How to get Portugal D8 Visa: US guide

Want to swap your home office for ocean views and fresh pastel de nata? Portugal’s D8 Visa could be the solution. This visa makes it possible for remote workers and freelancers from the United States to live and work legally in Portugal, all while keeping their income streams abroad.

In this guide, we walk through everything US citizens need to know about the D8 Visa, from the eligibility checklist to the step-by-step application process.

We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more 🔎

Table of contents

What is the Portugal D8 Visa? Who the D8 Visa is for D8 Visa requirements for US citizens How to apply for the Portugal D8 Visa from the US Step 1: Get your Portuguese tax ID (NIF) Step 2: Open a Portuguese bank account Step 3: Secure your accommodation Step 4: Gather your documents Step 5: Submit your visa application Step 6: Apply for your residence permit Costs and processing times Tips for a successful D8 Visa application Life in Portugal with a D8 Visa Managing money across borders Frequently asked questions

What is the Portugal D8 Visa?

Portugal’s D8 Visa is designed for people who want to live in Portugal while working remotely for a non-Portuguese company or running their own business abroad. The visa offers a legal pathway to residency without needing a local job contract. It is a popular option for digital nomads, solopreneurs, and location-independent professionals.

💡 There are two versions of the D8 Visa:
Temporary Stay Visa: Valid for up to one year and renewable Residency Visa: Valid for four months and leads to a residence permit renewable for up to five years¹

Either option gives you the right to live in Portugal and travel freely across the Schengen area without an extra visa for a certain amount of time.

Who the D8 Visa is for

This visa is tailored for professionals who:

• Work remotely for companies or clients based outside Portugal
• Run their own online businesses
• Earn passive income from investments, royalties, or real estate abroad

It’s not designed for people who plan to work for a local employer in Portugal. If that is your goal, you’ll need a D1 resident’s visa.

D8 Visa requirements for US citizens

To smoothly apply for the Portugal D8 Visa, US citizens must meet several key requirements. Here's what you'll need and why it matters.

Stable foreign income

You need to show that your income comes from outside Portugal. This includes:

• Remote employment with a foreign company
• Freelance or contract work
• Business profits or passive income

The goal is to prove financial independence from the Portuguese economy.

Income threshold

As of 2024, Portugal requires digital nomads applying for the D8 Visa to earn a minimum monthly income equivalent to four times the national minimum wage.

The Portuguese government sets the minimum wage at €820/month, making the required amount around €3,280/month (approximately $3,500 USD)².

Having this income stipulation ensures people can support their stay without needing public assistance.

Portuguese tax number and bank account

You’ll need a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) and a local bank account. Most applicants show proof of funds, often by depositing at least four months' worth of living expenses into a Portuguese account.³ This demonstrates your financial readiness to maintain yourself during your stay.

Proof of accommodation

You must submit proof of your living arrangement in Portugal. This could be:

• A signed lease agreement
• A hotel or rental booking confirmation
• An invitation letter from a host

The proof must cover at least your initial four months for a short-stay visa and a twelve-month stay for a long-stay visa.²

Health insurance

Applicants must have valid health or travel insurance covering medical expenses in Portugal. The policy should be valid throughout your stay and comply with Portuguese requirements to show that you’re protected in case of emergency or illness.

FBI background check

You’ll need a criminal background check from the FBI. The certificate must be apostilled by the US State Department and translated into Portuguese.⁴ It’ll prove that you have a clean legal record and help cover Portuguese immigration safety checks.

What’s the best way to send money to Portugal?

Banks are certainly one option for sending money internationally, as are services like PayPal. But the problem with banks is they can often be slow, expensive and inconvenient. Luckily, there’s a better alternative out there.

You can send money worldwide with Wise for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It’s easy and quick to set up a payment online, and you’re guaranteed secure transfers even when sending large sums.

Wise is a money service business (MSB) regulated by 12 international financial authorities and uses sophisticated security features to keep you and your money safe.

Open a Wise account, and you can send, spend and convert between 40+ currencies whenever you need to. You can even receive money from all over the world using your own local account details.

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How to apply for the Portugal D8 Visa from the US

Applying for the D8 Visa involves several steps and some upfront preparation. Here’s a clear breakdown.

