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Head to head

Portugal vs Serbia: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Serbia has the lower entry bar: €500 per month versus €3,680 for Portugal.
  • Portugal grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Portugal D8 and the Serbia Temp. residence (no DNV).
Criteria Portugal D8 Serbia Temp. residence (no DNV)
Minimum income / month €3,680 €500 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years (better) 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit 3 years
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Yes Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Limited
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation (Flat-rate entrepreneur (preduzetnik pausalac) regime commonly used by remote workers; otherwise standard personal income tax)
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Not specified Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €110 (better) ≈ €190
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, In country
Processing time 8.6 weeks 2–9 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Portugal D8 →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Serbia Temp. residence (no DNV) →

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 Portugal → Insurance for Serbia →

Sources