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Moving to Portugal · Visas
Portugal D8 digital nomad visa: a practical 2026 guide
By Pedro Carvalho · Last checked against official sources on 26 October 2026
Please read: This is general information, not legal or tax advice. We can't guarantee any visa outcome. Rules change — always check official sources or a qualified professional.
For people who work remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal: who qualifies, the 2026 income figure, the documents, and how it differs from the D7.
What the D8 is
The D8 is Portugal's visa for remote work done for employers or clients outside Portugal, often called the digital nomad visa. It is for non-EU citizens. There are two versions (MNE: visa types):
- Temporary stay visa (“visto de estada temporária para o exercício de atividade profissional prestada de forma remota”): for stays of up to a year.
- Residence visa (“visto de residência … nómada digital”): for moving to Portugal. It is valid for four months and two entries, and in that time you ask AIMA for a residence permit.
The legal basis is article 61.º-B of the Foreigners' Law (Lei n.º 23/2007). The document list is in article 31.º-A of Decreto Regulamentar n.º 84/2007.
Income threshold in 2026
The rule is average monthly income over the last three months of at least four times the minimum wage, earned from employed or self-employed work (DR 84/2007, art. 31.º-A(1)(c); MNE checklist).
The minimum wage for 2026 is €920 a month (Decreto-Lei n.º 139/2025). So the threshold is:
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Average monthly income needed (4 × €920) | €3,680 |
| Over the three months shown | €11,040 |
This is our arithmetic from the official rule. The law says “four minimum wages” and gives no euro amount, so the threshold goes up whenever the minimum wage does, normally in January. Consulates may also ask for proof of savings or more for family members. Check your consulate's page.
Documents specific to the D8
From the official checklist (MNE, Portuguese · English):
- Employees: a work contract, or a letter from the employer confirming you work for them.
- Self-employed: a company contract, a services contract, or a document showing the services you provide to one or more clients.
- Proof of your average monthly income over the last three months: at least four minimum wages.
- A document showing where you are tax resident.
On top of these come the general national-visa documents: the form, photos and a passport valid for three months beyond your stay (general documentation). Each consulate can ask for more, such as accommodation, insurance or a criminal record certificate. Check yours.
The steps, in order
- Decide between the temporary stay visa (up to a year) and the residence visa (moving to Portugal).
- Get a NIF. You'll need it for a lease and a bank account. See our NIF guide.
- Gather three months of income proof plus the contract or client documents.
- Apply at the consulate or visa centre for where you live legally and pay the fee. Check the official page for the current fee and timing.
- For the residence route, travel to Portugal while the visa is valid and attend AIMA for your residence permit. A temporary residence permit is generally valid for two years and can then be renewed for three-year periods (AIMA).
- Once you live in Portugal, sort out your tax residence and social security position. See our NISS guide. Tax on foreign remote income is personal and complicated, so talk to a certified accountant (contabilista certificado) rather than relying on a guide.
Family and recent changes
Family members can apply at the same time as you with a residence visa to accompany the main applicant. Since Lei n.º 61/2025 (October 2025), family reunification after you arrive generally needs two years of valid residence, with exceptions. Check the current rules on aima.gov.pt before you plan around it.
Sources (checked 26 October 2026)
Quick answers
What is the income requirement for the Portugal D8 visa in 2026?
Average monthly income over the last three months of at least four times the minimum wage. With the 2026 minimum wage of €920, that is €3,680 a month. It rises when the minimum wage rises.
Can I work for Portuguese clients on a D8?
The D8 is for work done remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal. If you plan to work for Portuguese companies, ask the consulate or a qualified professional which visa fits.
Is the D8 the same as the D7?
No. The D7 is for pensions and passive income, at 100% of the minimum wage for one adult. The D8 is for active remote work, at four times the minimum wage.
Useful for your arrival
You can do a D8 application yourself using the official pages linked above. For the day you land, these are useful: mobile data before you get a Portuguese SIM, and a pre-booked transfer from Porto airport if you arrive with luggage.
Yesim eSIM for Portugal
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Kiwitaxi airport transfer from Porto airport
Pre-booked transfer for arrival day with luggage.
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