Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
In this article
In the era of advanced remote work, obtaining a Portuguese digital nomad visa
has become more accessible. Portugal's natural beauty, business-friendly policies,
and affordable living costs make it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Portugal is a European country with a system that allows immigrants to thrive.
With a GDP of $218B and a population of 10.4 million, Portugal attracts expats
from different countries worldwide. As a digital nomad, all you need is your skills
and experience. The country itselfl presents an economic and social environment for
growth. In 2018, Forbes described Portugal as one of the best places for business
and retirement.
This article is an in-depth guide for obtaining a Portugal digital nomad visa.
It captures everything you need to know before, during, and after your relocation
to Portugal related to the digital nomad visa.
What Is A Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomadic visa is a travel visa that allows an expat to reside in a country
for a specific period. It permits remote working in the country, provided you do
not work in any local company.
Is There A Specific Portugal Nomad Visa?
Currently, there is no particular permanent residence program for digital nomads
in Portugal. However, the Portuguese government has introduced a specific visa
called the Portugal Passive Income Visa - D7 Visa, an excellent option for digital
nomads interested in this country. In fact, remote workers who desire a long-term
stay in Portugal can quickly obtain a passive income D 7 Visa.
Types of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas
Portugal has long been ahead of its time in simplifying work environments.
Hence, several types of visas already comply with the typical digital nomad
visa. Your choice of visa will depend on your income structure and the
duration of your visit or stay.
Digital nomad visas in Portugal can be widely categorized into two types of visas:
Temporary Stay Visa
Portugal temporary stay visa is a valid option for digital nomads that might
want to stay in Portugal for up to a year. It allows digital nomads
to work as an online or self-employed business owner.
The great part about this visa is its
non-restrictive nature. You can travel
outside Portugal and enter freely, as long as you adhere to the immigration
stipulations of Portuguese authorities. The temporary residency permit is the
perfect digital nomad visa as it
permits multiple entries.
Portugal Residency Visas
The Portuguese residency visas are perfect for a digital nomad with a
more extended stay plan. If you intend to become an official resident,
you should consider getting one of the Portugal national visas.
Your type of national Visa will depend on your income or business type.
Its validity lasts four months, and it allows only two entries. It would
be best if you got a residency permit from Portugal SEF within this time frame.
To obtain these visas, you will go through these processes:
- Embassy screening in the Portuguese embassy in your current base
- Residency permit stage after you arrive in Portugal
The Residency Visa - D7 Visa or the Passive Income Visa
The D-7 passive income visa is the best choice for digital nomads looking
to reside in Portugal. The Portuguese legislation created this Portugal
residency visa to allow foreign nationals, especially pensioners or retirees
with stable income, to live peacefully in Portugal.
A digital nomad can obtain a D7 visa in Portugal in some simple yet lengthy
steps. All that is required is a residence permit and proof of stable income.
There are no specifications as to the exact source of the payment; it might be
from pensions, investments, or intellectual properties, among others.
Another significant advantage of this visa program is that you can freely travel
to 26 European countries of the Schengen Area without another passport or Visa.
It is more or less a Schengen visa.
Portugal D2 Visa - Entrepreneur or Independent Service Provider
The D2 Visa also fits as a Portugal digital nomad visa. It is majorly designed for
remote workers who wish to create a new business in Portugal or start a branch of
an existing business in Portugal.
The D-2 Visa is an advantage for freelancers, business entrepreneurs, independent
professionals, and others who seek to establish their businesses in Portugal.
Portugal D-2 visa is open to:
- Start-ups
- Entrepreneurs
- Independent professionals
- Investors
- Company and branch owners, partners, and shareholders.
Bear in mind that you must have a reliable, strong, and well-thought-out business
plan to obtain this visa. Also, you must have sufficient business capital to start
your proposed business in this foreign country.
The D7 Visa is a straightforward route to Portugal's residency. Hence, if residency
is what you are after, go for the Portugal D7 visa.
