Portugal, since October 2022, has been offering a unique opportunity for non-EU remote workers and freelancers through its Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is a key to gaining residency in Portugal for those who work remotely.
To be eligible, you must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,280 and a 12-month rental contract in Portugal. The application process, which started on October 30, 2022, is straightforward but requires specific financial proofs. Applicants should be engaged in remote work, either for a foreign company or as self-employed individuals, for at least three months prior to applying.
The processing time for the visa is typically 1-2 months. It’s important to note that the income requirement is based on Portugal’s minimum income standard, which is subject to change.
This visa not only allows you to reside in Portugal but also offers the chance to immerse yourself in its culture while maintaining your global work. In summary, the Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent pathway for remote workers seeking to experience life in Portugal.
Exploring Digital Nomad Visa Options
Portugal offers two types of Digital Nomad Visas, suitable for remote workers and freelancers with a monthly income of at least €3,280. These visas are designed for those seeking a nomad-friendly lifestyle, coastal living, and a community of like-minded individuals.
- Long-Term Residency Visa: This dual-entry visa is initially valid for four months and leads to a two-year residence permit upon arrival in Portugal. It’s ideal for those planning a longer stay and potentially aiming for Portuguese citizenship. Continuation of the residence permit requires adherence to the income criteria.
- Temporary Stay Visa: Valid for one year and allowing multiple entries, this visa does not lead to a residence permit. It’s best suited for individuals planning a shorter stay in Portugal. Applicants must provide proof of accommodation for the entire stay and return tickets.
💡 For both visa types, similar documentation is required. However, holders of the long-term visa must visit AIMA (A Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), formerly known as SEF, to apply for a residence permit before their visa expires. This step is not necessary for those with a temporary stay visa. This guide aims to clarify each option, assisting you in selecting the appropriate visa for your time in Portugal.
7 Key Benefits of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a unique opportunity for remote workers, combining the freedom of remote work with the benefits of living in a culturally rich European country. Here are the key highlights:
- Residence in Portugal: This visa gives you the freedom to stay there for up to a year, which is much longer than the time that a typical tourist visa will allow.
- Ease of Application: The process is straightforward, requiring proof of sufficient income and the ability to work remotely without the need for local employment or business setup.
- Freedom to Travel in Europe: As Portugal is part of the Schengen area, visa holders can enjoy visa-free travel to other EU countries, perfect for weekend trips and exploring Europe.
- Path to EU Citizenship: After five years, digital nomads can apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided they integrate into the local culture and pass a Portuguese language test at the A2 level or higher.
- Tax Benefits: New residents can potentially benefit from Portugal’s non-habitual resident status, offering favorable tax conditions on global and local income.
- Family Reunification: This visa also allows for bringing close family members to live in Portugal.
- Work in Portugal: Once you have your residence permit, you have the option to work locally.
- Access to Public Services: Enjoy access to healthcare, education, and other social benefits in Portugal.
Eligibility and Application Process
For remote workers eyeing Portugal as their next destination, the Digital Nomad Visa offers a gateway. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility and the application process:
- Age and Citizenship: Applicants must be over 18 and from non-EU/EEA countries.
- Work Requirements: You should be engaged in full-time remote work, either on a permanent contract or as a freelancer.
- Income Threshold: A minimum monthly income of €3,280 from all sources is required.
- Accommodation in Portugal: Secure a place to stay, with a preference for a one-year rental agreement.
📝 Family members, including spouses, dependent children, and parents, can join you in Portugal. Each adult family member must complete their own visa application.
- Application Location: Apply from your home country or where you hold a residence permit.
- Proof of Income: Show evidence of your remote work income for at least three months.
- Family Visa Applications: Your family can apply for accompanying visas with varying savings requirements: 70%–100% of the main applicant’s income for spouses and 30% for each child.
- Financial Recommendations: While not mandatory, showing savings of around €9,120 per person can bolster your application. For long-term visas, a deposit of €12,000 to €16,000 is advisable.
