D8 Visa for Digital Nomads: What You Need to Apply
September 16, 2026
The D8 visa was created for people who work remotely, whether employed abroad or freelancing for clients outside Portugal, and want to relocate without giving up that income. Unlike the D7, which is built around passive income, the D8 is specifically for active remote work.
Who qualifies
You will need to show a steady stream of remote income, either an employment contract with a company based outside Portugal, or a track record of invoicing clients as a freelancer. Portugal ties the minimum income threshold to the national minimum wage, and that figure is revised periodically, so confirm the current amount before assuming your income clears it.
What the file typically includes
- A Portuguese NIF
- A Portuguese bank account showing the required funds
- Proof of remote income, a contract, invoices, or both
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- A clean criminal record certificate
As with any residency visa, documents that are inconsistent or outdated are the most common reason a file gets sent back for more information, so it is worth having everything reviewed before it is submitted rather than after.
Temporary stay vs residency
The D8 comes in two forms: a temporary stay visa for a limited period without a path to permanent residency, and a residency visa that counts toward it. Which one fits depends on whether you see the move as a longer trial or a permanent relocation, and it is worth deciding that before you file rather than after.