Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa vs. Golden Visa

Yes, it's possible to switch between visa types while in Portugal, but the process is essentially applying for a new visa. You would need to meet all requirements for the new visa category (either making the qualifying investment for Golden Visa or demonstrating remote income for D8). The application is processed through SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service), and consulting with an immigration lawyer is recommended to ensure you maintain legal residency status throughout the transition.

To prove your remote income for the D8 Visa, you'll need to provide:

• • Employment contract or service agreements with non-Portuguese entities
• • Bank statements from the past 3-6 months showing regular income deposits
• • Income tax returns or statements from your country of tax residence
• • For freelancers/self-employed: client contracts, invoices, and proof of payment
• • Letter from employer confirming remote work arrangement (for employees)

The key is demonstrating that your income is stable, regular, and from sources outside Portugal. The minimum threshold (€3,280/month) must be clearly shown as consistent income rather than sporadic payments.

Qualifying funds for the Golden Visa must be:

• • Regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) View fund list
• • Minimum investment period of at least 5 years
• • Investment of €500,000 in general investment funds
• • OR €400,000 in venture capital funds focused specifically on Portuguese businesses

These funds typically invest in sectors like technology, renewable energy, tourism, or commercial real estate. Since the 2023 changes eliminated the direct real estate investment option, capital funds have become the primary investment route. Due diligence is essential as these funds vary significantly in their risk profile, management fees, and expected returns.

The D8 Visa requires that your primary income comes from non-Portuguese sources. While there's no explicit prohibition against having some Portuguese clients, your main employment or business activities must be with foreign entities. Generally, immigration authorities look for:

• • At least 80% of your income coming from non-Portuguese sources
• • No employment contracts with Portuguese companies
• • Clear evidence that your primary business activity serves clients abroad

If you want to work extensively with Portuguese clients, the D2 Entrepreneur Visa might be more appropriate. For occasional or minor Portuguese clients, it's advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure compliance with D8 requirements.

The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime is available to both D8 and Golden Visa holders who haven't been tax residents in Portugal in the previous five years. Key benefits include:

• • 20% flat tax rate on income from "high value-added activities" performed in Portugal (including many digital professional services)
• • 10% tax rate on foreign pension income
• • Potential tax exemptions on foreign-source income if that income is taxable in the source country under an applicable tax treaty

To apply for NHR status, you must:

• • Register as a tax resident in Portugal
• • Submit the NHR application online through the Portuguese Tax Authority portal
• • Apply by March 31 of the year following becoming a tax resident

The NHR status is valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed. Tax planning with a specialist familiar with Portuguese tax law is strongly recommended to maximize benefits based on your specific income sources.

D8 Digital Nomad Visa renewal requirements:

• • Proof of continued remote work income (minimum €3,280/month)
• • Evidence of having resided in Portugal for at least 183 days per year
• • Updated proof of accommodation in Portugal
• • Valid health insurance covering Portugal
• • Tax compliance documentation (annual tax returns)

Golden Visa renewal requirements:

• • Proof that the qualifying investment has been maintained
• • Documentation showing minimum stay requirements have been met (7 days in year one, 14 days per 2-year period thereafter)
• • Valid health insurance coverage
• • Clean criminal record certificate

Both visas are initially valid for 2 years and renewable for 2-year periods (for D8) or 3-year periods (for subsequent Golden Visa renewals) until eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years.

Yes, spouses and partners included in either the D8 or Golden Visa application as dependents receive full work authorization in Portugal. Key points to understand:

• • They can work for Portuguese companies under normal employment contracts
• • They can establish their own business in Portugal
• • They can work remotely for companies outside Portugal
• • They have the same work rights as the main applicant

This is a significant advantage of both visa types, as it allows families to have greater flexibility in their professional arrangements while in Portugal. For Golden Visa holders, the spouse can work in Portugal even if the main applicant spends minimal time in the country.

Both the D8 and Golden Visa offer the same potential timeline to Portuguese citizenship:

• • 5 years of legal residency required for citizenship application View visa statistics
• • Demonstrated A2-level Portuguese language proficiency
• • Clean criminal record
• • Demonstration of ties to Portuguese society

The key difference is in how you maintain your residency status during these 5 years:

• D8 Visa: You must reside in Portugal for at least 183 days per year and maintain your remote work activities.

• Golden Visa: You only need to be physically present in Portugal for 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period, while maintaining your qualifying investment.

This makes the Golden Visa significantly more flexible for those who cannot or do not wish to relocate full-time to Portugal, while still providing the same path to citizenship. Both visa holders should begin learning Portuguese early, as the language requirement is often the most challenging aspect of the citizenship application.