- Documentation: Provide contracts, tax declarations, and bank statements as proof of income.
Understanding the Costs of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers planning to apply for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, it’s important to understand the associated costs. Here’s a breakdown:
- Income Proof: Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income above €3,280 for a minimum of 3 months.
- Application Fees: The fee varies depending on the visa type.
- Temporary stay visa: €75.
- Long-term visa (leading to residency): €90.
- Health Insurance: Monthly private health insurance costs range from €20 to €100. After obtaining a long-term visa, you can opt for Portugal’s public healthcare.
- Housing Costs: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in city centers is around €780, with higher rates in major cities like Porto and Lisbon.
- Additional Expenses: Be prepared for extra costs like document authentication (Apostille), translation, and certification fees, which vary by country.
💡 These costs can fluctuate based on your home country and local currency changes.
Key Documents for the Visa Application
- Valid Passport: Ensure it’s current and valid for the duration of your stay.
- Passport-Sized Photos: Two recent photographs, meeting standard passport photo requirements.
- Proof of Employment: For employees, a copy of your work contract is needed. Freelancers should provide agreements with clients.
- Income Evidence: bank statements showing a monthly income of at least €3,280.
- Savings Proof: Additional bank statements showing a minimum of €9,840 in savings.
- Criminal Record Certificate: A clean criminal record from your country of citizenship and any other countries where you’ve lived for over six months, with an apostille, translated into Portuguese.
- Accommodation Proof: A tenancy agreement of at least 12 months, registered with the tax authorities, or your property deed if you own a residence.
- Motivation Letter: A simple letter in English explaining your reasons for moving to Portugal
- Health Insurance: Proof of an active private health insurance policy covering the entire Schengen zone, valid for at least six months.
- Return Ticket Evidence: Proof of a return ticket or tax receipt.
- Additional Documents: Depending on the consulate, you may be required to provide additional documents or information.
📝 Sample checklist: Visa for Temporary Stay to Engage in Remote Professional Activity – Digital Nomads📍Portuguese Consulate in Manchester, UK
Basic Tax Rules for Digital Nomads in Portugal
In Portugal, if you stay long enough to be considered a tax resident, you’ll face income taxes, which can be as high as 48%. However, you can opt for the Non-Habitual Resident Tax Regime (NHR), provided you haven’t been a tax resident in Portugal for the past five years. This regime potentially exempts you from tax on foreign income, though you may still owe taxes in the income’s origin country. Under NHR, certain high-value activities are taxed at 20% and foreign pensions at 10%.
Important changes are on the horizon with the 2024 State Budget Proposal, aiming to phase out the NHR regime. Key points to note:
- Current NHR beneficiaries will retain their status until their ten-year period ends.
- Those eligible for NHR by December 31, 2023, or holding a valid residence visa by then, can register by March 31, 2024, to still enjoy the benefits.
Processing Time
Typically, the journey from application to receiving your residency card spans several months.
- Document Preparation and Submission
- Duration: Approximately 2 weeks
- Action: Gather the necessary documents, submit them to the Portuguese consulate in your home country, and pay the application fee.
- Visa Processing
- Duration: Up to 60 days
- Action: The consulate reviews your application. Once approved, your passport gets stamped with the visa. The consulate also schedules an appointment with Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) for your residency permit application upon arrival in Portugal.
- Arrival in Portugal and Residency Application
- Duration: Up to 4 months
- Action: In Portugal, present your documents to SEF and pay a €170 processing fee.
- Receiving Your Residency Card
- Duration: 2 to 12 weeks
- Action: Await the arrival of your residency card via post.
💡 Applying from within Portugal is possible but takes about 2 years, during which you can’t leave the country. Planning ahead and understanding these timelines can ensure a smoother transition to your new digital nomad life in Portugal.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain Your Digital Nomad Visa
Step 1: Completing Your Visa Application
- Document Submission Method: First, find out the preferred method of document submission in your country. This could be directly at the Portuguese consulate or via the VFS Global visa center.
