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Head to head

Mexico 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 €3,955 for Mexico.
  • Portugal grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
Mexico RT · Portugal D8
Criteria Mexico RT Portugal D8
Minimum income / month €3,955 €3,680 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 2 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 4 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Via permanent residence Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Limited Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Not required Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required — Not specified
Application fee ≈ €48.50 (better) ≈ €110
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 0.2–2 weeks 8.6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Mexico RT →

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 Mexico → Insurance for Portugal →

Sources