Hi! We re-checked the official immigration pages for all 25 countries this week. The short version: no rule in force changed. But one income bar is about to move, and one program's end date is getting close. Everything below comes from a government source unless we say it's a report.
What changed
Portugal: the D8 income bar is likely going up in January
- The D8 remote-work visa requires 4x Portugal's minimum wage. Today that's EUR 3,680/month (minimum wage EUR 920 in 2026).
- The government's 2027 budget summary says the minimum wage rises to EUR 970 in 2027. That would put the D8 bar at EUR 3,880/month.
- It isn't final yet: the new wage still has to be set by portaria (a government order) after talks with employers and unions. We'll update the Portugal page the day it's published.
- If you're applying soon and you're close to the line, plan for the higher number.
Barbados: about two months left on the Welcome Stamp approval
Cabinet renewed the Welcome Stamp only until 31 Dec 2026, and the official tourism release still shows no extension. If you're counting on it for 2027, don't commit to anything yet.
UAE: the USD 5,000 rumour isn't confirmed
Dubai's official page still says USD 3,500/month for the Virtual Working Programme. Ignore guides quoting a higher bar until the GDRFA page changes.
Reports we're watching (not official yet)
- Malaysia: the Ministry of Digital (per Bernama) describes the DE Rantau extension as 2 more years for holders at the 24-month limit. The official pages still say 12 + 12 months, with no criteria published.
- Spain: VisaHQ reports an online application flow for the nomad visa, mandatory from 1 Jan 2027. We haven't found it on any official page.
- Georgia: the Foreign Ministry order listing who can get the C5 remote-worker e-visa still isn't published.
Country of the week: Portugal 🇵🇹
- Visa: residence visa for remote work abroad (D8).
- Income test: EUR 3,680/month now (4x minimum wage, averaged over your last 3 months), likely EUR 3,880 from January 2027.
- Stay: a 4-month visa, then a 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 years at a time.
- Fee: EUR 110 national visa fee. AIMA (the immigration agency) charges separate residence permit fees.
- Catch: Portugal's official pages don't say whether you can work remotely on a regular visa-free stay. Not mentioned isn't the same as allowed.
Know someone eyeing Portugal?
Forward this to them. A EUR 200/month jump can decide an application. Got this from a friend? Subscribe here for the next issue.
Not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or your consulate before you travel.
Questions or a correction? Reply or write us at [email protected].
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