Looking to work remotely from Portugal? Here's what you need to know:

  • Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA professionals aged 18+, earning at least €3,480/month, with remote work for non-Portuguese employers.
  • Costs: Visa fees total €254.70, with living costs in Lisbon around €900–€1,100/month for rent and €8–€12/meal for dining out.
  • Documents Required: Passport, visa application, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, criminal record certificate, proof of income, and bank statements.
  • Benefits: Access to Schengen visa-free travel, potential for permanent residency, and affordable living costs (12% below EU average).

Quick Steps:

  1. Gather documents and apply at a Portuguese consulate.
  2. Pay €90 application fee and submit biometrics.
  3. Upon arrival, open a bank account, transfer savings, and apply for a residence permit (€88.60 + €76.10).

Portugal offers a warm climate, thriving expat communities, and a clear path to residency, making it an attractive option for remote workers.

Visa Requirements and Qualifications

To get your D8 visa, you’ll need to ensure you’re eligible and have all the necessary paperwork ready.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must meet these conditions:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Earn active income from professional work (passive income doesn’t count)
  • Work remotely for employers or clients based outside Portugal
  • Have secured accommodation in Portugal

Documents You’ll Need

Here’s what you must prepare:

  • A valid passport with at least six months left before it expires
  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal
  • Travel insurance
  • Criminal record certificate from your country of residence
  • Proof of employment: either an employment contract and employer declaration, or freelancer contracts/client agreements
  • Proof of tax residence
  • Bank statements showing steady income and sufficient savings

Income and Savings Requirements

You’ll need to meet these financial thresholds:

  • Monthly income: €3,480 (£3,000)
  • Savings: €10,440 (£9,000)
  • For a spouse/parent: €5,220 (£4,500)
  • For a child: €3,132 (£2,700)
  • Fees: €90 for the visa (£78), €88.60 for residency (£76), and €76.10 for the permit card (£66)

All financial details must be supported by official documents, like bank statements or employment contracts. Remember, your income must come from outside Portugal.

Next up: check out How to Apply: Step by Step for guidance on submitting your application.

How to Apply: Step by Step

If you're ready to apply for your D8 visa, here's a simple guide to help you through the process.

Before You Apply

Once you've confirmed your eligibility and gathered the necessary documents, remember that processing can take 3–4 months. Start early by securing a Portuguese taxpayer number (NIF). You'll need this for opening a bank account and handling other formalities.

Make sure you have the following documents ready:

  • A valid passport with at least six months left before expiry
  • A completed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photos
  • A certificate proving you have no criminal record
  • Evidence of remote work and income
  • A document showing your tax residency
  • Bank statements proving you have sufficient financial resources
  • Proof of valid health insurance

All documents must be translated and notarised.

Filing Your Application

Schedule an appointment at the Portuguese consulate or VFS Global to submit your application. At the appointment, you'll need to pay €90 and provide your biometrics.

What to Do After Arrival

Once in Portugal, you have 120 days to complete a few crucial tasks:

  • Open a Portuguese bank account and transfer your savings.
  • Apply for your residence permit at AIMA (formerly SEF). The application costs €88.60, and the issuance fee is €76.10.

If your residence permit appointment is scheduled after your visa expires, request a confirmation email to ensure you can legally stay in the country. Permit processing can take more than four months, but you'll typically receive your residence card within two weeks of approval.

After that, focus on understanding monthly expenses, healthcare options, and settling into life in Portugal.

sbb-itb-17e3c5b

Living and Working in Portugal

When considering Portugal for remote work, it's not just about visas and paperwork. Everyday costs and the overall quality of life play a big role in deciding if it's the right fit.

Monthly Costs Compared to the UK

Portugal offers some noticeable savings compared to living in the UK:

  • Rent: Around 30% cheaper
  • Utilities: About 50% less expensive
  • Dining out: Restaurant meals cost roughly 35% less

Healthcare Options

If you're a legal resident, contributing to social security grants you access to the public healthcare system (SNS) at no extra charge. For private healthcare, annual plans range between €400 (£343) and €1,000 (£858). Typical costs include around €40 (£34) for a GP visit and €50–75 (£43–64) for dental treatments.

Settling In

Portugal ranks 12th in the Global Citizen Solutions Quality of Life Index. To make the most of your experience:

  • Pick up basic Portuguese to navigate daily life more smoothly.
  • Get involved in local markets, festivals, and expat meet-ups to connect with the community.

With its deep historical roots, cultural richness, and thriving expat networks, Portugal offers a great environment for remote workers seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Money and Tax Benefits

Portugal provides tax perks and straightforward financial management options for UK remote workers.

NHR and ITS Overview

The transitional Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme is available until 31 March 2025. It offers a 20% flat tax rate on income earned in Portugal, exemption on foreign income under the UK-Portugal Double Taxation Agreement (DTA), and a 10% tax rate on foreign pensions for ten years. The Individual Taxation Scheme (ITS) will replace NHR, applying a 20% flat rate to local professional income and potentially exempting eligible foreign professional income (excluding pensions). Both schemes require you to have Portuguese residency rights, not have been a resident in the past five years, and spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal.

Cross-Border Finance

After securing residency under NHR or ITS, organise your finances to match your visa status. Start by getting a Portuguese NIF (tax identification number) and opening a local bank account for your salary and daily expenses. The UK-Portugal DTA ensures you won't pay taxes twice on the same income, but it's important to keep detailed records of where your income comes from and which taxes apply.

Should You Choose This Visa?

Now that we've covered the requirements, application process, living costs, and tax benefits, it’s time to decide if this visa aligns with your goals.

The Portugal Remote Worker Visa is ideal for UK digital nomads looking for an affordable yet comfortable lifestyle in Southern Europe. A typical monthly budget of €1,500–€2,000 can cover most living expenses comfortably.

This visa could be a good fit if you:

  • Have a steady remote income from non-Portuguese sources and want to benefit from lower living costs.
  • Appreciate a warm climate, widespread English proficiency, and active expat communities.
  • Want a European base with access to the Schengen area.
  • Aim to work towards permanent residency by meeting tax obligations consistently.

Financial Considerations

The application fee is £78 (€90), while residency and permit fees are €88.60 and €76.10, respectively.

For families, additional income is required: 50% more for a spouse or dependent parent, and 25% extra for each dependent child.

Portugal offers a blend of excellent living standards, a strong remote work setup, and a clear path to residency, making it an appealing option for UK professionals seeking a lifestyle change in Southern Europe.