Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the D8 visa, for non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizens who are able to work remotely1. Here are some key details about this visa:

• Eligibility: You need to earn more than €3,280 per month on average (net income) for an individual1. You should be from a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country and have a clean criminal record.
• Types of Visa: The D8 is both a “temporary stay” and “residence visa” for digital nomads. The temporary stay option allows you to live in Portugal for up to 1 year. The residence visa option allows you to stay for up to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal or exchange for permanent residency after.
• Benefits: This visa offers you the chance to obtain residency in Portugal, which means being able to live here on a year-round basis and enjoy the benefits that come with residency, such as access to Portugal’s public health service. After five years of residency, you will be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship, which means obtaining an EU passport.

Requirements

The requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) in Portugal are as follows:

1. Income: You need to have a stable and regular income. The minimum requirement is €3,280 per month on average (net income) for an individual.
2. Proof of Remote Work: You need to provide proof that you can work remotely. This could be a contract from a foreign company, proof of your own business, or any other proof that you can perform your work remotely.
3. Health Insurance: You need to have health insurance that covers you in Portugal.
4. Criminal Record: You should have a clean criminal record.
5. Application Fee: There is an application fee that you need to pay when you submit your application.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) in Portugal are:

1. Nationality: You should be from a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country.
2. Income: You need to earn more than €3,280 per month on average (net income) for an individual.
3. Remote Work: You should be able to work remotely. This could be a contract from a foreign company, proof of your own business, or any other proof that you can perform your work remotely.
4. Criminal Record: You should have a clean criminal record.

Taxes

In Portugal, digital nomads are considered tax residents if they meet certain criteria such as staying in Portugal for 183 days or more in a year or having a habitual residence in Portugal.

As a tax resident, you are required to file a tax return each year and pay Portuguese tax on your taxable income. The tax rate for non-resident digital nomads is a flat rate of 25% on their taxable income in Portugal.

Please note that until recently, Portugal had a favorable tax incentive for digital nomads and foreigners living in the country called the Non-Habitual Residence Program or the NHR. This program allowed foreigners to move to Portugal and become tax residents while taking advantage of a 0% tax on foreign-earned income and a flat 20% tax on income earned within Portugal for ten years. However, this program ended at the beginning of 2024, and digital nomads no longer qualify for these tax incentives.

Please consult with a tax professional or the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Application process

The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) in Portugal is as follows1:

1. Prepare the Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, which include a valid passport, two passport photos, a work contract or partnership agreement as evidence of remote employment, a bank record indicating a €3,040 monthly salary, a bank statement indicating a minimum balance of €36,480, a NIF registration certificate, evidence of tax refund voucher or tax payment, a letter detailing your reasons for relocating to Portugal, ticket to Portugal, valid health insurance in Portugal, a police certificate (translated into Portuguese) as proof of no criminal record, a Portuguese lease agreement or proof of property ownership in Portugal, and evidence of your relationship with your family members (if you bring any).
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill in the application form available on the website of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. Attend an Appointment with a Portuguese Consulate: Submit the required documents for a Portugal digital nomad visa when you attend the appointment.
4. Pay the Required Fee: Pay the application fee of €75 or €90 depending on the type of digital nomad visa you apply for.