Step 1: Get your Portuguese tax ID (NIF)

Apply for your NIF online or through a Portuguese tax representative. This is needed to open a bank account and sign a lease.

Step 2: Open a Portuguese bank account

Once you have your NIF, you can open a bank account in Portugal. You will need to transfer enough funds to cover your stay.

💡 Tip: Use Wise to convert USD into Euros and send to your Portuguese account with low fees and real exchange rates. Enjoy a faster and more transparent process than most traditional banks offer. We’ll cover this in more detail later.

Step 3: Secure your accommodation

Book a long-term rental, reserve a serviced apartment, or arrange temporary housing. Be sure to have documentation proving where you will stay.

Step 4: Gather your documents

You will need:

• Passport
• NIF certificate
• Proof of income and employment or freelance contracts
• Bank statements and deposit confirmation
• Health insurance coverage
• FBI background check with an apostille
• Lease agreement or accommodation proof

Step 5: Submit your visa application

Book an appointment with the nearest Portuguese consulate in the United States. Bring all your documents and application forms.

Step 6: Apply for your residence permit

Once you arrive in Portugal, schedule an appointment with SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Services) to get your official residence permit. You must do this within 120 days of arrival.⁵

Costs and processing times

Here is a general breakdown of expected costs:

• FBI background check and apostille: $100 to $200
• NIF registration: Around €30 to €100
• Health insurance: Varies based on provider and age
• Visa fees: About €90 for the application, plus potential consular service fees
• SEF residence permit: €158

Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks from submission at the consulate, then 2 to 3 months for SEF appointments in Portugal.⁶

Tips for a successful D8 Visa application

• Document everything clearly: Provide translations if required, and ensure your income documents align with bank statements
• Show consistent income: Visa officers prefer to see stable income over multiple months
• Use digital tools: Services like Wise can help manage your finances across currencies, reduce paperwork, and simplify money transfers
• Be proactive with appointments: Book SEF appointments as early as possible, as spots fill up quickly
• Stay compliant: If you plan to stay long term, consult a Portuguese tax advisor about your obligations

Life in Portugal with a D8 Visa

Once approved, you can begin your new life in Portugal. You’ll have access to:

• The Portuguese healthcare system, after registering
• Residency based in one of the safest countries in Europe
• Schengen travel with up to 90 days in every 180-day period in other member countries⁷

You can also renew your visa and apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years, as long as you meet the legal requirements.²

Managing money across borders

One key part of moving abroad is managing your finances smoothly. That includes:

• Getting paid by US clients: Keep earning in USD while living in Europe
• Transferring money to Euros: Send money to your Portuguese account to pay rent, bills, and daily expenses
• Paying taxes: You may need to pay Portuguese income tax depending on your length of stay and residency status

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Here are quick answers to the most common ones about the Portugal D8 visa.

Can I apply while in Portugal?

No. You must apply from the US through a Portuguese consulate or VFS Global.

How long does approval take?

Usually 30 to 60 days. Once approved, you’ll get a 120-day visa to enter Portugal and register for residency.¹

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

No, but basic knowledge helps with daily life and integration.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, with proper documents and enough income to support them.

Is US remote work eligible?

Yes. Income from US-based jobs, freelancing, or businesses qualifies.

What happens after the first year?

You’ll apply for a residence permit valid for two years, renewable. After five years, you may qualify for permanent residency or citizenship.²

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Portugal’s D8 Visa is one of the easiest and most attractive pathways for US citizens to live and work abroad. With beautiful scenery, a welcoming culture, and a growing remote work community, it is no surprise that Portugal is topping the list for digital nomads.

With the right documents and smart financial tools, your move can be smooth and stress-free.

With the Wise account, you can top up your USD Wise balance with a domestic transfer that you will be able to convert at the mid-market rate with an upfront conversion fee.

Learn more about Wise

Sources

1. Jobbatical – Digital nomad visa Portugal
2. Global Citizen Solutions – Portugal digital nomad visa
3. Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Residency
4. US Embassy in Portugal – Criminal background check
5. Global Residence Index – Portugal digital nomad visa D8
6. Citizen Remote – Portugal’s digital nomad visa
7. Get Golden Visa – Portugal D8 digital nomad visa

Sources checked 07/15/2025