence permit is required to remain in Portugal for the majority of the year and may not be absent for more than six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months during the validity of the permit. However, travel abroad is permitted for professional or personal reasons, subject to justification.

First Residency Permit: Initially granted for two years.

Renewal: Can be renewed for an additional three years, provided minimum stay requirements are met.

Permanent Residency or Citizenship: After five years, residents can apply for either permanent residency or citizenship, provided they meet the necessary requirements, including demonstrating integration into the Portuguese community and passing a basic Portuguese language test.

D8 Visa holders and their families are expected to qualify as tax residents in Portugal upon meeting the minimum stay requirements.

As a tax resident, worldwide income will become subject to Portuguese taxation. The IFICI, a special Personal Income Tax was put in place to attract high-skilled professionals using tax breaks.

Navigating the application process and the consequences of moving to Portugal can be complex, and our experienced legal team is here to simplify the journey for you.

We provide expert assistance in:

• Gathering and verifying required documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with financial and legal requirements.
• Handling the visa application and renewal process.
• Advising on tax implications and residency obligations.
• Advising on estate law implications.
• Advising on employment law and other implications that may arise for companies with staff or decision makers in Portugal.

If you wish to engage our team to assist you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

The information contained in this webpage is not to be used in place of proper and complete professional advice, as it does not constitute a binding legal opinion nor does it not consider the particularities of your case.