Unfortunately, few people know that Portugal has flexible visas favoring digital nomads. One amazing visa that caters to digital nomads, independent workers, and entrepreneurs is the D8 visa. Applying for the D8 visa may require applicants to fulfill certain conditions. Meanwhile, the D8 visa offers several benefits, including working from anywhere and enjoying independence.
Living in Portugal with a D8 visa will make life easy and fun. If you are wondering how to apply for and get a D8 visa, then you are in the right place. Read and learn about the D8 visa.
The Portugal D8 Visa Explained
The D8 visa is issued to non-EU/EEA citizens with remote jobs living in Portugal. Meanwhile, this visa is called the “Temporary Residence Visa for the Exercise of Professional Activity Provided Remotely Outside the National Territory”. In addition, if you do the right thing, there is a possibility of renewal and even permanent residency if you stay in the country after five years.
To apply for a digital nomad visa Portugal, your minimum monthly average income should have been at least €3,280 in the previous months before you applied. If you don’t work for a company or client remotely, you can’t apply for the D8 visa. The sum of €9,840 must be transferred to the Portuguese bank account before your application.
If you want to add any dependents, opt for the D8 visa. In addition, the average processing time for a D8 visa varies. The visa application for the Portuguese D8 visa may be longer for residents of some countries. On average, processing the D8 Portugal visa takes 9 months.
Benefits of the D8 Portugal Visa You Should Know.
The D8 Portugal visa is one of the most sought-after visas, and a lot of people are taking advantage of the perks it offers. Nevertheless, a D8 visa offers you access to many benefits, including becoming a Portuguese citizen. Check out the benefits of a D8 visa below.
- Digital nomads will get access to the public health and education system
- You are allowed to work anywhere in Portugal
- You can travel with your spouse. In other words, family reunification is possible. Dependents like spouses, children, or parents can join you.
- After 5 years of staying in the country, you can become a Portuguese citizen, which gives you visa-free entry to Schengen countries.
How to Apply for the D8 Portugal Visa
The application procedure for a D8 visa is not as complicated as you may think. The only thing that may vary is the average time you may need to wait for your approval.
- Book an appointment with the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your country. You may need to provide the necessary documents at the appointment, so ensure that the documents are ready before the day of the appointment.
- Obtain a temporary visa of about 120 days. The temporary visa allows you to stay in Portugal within that time frame.
- Schedule a meeting with a Portuguese immigration officer. You have to carry out your biometrics and other obligations.
- Get a residence card. The card allows you to stay in the country legally. It takes 1 to 2 months to get the card, which will be mailed to you when it is ready.
The basic documents you need to apply for the D8 Portugal visa
The documents you need to apply for the D8 visa are regular paperwork you need for other visa applications. However, the only difference is the income. Check out the documents you need below.
- Without a valid passport from your country of residence, you can apply for this visa
- Any applicant above the age of 16 years old is required to submit a criminal record certificate from their country of residence.
- You need to provide a valid license, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or current statement of account.
- Proof that you have accommodation in Portugal
- Travel medical insurance
- Portuguese NIF
- Portuguese bank account
- Provide proof that you have sufficient funds to live in Portugal
- Proof that you have an employment contract to work as a freelancer
- Submit the family members’ eligibility documents. With these documents submitted, your family can travel with you to Portugal.
These documents are almost what you need if you are applying for a D7 visa. The D7 and D8 visas offer the same perks.
Conclusion
Even though the D8 visa application is easy to handle yourself, you may need a travel agency to create a Portuguese account and rent a property. Therefore, it’s important to engage a travel agency that is familiar with Portugal’s visa application procedure. Finally, Portugal is a beautiful country that welcomes visitors with open arms.
The best part of Portugal is the amazing weather. Interestingly, Portugal is referred to as the sunniest country in the whole of Europe.