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Head to head

Japan vs Portugal: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Portugal has the lower entry bar: €3,680 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • Portugal grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Only Portugal offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; Portugal — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Japan DN · Portugal D8
Criteria Japan DN Portugal D8
Minimum income / month €4,500 €3,680 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 6 months 2 years (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Not specified
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €110
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 1 weeks 8.6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

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 Japan → Insurance for Portugal →

Sources