What Is the Difference Between a Tourist Visa and a Portugal D7 Visa for Digital Nomads?
A country like Portugal issues digital nomad visas to create a legal working
ground for foreigners looking to live and work in this country.
A digital nomad visa allows you to stay for an extended period compared
to a tourist visa. The most prolonged tourist visa allows 90 days,
while a digital nomad visa holder can stay up to a year.
Who Can Apply for Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa: Eligibility Criteria
Even though the Portugal D7 passive income visa is designed for retirees, anyone
can apply for the visa. As long as you are above 18 and you have a stable
passive income, you are free to apply for a digital nomad visa. However, you
must meet some eligibility criteria.
How to Get the Visa: Basic Requirements for D7 Visa?
Below are the documents you will need for the D7 application. Note that all these
required documents must be in English or Portuguese.
- Application form
- Your valid passport proof with over six months of validity after the D7 visa expiration
- A Portuguese TIN (Tax Identification Number)
- A Portuguese bank account
- Passport photographs (Two identical ones with a plain background)
- Valid Travel insurance covering all emergency expenses
- Proof of adequate accommodation
- Health insurance coverage papers with over €30,000 emergency medical coverage
- A clean criminal record-related document from your home country of residence( Note that you must have stayed in that country for more than a year)
- Proofs that you have a steady income. In this case, you must have income amounting to 12 months' Portuguese minimum wage. The amount is set at €705 per month, which is 8,460 euros per year. To prove this, you will be asked to provide a six months bank statement.
EU Citizens
Since Portugal is a member of the European Union, citizens of other EU
countries can work remotely in Portugal without any digital nomad visa.
All that is required is your EU passport, with which you can stay freely.
However, if you wish to stay for more than three months, you must visit
the local municipality office. The office will grant you a temporary
residency certificate of up to 5yrs Validity.
US Citizens
US citizens traveling to Europe
need to keep in mind a few things. Based on the agreement between US and
Portugal, US citizens can also enter Portugal without a visa and stay for 90
days. However, if you are a digital nomad who wishes to stay longer, you must
apply for a digital nomad visa.
Non-EU and Non-US Citizens
Non-EU and Non-US citizens still depend on your country of residence. Canada,
New Zealand, and Australian citizens also enjoy the same benefits as US citizens.
Unfortunately, if you are not from other countries, you will need to apply for a Visa.
Etias - Digital Travel Authorization to Travel to Europe
As of 2023, travelers from a number of countries will be required to
obtain a valid Etias before heading to
Europe. Before applying for Etias, check the Schengen borders agreement
since this travel authorization is specific to the country (or coinutries)
you want to visit.
It is a quick and simple process that will be mandatory for Non-EU citizens
traveling either for tourism or for work purposes.
How to Apply for Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal: Step-by-Step Guide
Below are the steps to applying for a digital nomad visa program in Portugal:
- 1. Get a Portuguese TIN (Tax Identification Number)
It is known in Portuguese as Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). This NIF
or TIN is the first thing you must acquire to enable you to complete other
application steps. You will need it to open an account and rent a home.
A tax operative in Portugal can get the NIF in Portugal on your behalf.
- 2. Open a Portugal bank account.
This process is simple as long as you have your NIF. You can also open a
bank account remotely.
- 3. Get accommodation
Remember that proof of accommodation is part of the eligibility criteria.
Hence, the next thing is to purchase a property, make an Airbnb reservation
or sign a rental agreement.
- 4. Apply for the Visa
After you have gathered all the required documents, you are then ready to apply
formally. Depending on the specifications, you submit the application in person
or by mail. Locate the nearest Portuguese embassy in your country to start
the application process.
- 5. Await Approval
After your application, the Portuguese consular with jurisdiction within your
area of residence will decide on the application within 60days. This approval
will come after the consular has received a binding legal opinion from the
Portuguese Immigration and Borders Police (SEF).
- 6. Collect Your Temporary Entry Visa
Visit the embassy to collect your temporary Entry Visa after your application
has been approved.
