Portugal is a wonderful place for people who work online. It has sunny beaches, lovely cities, and fast internet. The D8 Digital Nomad Visa helps people from outside the EU live and work there legally. It started in October 2022 and is great for freelancers and remote workers. By October 2025, new rules make it easier by reducing paperwork and speeding up approvals.
What the D8 Visa Means
This visa gives a short stay at first. You get up to 120 days to enter Portugal. Then you ask for a residence card at AIMA, the migration office. The card lasts one year. You can add two more years if you keep up with the rules. After five years, you may go for long-term stay or even citizenship.
It fits people with jobs far away, like freelance writing or coding for foreign bosses. You can’t work for local Portuguese firms. The goal stays to help the economy grow without taking local jobs.
Who Can Apply in 2025
You need to check a few boxes to get the D8. The government looks at money proof, no bad records, and real remote work. Here’s what counts:
- Where You’re From: Only non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss folks. EU people use other ways.
- Your Age: No set low age, but grown-ups apply most. Kids come with family papers.
- Your Job: Show contracts or business papers for work outside Portugal. Deals with clients abroad work too.
- Health Plan: Get insurance that covers doctor visits in Portugal and Schengen lands. It needs at least €30,000 for medical costs.
- No Crimes: Clean police papers from your home and where you live now.
- Place to Stay: Proof like a rent deal or house papers in Portugal.
Spouses and kids under 18 can join if you meet the money part.
Also Read: Singapore Employment Pass 2025: Eligibility, Documents & Application Process
Money Rules for October 2025
Money proof sits at the heart of your ask. Portugal ties it to the basic wage, now €870 a month in 2025. You show you can pay your way without help from the state.
| Who Applies | Monthly Money Needed | Savings Needed | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | €3,480 (4 times basic wage) | €10,440 (12 times basic wage) | After taxes; use bank papers from 3 to 6 months. |
| With Partner | €5,220 (6 times basic wage) | €15,660 (18 times basic wage) | Add half for each grown-up extra. |
| With Kid | +€261 per kid (30% of basic wage) | +€2,610 per kid | For each child under 18. |
Bring bank slips, tax forms, or boss letters. All money must come from outside Portugal.
How to Apply Step by Step
Start the ask from home. Finish it in Portugal. Counts take 30 to 60 days at the consulate. Here’s the path:
- Get Your Papers: Pull passport, pictures, forms, money proof, insurance, and stay details. Turn non-English or Portuguese items to one of those tongues.
- Set a Meet: Book time at your closest Portuguese office or VFS spot online.
- Hand It In: Go there yourself. Pay €90 for the visa. They send files to AIMA.
- Wait for Word: Check online. If yes, get the visa by post. It lasts 120 days with a few trips in.
- Head to Portugal: Land in time. Sign up at the town office in three days.
- Get Residence Card: Book with AIMA right away. Give prints and more proofs. Card comes in weeks.
October 2025 brings fresh tweaks from the Foreigners Law. They ease AIMA books and trim papers for nomads. Check the official visa site for forms.
Papers You Need
Full papers boost your odds. Give firsts and copies. Must-haves are:
- Passport good for six months past your stay.
- Filled form from the Foreign Affairs office.
- Two fresh passport shots.
- Work proof like deals, bills, or business setup.
- Money papers from the chart.
- Insurance paper.
- Stay proof.
- Crime-free slips, stamped if asked.
- Flight plan to Portugal.
For family, add wedding or birth papers. Up money for extras.
What You Get and What Comes Next
With the D8, you use public doctors, schools, and banks. Travel Schengen for 90 days in 180. To keep it, show work proof and pay taxes right. Get a NIF tax number. New tax rules may cut it to 20% flat.
Set to go? Look at gov.pt for migrant stays. Read AIMA’s stay guide pre-book.
Who gets the D8 Visa?
Non-EU remote workers or freelancers with outside money fit best. They prove steady cash and far-off work.
What’s the base money for one person in 2025?
One needs €3,480 a month. That’s four times the €870 basic wage.
How long to get the D8?
Consulates take 30-60 days. AIMA cards come fast after you land.
Can family come too?
Yes. Partners and kids under 18 join. Up money by half per grown-up, 30% per kid.
