Portugal has become a must-go destination for remote workers and digital nomads, offering a vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and a welcoming environment for those seeking a location-independent lifestyle.
The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, provides a streamlined pathway for individuals to legally work remotely from Portugal and potentially obtain a residency permit. This guide will walk you through every step of the application process, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources for a successful outcome.
Understanding the Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for individuals who work remotely and earn a minimum monthly income of €3280. This income must be derived from employment with a foreign company or through self-employment. There are two types of Digital Nomad visas:
- Short-term Visa: This option allows you to stay in Portugal for up to 12 months but does not grant a residency permit. It’s suitable for those who don’t plan to stay in Portugal long-term.
- Long-term Visa: This visa grants a residency permit, allowing you to stay in Portugal for over a year and potentially apply for Portuguese citizenship in the future. This is the preferred option for those looking to establish a longer-term presence in Portugal.
Key Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa:
- Minimum Monthly Income: €3280 (calculated as 4 times the minimum wage in Portugal, which is subject to change).
- Proof of Income: Provide documentation verifying your income for at least three months prior to your application. This includes contracts, tax declarations, and bank statements.
- Long-Term Work Contract: A valid work contract with a company outside Portugal for at least 12 months is required.
- Application Location: You must apply in the country where you have citizenship or a valid residence permit.
- Accompanying Family Members: Family members can apply for accompanying visas simultaneously. These visas will have the same duration as the main holder’s Digital Nomad Visa. Requirements for accompanying family members vary by consulate and may include additional financial documentation.
📊 Data Insight: The Digital Nomad Visa has experienced a high success rate, with 98% of applicants successfully obtaining the visa with the help of relevant guides and resources.
The Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Appointment at Consulate or VFS Global
- Determine Submission Method: First, determine how documents should be submitted in your country – directly at the consulate or through the VFS Global visa center.
- Registration: Register for the visa application online and provide personal information, attaching required documents. You will receive a PDF application form via email.
- Application Form: Carefully complete the application form using Latin letters, ensuring all mandatory fields are filled correctly. Avoid using symbols, including commas, in designated areas.
- Select Consular Office: Select the Portuguese Embassy in your city/country from the “Consular Office” section. Some consulates may require appointments to be made via email.
- Family Visas: To apply for accompanying visas, each family member (including minors) must complete a separate application form.
Step 2: Certificate of No Criminal Record
- Requirements: All applicants aged 16 or older must provide a certificate of no criminal record from their country of citizenship and any countries where they have resided for over a year since the age of 16.
- Obtaining the Certificate: Request the certificate in paper format from your country’s relevant authorities.
- Apostille and Translation: Obtain an apostille (an official certification) for the certificate and translate it into Portuguese.
- Notarization: Have the translated certificate notarized by a notary.
- Validity: The certificate is valid for 90 days. If you have a criminal record, consult a lawyer to understand potential implications for your visa application.
Step 3: Proof of Accommodation
- Requirements: Many consulates require a one-year rental contract in Portugal for the Digital Nomad resident visa. However, official requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website indicate a minimum 4-month contract for the visa duration.
- Contact the Consulate: Contact the Portuguese consulate in your country for the latest requirements regarding accommodation.
- Airbnb Reservations: In some cases, short-term Airbnb reservations may be accepted, but it’s best to confirm with the consulate.
- Financas Registration: Some consulates require receipts from Financas (the Portuguese tax office) to prove official registration of the lease.
- Guarantor: In CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) countries, you might submit a letter from a guarantor providing accommodation, along with their rental contract or property certificate.
Step 4: Proof of Monthly Income
- Minimum Income: You must demonstrate an average monthly income for the last three months of at least €3280, which is 4 times the minimum wage in Portugal.
- Freelancers: Freelancers can combine income from multiple contracts to meet the minimum income threshold.
- Documentation: Provide clear documentation of your income, including contracts, tax returns, and bank statements.
- Taxed or Pre-Tax Income: Clarify with your local consulate whether they consider taxed or pre-tax income (taxed in your current country of residence), as this may vary.
Step 5: Savings for the Visa
- Official Requirements: Official requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa do not mention mandatory savings for the main applicant.
- Recommended Savings: Based on experience, it is recommended to show at least €9840 per person in savings.
- Increasing Approval Chances: To further increase the chances of getting approved for a long-term visa, some applicants aim to show a deposit of €12,000–€16,000.
- Family Savings: If you are applying with family, show half the amount for your spouse (€4920) and one-third of the amount for each underage child (€2952).
- Bank Statement: Provide a bank statement in English stamped by the bank.
Step 6: Health Insurance
- D Visa Insurance: For a D visa, standard travel insurance for 120 days (visa duration) is sufficient.
- Residency Permit Insurance: For a residency permit, you need to obtain Portuguese health insurance.