- 7. Schedule an Appointment With SEF in Portugal
Upon your arrival in Portugal, you need to schedule a meeting with the SEF
(Serviço de Estrangeiros Fronteiras). They are the immigration and border services
department in Portugal. Note that you only have up to three days after arrival
to schedule this appointment.
- 8. Attend Your Interview
The next thing is to attend your interview with the SEF. This process
serves to register you as a resident of Portugal.
- 9. Receive your residence permit
Approximately it might take about two to three weeks before you receive the
permit. Collecting your residence permit is the final step in your relocation
process.
You can begin living a peaceful life in Portugal as a digital nomad with your D7 Visa.
Portugal Passive Income Visa Fees: How Much Does Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The D7 Visa is quite affordable. Application for the visa costs about $100,
while the residence permit application costs roughly $85. Note that the
above is just the government fees and doesn't cover other application
expenses like legal fees. Usually, the moving and living cost takes up
the bulk of the expenses rather than the application itself.
D7 Visa Validity: How Long Can You Stay in Portugal With a DNV?
After a successful application, your D7 Visa is valid for 4months. Within
these four months, you must apply for a temporary resident permit. The
resident permit allows you to stay up to a year. Note that it is also
renewable after the first year.
To avoid unforeseen circumstances, ensure that all documents are set a couple
of months before the visa application date. Also, your visa application is
submitted two to three months before your planned departure date.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Processing Time: The Timeline for Applying
Time is vital to a successful digital nomad visa application. On average, the
Visa will take about 15 days to process. Although, there are times when the
processing might take longer. Therefore, you should target getting your documents
ready 2-3months prior to the application date. This simply means that you can
send in your application as early as 90days prior and not later than 15 days
before your planned departure date. Ensure to stay in touch during this period.
Early submission is essential, as the late submission will increase the
chances of your application getting rejected. If you are not concerned about
money, you can consult reputable visa counseling agencies. These agencies will
hasten the application process and provide the necessary assistance required
in the process.
Hence, applicants should take cognizance of the application timeline and
try to consult with a Portuguese immigration professional before applying.
Also, ensure there are no errors in the documents you submitted. Applicants
can reach out to the consulate in the area if feedback is not given after
two weeks.
Do Remote Workers in Portugal Need to File Taxes?
Remote workers will be expected to pay tax after staying for up to 183 days
in Portugal. One good thing about Portugal is its favorable tax policy for
foreigners. The moment you are a foreign tax resident, you can become a
beneficiary of Portugal's NHR (Non-Habitual-Residence) program.
This program offers tax reductions and even exemptions on remote workers'
foreign income for a period of ten years. As a remote worker, the program
allows you to pay 20% IRS tax on income instead of the usual 48%. Also,
your social contributions as a remote worker are reduced to 10% as opposed
to the standard rate.
You will need to visit the Portuguese tax office to register as a taxpayer
in their NIF system. This application also has a time limit, so ensure you
do it as you as possible. An email will be sent to you after a successful
application.
The Benefits of Working Remotely in Portugal
There are numerous benefits to working remotely in Portugal. Aside from the
natural environmental advantage, government policies are also designed to
favor remote workers.
Below are some of the notable benefits.
Warm Climate
Portugal has pleasant weather that is best enjoyed during summer. Portugal is
full of sunlight, warmth, and a mild climate. However, it all depends on where
you are. The north gets colder than the south, especially during winter.
Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Portugal is lower than in many countries in the world. The
research claimed that the cost of living in the US is about 42% higher than that
of Portugal.
Safety and Low Crime Rate
In the 2022 World population review, Portugal was 3rd in the safest countries
in the world ranking. Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries according
to a global scale. There is a low record of crime in Portugal. Hence, you will
not have to live in fear during your stay.
