Country topic
Visas in Portugal
Non-EU nationals can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the 180-day period starts at entry, and the total counts across all Schengen countries. Portugal's visa portal says a long-stay visa is required to stay more than 90 days, and points to the European Commission's short-stay calculator. Which passports are visa-free for short stays is set in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806: check yours. The Commission's page (dated 23 June 2025) also says visa-exempt travellers will need an online ETIAS form and fee, six months after the Entry/Exit System is fully in place. [Visas V1] [Visas V2] [Visas V3] Portugal's national visas come in two kinds. A temporary stay visa covers less than a year, is valid for the whole stay and allows multiple entries. A residency visa allows two entries and is valid for 4 months, during which the holder must apply to AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) for a residence permit. [Visas V4]
What we found
The research, with its sources.
Research information, not advice. Rules change, so check the source before you act on one.
- Non-EU nationals can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the 180-day period starts at entry, and the total counts across all Schengen countries. Portugal's visa portal says a long-stay visa is required to stay more than 90 days, and points to the European Commission's short-stay calculator. Which passports are visa-free for short stays is set in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806: check yours. The Commission's page (dated 23 June 2025) also says visa-exempt travellers will need an online ETIAS form and fee, six months after the Entry/Exit System is fully in place. [Visas V1] [Visas V2] [Visas V3]
- Portugal's national visas come in two kinds. A temporary stay visa covers less than a year, is valid for the whole stay and allows multiple entries. A residency visa allows two entries and is valid for 4 months, during which the holder must apply to AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) for a residence permit. [Visas V4]
- The portal lists a remote-work (digital nomad) route in both kinds. Employees show a work contract (or promise of one, for temporary stay) or an employer declaration; freelancers show a society contract, a services contract or a document attesting services to one or more entities, plus a document attesting fiscal residence. Consulates can ask for more. The Washington embassy's checklist files are named E11 (temporary stay) and D9 (residency), while a private guide from 2023 calls the residence route D8. [Visas V5] [V6] [V7] [V8] [V9]
- Both remote-work routes ask for proof of average monthly income over the last three months of at least four times the guaranteed minimum monthly wage. The wage is €920 in 2026 (Decree-Law 139/2025), so the test is about €3,700 a month; to be safe, show more than €3,700. A news report of the 2025 to 2028 agreement gives €970 for 2027, which would raise it. [Visas V5] [V10] [V11]
- Retirees and people living on passive income apply for a fixed-residency visa, which the Toronto consulate labels D7. The portal asks for a document certifying the retirement amount, or one certifying income from movable and immovable property or intellectual or financial assets. The portal pages we read state no euro figure and no age minimum, so those are unknown here; ask your consulate. [Visas V5] [V12]
- Family members have two routes. A relative applying together with a residency visa applicant uses the accompanying-family visa, with proof of family ties and means. Family of a foreign national already legally resident asks AIMA for authorisation first, then applies for a residency visa within 90 days. Listed relatives include a spouse, minor or dependent children, and first-degree parents who depend on the resident. Family of a temporary stay holder can get a temporary stay visa to accompany them, except for seasonal work. [Visas V5] [V13] [V6] [Visas V4]
- The portal's means-of-subsistence scale for long-stay visas is based on the €920 minimum wage, net of social security: 100% for the first adult (€920), 50% for each further adult (€460) and 30% for each child under 18 or dependent (€276). The page does not say how this scale applies to the remote-work income test above. The national visa fee is €110; children under 6 are exempt, and in family reunification only a spouse or parent pays. [V14] [V15] [V13]
- Where you lodge depends on where you live: the portal names the Consulate General in Sydney or the Embassy in Canberra for Australia, and the Embassy in Canberra for New Zealand. Decision deadlines are 60 days for residency and 30 days for temporary stay, and holders of temporary residence for at least 5 years can request permanent residence in person, by appointment, at an AIMA store. A private adviser reported waits of 6 to 9 months in June 2026, which conflicts with the official deadlines. [V16] [V17] [V18] [V19]
The Fernshore Index
How the Index grades visas, by passport.
Each grade is against a published measure, with its source and the date we checked it. It is research information, not advice. Where we have no figure, the row says Unknown.
