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Portugal

Europe

Schengen country with Atlantic lifestyle, strong expat communities and clear long stay options such as the D8 digital nomad visa and D7 income visa.

6
Visa Types
60
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work

D8 – Residence visa for remote workers (digital nomad visa)

Residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside Portugal, designed for employees or self employed workers with high remote income.

365 days
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€820 additional

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $3,480/per_month

Alternative: Some consulates may accept higher savings in combination with income to meet the legal threshold; always follow the specific consulate checklist.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Allows remote workers with sufficient income to live in Portugal while working for foreign clients or employers.
✓Pathway to multi year residence, permanent residence and potentially citizenship after long term legal stay.
📋 Requirements (8)
  • •Completed national visa application form and two recent passport photos as per specifications.
  • •Valid passport with at least two blank pages and validity extending beyond the intended visa period.
  • •Proof of average monthly income for the last three months of at least four times the Portuguese monthly minimum wage, through employment contract, service contracts or other documents proving remote work or self employment for entities outside Portugal.
  • •Bank statements for the last three months showing regular incoming income that matches or exceeds the required threshold.
  • •Criminal record certificate from the country of residence or where you have lived recently, duly legalised or apostilled, and authorisation for the Portuguese authorities to check your criminal record.
  • •Proof of accommodation in Portugal for the initial period of stay, such as rental agreement, long stay booking or term of responsibility from a host.
  • •Health or travel insurance valid until you obtain access to the Portuguese health system, covering necessary medical expenses including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
  • •If applicable, documents proving the situation of accompanying family members and proof of additional means for them.
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Often 60–90 days from complete application
  1. 1Verify that you meet the income threshold and that your work is carried out remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal.
  2. 2Check the detailed checklist published by the competent Portuguese consulate or its external provider and gather all required documents.
  3. 3Book an appointment with the consulate or VFS Global in your country of legal residence and complete the application form.
  4. 4Attend the appointment in person, submit biometrics, hand in your documents and pay the visa fee and any service fees.
  5. 5Wait for the decision, collect your passport with the D8 visa and then travel to Portugal within the validity of the visa.
  6. 6After arrival, schedule and attend an appointment with the immigration authority (AIMA) to apply for and collect your residence permit card.
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 24 days (max 2x)

Cost: Free

Process: Residence permits issued from a D8 visa are usually valid for an initial multi year period and can be renewed with updated proof of income, accommodation and compliance with tax and social security obligations in Portugal.

Renewal: After five years of legal residence with a D8 based residence permit you may be able to apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship if you meet the legal conditions, including language and integration requirements.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Prepare income and bank documentation early and make sure your contracts clearly show that the work is performed remotely.
  • •Keep copies of all documents and check fee amounts and forms again on the consulate website shortly before your appointment in case of updates.

Visa free short stay (Schengen 90/180 rule)

TouristPopular

Short stays in Portugal and the Schengen area without a visa for eligible nationalities, up to 90 days in any 180 days.

90d
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€80 additional
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱Not applicable (no visa application)
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Government visa feeNo Schengen visa fee for visa exempt travellers
€0<$1
Additional (estimated)
Travel medical insurance (90 days)Strongly recommended; may be checked at the border
€80$87
Required Total
€0<$1
+ Additional (estimated)
€80$87
Estimated Total
€80$87
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Hold a valid passport that meets Schengen rules (issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond the planned departure).
  • •Show proof of onward or return travel and accommodation bookings for your stay.
  • •Have travel medical insurance that covers at least EUR 30,000 in medical and repatriation costs, even when not formally required.
  • •Demonstrate sufficient financial means according to the minimum amounts set by Portuguese authorities for Schengen short stays.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Confirm that your nationality is visa exempt for Schengen short stays.
  2. 2Plan your travel so that your total time in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days in any rolling 180 days.
  3. 3Carry printed or digital proof of accommodation, onward travel, insurance and funds in case border officers ask for it.
  4. 4On arrival in the Schengen area, comply with biometric registration and entry checks under the EU Entry/Exit System.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •No right to work for Portuguese employers or clients in Portugal.
  • •Strict 90 days in any 180 days limit across the whole Schengen area, monitored by the Entry/Exit System.

💡 Tips

  • •Keep track of your Schengen days carefully to avoid an overstay.
  • •Bring printed copies of accommodation, onward ticket, insurance and bank statements to make border checks smoother.

Schengen short stay visa (type C) for tourism or business

TouristPopular

Short stay Schengen visa for travellers who need a visa to visit Portugal and the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 days.

