Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to legally live and work remotely in Portugal—ideal for freelancers, remote employees, and independent professionals.
📌 Why Choose the D8 Visa?
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Stay for up to 5 years (initial 2-year permit + renewals) nomadsembassy.com+15movingto.com+15migroot.io+15reddit.com+3reddit.com+3worldpackers.com+3
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Only 7 days per year required to maintain residency
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Eligible for permanent residence and citizenship after 5 years washingtonpost.com+4movingto.com+4nomadsorbit.com+4
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Brings family (spouse & dependents) with increased income thresholds businessinsider.com+3nomadsorbit.com+3washingtonpost.com+3
📝 Eligibility Requirements (2025 Update)
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Age & Nationality: Over 18, non-EU/EEA/Swiss
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Remote Work Proof: Employment contract, invoices, or freelance agreements with foreign clients reddit.com+7jobbatical.com+7reddit.com+7
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Minimum Income:
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Individual: €3,480/month (4× Portugal’s minimum wage) globalcitizensolutions.com+8nomadsorbit.com+8jobbatical.com+8
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Plus added amounts for spouse (€1,740) & child (€1,044) nomadsorbit.com
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Savings Buffer: Around €10,440 in personal funds, plus dependent allowances reddit.com+2migroot.io+2jobbatical.com+2
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Health Insurance: Travel coverage €30,000; later local insurance upon permit application visaguide.world+8migroot.io+8reddit.com+8
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Clean Criminal Record + accommodation proof (min. 12-month lease) visaguide.world+6globalcitizensolutions.com+6reddit.com+6
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NIF & Bank Account: Required for residency stage reddit.com+15movingto.com+15portugal.com+15
🛠️ Application Steps
Stage | Description |
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Submit passport, photos, contract, bank statements, insurance, accommodation, criminal record; visa fee ~€75–90 nomadsembassy.com+2schengenvisainfo.com+2reddit.com+2businessinsider.com+3visaguide.world+3schengenvisainfo.com+3 |
2. Enter Portugal | Visa valid for 120 days or Temporary Stay visa (1 year) |
3. Residency Permit (SEF/AIMA) | Within 120 days: provide NIF, bank account, NISS, proof of income/accommodation, fee ~€170–320 |
4. Receive Residence Card | 2-year permit, renewable up to 5 years |
👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification
Eligible dependents include:
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Spouse or partner
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Children (under 18 or dependents)
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Requirements: additional income (~€254/adult, €380/child) and documentation reddit.com+5reddit.com+5migroot.io+5businessinsider.com+3nomadsorbit.com+3reddit.com+3reddit.com+5schengenvisainfo.com+5editorialge.com+5
⏱️ Processing Timeframe
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Consulate visa: ~30–60 days globalcitizensolutions.com+8movingto.com+8nomadsorbit.com+8
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SEF/AIMA permit: 2–6 weeks after appointment movingto.com+11reddit.com+11migroot.io+11
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Full timeline: 4–6 months reddit.com+12movingto.com+12visaguide.world+12
💡 Tips from Nomads
“Portugal’s D8 involves two paperwork stages… hiring a lawyer can streamline accommodation, insurance, and AIMA steps.” reddit.com+13washingtonpost.com+13migroot.io+13
Reddit users confirm SEF takes ~2 weeks post-appointment, and warns against leaving Portugal mid-process.
💰 Cost of Living & Social Security
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Monthly budget: €1,200–2,500 depending on city (Lisbon, Porto, etc.)
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First year: generally exempt from Portuguese social security, but taxes apply if stay >183 days nomadsorbit.com+2reddit.com+2globalcitizensolutions.com+2
✅ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?
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Tailored document prep (contracts, banking, insurance)
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Appointment handling with embassy and AIMA
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NIF, NISS, and bank account setup
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Family visa support and renewals
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Tax residency guidance under current rules