Apply for Portugal's Digital Nomad D8 Visa in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Interested in living and working in Portugal? The Digital Nomad Visa is what you need. In this video, we explain the steps involved in getting yourself a digital nomad visa for Portugal.
Getting the digital nomad visa is a complicated process! To learn all the details and get a comprehensive walk-through of every step, sign up for our Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Course: startabroad.co...
Or check out our full service Digital Nomad Visa Support startabroad.co...
What you will need to include in your digital nomad visa application packet:
- The application for a national visa
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after the expiration of your 120 day visa AND that contains at least 2 blank pages (front and back)
- 2 recent passport photos
- A notarized color copy of your main passport page
- If you are not a citizen where you are applying, proof of legal residency
- A personal statement declaring the reasons you are seeking residency and outlining your qualifications
- Work contract or a service contract
- Letter from your employer or client(s) saying you have permission to work from Portugal
- Proof of salary. If you’re a full time employee this is usually paystubs and bank account statements. If you’re self-employed it's typically invoices and bank account statements.
- Business documents if you own your own business - proof of business ownership, recent business tax returns
- Most recent tax return
- Your NIF, NISS, and proof of your Portuguese bank account
- A criminal record certificate
- Private health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Need your NIF, NISS, or Portuguese bank account? Check out our services here: startabroad.co...
We also offer free 15-minute consultations, which you can book from our website at www.startabroad.com
StartAbroad an international relocation company that supports those moving to Portugal, Costa Rica, and Panama. You can learn more about us at www.startabroad.com or reach out at [e-mail] or [phone].
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[@natashacoutts2456]

You forgot to mention the surf ;)

[@ndongmojoseph238]

What if you're self employed like a Forex entrepreneur(Forex trader)...how do you prove work contract or letter of employment etc

[@Humble370]

Ms you are so simple and blessed with natural beauty. Sorry I couldn't focus on the visa information, you were a distraction.😊

[@felipedille5943]

Thanks for the video. Very informative! Just to clarify, is it necessary to actually get a rental contract to submit the application?

[@startabroad4592]

Hi @felipedille5943, thank you for your message! Yes, having a rental contract is a requirement for when you submit your application at VFS or a consulate. The rental market in Portugal can be difficult to navigate. We offer Rental Search Support if you would like help with that process, which you can learn more about here: startabroad.com/services/portugal-services/portugal-rental-search/

[@WandaBryantStylusandSuitcases]

How much are you required to fund the Portuguese bank account?

[@startabroad4592]

Hi @WandaBryantStylusandSuitcases! While there is no official requirement, we recommend funding 12x the Portuguese minimum wage (a year's worth). In 2024 that's 9840 euro, or approximately $10,600 with current exchange rates.

[@WandaBryantStylusandSuitcases]

Thank you for responding. I guess my next question is if I am funding my bank account with this much money am I allowed to use these monies for my expenses while I’m in Portugal or is this just it a holding account and I don’t have direct access to it?

[@startabroad4592]

@@WandaBryantStylusandSuitcases Hi Wanda, you can use the money for your expenses, as long as you are able to show the statement for the fully funded account at the time of your VFS/Consulate appointment. Many people use the funds in their Portuguese bank accounts to cover expenses like rent.

[@heatherrichardson5829]

Can you do the application without submitting tax returns and get approved?

[@startabroad4592]

Hi @heatherrichardson5829, thank you for your message! You do need to submit your tax returns, but the rules change slightly depending on your situation. We offer free 15-minute consultations if you would like to speak to a specialist about the specifics of your case! You can schedule that here: www.startabroad.com/consultation

[@Stella_9517]

Does this visa allow you to visit other countries in the schengen area?

[@Stella_9517]

And how long can you be out?

[@startabroad4592]

Hi @Stella_p517, thank you for your comment! Yes, this visa does allow you to visit other countries in the Schengen area. A few important notes: 1) before you've completed the AIMA appointment, you can only leave and re-enter Portugal once, and 2) if you want to renew your visa after two years, you must spend 16 out of 24 months in Portugal. We offer free 15-minute consultations if you would like to speak with an expert! You can schedule that here: www.startabroad.com/consultation

[@meaganpage1260]

If I'm understanding the process correctly, then when you sign a rental contract with a landlord, it's still months away before you actually move, because you have to have that rental contract before you even apply for your Visa. Are you on the hook to start paying the rent for that property during the months before you've even arrived, or is it common to future-date the start of the lease a few months out? Also, what happens if for some reason your Visa application is denied? Do you still owe the landlord 12 months of rent, or is it accepted to have a clause allowing you to break the rental contract for that reason?

[@startabroad4592]

Hi @meaganpage1260, thank you for your question! Yes, the timing of the rental contract requirement is one of the most frustrating aspects of the visa application process. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you navigate the process if you would like to schedule a free 15-minute consultation by following this link: www.startabroad.com/consultation

[@lauraortiz6634]

Hi! I currently operate as an independent online coach with an LLC registered in the United States. My clients primarily consist of Colombians or Latinos residing in the United States, and all services are conducted online through a platform or application. No contracts with companies, but independent coaching services for my clients. My monthly income ranges between $4000 and $5000. Do I meet the remote job requirements with this model?

[@startabroad4592]

Hi @lauraortiz6634 thank you for your comment! Based on what you've described, we think you could qualify for the D8. We would need a bit more information, but you could include something like articles of incorporation for your business, plus letters from a few clients confirming that you provide monthly services for X amount. Please feel free to sign up for a free 15-minute consultation here, and we can go through your case in more detail: startabroad.com/schedule-consultation/

[@colinobest2218]

How long does some one to know if he or she visa is approved in portugalese enbassy.?

[@zachgerth3369]

Hi @colinobest2218, it typically takes about 2 months to receive judgement on your application.

[@garryevans4810]

Hi! Is it a bit risky to take a 12 month accommodation contract before knowing if you'll get the visa? It seems like it needs to be done right at the start of the application. If I'm planning to go there for the first time in October can I start the application now? Thanks

[@startabroad4592]

Hi @garryevans4810, thank you for your message! Unfortunately, the rental contract is a requirement for visa approval. It is one of the frustrating aspects of the way the process has been implemented. However, as long as you qualify for the visa and put together the application correctly, you will likely be approved. Keep in mind that visa approvals typically take about two months after your VFS/Consulate appointment, and it can take a few weeks/months before you can schedule your appointment. We would be very happy to connect with you and talk through timing, the application process, and putting together your documentation. We offer free consultations, which you can sign up for here: startabroad.com/schedule-consultation/

[@shimamcdougall8840]

Does it work if I have a passive income and bring a bank statement to prove it? Thanks

[@bwb4416]

very good question, nobody asks that

[@meaganpage1260]

I think for passive income you'd want the D7 visa

[@letsbefair_]

Hi, thanks for great vid. For bringing a spouse or committed partner: If main applicant meets minimum income threshold (3600 USD pm), can committed partner's remote income count as covering the addtional 500-odd USD required for bringing a dependent committed partner? Or does main applicant have to have sufficient monthly income to cover their own minimum threshold plus the threshold for the committed partner dependant? Hope the question makes sense 🙏

[@startabroad4592]

Hi @letsbefair_! Great question. Unfortunately you do need to have the main applicant's income be sufficient to cover both people on its own (that's 1.5x the amount for a single person when you add an adult dependent). Alternatively, if you both qualify by yourselves you can apply for two separate visas.