🎁 Wrapping Up 2025 with the D8 Visa + a Super Cool Announcement for 2026

Happy Sunday guys 😎

This week I had the opportunity to speak with an expat psychologist about the mental and emotional battles so many of us face when moving abroad. I am beyond excited to share that she will be joining forces with The Expat Hustle in 2026 to explore life abroad beyond the paperwork and bureaucracy, and dig into the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with it.

If you have ever thought or felt any of the following, you will definitely want to stick around for our first episode in January.

I am incredibly excited to be working with this fantastic expat focused psychologist. If you would like a sneak peek at her work, you can find Gabriela Encina on Instagram. She also recently shared a particularly powerful post about feeling lost during the festive season that is well worth a read.

In today’s newsletter we are wrapping up our visa series with Fresh Portugal by covering the D8 Digital Nomad Visa. We are also inviting you to have your final say in our Expat Experience Project survey. And we finish off with a cosy little Christmas language lesson from Mia Esmiriz.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

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Fraga do Puio in Picote, Portugal, is a stunning natural viewpoint overlooking a dramatic bend in the Douro River canyon within the Douro Internacional Natural Park, where cliffs exceed 200 meters in height.​ The site offers panoramic views of the Douro's sharp curve, carved into granite over two million years, ideal for sunset watching from a modern glass balcony rebuilt after a 2017 wildfire.

Over the past few months, you’ve shared the real stories behind expat life in Portugal. From the wins, the wobbles, the “why didn’t anyone tell me this?” moments, and the small victories that made things finally click.

This is the final survey in The Great Portugal Expat Experience Project, and it’s where everything comes together.

A quick overview of the surveys in this series:

All of the surveys will remain open throughout December, so if you missed any (or want to add more input), now’s the time. In the new year, we’ll reveal the full details of the Ultimate Portugal Arrival & Survival Package, built from your experiences, insights, and advice.

PS: We’re working with some genuinely awesome people to put this guide together, but it only works if it reflects real expat life. Your input is what turns this from “another guide” into something that’s useful and honest.

As a small thank-you, every respondent will receive a surprise! So please be sure to include your email address when completing the survey.

After reading through this D8 Visa guide, I was genuinely surprised by how similar it looked to our D7 application almost five years ago. It instantly brought back the panic and confusion of trying to figure out which visa we actually needed to apply for in the first place. In our case, the Portuguese consulate ultimately decided that for us. Different story, different visa, same brain melt.

That sense of overwhelm is incredibly common. The paperwork overlaps, the requirements blur together, and it is easy to second guess every document. Did I include enough proof? Was that letter really necessary? Should I have added one more statement, just in case?

This is why guidance matters. If you feel unsure, ask for help from trusted sources. And always, always double check your document list like Santa packing presents. If there is a piece of paper you briefly wondered whether to include, trust your gut and add it.

Now, let’s hand things over to our wonderful guides and experts on the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa at Fresh Portugal:

🌐

Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa is a residency pathway designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want to live in Portugal while working remotely for employers or clients abroad. Introduced in late 2022, the D8 visa provides two options:

• a Temporary Stay visa (up to 1 year)

• a Long-Term Residency visa (initial 2-year residence permit, renewable up to 5 years)

It has quickly become a favorite among remote professionals thanks to Portugal’s high quality of life, safety, and affordability.

👉 Watch the quick D8 Visa overview video HERE.

Applying for the D8 visa can be rewarding, but it comes with some common hurdles:

• High Income Threshold

You must prove a steady income of around €3,480 per month (four times Portugal’s minimum wage) plus a savings cushion of at least one year’s living costs. Meeting and documenting this requirement is often the biggest challenge.

• Accommodation Requirement

Applicants must secure long-term housing in Portugal in advance, typically a 12-month lease or a property purchase. Signing a lease from abroad and possibly paying rent months before arrival can be stressful and costly.

• Extensive Paperwork

From bank statements and employment contracts to apostilled background checks and tax documents, the paperwork is significant. Any missing or incorrectly prepared document can delay or derail the application.

• Processing Delays

Official processing is supposed to take about 60 days, but backlogs and the ongoing transition to Portugal’s new immigration authority (AIMA) can stretch this to 4–6 months or more.

• Choosing the Right Visa Category

Remote workers must apply for the D8, not the D7 (which is for passive income). Confusion over categories can cause rejections.