- Application Registration: Begin by registering your application. This involves entering your personal details and attaching the necessary documents. Once you complete this step, you’ll receive a PDF of your application form via email. You can make edits to this form before final submission.
- Filling Out the Application Form: Carefully fill out the application form using Latin letters. Ensure all required fields, marked with an asterisk (*), are completed. Avoid using symbols like commas in certain fields.
- Choosing the Consular Office: In the application, specify the Portuguese Embassy or Consular Office in your city or country (for example, “Consular Office of the Portuguese Embassy in Moscow”).
⚠️ Remember, if you’re applying for visas for family members to accompany you, each person, including children, must fill out their own separate application form.
Step 2: Securing a Criminal Record Certificate
In the second step of applying for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, obtaining a criminal record certificate is crucial for all applicants aged 16 and above. This certificate is required from your country of citizenship and any other countries where you’ve resided for over a year since turning 16.
- Acquiring the Certificate: Start by requesting a paper copy of your criminal record certificate from the relevant authorities in your country. Following this, the document needs an apostille. Then, make sure a licensed notary notarizes the Portuguese translation.
- Timing is key. It’s wise to request this certificate early. While it’s being processed, you can gather other necessary documents for your visa application.
- Certificate Validity: The certificate remains valid for 90 days. If you do have a criminal record, it’s advisable to consult a lawyer. The nature of the offense and the time elapsed since the conviction can influence your visa application’s outcome.
- Final Steps: After translation and notarization, the document should be ready for submission to the consulate or through VFS Global.
Step 3: Proof of Accommodation
While many consulates require a one-year rental agreement in Portugal, the official guidelines from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal suggest a four-month contract aligning with your visa’s duration.
It’s important to verify the latest requirements with the Portuguese consulate in your country before you start collecting your documents. Accommodation proof can vary; in some countries, even short-term Airbnb bookings are accepted. In others, you might need receipts from Financas confirming that your landlord has officially registered the lease. For applicants from CPLP countries, a letter from a guarantor offering accommodation is an alternative. Remember to include their rental agreement or property ownership certificate.
Step 4: Arranging Your Accommodation
When planning to rent an apartment in Portugal, it’s important to be well-prepared with the necessary documents. Landlords typically require income tax returns, contracts, and a personal resume (ideally in Portuguese), outlining your reasons for living in Portugal and your financial plan for covering expenses.
In some cases, landlords might ask for a local guarantor who works in Portugal and can provide a tax return. If you don’t have a guarantor, consider offering to pay multiple months’ rent upfront or a larger deposit.
Remember, real estate agent services are usually free for tenants, as landlords bear these costs. However, to ensure smooth cooperation, you might need to offer an additional commission to your agent, especially if they have to split their commission with another agent. Also, insist that the landlord register the rental contract with Finanças (the tax office), as unregistered stays can lead to legal complications.
To sign a rental contract, you’ll need a NIF (tax identification number) and a bank account. While any bank that facilitates rent transfers is acceptable, a Portuguese bank is often more convenient. If opening a bank account is not an option yet, you can make cash payments for rent and deposit directly at a bank branch.
📝 For finding a suitable place, explore websites like Idealista, Imovirtual, CustojustoCasa, OLX, and SapoBQuarto. For more tailored options, check out Flatio, Uniplaces, and Nestpick.
Step 5: Proof of Monthly Income
In 2023, you need to prove an average monthly income of at least €3,280—four times Portugal’s minimum wage. Freelancers can combine earnings from various sources to meet this threshold. However, if your income comes from numerous small, sporadic clients, prepare for extra scrutiny. Clear documentation and possibly a higher bank deposit may strengthen your application.
It’s important to verify with your local consulate whether they require this income to be calculated before or after tax. This requirement can differ globally.