90d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€110 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Usually around 15 calendar days from appointment
🔄Extendable +0d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Schengen visa fee (adult)Standard short stay fee under EU rules
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
VFS or external service feeService charge where applications are lodged via an external provider
€30$33
Travel medical insurance (90 days)Mandatory coverage of at least EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation
€80$87
Required Total
€90$98
+ Additional (estimated)
€110$119
Estimated Total
€200$217
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Completed and signed Schengen visa application form and biometric photos.
  • •Valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond the end of the intended stay.
  • •Travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 in medical and repatriation costs valid for all Schengen States.
  • •Proof of accommodation for the whole stay (hotel bookings, rental agreement, invitation).
  • •Proof of sufficient means of subsistence as defined by Portuguese authorities, such as recent bank statements or proof of income.
  • •Documents explaining the purpose of the trip, itinerary and ties to the country of residence.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check that Portugal is the competent country to handle your Schengen visa (main destination or first entry).
  2. 2Book an appointment with the Portuguese consulate or an external service provider such as VFS Global in your country of residence.
  3. 3Prepare all required documents, including insurance and proof of funds, according to the consulate checklist.
  4. 4Attend the appointment, submit fingerprints and pay the visa and service fees.
  5. 5Track your application and collect your passport with the visa once a decision has been taken.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not give the right to work in Portugal for local employers.
  • •Extensions and changes of purpose are very limited once in Schengen.

💡 Tips

  • •Apply well in advance, as appointments and processing may take several weeks.
  • •Match your itinerary and accommodation proof to the information in your application to avoid doubts.

D7 – Residence visa for retirees and income holders

Special ProgramPopular

Residence visa for non workers who have stable income such as pensions or passive income and wish to live in Portugal long term.

365d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€820 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Often 60–90 days from complete application
🔄Extendable +24d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
National visa (type D) feeStandard residence visa fee at consulate
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
Residence permit issuance fee in PortugalPaid when the residence permit card is issued; the exact amount can change
€170$184
Health insurance for the first yearPrivate health coverage until you access the Portuguese system
€400$434
Document legalisation and translationFor apostilles and certified translations of foreign documents
€250$271
Required Total
€90$98
+ Additional (estimated)
€820$890
Estimated Total
€910$987
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Completed national visa application form for residence and recent passport photos.
  • •Valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages for the visa sticker.
  • •Proof of stable income such as retirement pensions, long term rental income, dividends or other passive income, normally at least around the Portuguese minimum monthly salary for the main applicant plus a supplement for dependants.
  • •Recent bank statements showing that the income is effectively received and accessible.
  • •Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental contract, property deed or long term booking.
  • •Criminal record certificate from the country of residence or other countries where you have lived, properly legalised or apostilled, and authorisation for the Portuguese authorities to check your record.
  • •Health or travel insurance that covers medical care and repatriation until you can access the Portuguese system.
  • •If applicable, proof of family ties and financial means for accompanying family members.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Confirm that you meet the financial and accommodation requirements for the D7 income based residence visa.
  2. 2Consult the checklist of the competent Portuguese consulate or its external provider and collect all required documents including proof of income and accommodation.
  3. 3Book and attend an appointment at the consulate or VFS, submit your application and biometrics and pay the visa fee.
  4. 4Wait for the decision and, if approved, collect your passport with the D7 visa.
  5. 5Travel to Portugal within the visa validity and attend your appointment with the immigration authority to obtain your residence permit.
  6. 6Maintain your income, accommodation and presence in Portugal to comply with the residence rules and renew your permit when required.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not authorise taking up employed work in Portugal unless you change your status or meet additional requirements.
  • •Income must be stable and provable, and consulates can require higher amounts than the minimum guideline.

💡 Tips

  • •Prepare clear documentation of each income source, including contracts, pension confirmations and bank statements.
  • •When possible secure medium or long term accommodation before applying, as this is often checked carefully.

Long term student visa (national D)

EducationPopular

National visa for third country nationals admitted to a Portuguese higher education institution for studies longer than 90 days.

365d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€470 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Often 30–60 days from complete application
🔄Extendable +24d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
National visa (type D) feeStandard fee for long term study visas
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
Residence permit issuance feePaid in Portugal when the student residence card is issued
€170$184
Health insurance or proof of coveragePrivate policy if you are not yet covered by the Portuguese system
€300$326
Required Total
€90$98
+ Additional (estimated)
€470$510
Estimated Total
€560$608
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Proof of admission or enrolment in a recognised Portuguese higher education institution or study programme.
  • •Valid passport and visa application form with photos.
  • •Proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses for the period of study, in line with at least the Portuguese minimum wage or institution guidelines.
  • •Proof of accommodation such as dormitory confirmation, rental contract or hosting declaration.
  • •Health insurance or proof of medical coverage valid in Portugal for the duration of the stay.
  • •Criminal record certificate and, where required, authorisation to check your Portuguese record.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain an admission letter from a Portuguese higher education institution or other recognised educational establishment.
  2. 2Consult the consulate website for the detailed student visa checklist and prepare the documents accordingly.
  3. 3Book an appointment with the Portuguese consulate or its external provider and submit your application and biometrics.
  4. 4Pay the visa fee and keep the receipt as proof of payment.
  5. 5After approval, collect your passport with the visa and travel to Portugal to start your studies and apply for a residence card if required.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Purpose is limited to study; changes of status or institution may require new authorisation.
  • •Failure to remain enrolled or to meet academic requirements can affect residence rights.

