With its sun-drenched coastline and mild, year-round Mediterranean climate, Portugal has become a top destination for remote workers. From the cobblestone streets of Lisbon to the golden beaches of the Algarve, the Iberian country offers an unbeatable mix of old-world charm and modern infrastructure—along with a relatively budget-friendly cost of living compared to other Western European nations.
For non-EU citizens, Portugal’s digital nomad visa (the D8 visa) provides an opportunity to live and work remotely while enjoying the country’s high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and welcoming immigration policies. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee, the D8 digital nomad visa makes it easier to build a life in Portugal while staying legally compliant.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from eligibility and benefits to the application process and how employers can support their remote workers in making the move.
What is Portugal’s digital nomad visa?
Portugal introduced the D8 digital nomad visa in October 2022 to attract remote workers from outside the European Union. It allows foreigners to live in Portugal while working for non-Portuguese companies as employees, contractors, or freelancers.
Portugal’s D8 visa offers two pathways:
- Temporary stay visa (valid for up to one year, non-renewable)
- Residence visa (grants a four-month visa, after which applicants must apply for a two-year residence permit, renewable for three more years—totaling five years of coverage)
Whichever pathway you choose, this visa is great if you’re seeking a remote work opportunity while fully experiencing Portuguese life and culture beyond the typical tourist perspective.
Portugal's digital nomad visa requirements
To qualify for Portugal’s digital nomad visa, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old when you apply
- Have a passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Provide proof of remote work or self-employment, such as a work contract, client agreements, or other supporting documentation
- Demonstrate sufficient income to support yourself and any dependents while living in Portugal
- Show proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental agreement, a hotel booking, or some other official documentation
- Have comprehensive health insurance that provides coverage in Portugal
- Submit a clean criminal record certificate from your home country or current country of residence
- Complete the visa application form with Portuguese immigration authorities
- Submit a motivation letter explaining your reasons for moving to Portugal
- Pay the visa application fees
5 benefits of Portugal’s digital nomad visa
The Portugal work visa offers many benefits, making it an attractive option for remote workers. Here are five of the D8 visa’s key perks.
1. Live in Portugal with full residency rights
Portugal’s remote worker visa gives you full residency rights, meaning you can live, work, and travel freely within the country. After five years with Portugal’s temporary residence permit, you’ll have the option to apply for permanent residency—and eventually, Portuguese citizenship. If you're looking for a way to settle in Europe, this visa opens the door.
2. Opportunity to travel across Europe
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, a group of 29 countries (25 EU members and four non-EU members—Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) with open borders. This means you can travel freely across much of Europe without additional visas or passport checks.
3. Access to healthcare
As a foreigner, you’ll need private health insurance when you first arrive. But once you establish residency, you’ll have access to Portugal’s National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, or SNS), which ranks among the best in Europe.
4. Easy application process
Portugal’s visa process involves less paperwork and other complicated legalities than other EU countries. If you’re a remote worker looking to relocate abroad, this might be one of the easiest paths to residency in Europe.
5. Family residency options
If you have family, the D8 visa also covers your spouse, children, and dependents. With residency, they’ll also have access to Portugal's public healthcare and education systems, often at little to no cost.
How to apply for Portugal’s digital nomad visa
While the visa application process is relatively simple, follow these five steps to ensure you get it right the first time.
1. Check your eligibility
Start a checklist and work your way through the eligibility requirements mentioned above so you’re ready when it’s time to apply, and no hiccups slow the evaluation and acceptance process.
2. Prepare your documents
Here are the documents you’ll need to prepare for the application:
- A valid passport
- Proof of income (like bank statements or contracts)
- Accommodation details (rental agreement or hotel booking)
- Proof of health insurance
You may also be asked for a clean criminal record certificate and other country-specific documents.
3. Fill out and submit the application
Complete the Portugal D8 visa application form (you can download and submit it from the Portuguese consulate or embassy website in your home country). Before submitting, double-check that all information is accurate, as errors may delay the process. You’ll likely also need to pay a visa application fee.
4. Track your application status
If you applied via a Portuguese embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center, they typically provide online tracking systems. Visit their official website and use your submission reference number to check the status. If online tracking isn’t available via your submission method, you can reach out directly to the embassy or consulate via email or phone.
5. Receive your resident card
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive confirmation from the consulate or Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, or SEF). You then have 30 days to collect your visa from the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
When you arrive in Portugal, you’re required to register with the local town hall (câmara municipal) and attend your residency appointment at SEF within 30 days to finalize your residence permit and receive your residence card.
3 ways to assist employees applying for Portugal’s digital nomad visa
Here are three ways employers can support employees navigating this visa application process.
1. Put together the necessary documents
Guide employees through the process of compiling all necessary documents, such as:
- Proof of employment
- Income statements
- Remote work contracts
- Tax residency proof
- Valid health insurance covering Portugal
Some necessary documents are employer-issued, like an official employment verification letter, a company registration certificate, proof of tax compliance, and salary confirmation. So prepare these as well.
2. Facilitate embassy or consulate appointments and compliance
Help employees secure embassy or consulate appointments by researching available slots, preparing submission checklists, and even assisting with appointment booking if possible. Provide guidance on what to expect during their visa interview and make sure all their documents are properly prepared before submission. You could also educate them on Portugal’s tax registration process, social security obligations, and local registration requirements to ease their transition upon arrival.
3. Support employees with post-approval requirements
Once the visa is granted, help employees understand post-arrival obligations. This includes registering with SEF, setting up a Portuguese bank account, securing local health coverage, and finding accommodation.
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Portugal’s digital nomad visa is opening up new opportunities for remote professionals, and with Oyster, companies can hire the best talent without geographical limitations. From managing compliance and payroll to simplifying global hiring and employment across 180+ countries, we provide the tools to build and manage distributed teams.
Explore how Oyster’s Employer of Record and Talent Mobility services can streamline hiring and relocation, empowering your team to thrive in Portugal and beyond.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire in Portugal?
Hiring in Portugal involves costs like employer social security contributions, accident insurance, and wage guarantee funds. In Portugal, employees are also entitled to 14 months of salary (12 months plus two mandatory bonuses).
It's important to factor in these expenses to remain compliant and competitive.
Which countries offer digital nomad visas?
In addition to Portugal, many other countries offer digital nomad visas to attract remote workers, including:
- Estonia
- Spain
- Croatia
- Mexico
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Barbados
- Georgia
- Bermuda
Do digital nomads pay taxes in Portugal?
Yes, digital nomads pay taxes in Portugal if they live and work there for over 183 days in one calendar year. As a tax resident, you’ll be taxed on your worldwide income. Portugal also offers tax benefits through the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program. It's best to consult a tax advisor for specific details.
About Oyster
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Oyster enables hiring anywhere in the world—with reliable, compliant payroll, and great local benefits and perks.
