D8 visa for remote workers and digital nomads in Portugal in 2025

The D8 Visa is an excellent option for remote workers and digital nomads who wish to live in Portugal while maintaining their professional activity for foreign companies. This visa allows residence in the country for more than one year, providing a range of benefits such as access to the healthcare system and the possibility of family reunification. If you are considering moving to Portugal and want to learn more about the D8 Visa application process, keep reading.

The D8 residence visa is intended for those who wish to live in Portugal and work for foreign entities, either as self-employed or as an employee, for a period of more than one year.

The residence visa is valid for a period of 4 months and allows two entries into Portugal. During this period, the visa holder must relocate to Portugal and present themselves before the AIMA to collect biometric data for the issuance of the residence card.

It allows the submission of accompanying visas for close family members simultaneously with the D8 visa application, so they can immigrate together with the main applicant, provided the family bond is verified at the time of application submission.

What are the requirements for obtaining the D8 Visa in Portugal?

To apply for the residence visa for remote workers, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including:

• Professional relationship with a company or entity based outside Portugal;
• Compliance with the minimum average salary requirement of 4 national minimum wages per month for the three months preceding the appointment.

1st Phase – Consulate – Issuance of the residence visa

The applicant must submit the residence visa application at the Portuguese Consulate or the Consular Section of the Portuguese Embassy in the country of origin or the country of residence, either by email or through the E-visa portal (depending on the consulate in question).

In certain countries, to address the volume of applications, the Consulate may delegate responsibilities to VFS Global, a company that receives the applications before they are reviewed by the Consulate.

Once submitted, the Consulate has 60 days to process the visa issuance.

When the residence visa is issued, the applicant can travel to Portugal to apply for residence authorization.

2nd Phase – AIMA – Issuance of Residence Authorization

In most cases, the residence visa is issued by the Consulate with the appointment date and location. If this is not the case, it is necessary to make the appointment by phone.

Once all documents are submitted, AIMA has a 90-day period to issue the residence card.

What documents are required to obtain the D8 Visa?

The D8 visa has two distinct phases for document preparation:

1st Phase – Consulate

At the time of submitting the residence visa application, the following documents must be provided, among others:

• Employment or service contract with a company based outside Portugal
• Proof of receiving an average minimum salary of €3480
• Proof of means of subsistence to reside in Portugal
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

Fee: €90

2nd Phase – AIMA

At the time of the appointment, the applicant will have their biometric data collected – photograph, fingerprints, and signature – and submit the necessary documentation, including:

• Tax Identification Number (NIF)
• Proof of issuance of Social Security Number (NISS)
• Proof of receiving the minimum salary of €3480 per month
• Proof of accommodation
• Employment or service contract with a company based outside Portugal
• Business registration with the Tax Authority (if applicable)
• Proof of means of subsistence

Fee: €170.08

What is the validity of the Residence Card?

This residence authorization is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance of the residence card and is renewable for successive 3-year periods. After 5 years, the foreign citizen can apply for permanent residence and/or Portuguese nationality.

What are the main benefits of the D8 Residence Visa?

• Family reunification;
• Access to a qualified and affordable healthcare system;
• Access to the right to justice and courts;
• Possibility of free movement within the Schengen Area;
• Eligibility for Portuguese nationality after 5 years from the submission of the residence visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I lose my job abroad before the AIMA appointment, is my residence card guaranteed?

No, the professional bond and the minimum average monthly salary of €3480 must be proven in both phases of the immigration process. If the bond ceases, it is correct to restart the immigration process through another migration route.

My monthly income is irregular. Can I apply for a D8?

Yes. The financial requirement refers to an average of 3 Portuguese minimum wages per month for the three months preceding the appointment. As long as the average meets the required amount, it is even possible that in one of the months, the applicant does not have any income from their professional activity.

The D8 Visa offers a unique opportunity for remote workers and digital nomads to settle in Portugal while maintaining their professional activity for foreign companies. With specific requirements, such as a professional relationship with a company outside Portugal and a minimum income, this visa guarantees benefits ranging from access to healthcare and courts to the possibility of obtaining Portuguese nationality. If you are considering applying for the D8 Visa or have questions about the process, feel free to contact us!