Moving to Portugal — Complete Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about visas, taxes, housing, and getting started in Portugal.

Visa Processing

2-4 weeks

Cost of Living

€1,200-€1,800

Popular Cities

Lisbon, Porto

Main Visa Types

5

Why Portugal?

World's Best Digital Nomad Visa

D8 visa for remote workers with low tax and simple requirements.

NHR Tax Regime

Expats can benefit from 10 years of partial tax exemption on foreign income.

Affordable Living

High quality of life with lower costs than Western Europe.

Healthcare System

EU-standard public healthcare accessible to residents.

EU Base

Easy travel within Europe and Schengen Area access.

Expat-Friendly

Large expat community and English widely spoken in cities.

Visa Types Available

D7 (Passive Income)

Duration

1 year

Requirements

Monthly income €1,062 + health insurance

Ideal For

Retirees, investors

D8 (Digital Nomad)

Duration

1 year

Requirements

Monthly income €2,880 + remote work proof

Ideal For

Remote workers, freelancers

Digital Nomad (Temporary)

Duration

1 year

Requirements

Valid passport + work contract

Ideal For

Short-term remote workers

Work Visa (D3)

Duration

1 year

Requirements

Job offer + employer sponsorship

Ideal For

Employees, skilled workers

Tax System & Costs

Non-Habitual Resident (NHR)

The NHR regime is one of Portugal's most attractive features for expats. If you're a new resident, you can benefit from:

  • 10% flat tax on Portuguese-source income (vs 14-48% standard rates)
  • Exemption on foreign-source income for 10 years
  • Must be first-time resident in Portugal in the last 5 years

Standard Income Tax

Non-NHR residents pay progressive income tax (14% to 48%) plus 2.5% health contribution. Self-employed individuals pay social security contributions (21.4% to 26.4%).

Getting Started Checklist

Apply for visa at Portuguese consulate
Book accommodation (rental market is tight)
Open Portuguese bank account (NIB)
Register with tax authority (obtain NIF)
Register with local civil registry (junta)
Get resident permit card (Cartão de Residente)
Register with SNS (public healthcare)
Set up utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet)

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