I’m looking to hear from freelancers or digital nomads currently living in Portugal on the official D8 Digital Nomad Visa. I’d love to hear about your experience with the digital nomad visa: 1. What made you choose Portugal as your base for remote work? 2. Which city or region are you living in, and why did you pick it? 3. How was the application process for the D8 visa — any challenges or surprises? 4. Was it easy to gather the required documents (like proof of income, savings, health insurance, etc.)? 5. What’s the cost of living been like as a freelancer or remote worker? 6. What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Portugal digital nomad visa? Please include a 1–2 sentence bio in the first person (e.g., “I’m a software engineer from Canada living in Lisbon on Portugal’s D8 visa”).

I'm a legal tech startup founder originally from Ukraine, currently living in Lisbon on Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa. I chose Portugal because of its welcoming culture, strong digital infrastructure, and great quality of life for remote workers. Lisbon stood out with its vibrant tech scene, coworking spaces, and mild climate, making it a perfect base to build my startup while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. The D8 visa application was straightforward but required careful preparation. The biggest challenge was gathering official documents like proof of income and valid health insurance, which took longer than expected, especially coordinating between different countries' systems. The good news is that Portugal's authorities were clear on requirements, and once submitted, the process moved smoothly. Cost of living here as a freelancer is reasonable compared to other Western European capitals—housing can be pricey in central Lisbon, but overall expenses balance out with good public transport and affordable food options. My advice for anyone applying is to start preparing your documentation early, double-check each requirement, and reach out to local expat communities—they're incredibly helpful with practical tips and support. Portugal offers a fantastic opportunity if you're ready to embrace the blend of work and lifestyle it provides.