French • Complete Guide

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for French Citizens (2025 Guide)

We're Portugal visa specialists helping French remote workers build clear pathways to the digital nomad visa.

Requirements at a Glance

Monthly Income

€3480

Single applicant minimum

Bank Savings

€11000+

Recommended reserve

Processing Time

5-8 months

Typical timeline

Can French citizens apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

French citizens working remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal with sufficient income and clean background.

Typical eligible profiles:

  • Software developers and engineers at international tech companies
  • Marketing and business consultants working remotely
  • Freelance designers, writers, and creative professionals
  • E-commerce and online business owners

Income and savings requirements (2025)

Portugal requires digital nomad visa applicants to demonstrate monthly income equivalent to 4× the Portuguese minimum wage. For 2025, this translates to €3480 per month for a single applicant.

Single applicant€3480/month
Applicant + spouse/partner€5,220/month
Family of 3 (2 dependents)€6,264/month
Recommended bank savings€11000+

Family reunification

Family reunification is a separate process. As of 2025, the sponsor generally must hold a valid Portuguese residence permit for 2+ years (with limited exceptions, e.g., cases involving minors/highly-qualified categories). When assessing adequacy for reunification, authorities expect proportional income/savings (e.g., +50% for spouse, +30% per child).

Required documents for French applicants

"The consulate will decide based on your documents, not your story."

Proof of remote work

You must demonstrate that your work can be performed remotely from Portugal and that your income comes from sources outside of Portugal.

  • Employment contract or offer letter (for employees)
  • Employer letter on company letterhead confirming remote work
  • Client contracts/service agreements (for freelancers)
  • Business registration documents (for business owners)

Proof of income

Provide the last 3-6 months of income documentation showing consistent earnings above the threshold.

  • Pay stubs or salary slips (last 3-6 months)
  • Bank statements showing regular deposits (last 3-6 months)
  • Invoices to clients (for freelancers/self-employed)
  • Tax returns (previous year recommended)

Proof of savings

Recent bank statements (last 3 months) showing €11000+ for a single applicant. Consulates want to see you can support yourself beyond monthly income during transition periods.

Criminal record check

Background check from your country of residence or citizenship, issued by the relevant national authority. Must be apostilled or legalized for international use. Valid for 90 days from the apostille date.

Health insurance

Travel health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for the Schengen area. Must be valid from your planned entry date and cover the initial visa period.

Accommodation in Portugal

Proof of where you'll live in Portugal. This demonstrates you have a plan and aren't entering as a tourist.

  • Rental agreement (6-12 months)
  • Hotel booking (minimum 3 months)
  • Property deed (if you purchased property)
  • Invitation letter from Portuguese resident

Document translations

All documents not in Portuguese must be translated by a certified translator. Translations must include translator certification, signature, date, contact information, and statement of accuracy.

Where French citizens apply and how long it takes

Most French applicants file through Paris Marseille Strasbourg Lyon.

Application channel

VFS Global online booking system or direct consulate contact. Check the Portuguese consulate website for your region.

Typical wait for appointment

8-18 weeks

Typical visa decision time

5-8 months after submission

Applying from a third country

If you're a French citizen living in another country, you may apply at the Portuguese consulate in your country of legal residence. Provide proof of residency (work permit, residence visa, utility bills, etc.).

Step-by-step process we recommend

1

Eligibility & risk check

We conduct a detailed pre-assessment of your employment structure, income sources, and documentation to identify potential issues before you invest time and money. This is especially important for applications.

2

Document preparation

We structure your documents to meet the exact requirements of Paris Marseille Strasbourg Lyon consulates. Each document is reviewed for completeness, proper certification, and translation requirements.

3

Consulate / VFS application

Application submission through the Portuguese consulate or VFS Global center. We provide detailed instructions for the interview, biometric collection, and document submission process.

4

Arrival in Portugal

Once your visa is approved, you must complete several administrative steps:

  • NIF (tax number) registration – Required before opening a bank account
  • Portuguese bank account – Most banks require NIF and proof of address
  • NISS (social security) – Needed for healthcare access
  • AIMA appointment – For biometric residence card
5

Residence permit & follow-up

The AIMA appointment finalizes your residence permit. Processing time for the biometric card varies, but you can remain legally in Portugal during processing with your approved visa.

How our agency helps French clients

We're Portugal visa specialists helping French remote workers build clear pathways to the digital nomad visa.

Pre-application risk assessment

We review your specific situation—employment structure, income sources, documentation—before you commit time and money, identifying red flags and strengthening weak points.

Document preparation & coordination

We ensure every document is properly formatted, certified, apostilled, and translated according toParis Marseille Strasbourg Lyon consulate requirements. Nothing gets missed.

Post-arrival support in Portugal

We guide you through NIF registration, bank account setup, NISS enrollment, and AIMA appointment scheduling— ensuring your transition is smooth from day one.

Get Your French Case Reviewed

Talk to our visa team about your French digital nomad plan for Portugal.

Frequently asked questions

Can French citizens apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. French citizens working remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal with sufficient income and clean background. You must demonstrate €3480/month in remote income from non-Portuguese sources.

How long does the D8 visa take for French citizens?

Typical processing time is 5-8 months after submitting your application through Paris Marseille Strasbourg Lyon. Consulate appointment wait times are currently 8-18 weeks.

What documents do French citizens need for the D8 visa?

You need: valid passport, proof of remote work (employment contract or client agreements), income proof (3-6 months of bank statements/pay stubs), criminal background check with apostille, health insurance (€30,000+ coverage), and proof of accommodation in Portugal. All non-Portuguese documents must be translated by a certified translator.

Get Expert Help with Your D8 Visa

Professional support for your Portugal visa application