- Insurance Providers: Options include Tranquilidade and Fidelidade, and it can cost as little as €8 per month.
- Portuguese Bank: Consider obtaining insurance through your Portuguese bank when opening an account.
Step 7: Tickets to Portugal
- Ticket Reservations: You do not need to purchase actual tickets. Show proof of ticket reservations for your planned arrival date in Portugal, approximately 1.5–2 months after your visa application submission.
- Reservation Date: The exact date on the tickets does not affect the processing speed of your visa application.
Step 8: Family Documents (if Applicable)
- Financial Evidence: If applying with family, provide additional financial evidence, including 50% of the minimum annual income for your spouse (€410 x 12) and 30% for each minor child (€820 x 12 x 0.3).
- Recommended Savings: It is recommended to show a higher amount of savings to increase the chances of a successful visa application.
- Criminal Record: Provide a criminal record certificate for your spouse, marriage certificate, and children’s birth certificates. These documents must be apostilled, translated into Portuguese, and certified by a notary.
Step 9: Motivation Letter (Optional but Recommended)
- Purpose: A motivation letter is not mandatory but can help convince the consulate of your intentions and suitability for the visa.
- Content: Explain your reasons for choosing Portugal, demonstrate financial stability, dependability, and future plans in Portugal.
- Structure: Briefly describe your income source, reasons for choosing Portugal, and future plans.
- Attached Documents: List the attached documents in a separate section.
- Financial Support: Explain how you plan to financially support yourself in Portugal.
- Background and Skills: Highlight your background, skills, and reasons for choosing Portugal as your place of residence.
Step 10: Application to Consulate or VFS
- Appointment: Make an appointment at the consulate or VFS Global center and submit your application.
- Mail Submission: In some countries (e.g., Brazil, USA), you may send documents by mail.
- Processing Time: The processing time is typically 1–2 months, but it can vary depending on the country.
- Appointment Arrival: If applying in person, arrive 15–20 minutes before your appointment time.
- Document Verification: Ensure all documents are translated, certified, and apostilled (where required).
- Questionnaire Changes: Update the questionnaire (PDF editor) if you have made changes to your information during the document preparation process.
Step 11: Passport and Photos
- Passport: Provide a valid passport for international travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your consulate application.
- Photos: Submit two photos measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm. Photos must be in color against a white background.
- Photo Placement: Attach one photo to the application form in the upper right corner and include the other in your document package.
- Passport Number: Write your passport number on the back of each photo.
Step 12: Arrival in Portugal and AIMA Application
- Visa Validity: Your D visa will be valid for 120 days and allows you to enter the EU twice within that timeframe.
- AIMA Appointment: You will be scheduled to visit the AIMA (Foreigners and Borders Service) after obtaining your visa. If the appointment is after your visa expiration date, you are still legally in Portugal until your appointment.
- AIMA Fee: The AIMA fee is €170.5, payable by bank card.
- Residency Permit Card: You will receive a residency permit card, valid for 2 years, within 2–12 weeks after your AIMA appointment.
Documents for AIMA Application:
- Passport with your visa
- NIF (Tax Identification Number)
- Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or certificate from Junta de Freguesia)
- Recent bank account statement (often requires a Portuguese bank account)
- Proof of income (contracts, recent payslips)
- NISS (Social Security Number), utente (health card), optional.
- Private healthcare insurance (if you don’t have utente)
- For family reunion: copies of family certificates, bank statements, and the residence permit of the family member.
- Translated and apostilled diploma of higher education (D3 visa)
💡Tip: Consider seeking the advice of a lawyer to draft a more convincing motivation letter or for guidance on navigating the visa application process.
Bottom Line
The Digital Nomad Visa offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty and lifestyle of Portugal while working remotely. By following this step-by-step guide and gathering all necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining the visa and embarking on your journey as a digital nomad in Portugal.
Resources
Visa and Immigration Services
- 🌐 VFS Global: For global visa and passport application services. Visit VFS Global
- 📝 Portugal Visa Application: Official portal for online visa applications in Portugal. Apply for a Visa
Real Estate and Housing
- 🏡 Idealista: Find apartments and houses for rent or sale in Portugal. Visit Idealista
- 🏠 Imovirtual: Search for properties to buy or rent in Portugal. Visit Imovirtual
- 💼 CustoJusto: Classified ads for real estate and other categories in Portugal. Visit CustoJusto
- 🛏️ Casa Sapo: Rent rooms and apartments in Portugal. Visit Casa Sapo
Short-term and Student Accommodation
- 🏢 Flatio: Medium-term rentals and accommodation options in Portugal. Visit Flatio
- 🎓 Uniplaces: Find student accommodation and rooms for rent in Portugal. Visit Uniplaces
- 🌍 Nestpick: Search for furnished apartments and rooms worldwide. Visit Nestpick
