Nomad Scholars

How to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa in 2025

As I write this article, sitting in a cozy café in Lisbon’s Chiado district and sipping a perfectly crafted galão, I’m just about to finish up today’s remote work. 

Three years ago, this was just a dream. But now? It’s my daily reality, thanks to Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re wondering if you could do the same (which you probably can!).

Now, the thing is, navigating visa applications can only feel about as fun as doing your taxes while solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. 

But here’s the good news: I’ve been through the process and made all the rookie mistakes, and I’m here to break it down for you in a way that actually makes sense.

What is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a special type D visa (officially known as the D8 visa) that lets freelancers and remote workers call Portugal home for at least a year. 

Think of it as your golden ticket to living in la vida portuguesa while keeping your remote job or freelance gigs.

But to make it work, you must have a monthly income of at least €3,280.

Besides, there are actually two flavors of this visa:

  1. The Temporary Stay Visa: Perfect for digital nomads who want to test the waters for up to one year. Meaning, it doesn’t come with a path to residence.
  2. The Long-Term Visa: The full package deal that can lead to permanent residency and even citizenship
20 Things to Do in Lisbon

20+ Things to Do in Lisbon

20+ Things to Do in Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, is a city that effortlessly blends rich history with modern allure. From its iconic yellow

Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Let’s now talk benefits because there are plenty:

  • First off, you get to live in Portugal. If you’ve never been, imagine Mediterranean charm mixed with Atlantic energy, wrapped in centuries of history, and served with a side of ultrafast internet
  • Free roaming through the Schengen Area (26 European countries at your fingertips!)
  • A path to EU citizenship after five years (think long-term here)
  • Lifestyle costs are way cheaper than in other Western European countries.
  • Healthcare that won’t bankrupt you
  • A thriving digital nomad community, with Americans topping the list
  • Tax benefits that might make your accountant do a double-take (more on that later)

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Before you start planning your Portuguese adventure, let’s check if you tick all the right boxes:

✓ Over 18 

✓ Non-EU and non-EEA citizen 

✓ Remote work setup (either employed or freelance) 

✓ Monthly income of at least €3,280 from non-Portuguese sources

Now, here’s where it gets a bit more detailed:

  • You’ll need proof of accommodation in Portugal 
  • Minimum savings of €9,840 
  • If you’re bringing family, add €2,952 per child and €4,920 per adult to that savings requirement

The Application Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Remember that Rubik’s cube comparison? Here’s where we solve it, one side at a time.

Step 1: Document Gathering (The Fun Never Ends)

First things first, you’ll need to gather more documents than you probably knew existed:

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
  • Photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm).
  • Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, client agreements)
  • Criminal record check (because Portugal only likes the good guys)
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Mandatory health insurance (The policy must cover at least €30,000)
  • Bank statements showing those minimum savings
  • Certificate of NIF registration (Portuguese tax identification number)
  • A letter written in English explaining why you’re moving to Portugal

Pro tip: Start collecting these documents early. Like, really early. Getting an apostille on documents can take longer than waiting for your favorite show’s next season to drop.

Step 2: The Application Submission

Now comes the part where you actually submit everything to the Portuguese consulate in your country. But wait! There’s more:

  • All documents need to be translated into Portuguese 
  • You’ll need to schedule an appointment (which can take weeks or months) 
  • The visa processing fee is €75 for Temporary Stay or €90 for Long-Term

Step 3: The Waiting Game

Processing typically takes up to 3 months. During this time, you might want to:

  • Start learning Portuguese (trust me, it’ll come in handy)
  • Join Portugal-focused digital nomad online communities 
  • Research different neighborhoods in your chosen city 

Step 4: Visa Approval and Arrival in Portugal

Once your application is approved, your passport gets a shiny new visa stamp, and you’re all set to head to Portugal! 

If you’re on a long-term visa, make sure to apply for a residence permit soon after you arrive—before your visa expires.

Post-Approval Steps

Once you get your dream approval, you’ll likely want to relax down the coasts of one of those fascinating Portuguese beaches. While you sure can do that, here are a couple of things you can’t afford to ignore:

Tax Considerations (Don't Skip This Part!)

Here’s where things get interesting. Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program is like finding an extra cookie in the package when you thought you’d eaten the last one.