You’ll need to provide evidence of your income’s legitimacy and tax compliance. For freelancers, this includes service agreements with clients, bank statements showing client payments, and tax declarations. If employed, you should have your work contract, an employer’s certificate for remote work (if not specified in the contract), bank statements with salary deposits, and a tax return or employer’s tax payment certificate.
Step 6: Verifying Financial Stability and Proof of Savings
When applying for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, while there’s no official mandate for savings, practical experience suggests having a buffer. In some countries, it’s advisable to show savings of at least €9,120 per person. Your local bank account can be used for this purpose.
For a stronger application, especially for a long-term visa, consider showing a deposit between €12,000 and €16,000. If you’re applying with a family, the recommended savings increase is half the annual minimum wage for your spouse (€4,560) and one-third for each minor child (€2,736). For a family of three, this totals approximately €16,413, surpassing the official minimum of €7,296.
Keep in mind that you’ll need an English bank statement with your bank’s proper stamp to verify these savings. This financial proof enhances your visa application, demonstrating your ability to sustain yourself and your family in Portugal.
📝 Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Opening a Bank Account in Portugal for Remote Workers
Step 7: Securing Adequate Health Insurance
The insurance needs differ for the initial visa and the subsequent residency permit.
- Visa Insurance Needs: For the D visa, standard travel insurance covering a period of 120 days is adequate. This aligns with the visa’s duration and is a primary requirement.
- Residency Permit Insurance: Once in Portugal, for your residency permit, you’ll need to switch to a local Portuguese insurance policy. Attach this policy to your application submitted to SEF (Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service). Popular options like Tranquilidade and Fidelidade offer affordable plans, sometimes as low as €8 per month. Conveniently, this insurance can often be arranged through your Portuguese bank when you open an account, streamlining the process.
Step 8: Arranging Travel Reservations
For those embarking on the journey to secure a Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal, it’s important to understand the travel reservation requirements. Actual ticket purchases are not necessary at the initial stage; instead, you need to provide proof of ticket reservations.
- Timing Your Reservation: Aim to make your travel reservations for a date about 1.5 to 2 months following your visa application submission. This timeframe is generally considered optimal.
- Impact on Visa Processing: It’s key to note that the specific date on your ticket reservations does not influence the speed of your visa application process. The main requirement is to demonstrate your planned entry into Portugal, aligning with the D visa’s stipulations.
Step 9: Preparing Family Documentation
When applying with family members, it’s crucial to demonstrate sufficient financial resources. This includes showing funds equivalent to 50% of Portugal’s minimum annual income for your spouse and 30% for each minor child.
- Recommended Savings: To enhance the likelihood of visa approval, it’s advisable to present a higher savings amount than the minimum required.
- Essential Documents: For family visa applications, you’ll need to provide criminal record certificates for your spouse, as well as marriage and birth certificates for your family. These documents should be apostilled, translated into Portuguese, and the translation certified by a notary. Documents issued in English may not require translation.
- Additional Requirements: Remember, each family member must have their own travel tickets, insurance, and reservations in place as part of the application.
Step 10: Crafting a Motivation Letter
This letter is your opportunity to convey your enthusiasm for Portugal, showcasing your financial stability and long-term intentions for the country.
- Purpose of the Letter: Use the letter to explain your choice of Portugal as your new home. Highlight your financial reliability and future aspirations within Portugal.
- Content Suggestions: In your letter, outline your income sources and detail your plans for financial sustenance in Portugal. Emphasize your professional background, skills, and the specific reasons that make Portugal an ideal destination for you.
- Document Listing: Include a section listing all the documents attached to your application.
- Professional Assistance: Consider consulting a lawyer to draft a more persuasive letter. Their expertise in referencing relevant laws and regulations can add weight to your application.
This motivation letter is a chance to personally connect with the consulate, enhancing your profile as a committed and well-prepared applicant.
Step 11: Finalizing Your Visa Application at the Consulate or VFS
As the concluding step in securing your Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal, you’ll need to submit your application at the consulate or VFS. This process varies by country; for instance, applicants in Brazil or the USA can often mail their documents.