Visa, United States passport
85 of 100Strong
A residence visa for remote work is open without a Portuguese job offer (proof of work for employers or clients abroad is enough), with no age minimum. The income test is four times the monthly minimum wage averaged over three months: about €3,700 a month, about €44,200 a year, about US$49,500 at 1.1208 US dollars per euro (ECB, 15 October 2026), under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than €3,700 a month. Holders of temporary residence for at least 5 years can request permanent residence.
Source: Residence visa documents: remote work and retirement or passive income; Temporary stay documents: remote work; Guaranteed monthly minimum wage 2026; Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar; Request a permanent residence permit (who can ask); Visa information. Checked 15 October 2026.
Visa, Canada passport
85 of 100Strong
A residence visa for remote work is open without a Portuguese job offer (proof of work for employers or clients abroad is enough), with no age minimum. The income test is four times the monthly minimum wage averaged over three months: about €3,700 a month, about €44,200 a year, about US$49,500 at 1.1208 US dollars per euro (ECB, 15 October 2026), under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than €3,700 a month. Holders of temporary residence for at least 5 years can request permanent residence.
Source: Residence visa documents: remote work and retirement or passive income; Temporary stay documents: remote work; Guaranteed monthly minimum wage 2026; Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar; Request a permanent residence permit (who can ask); Residence visa in Canada. Checked 15 October 2026.
Visa, Australia passport
85 of 100Strong
A residence visa for remote work is open without a Portuguese job offer (proof of work for employers or clients abroad is enough), with no age minimum. The income test is four times the monthly minimum wage averaged over three months: about €3,700 a month, about €44,200 a year, about US$49,500 at 1.1208 US dollars per euro (ECB, 15 October 2026), under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than €3,700 a month. Holders of temporary residence for at least 5 years can request permanent residence.
Source: Residence visa documents: remote work and retirement or passive income; Temporary stay documents: remote work; Guaranteed monthly minimum wage 2026; Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar; Request a permanent residence permit (who can ask); Where should you lodge a visa application. Checked 15 October 2026.
Visa, New Zealand passport
85 of 100Strong
A residence visa for remote work is open without a Portuguese job offer (proof of work for employers or clients abroad is enough), with no age minimum. The income test is four times the monthly minimum wage averaged over three months: about €3,700 a month, about €44,200 a year, about US$49,500 at 1.1208 US dollars per euro (ECB, 15 October 2026), under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than €3,700 a month. Holders of temporary residence for at least 5 years can request permanent residence.
Source: Residence visa documents: remote work and retirement or passive income; Temporary stay documents: remote work; Guaranteed monthly minimum wage 2026; Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar; Request a permanent residence permit (who can ask); Where should you lodge a visa application. Checked 15 October 2026.
The country
More on Portugal.
Topics
More about Portugal.
Questions about Visas in Portugal.
How long can I stay in Portugal without a long-stay visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period, counted across the whole Schengen area. Portugal's visa portal says a long-stay visa is needed for more than 90 days. Whether your passport needs a short-stay visa depends on the EU's visa-free list (Annex II of Regulation 2018/1806); check yours.
What are the D7 and D8 visas, and how do they differ?
The portal lists a remote-work (digital nomad) visa and a separate fixed-residency visa for retirees or passive income, which the Toronto consulate labels D7. A private guide calls the nomad residence visa D8; the Washington embassy's file names say D9 and E11. Follow your consulate's checklist.
What income do the remote-work visas ask for?
Average monthly income over the last three months of at least four times the minimum wage in 2026. To be safe, show more than €3,700 a month. A news report gives a higher minimum wage for 2027, so the test would rise. Consulates may ask for more.
How can my family come with me to Portugal?
The portal has two routes. A relative applying with you uses a residency visa for an accompanying family member, with proof of family ties and means. A resident's family uses family reunification: AIMA consent first, then a visa application within 90 days. Spouses and minor children are listed.
What happens after the residency visa: how does the AIMA step work?
A residency visa allows two entries and lasts 4 months; in that time you apply to AIMA for a residence permit. The Toronto consulate says it includes an in-person AIMA appointment unless none is free. Decision deadlines are 60 days (residency) and 30 (temporary stay); a private adviser reported 6 to 9 months.
Sources
Where each figure comes from.
Every figure on this page links to the page we read, with the date we checked it.