The basics: 

  • Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Status: If you’re in Portugal for more than 183 days, you can apply for NHR status, which gives you generous tax breaks for up to ten years.
  • Tax Rate with NHR: With NHR status, you’ll pay a flat 20% tax rate on income earned in Portugal instead of the standard rate, which can go as high as 48%.
  • Global Income: Under NHR, income earned outside Portugal is tax-free.
  • Short-Term Stay: Just visiting for a few days? You won’t need to worry about tax residency.
  • Long-Term Stay: But if you’re staying over 183 days on a long-term visa, you’ll need to become a tax resident.

But here’s the thing – tax matters are complex enough to make your head spin. Get a professional advisor. It’s worth every euro.

Opening a Bank Account in Portugal

Alongside your Portugal digital nomad visa, you’ll also need a Portuguese bank account. Here’s how to get one:

  1. Get your NIF (tax number) first
  2. Gather your documents (again!)
  3. Choose a bank (Millennium, Novo Banco, and Activobank are popular)
  4. Visit a branch in person
  5. Wait for your cards to arrive

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Costs

Let’s now look at what you’ll be paying for the actual visa:

Type

Costs in Euros

Validity

Temporary Stay Visa

€75

1 year, multiple entries, but it doesn’t lead to a residency permit.

Long-Term Visa

€90

4 months, allows two entries, and leads to a 2-year residence permit upon arrival.

Other Costs to Consider

  • Medical Insurance & Rent: You’ll likely need to budget for both.
  • Private Health Insurance: Prices range from around €20 to €100 per month, depending on the coverage you choose.

Where to Live: The Great Portuguese Debate

There sure are lots of worthy places to live once you land in Portugal. Here, I break down the popular options:

Lisbon

Pros

  • Bustling startup scene
  • Amazing food 
  • Great infrastructure

Cons

  • Higher cost of living 
  • Tourist crowds 
  • Finding accommodation can be trickier than solving a Sunday crossword

Porto

Think of it as Lisbon’s cooler, slightly more laid-back cousin: 

  • Lower living costs 
  • Beautiful historic center 
  • Strong expat community 
  • Better work-life balance

Lagos

Perfect if you want: 

  • Beach life 
  • Smaller community feel 
  • Active outdoor lifestyle 
  • Lower costs (except in peak tourist season)

Madeira

The hidden gem: 

  • Digital Nomad Village in Ponta do Sol 
  • Island living 
  • Strong nomad community 
  • More affordable than mainland cities

D8 Visa vs. Other Portuguese Visas: What’s the Difference?

When searching online for a digital nomad visa for Portugal, you must have come across the terms D7, D8, or D2, right? If they still confuse you, let me clear things up:

D7 Visa:

For financially independent people with passive income (at least €820/month from things like rent, pensions, or royalties). You’ll need to show proof of accommodation in Portugal and set up a local bank account. 

D7 holders can bring their spouse, kids, and even dependent parents. Originally popular with remote workers, but now mostly for retirees and passive-income earners.

Startup Visa:

Aimed at entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. You’ll need to join a licensed incubator, have a business plan, and get approval from Portugal’s IAPMEI. 

It requires no minimum investment, but you do need to show €6,200 in savings plus a motivational letter.

D2 Business Visa:

For those wanting to start or buy a business in Portugal—doesn’t need to be groundbreaking. Just bring a business plan, founding documents, and a lease agreement for a place in Portugal.

D8 Digital Nomad Visa:

And as I discussed throughout this write-up, the D8 stands out for remote workers and digital nomads specifically. It’s like the visa equivalent of “working from home,” but “home” is Portugal.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa isn’t just about changing your location but your lifestyle.

Sure, the process might seem daunting (and at times, it is), but break it down into smaller steps, and suddenly it becomes manageable. Kind of like eating a whole Francesinha – one bite at a time!

Start by:

  1. Checking if you meet the basic requirements
  2. Gathering your documents
  3. Finding your ideal Portuguese city
  4. Building your support network (both online and local)

And remember, thousands of digital nomads have done this before you. The path is well-trodden, even if it sometimes feels like you’re blazing your own trail.

Who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll be the one writing about your experience from a sunny Portuguese café, sipping your own galão, and living your best digital nomad life.

Boa sorte! (That’s “good luck” in Portuguese – see, you’re learning already!)