- Appointment Scheduling: Book an appointment at the Portuguese consulate, or VFS. If you’re applying in person, aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early.
- Document Preparation: Before submission, ensure all your documents are translated and certified. Any official documents must be apostilled. Remember, all translations need notary certification.
- Final Checks: Review and update the questionnaire, especially if there have been any changes in your information during document preparation.
The waiting period for visa processing can range from 1-2 months, but it may extend up to 6 months in some countries. It’s advisable to check specific country guides for a clearer timeline. This final step is crucial to ensuring that your application is complete and ready for evaluation.
📝 Essential Checklist
- Schedule an Appointment: Book your slot at the consulate or visa center.
- Valid International Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least three months beyond your planned return date.
- Proof of Regular Income: Demonstrate consistent earnings.
- Bank Account Statement: Show your financial stability.
- Rental Contract: Provide proof of accommodation in Portugal for a year.
- Police Criminal Record: Obtain a criminal record certificate from your home country.
- Health Insurance: Secure a policy covering at least $30,000, valid for a minimum of 120 days.
- Airplane Ticket Booking: Show your travel plans with a ticket reservation.
- Motivation Letter: Include a letter explaining your reasons for choosing Portugal and your plans there.
Step 12: AIMA Appointment Guide
Securing your Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal involves a crucial step: scheduling an appointment with AIMA (A Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), formerly known as SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). If the consulate doesn’t schedule this for you, take the initiative to arrange it yourself.
Your D visa, once granted, is valid for 120 days and permits two entries into the EU within this period. If your SEF appointment falls after your visa’s expiration, there’s no need for concern. You’re legally allowed to stay in Portugal until your appointment date, provided you enter the country while your visa is still valid.
In case the assigned appointment date isn’t suitable, you have the option to contact SEF at 217-115-000 to check for alternative available slots.
Be prepared to pay the SEF fee of €170.5, which is payable via bank card. This step is essential in finalizing your stay in Portugal as a digital nomad, ensuring you’re all set for your new adventure.
Securing Your Residence Permit in Portugal
In approximately two to twelve weeks following your appointment with the immigration services, you’ll receive a residence permit card by mail. This card is your key to a new life in Portugal, valid for an initial period of two years.
📝 Essential Documents:
- Valid Passport: Ensure it contains your entry visa.
- Tax Identification Number (NIF): A crucial document for financial and legal activities. You can check this full guide on how to obtain a NIF in Portugal
- Accommodation Proof: This could be a lease agreement or a confirmation from the local parish (Junta de Freguesia).
- Bank Statements: Recent statements to verify your financial stability.
- Income Evidence: Similar to your visa application, include contracts or recent payslips.
- Educational Credentials (for D3 Visa applicants): Ensure your higher education diploma is translated and apostilled.
- Optional Documents: NISS and healthcare user number (utente). If you don’t have a healthcare user number, private health insurance is necessary. Learn more
- For family reunion, provide recent copies of family certificates, bank statements, and the residence permit of the family member already residing in Portugal.
Note: This guide is a concise overview. Always verify with the latest official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Why Portugal Stands Out as a Destination for Expats and Remote Workers
Portugal, with 7% of its population comprising expats, has seen a steady increase in its foreign residents since 2015. Notably, Lisbon has been named the best city for digital nomads by Instant Offices. The allure of Portugal as a home for people globally stems from various factors.
Advantages of Living in Portugal
- Cost-Effective Living: Portugal’s living expenses are relatively lower than the European average, as per Eurostat. It offers more affordability than Spain, Italy, and Estonia, with consumer prices on par with Slovenia, Greece, and Cyprus.
- Accessible Healthcare: The country provides universal healthcare to residents, including expats. Most medical services are either free or incur minimal charges (around €5–10), with special exemptions for pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
- Ideal Climate: Portugal is blessed with a pleasant climate year-round. Expect warm, sunny summers, with temperatures peaking around 29°C in Lisbon and slightly cooler in the north. Winters are mild and rainy, averaging 15–16°C.
