Portugal D8 vs. Germany Freelance Visa: Which is better in 2026?
Let’s be real with you in the beginning. Choosing a country isn’t just about visas. It’s about choosing your future in that specific country that you choose, as our website name is Migrate Wisdom, so here you will only find content that helps you migrate with wisdom.
So in this blog, we chose two countries: Portugal and Germany. Whenever you make a comparison, you have to assume that on one side, you have Portugal with its famous sun, affordable coasts, and a great visa opportunity, e.g., the D8 Digital Nomad Visa. On the other hand, you have Germany, a great European economic engine and the most prominent country in Europe (even in my early childhood I knew Germans and their top brands as compared to Portugal), offering stability and the robust Freelancer Visa (“Freiberufler”).
This isn’t about which country is “nicer.” It’s about which one is better for your future life in Europe in 2026. Let’s find your fit.
Our Short Statement (Portugal vs Germany)
a): Choose the Portugal D8 Visa if
You are a location-independent freelancer or remote worker who prioritizes sunshine, a lower cost of living, and a vibrant digital nomad community. You’re comfortable to prove a higher income threshold for a faster path to residency, especially PR and citizenship.
b): Choose the Germany Freelance Visa if
You plan to work with local German clients and want to build a long-term life in the heart of Europe. You value economic stability and a straightforward path to permanent residency over time and long term benefits.
Author note for you
If you find out about any future opportunities and then want to gain more practical experience with top German companies, then of course go for German instead of Portuguese. When we make a comparison in terms of economy and stability, then no doubt Germany is all-time higher than Portugal, but if you are looking for settlement for your family and kids, especially citizenship, then choose Portugal, but before taking this decision, you have to make sure you have earned a fair amount that should be constant, as Portugal’s job market is not that good compared to Germany when you are thinking about the long term instead of the short term.
The Visa Rules, Requirements & Reality
The first and foremost thing is how to enter into Portugal or Germany and what the visa types are for you and their requirements. Let’s go one by one
Income Requirements: The First Hurdle
a): Portugal D8 Visa
You must prove a stable monthly income of at least €3,280 (2026 estimate). This is non-negotiable and significantly higher than Portugal’s minimum wage. As a matter of fact, as we already explained earlier, the job market, and especially the income and salaries, are not that high in Portugal as compared to Germany. So they have designed this amount for this visa to prove that you won’t be a drain on the system when you move to Portugal.
Author note for you
To become a more realistic writer for you, this means you must be sure and confident about your income in the upcoming year. Although it’s not a mandatory requirement in the early stage, it will be important for you when you apply for the next visa in the future.
b): Germany Freelance Visa
There is no fixed monthly income number. Instead, you must prove your business is “viable.” This means showing a business plan, client letters of intent or contracts, and proof you can cover your living costs.
Author note for you
Although there is not any specific income mentioned for this Germany freelance visa, you have to understand that you have at least some way to show through your documentation when you apply for this visa that you would somehow have at least €2,000-€3,000 per month in projected revenue in the future. Otherwise it would be hard to get this Germany freelance visa.
So we suggest you go for Portugal because here you know the exact number you need to hit. However, if you are still inclined to Germany, then you have to have a solid plan; you can get approved with lower initial income.
The Application Process: Bureaucracy Compared
a): Portugal D8
Often applied for at a Portuguese consulate in your home country. The process can be slow (3-6 months) and requires considerable paperwork up front.
b): Germany Freelance Visa
You typically apply after you arrive in Germany. You’ll book an appointment at the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde), which can be the hardest part. The process is generally more straightforward and faster (1-3 months) once you get the appointment.
Author note for you
If you already have fair earnings from the past few months, probably a year, that hit the number that we mentioned above, then go for Portugal. The reason is you would not get a visa rejection, but of course the visa process will take longer as compared to Germany.
