Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Frequently asked questions

• Does Portugal have a Digital Nomad Visa?

  Yes, Portugal started issuing special Digital Nomad Visas for non-EU remote workers and freelancers in October 2022. The requirement is to earn at least €3,680 per month. It takes about 90+ days to obtain this visa.

  The D8 visa is one of the long-term visa types to Portugal for work and investigation.

• What are Portugal Digital Nomad Visa types?

  The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, sometimes also referred to unofficially as the Portugal Freelance Visa, is a national type D visa offered in two forms: the temporary stay visa and the residency visa.

  The temporary stay visa is valid for up to 12 months and allows multiple entries to and from Portugal. It is renewable, but holders must leave the country and reapply through a Portuguese consulate.

  The residency visa is designed for those planning to live in Portugal long term. It is initially valid for 4 months with two entries permitted. Once in Portugal, the holder can apply for a 2-year residence permit, renewable for another 3 years.

• What is the minimum income for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

  The minimum required income for digital nomads is €3,680 a month.

• How much does a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa cost?

  The applicant’s costs to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal include purchasing or renting a residential property and related taxes. In addition, the applicant gets health insurance and pays fees for visa applications and residence permit cards. The total cost depends on the applicant’s family composition. To learn more, get an individual cost calculation.

• Can my spouse, children or parents be included in my Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application?

  Yes. The D8 visa allows family reunification. You can include your spouse or partner, dependent children under 30, and dependent parents.

• What documents do I need for a Digital Nomad Visa to Portugal?

  To obtain a Portugal “nomad visa”, one must present an employment contract proving that the applicant works remotely or another type of agreement appropriate for a digital nomad.

  Aside from that, a digital nomad in Portugal presents their passport, health insurance, bank statements, and other documents:

  1. Two colour photos 4.5 × 3.5 cm in size.
  2. An English motivation letter explaining why the applicant wants to move to Portugal.
  3. A work contract and other agreements proving that the applicant works remotely.
  4. Tax return statements or tax receipts.
  5. Proof of sufficient funds to reside in Portugal — a bank statement showing at least the last 12 salaries of the digital nomad. In 2026, the account balance should be no less than €11,040.
  6. A certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence.
  7. Proof of kinship between family members: marriage or birth certificates.
  8. A rental agreement or a certificate of real estate ownership in Portugal.
  9. Tickets to Portugal on the approximate date of arrival with the visa.
  10. A NIF registration certificate.
• How to apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

  To get a Digital Nomad Visa, foreigners collect the required documents and submit them to the Portuguese consulate in the country of their citizenship or residence. The processing of the visa takes about 90 business days.

• What are the most common reasons for refusal of a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

  Rejections typically occur because of incomplete documentation, failing to prove the minimum monthly income of €3,680, lack of sufficient savings, failure to provide a valid criminal record certificate, or discrepancies found during Due Diligence checks.

• Is Portugal good for digital nomads?

  Yes, Portugal is good for digital nomads, allowing them to apply for a residence permit as soon as the visa is ready. Residency cards are issued within 4+ months.

  Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and provides numerous opportunities for remote work, from multiple and accessible WiFi spots to sea getaways.

• What are the best places in Portugal for digital nomads?

  Portugal’s warm climate, safe environment, and strong economy make it a natural draw for remote workers. With the Digital Nomad Visa, professionals can move there and enjoy both work and lifestyle opportunities.

  Lisbon stands out as a major hub for nomads. The city is full of coworking spots, cultural activities, and a lively tech scene, while Porto appeals to those who prefer a quieter pace of life. It’s more affordable than the capital and mixes medieval charm with modern workspaces.

  Cascais offers a slower rhythm by the coast. Here, digital nomads can choose between minimalist coworking spaces or places surrounded by nature, making it easier to balance focus with relaxation.

• How much does it cost to live in Portugal as a digital nomad?

  €2,000 is the standard monthly expense for a single digital nomad, including renting, all the utilities, food and entertainment[1]. However, Portugal Digital Nomad Visa applicants prove they earn at least €3,680 per month.

• Can I work for a Portuguese company while holding the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

  No. The D8 visa is only for remote workers employed by foreign companies, freelancers, or self-employed professionals. If you wish to work for a Portuguese employer, you will need to change your status to a work residence permit.

• Are digital nomads taxed in Portugal?

  Yes, remote workers and freelancers in Portugal who moved there with a Digital Nomad Visa pay taxes there. They must stay in Portugal for at least 1.5 years in a row or 16 months in total while holding the first residence permit to be able to renew it. Therefore, tax obligations may arise as foreigners become Portuguese tax residents after spending at least 183 days a year in the country.

  Portuguese residents pay taxes at a progressive scale. The rate depends on the taxpayer’s annual income.

• How much tax do digital nomads pay in Portugal?

  Digital Nomads pay the same taxes in Portugal as other residents of the country. A foreigner starts paying taxes after they become a tax resident, which happens if they spend over 183 days a year in the country. The income tax rate in Portugal is 12.5—48%, depending on the taxpayer’s income.

• What happens if I cannot meet the minimum 183‑day presence requirement in Portugal?

  You risk not being able to renew your residence permit or to qualify for permanent residence or citizenship. To renew your D8 residence card, you must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2-year validity period.

• Can I switch from the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa to permanent residence or citizenship?

  Yes. Holders of the D8 visa can apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, provided they have maintained their residence status. They must also meet the required physical presence: at least 16 months during the first 2 years, and 28 months during the following 3 years.

• What is the difference between the D7 and D8 visas in Portugal?

  The D8 is designed for freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who can prove an active monthly income of at least €3,680.

  In contrast, the D7 visa is intended for foreigners living off passive income, such as rent, dividends, interest, royalties, or pensions, with a minimum monthly income requirement of €920.

  Both visas require proof of €11,040 in savings and accommodation in Portugal, whether rented or owned. Family members can be included under either programme, and both provide a path to permanent residency and citizenship.

• How do Egyptians get a Portugal Digital Nomad visa?

  If an Egyptian citizen can work remotely and earns more than €3,680 a month, they can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal.

  The process of getting a Portugal Remote Work Visa and a residence permit is the following:

  1. Get a Portuguese taxpayer number through a local tax representative.
  2. Purchase or renting housing in Portugal.
  3. Collect documents and submit them to a Portuguese Consulate.
  4. Come to Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa.
  5. Open a bank account in Portugal and transfer the required amount of money.
  6. Apply for a residence permit to the Portuguese migration service.
  7. Get a 2-year residence permit.
• What are the benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for Egyptian citizens?

  The Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa grants the right to:

  • move to Portugal and live there for at least 2 years;
  • travel visa-free across the Schengen Area;
  • get treated at Portuguese clinics;
  • get an education in Portugal;
  • open accounts in Portuguese banks;
  • qualify for citizenship after 5 years of holding residency.