How to apply, who qualifies, and what life looks like once you're here
Portugal launched its Digital Nomad Visa (D8) in 2022, becoming one of the first European countries to create a proper legal path for remote workers. In 2026, it's still one of the best nomad visas you can get.
It gives you legal residency in Portugal, and with that, access to the Schengen Area and the EU.
The D8 visa is for:
You need to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,040 (4× Portugal's minimum wage as of 2026).
This must be documented with:
Some applicants enter on a tourist visa and apply for the D8 while in Portugal. This is legally possible but the timing needs to be right, so it's worth talking to an immigration lawyer.
The obvious choice. Great infrastructure, everyone speaks English, a growing startup scene, and direct flights to just about everywhere. It's pricey by Portuguese standards, but still cheaper than London or Amsterdam.
Best neighbourhoods: Mouraria, Alfama, Intendente, Santos, Alcântara
A close second. More affordable than Lisbon, with stronger local character, great food, and a growing tech community. A lot of nomads end up preferring Porto for longer stays.
Best neighbourhoods: Bonfim, Cedofeita, Miragaia
Year-round warmth, beautiful scenery, and the Digital Nomads Madeira programme (launched in 2021) that put the island on the nomad map. A good pick if you want nature and community in equal measure.
For nomads who want beach life. Lagos has a solid expat/nomad community, good coworking options, and some of the best beaches in Europe. It does get quieter in winter.
Portugal has solid coworking infrastructure:
| City | Notable Spaces |
|---|---|
| Lisbon | Second Home, Heden, Selina |
| Porto | Porto i/o, NINI, LABS |
| Funchal | Madeira Tech Hub, Digital Nomads Village |
| Lagos | The Surf Office, Lagos Cowork |
Average coworking cost: €150–300/month for a hot desk.
Portugal has very good internet infrastructure. NOS, MEO, and Vodafone all offer fibre broadband at €25–40/month. 5G coverage is widespread in urban areas.
Average speeds: 100–1,000 Mbps fibre in cities.
As a D8 visa holder who becomes a tax resident (>183 days/year), you can apply for the NHR regime (Non-Habitual Resident), which offers some real tax advantages for the first 10 years. Talk to a Portuguese tax adviser about this.
For most digital nomads earning in USD, GBP, or EUR from outside Portugal: yes, it's well worth it. Portugal gives you:
The main downsides: the income threshold (€3,040/month) leaves out lower earners, and the bureaucracy can be slow and annoying at times.
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