If your goal is to establish yourself in Portugal while continuing to provide services abroad, the D8 Visa is the ideal legal route. This practical guide explains how this status works, its requirements and its advantages.

What is the D8 Visa?

The D8 is the common designation for the Residence Visa for Remote Work. This scheme was created to attract professionals who carry out their activity online, without dependence on the local labour market.

Who can apply?

The visa is open to citizens from outside the European Union/EEA who fall under one of the following profiles:

• Employed Workers: Professionals in a remote working arrangement (full-time or part-time) with an employment contract from a foreign company.
• Independent Workers (Freelancers): Professionals with service contracts, commercial proposals or invoices evidencing a portfolio of international clients.
• Digital Entrepreneurs: Creators of projects or startups with a digital base whose income comes from outside the national territory.

If you are still considering other residency options, be sure to check out our Visa Hub, where we have gathered comprehensive information on other visa programs available in Portugal.

Key Requirements and Documentation

In addition to the generic travel documents (passport, health insurance, clean criminal record), the applicant must provide proof of two essential pillars:

A. Proof of Remote Work

• Employed Worker: Employment contract, promise of contract and a formal declaration from the employer confirming the employment relationship and authorisation for remote work.
• Independent Worker: Partnership agreements, service contracts, accepted commercial proposals or invoices issued in recent months demonstrating the activity.

B. Proof of Means of Subsistence (The Financial Criterion)

It is mandatory to demonstrate average monthly income, earned over the last 3 months, equal to or greater than 4 times the Guaranteed Minimum Monthly Wage in Portugal.

Important Tip: Although the law requires monthly proof, consulates frequently require the equivalent of 12 months of the minimum wage to be previously deposited in a bank account opened in Portugal in the applicant’s name.

The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Preparation – Opening of NIF/Account and securing accommodation; Documentary Preparation ➔

Step 2: Application at the Consulate – Submission in the country of origin valid for 4 months ➔

Step 3: Entry into Portugal – Travel with the temporary visa valid for 2 years ➔

Step 4: Interview at AIMA – Issuance of the Residence Permit

Consular Phase: The process always begins in the applicant’s country of residence, through the Portuguese Consulate or external partner company (such as VFS Global).

Residence Phase: After approval, the applicant receives a visa in their passport valid for 4 months, during which they travel to Portugal and attend the final interview at AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) to receive the physical residence card.

Practical Advantages: What does it actually allow?

• Freedom of Movement: Reside legally in Portugal and move freely throughout the Schengen Area without the need for additional visas.
• Family Reunification: Right to bring spouse, children or dependants to live legally with you in Portugal.
• Access to Public Services: Right to use the National Health Service (SNS), public education network and social security.
• Path to Permanent Residence or Nationality: After 5 years of legal residence, the D8 Visa holder may apply for permanent residence, and after 7 or 10 years, the holder may apply for Portuguese nationality.

Would you like to plan your move with legal certainty?
The process of obtaining the D8 Visa requires rigorous analysis of contracts and bank statements to guarantee approval on the first attempt. Avoid delays and refusals.