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Dreaming of working remotely from Portugal’s sunny coast or cobblestone cities? You're in luck. Portugal has rolled out its digital nomad visa program, offering remote professionals a legal way to live and work in one of Europe’s most laid-back and livable countries.
With strong internet infrastructure, a low cost of living, welcoming expat communities, and stunning natural and urban landscapes, Portugal has become a top choice for digital nomads. In this guide, you’ll learn how the Portugal digital nomad visa works, who qualifies, what documents you need, and how to apply.
Portugal’s digital nomad visa is officially known as the D8 Visa for Remote Workers. It was introduced in late 2022 as a response to the rising number of remote professionals looking to live in Portugal without applying for a traditional residency or work permit.
The visa allows remote workers to legally stay in Portugal for up to 1 year, with the option to renew or transition into a longer-term residence permit. It’s designed for individuals who earn income from outside Portugal, either as full-time employees, freelancers, or business owners.
Unlike tourist visas, this program gives you more time to settle into the country and even access certain public services. It also opens the door to future residency if you decide to stay long-term.
To qualify for Portugal’s digital nomad visa, you’ll need to meet specific criteria that show you can live and work in the country independently and securely. Below is a breakdown of eligibility rules and the documents required during the application process.
To be eligible for Portugal’s digital nomad visa, you must:
This visa is ideal for high-earning remote professionals who can financially support themselves while living in Portugal.
When applying, be prepared to submit:
All documents must be translated into Portuguese and legalized (apostilled), where applicable.
Here’s why this visa is attracting digital workers from around the globe:
If you visit Portugal for more than 183 days or more within a 12-month period, you are generally considered a tax resident. As a tax resident, your worldwide income becomes subject to Portugal's progressive income tax rates, which range from 14.5% to 48%, depending on your income level.
Previously, Portugal offered the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, providing significant tax benefits for new residents, including a flat 20% tax rate on certain Portuguese-sourced income and exemptions on foreign income.
However, the NHR program ended for new applicants in January 2024. Individuals who registered as tax residents in 2023 and met specific criteria could apply until March 31, 2024. Those approved under NHR will retain their benefits until December 31, 2033, but new applicants are no longer eligible.
A new tax regime, known as the Incentivized Tax Status Program (ITS), has been introduced to replace NHR. ITS offers a flat 20% income tax rate on certain professional income earned in Portugal and tax exemptions on most foreign income, such as dividends and capital gains, for up to 10 years.
However, foreign pensions are notably excluded from these exemptions and are subject to full taxation in Portugal.
For digital nomads considering Portugal, it's essential to understand these tax implications and plan accordingly, especially given the recent changes to tax regimes.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the application process:
Ensure you meet the nationality, income, and remote work requirements.
Prepare all required paperwork, translate documents into Portuguese, and have them apostilled if needed.
Submit your application in your home country. Some consulates require an appointment, so check ahead.
Processing times vary, but you can expect a decision in 2 to 3 months on average.
Portugal offers a mix of vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and a welcoming community.
Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Lisbon, the charming ambiance of Porto, or the coastal allure of Lagos, each city provides excellent coworking spaces to support your remote work lifestyle.
| Coworking space | Address |
| Second Home Lisboa | Mercado da Ribeira, Avenida 24 de Julho |
| Avila Spaces | Av. da República 6, 1050-191 Lisboa |
| Impact Hub Lisbon Baixa | Tv. das Pedras Negras 1 1º Direito, 1100-404 Lisboa, Portugal |
| Coworking space | Address |
| Typographia Cowork | Campo Mártires da Pátria 144-A, 4050-368 Porto |
| CRU Creative Hub | Rua do Rosário 211, 4050-524 Porto |
| Selina Navis CoWork | R. de José Falcão 199, 4050-215 Porto |
| Coworking space | Address |
| Lagos Digital Nomads Cowork | Rua Antero de Quental 18, 8600-621 Lagos |
| The Office – Lagos Coworkers | R. Gil Eanes 19 1st floor, 8600-742 Lagos |
| CoLagos Espaço de Cowork Municipal | R. dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra 6, 8600-583 Lagos, Portugal |
InternationalLiving.com is a long-running publication that offers insights, cost-of-living guides, and expat advice for people considering living or retiring abroad.
According to their sample budget, a single person living near—but outside of—a major city like Lisbon or Porto can expect to spend around $2,000 per month. Here's the estimated breakdown:
| Expense | $ |
| Rent (one-bedroom, furnished apartment) | $700 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas, Trash) | $75 |
| Internet/Cell Phone/Cable TV Package | $35 |
| Private Health Insurance | $75 |
| Transportation (Car Maintenance or Public Transport) | $300 |
| Groceries | $250 |
| Household Help (4 hours, once a week) | $125 |
| Entertainment (Dining Out & Other Activities) | $150 |
| Miscellaneous – Incidentals | $300 |
| Total: | $2,000 |
Portugal ranks high in internet reliability, especially in urban areas.
According to Speedtest’s Global Index (March 2025), the country’s median fixed broadband speed is around 307 Mbps, with mobile speeds averaging 213 Mbps—well above the global average and more than sufficient for video calls, cloud-based work, and large file uploads.
Coworking spaces are widely available in cities like Lisbon and Porto, offering daily passes or monthly memberships. Most come equipped with high-speed WiFi, ergonomic seating, phone booths, meeting rooms, and even community events for networking.
For those working on the go, it’s also easy to stay connected outside coworking hubs. You can use pocket WiFi, pick up a local SIM card, or opt for an eSIM for more flexibility.
If you’re planning to work remotely across different cities or while traveling through Europe, an eSIM is a flexible option for staying online. Explore some of the top eSIMs for Portugal or physical SIMs for Portugal.
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price range | |
| Holafly |  | Unlimited data, easy activation | No local number, slightly pricier | $74.90 unlimited data for 30 days |
| Nomad |  | Easy setup, fast speeds | No unlimited plans, variable network performance | $45 50GB data for 30 days |
| Ubigi |  | App-based control, wide EU coverage | Inconsistent coverage in rural areas, data-only service | $14 10GB data for 30 days |
Yes. As long as your clients or business are based outside of Portugal and you meet the income threshold, you’re eligible.
Yes. Immediate family members can be included under a family reunification application.
The initial visa is valid for 1 year. You can renew it or apply for a temporary residence permit once in Portugal.
If you're planning to open a bank account, sign a lease, or stay long-term, yes—you’ll need a NIF, which you can get from the Portuguese Tax Authority or through an authorized representative.
No. The visa is specifically for remote workers earning income from outside of Portugal.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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