Last verified: July 2026 · Next review: January 2027
Quick answer
Portugal issues the D8, a residence visa for remote workers earning above roughly four times the Portuguese minimum wage (about €3,280 a month in 2026). Consulate fee is €90. Health insurance is a hard requirement. Certified translation of the FBI background check is the paperwork step that catches most applicants.
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond visa expiry.
- Proof of remote employment or self-employment (contract or client roster).
- Proof of monthly income at or above €3,280 (2026 figure, tied to minimum wage).
- FBI or equivalent criminal background check, apostilled and certified-translated.
- Health insurance policy covering Portugal (SafetyWing, WorldTrips, or a Portuguese-issued policy).
- Portuguese NIF (fiscal ID) number and a Portuguese bank account.
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract or hotel booking for arrival).
What our interviewees say
The nine-week FBI wait is the calendar bottleneck. Book the consulate appointment first, request the FBI check the same day.
Three of our interviewees who filed the D8 in 2025 to 2026
Best cities to base
Lisbon (four interviewees), Porto (two interviewees), Ericeira (one), and Madeira (one). Alfama and Cedofeita were the two neighborhoods mentioned most for one-bedroom rentals under €1,300 a month. Two interviewees moved out of the historic center within four months; both mentioned stairs and heat as the reasons.
