Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) for U.S. Citizens

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) for U.S. Citizens: Complete 2025 Guide

Thinking about living and working remotely in Portugal? The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) allows U.S. citizens to legally live in Portugal while working for a U.S.-based employer or running an online business. This 2025 step-by-step guide covers everything you need: visa types, required documents, apostille instructions, and how to apply.

Types of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas

• Temporary Stay Visa (up to 1 year): Best for short stays or trial runs. Requires round-trip travel itinerary. Does not lead to residency.

• Residency Visa (D8 Residency Path): Ideal for long-term relocation or pursuing permanent residency and citizenship. Grants a 2-year residence permit in Portugal.

Who Qualifies for the D8 Visa?

To qualify for Portugal's remote worker visa, U.S. citizens must:

• Earn at least €3,480/month (4× Portuguese minimum wage)

• Work remotely for a company or clients outside Portugal

• Provide a clean FBI background check

• Have a valid U.S. passport (3–6+ months remaining)

• Hold health insurance covering medical and repatriation in the Schengen Area

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Document Checklist (With Apostille Info)

Document: Passport Copy
What It Is: Notarized copy of valid U.S. passport
Apostille Needed? No (not usually)

Document: Visa Application Form
What It Is: Completed and signed national visa form
Apostille Needed? No

Document: 2 Passport Photos
What It Is: Standard size, white background
Apostille Needed? No

Document: Proof of U.S. Address
What It Is: Driver’s license, utility bill, or lease
Apostille Needed? No

Document: Travel Health Insurance
What It Is: Must cover medical + repatriation in EU
Apostille Needed? No

Document: FBI Background Check
What It Is: Issued within 90 days
Apostille Needed? Yes — Federal Apostille

Document: Proof of Income
What It Is: Contracts, pay stubs, bank statements
Apostille Needed? No

Document: IRS Tax Residency Certificate
What It Is: Form 6166 (from IRS)
Apostille Needed? Yes — Federal Apostille

Document: Personal Motivation Letter
What It Is: Explaining your move to Portugal
Apostille Needed? No

Document: Portugal Lease or Host Letter
What It Is: Accommodation proof
Apostille Needed? No (host letter must be notarized in Portugal)

Document: Flight Itinerary
What It Is: Required only for Temporary Stay Visa
Apostille Needed? No

Document: Marriage/Birth Certificates
What It Is: For family reunification
Apostille Needed? Yes — State Apostille

Apostille Timeline for U.S. Documents

• FBI Report Apostille: 4–6 weeks (via U.S. Dept. of State)

• IRS Tax Certificate Apostille: 4–6 weeks

• Vital Records (State-Level Apostilles): 1–2 weeks

Need help with apostilles? We handle federal and state apostille processing →

How to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8)

1. Gather all documents (start early with FBI/IRS paperwork)

2. Get apostilles on required documents — we handle this for you! Start now →

3. Schedule an appointment with the correct Portuguese Consulate via VFS Global

4. Submit application in person with all required documents

5. Pay fees (~$124 visa + ~$44 VFS service fee)

6. Wait for processing (30–60 days typical)

7. Receive visa and book travel

8. Residency visa only: attend AIMA appointment in Portugal to receive residence card

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Start early. Apostilles and FBI reports can take weeks.

• Secure a 12-month lease for the residency visa path.

• Keep copies of everything — originals may not be returned.

• Avoid non-refundable flights until visa is issued.

• Family members apply later through reunification.

GFG Helps You Move Abroad — Stress-Free

Global Felicity Group is a trusted U.S.-based agency that helps digital nomads and expats get their paperwork in order. We specialize in:

-Apostille facilitation (state + federal)
-Remote Online Notarization (RON) for passport copies and contracts
-Certified translations (Spanish, Portuguese, and more)
-Vital record retrieval
-Application prep + document review

We make the legal paperwork easy, so you can focus on your next chapter in Portugal.

🔗 Explore apostille services →
🔗 Book a remote notarization →
🔗 Learn more about GFG →