In short
Portugal's D8 visa, in force since October 2022, is for people who work remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal. You need average income of at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage — €3,680 a month gross in 2026 (couple €5,520, plus €1,104 per child) — usually shown with 3–6 months of statements, plus about €11,040 in savings and travel insurance with €30,000 medical cover. There are two versions: a temporary-stay visa of up to 1 year, which does not count towards permanent residence, and a residence visa valid 4 months, after which AIMA issues a 2-year permit renewable for 3 years. You may not be away more than 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months. The D8 did not replace the D7, which still exists for passive income. Permanent residence comes after 5 years; citizenship now needs 10.
Portugal digital nomad visa: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| D8 digital nomad visa | Remote income from outside Portugal of at least €3,680 a month (4 × minimum wage) plus €11,040 in savings; a temporary-stay version lasts up to 1 year# Source: A DEEP DIVE Into Portugal's D8 Requirements: Portugalist |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage 2026 | €920 a month (Decree-Law 139/2025)# Source: Salario minimo nacional para 2026 fixado em EUR 920: APCMC |
| Residence permit | A 4-month entry visa, then a 2-year permit renewable for 3 years at a time; it can be cancelled after 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months abroad# Source: A DEEP DIVE Into Portugal's D8 Requirements: Portugalist · Lei 23/2007 art. 75 (PGD Lisboa) |
| Entering as a tourist | Since 4 June 2024 you can no longer switch from a visa-free stay to residence (manifestação de interesse abolished) — you need a residence visa from a consulate first# Source: Estrangeiros: Extintas as manifestacoes de interesse: APCMC |
| Immigration agency | AIMA replaced SEF in October 2023; residence permit processing often takes 6–12 months or more in 2026# Source: Portugal immigration updates: Jobbatical · AIMA assegura que imigrantes estao regulares: Renascenca |
| Family reunification | Since October 2025 most permit holders must live in Portugal 2 years before bringing family (exceptions for minor children, highly qualified workers and golden visa investors)# Source: Alteracoes a Lei de Estrangeiros: Cuatrecasas · MCS: Family reunification after 22 April 2026 |
| Income tax | 12.5% to 48% in 2026 (top rate above €86,634), plus a 2.5% / 5% solidarity surcharge above €80,000 / €250,000# Source: PwC Tax Summaries: Portugal individual · CIRS art. 68-A: Portal das Financas |
| IFICI (successor to NHR) | 20% flat tax for 10 years on income from qualifying highly skilled jobs, research and startups, with most foreign income exempt — not pensions; you must not have lived in Portugal in the previous 5 years# Source: Incentivo fiscal a investigacao cientifica e inovacao: AT leaflet · Startup Portugal: Legal Bites #03 IFICI |
| Permanent residence | After 5 years of temporary residence, with A2 Portuguese, means of support and accommodation# Source: Lei 23/2007 art. 75 (PGD Lisboa) |
| Citizenship | Since 19 May 2026: 10 years of legal residence (7 for EU and Portuguese-speaking countries), counted from when the first permit is issued; applications pending before then keep the old 5-year rule# Source: Lei Organica n.o 1/2026: Diario da Republica · Portugal Citizenship Law Published: LiveinPT |
| US Social Security agreement | In force since 1 August 1989 — self-employed people living in Portugal usually pay Portuguese social security only# Source: SSA POMS totalization agreements table · US-Portugal Social Security Agreement: SSA |
| US reporting | FBAR if foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any time; Form 8938 from $200,000 at year-end ($300,000 at any time) for a single filer living abroad# Source: Comparison of Form 8938 and FBAR: IRS |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
The D8 works the same for all non-EU citizens. What differs:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| EU citizens | Need no visa to live and work remotely in Portugal. |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | 10 years for Americans; 7 for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries. |
| Home-country tax | US citizens stay taxable in the US on their remote income; most other nationals are taxed only where they live. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Overview
Portugal's D8 Visa — Overview
The D8 was created by Law 18/2022 and has applied since 30 October 2022. It covers employees of foreign companies and freelancers or business owners whose clients are outside Portugal. It sits alongside the D7 for passive income — it did not replace it.
Decide early which version you need. The temporary-stay visa (up to 1 year) suits a trial year but does not count towards permanent residence. The residence visa leads to a 2-year permit and, after 5 years, permanent residence.
The D8 is one of Europe's more reachable remote-work visas — the real decisions are temporary stay versus residence, and how your US income will be taxed.
Who Qualifies
Who Qualifies
Remote work for clients or employers abroad
An employment contract with a foreign company, or freelance or business income from clients outside Portugal.
