Pakistan → Portugal: the D8 Visa (digital nomad) roadmap
The D8 is Portugal's digital-nomad residence visa for non-EU citizens who work remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal. It suits salaried remote workers and freelancers who can show a high, stable monthly income, and it leads to permanent residence and citizenship on the same timeline as the D7.
Moving from Pakistan
- You apply for the D8 Visa (digital nomad) at the Portugal consulate, embassy, or visa application centre that serves Pakistan, confirm the office and the current appointment wait for your region.
- Qualifications and work experience earned in Pakistan usually need a credential assessment or recognition before they count toward Portugal's requirements.
- Budget for certified translation and apostille or legalisation of your Pakistan documents (degree, police certificate, civil records).
- Check whether a Pakistan passport needs a short-stay visa for any in-person biometrics or interview steps.
General guidance for any Pakistan to Portugal applicant; the eligibility and fees below are set by Portugal.
At a glance
Who qualifies
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen working remotely for employers or clients based outside Portugal.
- Average monthly income of at least €3,680 over the last 3 months, four times the 2026 Portuguese minimum wage.
- Add ~50% for a spouse/adult dependent and ~30% per child under 18.
- Around €11,040 in accessible savings (12 months of the minimum income), more for family members.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal, a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and bank account, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Your step-by-step roadmap
Qualify & prepare
- Get a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account.
- Gather 3 months of income proof at or above €3,680/month plus contracts or pay slips showing remote work for non-Portuguese clients.
- Secure accommodation, health insurance, a criminal-record certificate, and proof of savings.
Apply at a Portuguese consulate
- Book an appointment at the Portuguese Consulate or VFS Global serving your country.
- Choose the residence-visa D8 (not the 1-year temporary-stay version) if you intend to settle, and pay the visa fee (€90 to €110).
- Wait for review, typically up to a few months at the consulate stage.
Enter Portugal & complete AIMA
- Within 120 days of arriving, attend your AIMA appointment for biometrics and document checks.
- Pay the AIMA and residence-permit fees (~€133 + €114.30).
- Receive your temporary residence card by post.
Live, renew & settle
- The first permit lasts 2 years, then renews for 3 years; keep meeting the income and minimum-stay rules.
- Apply for permanent residence after 5 years, and citizenship after ~10 years (A2 Portuguese + civic exam, Organic Law No. 1/2026).
Government fees
Timeline & path to citizenship
Timeline: Official processing is about 60 days, but plan for 4 to 9 months end to end in 2026 because of AIMA appointment backlogs: consulate review, then the AIMA appointment within 120 days of arrival, then the residence card.
Citizenship: Permanent residence after 5 years; Portuguese citizenship after about 10 years of legal residence. Under the 2026 nationality law (Organic Law No. 1/2026) you must show A2-level Portuguese and pass a civic/cultural exam, and the clock starts when your physical permit is issued.
This is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional.