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Head to head

Germany vs Portugal: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Germany grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 24), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Germany Freelance and the Portugal D8.
Criteria Germany Freelance Portugal D8
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold €3,680
Income basis Freelance income Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 3 years (better) 2 years
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Yes Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Not specified
Application fee ≈ €100 (better) ≈ €110
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time — 8.6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Germany Freelance →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Portugal D8 →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Germany → Insurance for Portugal →

Sources