- Digital Nomad-Friendly Infrastructure: Portugal leads Europe with its Digital Nomad Village, fostering a community for remote workers. Big cities like Lisbon and Porto offer robust public Wi-Fi networks and a plethora of modern coworking spaces.
- Relaxed Lifestyle: Embracing a laid-back approach, the Portuguese culture prioritizes a balanced life with shorter work hours and midday breaks, ideal for digital nomads seeking equilibrium between work and leisure.
- Active Leisure Opportunities: For adventure-seekers, Portugal is a haven with activities like surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and sailing. The country also boasts world-class facilities for golf, tennis, and other sports, catering to a variety of active leisure pursuits.
Other Alternatives to Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa
💵 D7 Visa for Passive Income Earners
Portugal offers several visa options for those looking to live and work remotely within its borders, each catering to different circumstances.
The D7 Visa is ideal for individuals with a steady passive income, such as pensions, rental earnings, or royalties. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a minimum income of €760 per month, have arranged accommodation in Portugal, and hold a local bank account. This visa also extends to immediate family members, including spouses, dependent children, and parents. While the D7 Visa was a popular choice for remote workers before the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa, it now primarily serves those with passive income sources.
For remote workers with salaried or freelance income, the Digital Nomad Visa is the recommended route. The D7 Visa, however, has a lower income requirement, needing only proof of Portugal’s minimum wage (€760) and savings equivalent to 12 times this amount. However, for a comfortable lifestyle in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, or Funchal, a higher income is advisable.
📝 Read more: How to Obtain a D7 Passive Income Visa in Portugal: The Ultimate Guide
🚀 Startup Visas for Innovative Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs have two distinct options: the Startup Visa and the D2 Visa. The Startup Visa targets those with innovative business ideas and involves developing a business plan in a licensed incubator. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to live in Portugal, with no minimum investment required in the business itself.
🧑💼 D2 Visa for Business Entrepreneurs
The D2 Visa, on the other hand, is for entrepreneurs who wish to start or purchase a business in Portugal. This visa is less restrictive regarding the nature of the business and requires proof of financial capability to establish and operate the business. It’s suitable for a wide range of ventures, from cafes to real estate agencies.
Applying for the D7 Passive Income Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa, is generally more straightforward than the D2, making them more accessible options for those looking to move to Portugal.
🌍 Residency in Portugal for EU Citizens
For EU passport holders, obtaining residency in Portugal is a straightforward process, bypassing the need for a digital nomad visa. As an EU citizen, you have the freedom to enter Portugal and reside for up to three months without any formal registration.
Should you decide to extend your stay beyond this period, the process remains simple. You’ll need to register your presence at the nearest local municipality office, known as the ‘camâra municipal’. Here, you will be issued a temporary residency certificate, commonly referred to as the CRUE. This certificate is typically valid for five years, offering a long-term solution for those wishing to work remotely in Portugal.
Bottom line
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa presents a straightforward and appealing option for remote workers and freelancers looking to reside in this vibrant country. Here’s a quick recap of the key points:
- Income Requirements: Applicants must show a stable monthly income of at least €3,280 and a bank balance of no less than €9,120.
- Visa Variants: The visa is available in two forms: a temporary stay visa for one year and a long-term visa for four months, leading to a two-year residency. Both require similar documentation and processing steps.
- Processing Duration: It typically takes around three months to obtain the Digital Nomad Visa.
- Portugal’s Appeal: The country attracts digital nomads with its excellent infrastructure for remote work, relaxed lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and a plethora of leisure activities.
- Innovative Community: Portugal is pioneering with its Digital Nomad Village in Madeira, a hub for remote working professionals. You can also join our Best Remote Work Community in Portugal
- Visa Alternatives: For those who might not fit the Digital Nomad Visa criteria, Portugal also offers the startup visa, the D7 visa for financially independent individuals, and the business visa for entrepreneurs.