• Residency and Path to Citizenship

Successful applicants receive a 2-year residence permit that can be renewed to 5 years, after which permanent residency or citizenship is possible.

• Freedom to Live and Travel

Live anywhere in Portugal and travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area.

• Supportive Expat Community

Vibrant international communities in Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and other regions make integration easier.

• Healthcare Access

After receiving a residence permit, you can join Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS) for free or low-cost care, with the option to keep private insurance.

• Lifestyle and Tax Advantages

Enjoy a mild climate, excellent food, and relatively low living costs. With careful planning, you can manage international tax obligations effectively.

• High Financial Entry Bar

The monthly income requirement is significantly higher than for Portugal’s D7 visa.

• Residency Obligations

To maintain your permit and work toward citizenship, you need to spend at least 6 months per year in Portugal.

• Tax Residency After 183 Days

Staying more than half the year typically makes you a Portuguese tax resident, meaning global income may be taxable there.

• Temporary Option Doesn’t Count Toward Citizenship

The 1-year temporary stay visa is renewable but doesn’t lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

Before Residency Approval

• You must have private or travel medical insurance valid in Portugal (and Schengen) covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.

• Many applicants buy a 4- to 12-month travel policy or a private international health plan.

After Residency Approval

• Once you receive your residence permit, you can register with Portugal’s SNS public healthcare system for universal coverage.

• Many residents keep private insurance alongside SNS for faster access to specialists and services not fully covered by the public system.

Tip: Keep continuous insurance until you’re fully enrolled in SNS and consider retaining private coverage for extra peace of mind.

1. Preparation (1–2+ months)

2. Consulate/VFS Appointment

3. Processing (about 2–4+ months)

Although the official timeframe is about 60 days, delays are common.

4. Visa Issuance

You’ll receive a 4-month entry visa (or a 1-year visa if you chose the temporary stay route).

5. Travel to Portugal & AIMA Appointment

6. Residence Card

After approval and biometric data collection, receive a 2-year residence permit card.

7. Renewals and Citizenship

• Start early. Allow 6–12 months from initial prep to residence card in hand.

• Show financial strength. Provide income and savings well above the minimum requirements.

• Visit Portugal first if possible. A scouting trip helps you secure housing and open a bank account.

• Stay organized. Submit a neatly labeled, complete application to avoid delays.

• Plan for health coverage. Transition smoothly from travel insurance to private/SNS.

• Keep presence records. Ensure you meet the minimum days in Portugal for renewal and citizenship.

• Consider professional help. Immigration lawyers or relocation consultants can reduce stress, especially for families or complex cases.

• Join expat networks. Connect with communities in Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira for support and up-to-date advice.

Who can apply?

Any non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who works remotely for a foreign employer or has freelance/online income meeting the required level.

How long does approval take?

Expect at least 2–4 months on average, but it may be longer depending on consulate workload.

Does D8 lead to citizenship?

Yes, the residency-track D8 visa can lead to permanent residence or citizenship, provided you meet stay and language requirements.

The Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa is one of Europe’s most attractive residency routes for international remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. By preparing thoroughly, especially on income proof, health insurance, and housing, you can navigate the process smoothly and enjoy life in Portugal with a clear path to permanent residency and citizenship.

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With thanks to our collaborators at FRESH Portugal, for their valuable insights and contributions to this article.

_{The legal team at Fresh Portugal is composed of experienced professionals with expertise in tax, immigration, real estate, estate planning, and corporate law. They advise individuals and businesses on relocation, investment, compliance, and tax planning. With extensive experience working with international clients, the team delivers clear, practical, and forward-thinking solutions to help expats thrive in Portugal.}

Email: [email protected]

In the video, you can listen to some of the most popular Christmas songs in Portuguese, perfect for getting used to real Portuguese pronunciation and culture.

🗣 Curious to learn more about the Portuguese language and culture? Mia’s free starter course “Kickstart Your Portuguese - The Basics” is a great place to start.

💡 Mia from Mia Esmeriz Academy is a Portuguese teacher from Porto with more than 15 years of experience teaching foreigners. She helps expats become fluent in Portuguese in a clear and practical way. Alongside her courses, she also shares free content on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Thanks for reading! 💌

Hustle on!

Angelique🧞‍♀️

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