What are the Portugal D8 digital nomad visa requirements in 2026?
Updated · Portugal guide · Not legal advice
Portugal's D8 (remote work) visa is for non-EU nationals who work remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal and earn at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage, which is €3,680 a month in 2026. You also need proof of the work relationship, health/travel insurance, accommodation in Portugal and a clean criminal record, and you apply at the Portuguese consulate (or its visa centre) for where you live.
| Requirement | What it means | Typical proof |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen | Passport valid beyond the stay |
| Remote work | Employed by, or providing services to, people or companies outside Portugal | Employment contract or client contracts, employer declaration |
| Income | 4x the Portuguese minimum wage: €3,680/month in 2026 (minimum wage €920) | Payslips, bank statements, tax return |
| Visa type | Temporary stay visa (up to 1 year) or residence visa (leads to a residence permit from AIMA) | Choice made on the application form |
| Insurance | Health or travel insurance covering your stay; check the consulate's wording | Insurance certificate |
| Accommodation | Where you will live in Portugal | Lease, deed or other proof accepted by the consulate |
| Criminal record | Certificate from your country of nationality/residence | FBI check (US), apostilled |
Where the D8 comes from
The D8 was created by Law 18/2022, which amended Portugal's immigration law (Law 23/2007). It has been available since 30 October 2022 and covers remote work done for employers or clients outside Portugal.
Temporary stay or residence visa?
The temporary stay version lets you stay up to a year without becoming a resident. The residence visa lets you enter Portugal and then apply for a residence permit with AIMA. If you want to stay longer than a year or move your family, the residence route is usually the relevant one.
How the application works from the US
Portuguese national visa applications from the US are submitted through the consulate's visa partner. Check the current process and checklist at VFS Global for Portugal and the MNE visa portal. Processing times and fees change; check the current values there.
Comparing with Spain? Spain's digital nomad visa has a lower income threshold for one person (€2,849/month) and can be filed from inside Spain. See Spain vs Portugal vs Italy.
Quick answers
- Can I keep my US job and move to Portugal on a D8 visa?
- Yes, that is what the D8 is designed for: remote work for an employer outside Portugal. You need a contract or employer declaration and income of at least €3,680 a month (2026).
- Can self-employed Americans get Portugal's D8 visa?
- Yes. Freelancers qualify by showing contracts with clients outside Portugal and income at the threshold. See D8 for self-employed.
- Does VFS Global handle Portugal D8 visa applications?
- In the US, Portuguese visa applications are submitted through VFS Global. Check the current process on the VFS Portugal USA site.
- Has Portugal changed the D8 visa requirements in 2026?
- The income figure changes every year with the minimum wage (€920 in 2026). Check the MNE visa portal and AIMA for any other changes before you apply.
What to do next
Still choosing between Portugal and Spain? Check whether you qualify for Spain's nomad visa in two minutes.
Run the free eligibility checkSources
- Portugal MNE (Vistos): types of national visa
- AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum
- VFS Global: Portugal visa applications in the United States
- Embassy of Portugal in Washington, DC
- Diário da República (Law 18/2022, Law 23/2007, Decreto-Lei 139/2025 on the 2026 minimum wage)
Checked: . Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.