Digital nomad residence permit in Portugal — D8
Portugal's digital nomad residence permit (D8) for remote workers: a short-stay visa or a residence visa with the residence permit issued.
- A third-country national working remotely for a foreign employer or freelancing; active income
Who it suits
- A third-country national working remotely for a foreign employer or freelancing; active income
- People relocating
- Families
- Remote professionals
Residence permit in Portugal: comparing the options
The difference is not the price — it is who each option suits. The “Best for” column is the business profile the option is built around.
| Option | Best for | Timeline | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital nomad residence permit in Portugal — D8you are here | People relocating, families, remote professionals | 6–8 months | from $5,830 |
| Residence permit in Portugal: D7 | Pensioners, people living on investment income, families | 3–6 months | from $7,840 |
What the service includes
| Conditions: language — not required | |
| validity — 1 year | |
| family members — spouse, children under 18 | |
| instalments — yes | |
| State duties and visa fees— billed separately | |
| Flights and accommodation— billed separately |
Official terms
For employees and the self-employed
The programme offers two forms of visa for remote workers: temporary stay (up to a year) and a national residence visa (4 months, followed by a permit).
Employees
- Work for a foreign employer under a signed contract
- Evidence the employment relationship with a letter from the employer
- May work remotely from anywhere in Portugal
Self-employed professionals
- Work for their own company or as freelancers
- Provide services to foreign companies or clients
- Provide service contracts or cooperation agreements
When the programme is not a fit
Portuguese and EU nationals
Use the right of free movement in the EU; no visa is required
Work for a Portuguese employer
Apply for the standard work visa for subordinate employment
Moving without active income
A visa for pensioners, if you have passive income, or a family reunification visa
Documents to gather
To file the application you have to prepare the following documents, which the consular section will consider:
- A valid passport (at least 3 months' validity beyond the planned stay)
- A completed national visa application form
- Two identical colour photographs in the prescribed format
- An employment contract with a foreign employer, or a letter from the employer confirming the employment relationship
- For the self-employed: articles of association, a service contract or a written offer from a foreign client
- Account statements for the last 3-6 months evidencing the average monthly income
- A document confirming tax residence
- Evidence of an address of residence in Portugal (a tenancy agreement, a letter from the landlord)
- Medical insurance covering medical costs and repatriation
- A criminal record certificate
How the process runs
Obtaining the visa and the residence permit runs through several stages, from preparing the documents to receiving the residence card.
- 1
Preparing the document pack
1-2 weeksCollect every required document against the consulate's checklist. Make sure copies are certified properly and translations are certified.
- 2
Filing the application at the consulate
1 dayAttend the nearest Portuguese consulate in person with the full set of documents and pay the consular fee. Take the receipt confirming that the application was accepted.
- 3
Consideration and assessment of the documents
about 60 daysThe consulate checks that the documents are complete, holds an interview if needed and verifies the information about the employer and the income. Further information may be requested.
- 4
Receiving the visa
1-3 daysOnce approved, the visa is placed in the passport. The visa allows entry to Portugal within a set period.
- 5
Arriving in Portugal and registering
within 30 days of arrivalEnter Portugal on the visa you have received. Within a month, file an application for a residence permit at the nearest branch of the immigration authority.
- 6
Receiving the residence card
3-6 monthsThe immigration authority processes your residence permit application. Once approved, a residence card is issued, valid under the established rules.
Who you can bring with you
A foreign national's family members can be included through family reunification once the main applicant holds a residence permit.
Spouse or civil partner
Children under the age of majority
Other dependants
Renewal and the grace period
The first residence permit runs for the period the immigration authority sets when the card is issued (usually 2 years). Once that period ends, the permit can be renewed for the period the immigration authority sets (usually 3 years). Permanent residence requires continuous residence in Portugal for the period set by law. Citizenship can be obtained after a long period of permanent residence, provided you know Portuguese and meet the other statutory requirements.
Documents and programme requirements
- 1A passport
- 2Evidence of income or of the basis
Related breakdowns
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Income and investment thresholds for residence permits in 51 countries: remote work, passive income, business and investment, from official programme terms.
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