Outstanding Diversity
Portugal offers outstanding diversity to natives and foreigners. There are a
variety of landscapes and lifestyles, depending on your region. Portugal has
about 1800 km of coastline. Porto and Lisbon is the right choice if you love
city life, while you might want to settle in central Portugal if you want peace,
quiet and cheap cost of living. For beaches, amazing landscapes, and relaxation,
south Portugal is the best place.
Family Relocation and Quality Education
As a digital nomad, you have the opportunity to relocate your family to Portugal.
You can either go with them or process their relocation when you go to Portugal.
Also, there is a standard education system in Portugal. There are affordable
public schools, as well as private schools.
Quality of Health
In Portugal, public hospitals offer free medical services. Also, there is
various health insurance for both citizens and foreign residents of the country.
Attractive Tax System
As I have mentioned earlier, Portugal's tax system for remote workers is one of
the best in the world. The tax policy has attracted investors, digital nomads,
and other self-employed professionals.
Encouraging Real Estate Market Situation
Portugal's real estate market is not discriminatory. The market is booming, and it
has attractive properties to offer foreign residents. Hence, as a digital nomad
or any other remote worker, you can easily acquire a property in Portugal.
Becoming a Digital Nomad in Portugal: Essential Tips
One thing you would naturally be particular about as a digital nomad is the
internet connection in your area. The average internet access speed in Portugal
is about 34.5 megabits per second. Early this year, PT Portugal (MEO) launched
its 5G network, which already covers half of the population. There is 5G coverage
presently in Ponta Delgada and the Funchal region of Portugal.
When you get to Portugal, you will need to get a local sim. The two major SIM
cards I recommend are the MEO and NOS. These SIMs have better coverage in all
regions of the country. However, when it comes to internet connection, the NOS
has the fastest internet speed.
Aside from the recent 5G connection, there are other options for digital nomads
like Wi-Fi, 4G, and 3G. Most apartments for digital nomads have their own internet
connection. Portugal's broadband median speed is currently around 50Mbps upload
and 100 Mbps download.
If you plan to become a permanent resident in Portugal, below is the D7 Visa
application timeline.
- Entry year. Obtain your D7 Portugal Visa with a year of validity
- First year. Renew your D7 Visa with two years of validity.
- The third year. Renew your D7 Visa for another two years.
- The fifth year. Apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Cost of Living in Portugal
In Europe, Portugal is reputed to offer the lowest cost of living. Portugal's cost of
living is lower than the average. It is cheaper when compared to the US and the UK.
In Western Europe, Portugal is the third cheapest country. A family of four can
conveniently live on 3,145 euros a month. For a single person in Portugal, I, 590
Euros, will cover all your monthly expenses, including accommodation.
Accommodation and Utility
The monthly rent for an 85 m2 (900 sfts) furnished apartment in an expensive area will
cost about €1,201. However, in an average neighborhood, you can get furnished
accommodation of 85 m2 (900 sqft) monthly for €859. Note that the cost covers the
furnishings in the apartments.
In a city like Lisbon, the cost of studio apartments range from €650 to €2500 monthly.
The price of the apartments varies depending on the facilities and specific location.
For utilities like heating, gas, and electricity for two persons in an 85 m2 flat,
you will pay about €123. Note that this is just the average amount; it might be
lower or higher.
Foods and Groceries
Foods are also very affordable in Portugal. A basic lunch, including a drink, in a
business area will cost about €10. You can get a combo meal for €7 in a fast food
restaurant. Groceries and food items also come at an affordable price. For instance,
you can get 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast for €3.05 and 1 liter (1 qt.)
of whole milk for €0.79.
Note that the price of things also depends on your area of residence. Below is a
list of cities in Portugal ranked from the highest to the lowest in terms of cost
of living.
- #1. Lisbon
- #2. Oporto
- #3. Funchal, Madeira
- #4. Braga
- #5. Vila Nova de Gaia
A recent analysis revealed that the cost of living in Lisbon is 17% higher than in
Sao Paulo while residing in Oporto is 9% lower and cheaper than in Madrid.