While on the other hand, as we said, you have a solid plan and projected revenue for the future and want to move to Europe shortly, then go for Germany, but remember that the requirements and documents that you prepare for this are much more complicated than for Portugal. The only plus point for you is early migration to Europe.
So for Portugal you need constant earnings, and for Germany you need a complete file of paper to present.
Read: Germany Permanent Residency Complete Process and requirments
Life after the Visa: Taxes, Costs & Your Lifestyle
The visa is just the key in the beginning, which we can understand, but a million-dollar question is what’s life like once you’re there, either in Germany or Portugal?
a): Taxes in Portugal for D8 Visa
Portugal is no doubt the big lure; the NHR tax regime (which offers significant tax breaks on foreign income for 10 years) is being phased out. As a matter of fact, which is important for you to know as well,by 2026, expect standard Portuguese tax rates (up to 48%) and a need for expert tax advice. VAT (sales tax) is 23% in general.
b): Taxes in Germany for Freelancer
as compare to Portugal Germany has progressive income tax rates, topping out at 45%. As you would be on a Germany freelance visa and you would be considered a freelancer, you’ll also pay around 20% in social security contributions (health, pension, unemployment, etc.). VAT is 19%, four percent lower than Portugal.
Author keynote for you
Germany has a high-tax, high-benefit system, which is of course much better than Portugal when you are worried about your future, maybe 10 to 20 years of time. Although you give a contribution, as a reward you will get world-class healthcare and a pension.
While if you want a great saving for you right now, then go for Portugal, as Portugal gives you some tax exemption compared to Germany. Otherwise, it’s a close tie between them.
So in both cases we suggest you go for German, as it gives you high healthcare and a pension for your future. Even if you plan to return back to your country, you would somehow get the total amount, but of course many other things apply too.
Cost of Living (Portugal vs Germany)
a): Portugal (Lisbon/Porto)
Once a bargain, now becoming expensive. A nice 1-bedroom apartment in the city can be €1,000-€1,800. Groceries and eating out are still 20-30% cheaper than in Germany.
b): Germany (Berlin/Munich)
Munich is pricey; Berlin is catching up. A similar apartment in a good part of Berlin runs €1,300-€1,900. Daily expenses are higher, but utility and internet costs are often lower.
Author note for you
Although Portugal is affordable, especially when you live outside the absolute city centers, right now so many foreigners are living there, and so accommodation is now more expensive than in the past due to the large number of foreigners. While in Germany the cost is higher in general, especially in top cities, it’s not only because of foreigners, but also because German living is expensive.
But right now the situation in Portugal is also worse when it’s about accommodation, but when we make an exact comparison, then Portugal has a slight advantage in terms of cost, but only if you find some accommodation in those areas of cities where you don’t have many foreigners because Lisbon and Porto are full of foreigners, and it would be not just hard to find accommodation in these two cities but also expensive, like Germany.
The Final Decision
If you are thinking much and still confused, then simply find the answer to these below: “IF” by doing this, you will be able to make your final decision.
- If your clients are global, and you work 100% remotely, then go for Portugal D8
- If you want to build a client base within a massive European economy, then go for Germany Freelance Visa
- If you are looking for long-term stability, a strong pension, and permanent residency, then go for Germany Freelance Visa
- If you have a high, stable income and you want a (relatively) straightforward path to EU residency and easy citizenship, then go for Portugal D8
- Last, although it’s not crucial, but only for those who care about this,if for you sunshine and a beach after work are non-negotiable for your happiness, then simply go for the Portugal D8 visa.
Author’s final note for you regarding Choice
Choose Portugal’s D8 Visa for you if you love the sun, the sea, and a lifestyle built around freedom, especially if you are an established remote worker who has the income to prove it.
Choose Germany’s Freelance Visa if you value stability, opportunity, and a life built in the heart of Europe, especially if you are an entrepreneur who wants to build something lasting.
Both are fantastic doors into Europe, but it’s your job to decide which corridor you want to walk down.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes, and for exact information regarding visa requirements, etc., visit the official source.
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