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Head to head

Kenya vs Portugal: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Kenya has the lower entry bar: €1,850 per month versus €3,680 for Portugal.
  • Only Portugal offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
Side-by-side comparison of the Kenya Class N Permit and the Portugal D8.
Criteria Kenya Class N Permit Portugal D8
Minimum income / month €1,850 (better) €3,680
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years 2 years
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Indirect (switch required) Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required in practice Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Not specified
Application fee ≈ €185 ≈ €110 (better)
Where to apply Online, In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time — 8.6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Kenya Class N Permit →

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 Kenya → Insurance for Portugal →

Sources