- [K1] Residence visa documents: remote work and retirement or passive income, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026. Lists remote work (digital nomads) with proof of average monthly income over three months of at least four times the monthly minimum wage, and a fixed residency for retirement or passive income; no age minimum, job offer or deposit is stated. The page gives no euro figure and no validity period.
- [K3] Temporary stay documents: remote work, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026. Temporary stay visa for remote work: work contract, employer declaration or service contract, fiscal residence, and income of four times the monthly minimum wage averaged over three months; no age minimum stated. The page gives no stay length.
- [PT V1] Guaranteed monthly minimum wage 2026, Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT). Checked 15 October 2026. €920 a month from 1 January 2026 (Decree-Law 139/2025); four times is €3,680. The 2027 figure is expected to rise, so the test needs reconfirming for 2027.
- [PT V2] Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar, European Central Bank. Checked 15 October 2026. 15 October 2026: 1.1208 US dollars per euro (14 October 1.1195); €44,160 is about US$49,500.
- [R1] Request a permanent residence permit (who can ask), Portuguese Government (gov.pt), service of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). Checked 15 October 2026. Page updated 1 September 2026: holders of a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years; the page warns it may be out of date and points to the AIMA portal.
- [PT V3] Visa information, Embassy of Portugal in Washington, D.C.. Checked 15 October 2026. US applicants: the list of national visa forms includes 'Resident Visa - Retirees, Living on Income and Religious Purposes' and 'Resident Visa - Remote Work'.
- [PT V4] Residence visa in Canada, Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto. Checked 15 October 2026. Canadian applicants served by Toronto: residence visas include digital nomads and retirees or people living on passive income (D7).
- [PT V5] Where should you lodge a visa application, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026. Australia: Consulate General in Sydney or Embassy in Canberra; New Zealand: Embassy in Canberra.
- [Visas V1] Visa policy, European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs. Checked 15 October 2026. Page dated 23 June 2025.
- [Visas V2] Who needs a visa (national visas), Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026.
- [Visas V3] Type of visas (short stay, Schengen), Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026.
- [Visas V4] Visa types and entries, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026.
- [Visas V5] Residence visa documents, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026. Remote work, retirement or passive income, accompanying family and family reunification documents.
- [V6] Temporary stay documents, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026. Remote work and accompanying family members of temporary stay visa holders.
- [V7] Temporary stay visa for remote work (checklist file named e11), Embassy of Portugal in Washington, D.C.. Checked 15 October 2026. US applicants; the code E11 appears in the file name only.
- [V8] Residency visa for remote work (checklist file named d9), Embassy of Portugal in Washington, D.C.. Checked 15 October 2026. US applicants; checklist dated 10.11.2025 as printed; the code D9 appears in the file name only.
- [V9] Portugal digital nomad visa D8 and alternatives (D7, D2), Flatio (private rental platform, guide dated 26 October 2023, not official). Checked 15 October 2026.
- [V10] Guaranteed monthly minimum wage 2026, Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT). Checked 15 October 2026. €920 a month from 1 January 2026 (Decree-Law 139/2025).
- [V11] Minimum wage 2026 to 2028, Euronews Portugal (news report of the 2025 to 2028 agreement, not a decree). Checked 15 October 2026. Planned figures: €920 in 2026, €970 in 2027, €1,020 in 2028.
- [V12] Residence visa in Canada, Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto. Checked 15 October 2026. Applicants served by the Toronto consulate; page in Portuguese.
- [V13] Family reunification, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026.
- [V14] Means of subsistence, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026. Scale based on the 2026 minimum wage of €920.
- [V15] National visa fee, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026.
- [V16] Where should you lodge a visa application, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026. Australia: Consulate General in Sydney or Embassy in Canberra; New Zealand: Embassy in Canberra.
- [V17] Decision deadlines, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal). Checked 15 October 2026.
- [V18] Request a permanent residence permit (who can ask), Portuguese Government (gov.pt), service of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). Checked 15 October 2026. Page updated 1 September 2026: holders of a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years, by appointment in person at any AIMA store; the page warns it may be out of date.
- [V19] Digital nomad visa guide, June 2026, Global Citizen Solutions (private adviser, not official). Checked 3 October 2026. Reported waits; conflicts with official decision deadlines.