💡 Tips

  • •Confirm whether your programme permits part time work and under which limits before taking any job.
  • •Keep all tuition and accommodation payment receipts in case they are requested during renewal.

Employed work visa (national D)

Work

National visa for third country nationals who have an employment contract or firm job offer with a Portuguese employer.

365d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€370 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Often 60–90 days from complete application
🔄Extendable +24d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
National visa (type D) feeStandard employed work visa fee
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
Residence permit issuance feePaid to the immigration authority after arrival
€170$184
Document legalisation and translationFor employment and civil status documents that need apostille or translation
€200$217
Required Total
€90$98
+ Additional (estimated)
€370$401
Estimated Total
€460$499
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid employment contract or firm job offer from a Portuguese employer, meeting legal salary and conditions.
  • •Proof that the position complies with Portuguese labour and, where applicable, labour market rules.
  • •Valid passport, completed visa application form and photos.
  • •Proof of accommodation in Portugal or a hosting declaration from the employer.
  • •Criminal record certificate and authorisation for checks in Portugal.
  • •Health insurance or proof of coverage until you are registered in the social security and health systems.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain a signed employment contract or job offer that meets Portuguese legal requirements.
  2. 2Follow the consulate checklist for employed work visas and collect all supporting documents.
  3. 3Book and attend an appointment at the Portuguese consulate or its external service provider and submit your application.
  4. 4After approval, collect the visa, travel to Portugal and start work in line with the contract.
  5. 5Apply for your residence permit with the immigration authority within the time limits indicated on your visa.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Tied to a specific employment situation and subject to changes in labour law and immigration quotas.
  • •Losing your job or not meeting residence conditions can affect your right to stay.

💡 Tips

  • •Clarify with your future employer who will handle any pre authorisation steps required in Portugal.
  • •Keep copies of your contract, pay slips and social security registration for future renewals.

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalLisbon
CurrencyEUR (€)
LanguagePortuguese
TimezoneUTC+0 / UTC+1 (summer)
Last UpdatedNov 30, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Portugal have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Portugal has a residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory, commonly known as the D8 digital nomad or remote work visa. It is intended for employees or self employed workers who can prove remote income at least equal to four times the Portuguese minimum monthly wage in the last three months, together with accommodation, insurance and a clean criminal record.
What is the difference between the D8 digital nomad visa and the D7 income visa?
The D8 visa targets active remote workers, either employed or self employed, who work mainly for clients or employers outside Portugal and meet a high income threshold. The D7 residence visa is aimed at retirees and income holders with stable passive income such as pensions, rental income or investments. Both can lead to a residence permit, but the legal basis and financial requirements are different and are assessed by the consulate and immigration authority.
How long can I stay in Portugal without a visa as a tourist?
If you hold a passport that is visa exempt for the Schengen area, you can stay in Portugal and the rest of the Schengen States for up to 90 days in any rolling 180 day period. This limit applies to the entire Schengen area, not only to Portugal, and is now monitored electronically through the EU Entry Exit System. For longer stays you normally need a national visa or residence permit.
Can I work remotely from Portugal while on a tourist stay or Schengen visa?
Portuguese and EU rules focus mainly on whether you are taking local employment in Portugal. Occasional remote work for a foreign employer or clients while you are in Portugal as a tourist is generally tolerated, but it does not give you a right to remain in the country or to access the labour market. If you intend to base yourself in Portugal long term as a remote worker you are expected to apply for an appropriate residence visa such as the D8.
What happens if I overstay my 90 days in 180 or my visa in Portugal?
Overstaying the authorised stay in Portugal or elsewhere in the Schengen area can lead to administrative fines, difficulties when leaving or re entering Schengen, and in serious cases entry bans. Because the new EU Entry Exit System records entries and exits electronically, overstays are more easily detected. If you realise you may overstay, you should contact the immigration authorities as early as possible rather than waiting until departure.
Do I need health insurance to visit or live in Portugal?
For Schengen short stay visas, travel medical insurance with coverage of at least EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation valid across the Schengen area is mandatory. Visa exempt travellers are strongly advised to have similar coverage. For national D visas and residence permits, private health insurance or proof of coverage is normally required at least until you are registered in the Portuguese social security and health systems.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: November 30, 2025

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