New Requirements for Portugal’s Digital Nomad (D8) Visa from 2026

Starting January 2026, Portugal is increasing the income requirements for the Digital Nomad visa (D8). This change follows the rise in the national minimum wage to €920. As a result, applicants must now prove a monthly income of at least €3,680, with higher thresholds for families. In this article, we break down the new financial criteria, explain how to prepare your documents, and highlight key points to consider.

From the new year, the minimum income for applying for Portugal’s Digital Nomad (D8) visa is €3,680 per month for a single applicant (4× the minimum wage of €920). When applying with family members, the required income increases as follows:

• +50% (€1,840) for a spouse
• +30% (€1,104) for each child

Applicants must also show savings equivalent to 12 months of income.

Table: Minimum Income and Savings in 2026

Savings must be confirmed with bank statements covering 3–12 months.

Applications for the Digital Nomad visa are submitted at a Portuguese consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. The process has two stages:

1. D8 visa valid for 4 months
2. Residence permit (RP) in Portugal for 2 years, renewable for 3 years

Required documents:

• Valid passport and photos
• Police clearance certificate with apostille
• Proof of remote income (contracts, invoices, payment records)
• Health insurance with coverage of €50,000+
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• NISS (social security number)

Processing time: approximately 60–90 days.

After obtaining the D8 visa and relocating, residents may apply for:

• Permanent residence after 5 years
• Citizenship after 10 years (or 7 years for citizens of CPLP countries)

The residence permit allows travel within the Schengen Area.

The higher threshold makes the program more challenging for freelancers earning around €3,500 and for families. For a family of three, the average required income (€6,624/month) exceeds that of similar programs in other countries.

Despite tighter rules, Portugal remains highly attractive thanks to its climate, infrastructure, and the updated NHR 2.0 tax regime. Consulates may show flexibility in interpreting the +50% / +30% family increments, so individual clarification is recommended.

Portugal has updated the Digital Nomad visa requirements for 2026 by raising income thresholds. Even so, it remains one of Europe’s top destinations for remote work and quality of life. If you meet the new financial criteria, the D8 route offers Schengen access, a high standard of living, and a long-term path to citizenship.

Contact Visa Dan for a personalized consultation—we’ll help assess eligibility, prepare your documents, and guide you through every step of the process.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!