The Downsides of Living in Portugal
As much as there are numerous advantages of living in Portugal, there are also some
downsides peculiar to living as a foreigner in the country.
- 1. You must learn Portuguese if you want to interact officially. Although you will find people who can speak English, Portuguese is the official language.
- 2. You can only use cash or a Portuguese master card for transactions. Visa and MasterCard are not accepted.
- 3. During winter, the weather can become freezing, and some accommodations lack a proper heating system.
The Healthcare for Foreign Residents in Portugal
Portugal ranked 22nd out of 84 countries in the 2019 Health care index. WHO once
rated Portugal 12th in the world as a country with standardized health care efficiency.
Foreigners working in Portugal share the same health care benefits as the citizens.
Both private and public health care facilities are available to expats in Portugal.
Top Destinations and Co-working Spaces for Digital Nomads
There are numerous exciting and impressive preferable locations for many digital
nomads in Portugal. Let’s look at a few of them.
Lisbon
Lisbon is an excellent location for digital nomads. As the capital of Portugal,
Lisbon captures the beauty of Portugal and offers every amenity that a digital
nomad needs to thrive in Portugal. This place is nothing short of an intellectual
hub. Lisbon has a good reputation for being pocket-friendly. Compared to other
European capitals, you can get through without spending much.
Another reason Lisbon sits at the top of the list is that Lisbon house all min
government offices in Portugal. Hence, it makes it easy for digital nomads to
address visas and documentation issues. However, if you seek to spend less, you
might want to consider places like Intendente or Martim Moniz.
Porto
It is challenging for us to choose between Lisbon and Porto. These two are great
destinations offering many interesting, unique and special. With the cobbled street,
charming castles, old homes, and cliffs surrounding the river Douro, the town feels
a bit of a fairy tale.
Depending on how lucky you are, you may have the chance to find an Airbnb in Ribeiro.
Oh, and there are great wines there too. You will have access to several different
beaches that might just be relaxing after a long day of sitting on your laptop.
Braga
Braga is Portugal's oldest city. Due to collaborative efforts by universities,
businesses, and governments, Braga city is now a hotspot in technological innovation.
The city is also home to a high number of students studying sciences and tech.
The northwest part of the city has become a popular destination for expats looking
for a breezy lifestyle with favorable property prices.
Peniche
For adventurous digital nomads, Peniche is definitely a place to stay. It has
become one of the top surf towns in West Europe. You can start your stay in an
ocean view condo or take a little distance in Peniche and find one charming condo.
Coastal apartments are readily available at affordable prices in Peniche.
Co-Working Spaces
Also, there are many beautiful co-working spaces in Portugal for remote workers to
mix with other digital nomads. Co-working spaces in Portugal are designed with
facilities like good internet facilities, tables and chairs, air-conditioners,
and so on. These spaces will make your working experience enjoyable.
You can check out second home Lisboa, a greenhouse cum digital nomad Haven,
or a digital nomad village underground in Lisbon. Also, if you are looking
for the latest remote working environment, you might want to check out Avila Spaces
– Atrium Saldanha.
Avila Spaces – Atrium Saldanha
is a co-working space that was launched early this year with the latest facilities
and equipment.
FAQs about Estonia's Digital Nomad Visa
Does Portugal have a digital nomad visa?
Portugal does not have a specific digital nomad visa. However, they have a passive income or D7 Visa, a suitable option for digital nomads looking to relocate to Portugal.Do I need a visa to work remotely in Portugal?
Yes! You need a visa to work remotely in Portugal. However, if you are an EU, US, Canada, New Zealand, or Australian citizen, you can still stay in Portugal for three months without a Visa. Afterward, you will need a visa to continue working there.Do digital nomads pay tax In Portugal?
The simple answer is yes! Digital nomads do pay taxes. However, the tax you pay might depend on your length of stay.Is Portugal a good place for digital nomads?
Portugal is great for digital nomads wishing to travel to a European country. Portugal holds various benefits ranging from an easy relocation process to enabling environment and affordable cost of living.
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