Enough income
At least €3,680 a month gross on average in 2026 — €5,520 for a couple, plus €1,104 per child.
Savings
About €11,040 (12 months of the minimum wage), usually in a Portuguese bank account.
Insurance and housing
Travel insurance with €30,000 of medical cover for the visa, then health insurance and an address in Portugal.
Clean record
An FBI background check — about 48 hours electronically or 10 days by mail, plus apostille.
Income
The €3,680 Income Threshold & Savings
| Household | Monthly income (2026) |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | €3,680 |
| Couple | €5,520 |
| Each child | + €1,104 |
4 × the 2026 minimum wage of €920. Source: Salario minimo nacional para 2026 fixado em EUR 920: APCMC
Consulates usually ask for 3–6 months of payslips or bank statements. Savings of about €11,040 are expected on top — that is 12 times the minimum wage, not 12 times the D8 income.
Benefits
What You Get
Legal residence in Portugal
With the residence version, a 2-year permit renewable for 3 years at a time.
Schengen travel
Up to 90 days in any 180 in other Schengen countries once you hold your residence card.
A path to permanent residence
After 5 years with A2 Portuguese; citizenship after 10 years from the first permit.
Access to public healthcare
Legal residents can use the public SNS with a user number; private hospital plans cost about €13–77 a month at age 40.
Limits
What This Visa Does Not Allow
Long absences
Your permit can be cancelled after 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months away during its validity.
Temporary stay counting towards residence
The 1-year temporary-stay D8 does not count towards permanent residence.
Bringing family later quickly
Since October 2025 most permit holders must live in Portugal 2 years before bringing family (exceptions for minor children, highly qualified workers and golden visa investors).
Converting a tourist stay
Since 4 June 2024 you can no longer switch from a visa-free stay to residence (manifestação de interesse abolished) — you need a residence visa from a consulate first.
Application
Core Documents Required
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa application form and passport | Valid passport and photos |
| Employment contract or client contracts | Showing remote work for employers or clients outside Portugal |
| Proof of income | 3–6 months of payslips or bank statements (€3,680+ a month) |
| Proof of savings | About €11,040, usually in a Portuguese bank |
| NIF and accommodation | Portuguese tax number and a lease or deed |
| FBI background check | Apostilled |
| Travel insurance | At least €30,000 medical cover |
Based on consular practice in 2026; check the VFS checklist for your consulate.
Step by Step
Application Process — Step by Step
Get a NIF and bank account
Non-EU residents can get a NIF without a fiscal representative (one is needed once tax activity starts); since July 2025 a lawyer can request it online.
Secure accommodation
A 12-month lease or deed is usually expected.
Apply through VFS
At the centre for the Portuguese consulate covering your state; the legal decision period is 60 days.
Enter Portugal
The residence visa is valid 4 months.
Complete your permit with AIMA
AIMA issues the 2-year residence card — often 6–12 months or more after arrival.
Tax
How Are D8 Holders Taxed?
If you become tax-resident — 183 days in Portugal or a home you keep as your habitual residence — Portugal taxes your worldwide income at 12.5%–48% in 2026. IFICI's 20% flat rate only covers qualifying skilled jobs and certain employers, so check carefully; NHR is closed.
You still file a US return, and the foreign earned income exclusion or foreign tax credits help avoid double tax. In force since 1 August 1989 — self-employed people living in Portugal usually pay Portuguese social security only. FBAR if foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any time; Form 8938 from $200,000 at year-end ($300,000 at any time) for a single filer living abroad.
Why Portugal
Why US Remote Workers Consider Portugal
Reachable threshold
€3,680 a month — lower than many Western European remote-work visas.
A real residence path
The residence version leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Easy trips home
TAP flies nonstop to Lisbon from 8 US cities.
The D8 could be right for you if
- You earn at least €3,680 a month from employers or clients outside Portugal.
- You can show about €11,040 in savings.
- You plan to live in Portugal most of the year.
- You are prepared for AIMA's waiting times.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can US citizens get Portugal's D8 digital nomad visa?
Yes. You apply through VFS for the Portuguese consulate covering your state, with proof of remote income of at least €3,680 a month in 2026.
What is the income requirement in 2026?
4 times the minimum wage — €3,680 a month gross for one person, €5,520 for a couple, plus €1,104 per child.
Does the D8 lead to citizenship?
The residence version can lead to permanent residence after 5 years. Citizenship now needs 10 years of legal residence from your first permit.
How long can I be away from Portugal?
No more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months during the permit's validity, or it can be cancelled.
Is the D8 the same as the D7?
No. The D7 is for passive income (from €920 a month); the D8 is for active remote work.
Portugal
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