D8 Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal

What Do You Need for Your Portuguese D8 Visa Application?

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Applying for Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa requires gathering several important documents. Some, like your Portuguese NIF (tax number), must be obtained before you arrive in the country. Proper documentation is key to a successful application.

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How Can You Prepare for the D8 Visa?

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Preparation is everything. The more organized and complete your application, the better your chances of approval.

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How to Apply for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa)

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Follow these steps to apply:

1. Collect the Required Documents
   Prepare essential paperwork such as proof of income, accommodation, travel insurance, and any country-specific forms.

2. Complete the Visa Application Form
   Fill in the application carefully, ensuring all details are correct.

3. Book Your Appointment
   Schedule a visit with your nearest Portuguese consulate or VFS Global office.

4. Gather Updated Documents
   Bring current documents that may need to be refreshed before your appointment, like recent payslips, bank statements, and a clean criminal record.

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What Documents Should You Bring to Your D8 Visa Appointment?

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Before heading to your appointment, make sure you have the following documentation ready:

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• Valid Passport
  Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended entry date into Portugal.

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• Proof of Accommodation (12 months)
  Must be formal, long-term rental agreements. Short-term bookings (e.g., Airbnb or Booking.com) are not accepted.

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• Proof of Financial Means
  Demonstrate sufficient income to support yourself:

  • Monthly income equal to four times the Portuguese minimum wage for the past 3 months.

  • Additional proof of income if bringing dependents (via payslips, invoices, or bank statements).

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• Portuguese Bank Account Statement
  Showing a balance equal to at least one year of the Portuguese minimum wage (currently €9,840).

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• Two Recent Passport Photos (3x4 cm)

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• Proof of Fiscal Residency
  Documentation showing your current tax residence status.

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• Proof of Legal Status in Your Current Country of Residence
  E.g., residence permit, valid visa, or proof of nationality.

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• Statement of Availability
  A declaration confirming you can spend:

  • 16 non-consecutive months in Portugal within the first 2 years

  • 6 consecutive months each year during the first 2 years.

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• Travel Insurance
  Coverage must include:

  • Medical expenses up to €30,000

  • Repatriation

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• Criminal Background Check
  From each country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more.

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• Motivational Cover Letter
  Explaining your intention to live in Portugal and become a Portuguese tax resident.

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• Visa Application Fee
  Confirm the exact amount and method of payment with your local consulate or VFS office.

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How much will I pay for my D8 visa?

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The fee is currently 90 euros per person, plus any administrative fees charged by local offices (which vary per office!).

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What's the wait time for the Portuguese D8 visa?

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Wait times differ from place to place. Certain locations will have a brief wait time of four weeks, while others could take months. Check the office's projected time and plan appropriately.

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After filing your application, a wait time can usually last for months. Use this time to prepare for your transfer and gather the documentation you'll need to show at your AIMA appointment once you arrive in Portugal.

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Why should I prepare documentation for my AIMA appointment?

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Bring all of your updated documentation to your appointment.

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Proof of income must cover the months preceding your appointment (i.e., at least one month after your visa); your criminal record might fall outside of AIMA's acceptable timeframe (which is the same as the visa - no more than three months old).

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Add to all this the possibility that certain bureaus can keep the documents you submitted during your visa assessment, so be prepared to re-issue a number of them before you travel to Portugal.

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Ensure that you cover all bases in your native country: Keep a power of attorney in the name of a trustworthy person, and bring copies of the important documents you may leave at home, such as birth and marriage certificates, home ownership titles, an extra copy of your POA, immunization cards, and anything else you may require.

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What can get my D8 Portuguese Visa rejected?

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There are several ways for that to happen, all of them avoidable. Commonly are:

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• Insufficient funds;

• The type of income does not fit the criteria.

• Criminal record with annotations;

• Documentation incomplete.

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Got Your Digital Nomad Visa Approved? Welcome to Portugal!

Now that your D8 Digital Nomad Visa has been approved, it’s time to start planning your move! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you settle in smoothly:

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Before You Arrive

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Get prepared:

Book your travel, inform relevant authorities in your home country (especially tax offices), and ensure you’ve gathered all necessary documents for your move and upcoming AIMA appointment.

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Know what you can bring:

Certain items, like hoverboards, may be restricted due to safety regulations, and large appliances might require a Certificado de Bagagem (Certificate of Move) from your nearest Portuguese consulate. Check in advance!

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Arrival in Portugal

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Register your address:

Once in Portugal, update your NIF with your Portuguese address. This is important for tax and residency purposes.

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Book your AIMA appointment:

Your D8 visa is valid for 120 days, during which you must schedule your residency appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) to convert your visa into a residence permit.

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Settling In

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While you’re getting settled:

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• Confirm your permanent accommodation.

• Get Portuguese health insurance.

• Set up your banking and financial arrangements.

• Officially become a tax resident by updating your NIF to your Portuguese address.

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Scheduling Your AIMA Appointment

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AIMA (formerly SEF) is the government body handling residency for foreigners. Getting an appointment can be tough due to high demand.

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Tips to secure an appointment:

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• Call AIMA persistently and check their website regularly.

• Follow updates on AIMA’s official Facebook page.

• Join expat Facebook groups for tips and real-time availability alerts.

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What to Bring to Your AIMA Appointment

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At your AIMA appointment, you’ll provide:

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• Biometric data (photo, signature, fingerprints).

• All original documents from your D8 visa application.

• Updated proof of accommodation (if it has changed).

• Portuguese health insurance (not just travel insurance).

• Translated and notarized criminal background certificate (even if it’s in your native language).

 

After the Appointment

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Once everything is submitted, you’ll wait to receive your residence card by mail.

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Cost:

The residence permit fee is approximately €170.

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Validity:

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• Your first card is valid for 2 years.

• Renewals will be valid for 3 years.

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Renewing Your D8 Residence Permit

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When it's time to renew, repeat the same steps with updated documents. Make sure you apply well before your current permit expires!

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Need help with tax registration, getting your NIF/NISS, opening an activity, or scheduling appointments? We’re here for you. Contact INLIS Consulting for expert support every step of the way.