Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: The Ultimate Guide

Portugal Digital Nomad Visas allow remote workers and freelancers to get residency in the country. Residents from non-EU countries can apply for residency in Portugal through this visa type. 

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a national type D visa. When you get your visa approval, you can reside in Portugal for at least a year. As a professional motivated to move to a nomad-friendly country, you can experience the advantages of living by the ocean and meeting like-minded people.

Remote work and flexibility often come together—many desire to make the digital nomad concept a reality. You can explore many new destinations while you carry on and improve your career at the same time. In Portugal, you can enjoy the country’s beauty and work from any part of the country. You can join the digital nomad community as well. If you are a remote worker, remember to consider this visa type and experience living in a foreign country.

In this article, we will mention the requirements for this visa type and list some of the best destinations for remote workers.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) Requirements

Here are some of the main requirements to get a Digital Nomad Visa to Portugal:

• Your age should be over 18 years old.
• You need to have citizenship in non-EU and non-EEA countries.
• You will have fully remote work on a permanent contract or freelance.
• You will prove the total income from all sources that would be at least €3,040.
• You need to show your accommodation arranged in Portugal, at least a 1-year extended agreement for rented properties.
• It is possible to get citizenship application after five years.

D8 Visa, or the Portugal Digital Nomad visa, lets applicants from non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens apply.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Types

To adapt to the growing trend of remote work, Portugal offers Digital Nomad Visas, which allow individuals to live in Portugal while working for employers located elsewhere. There are two types of visas available to digital nomads:

Temporary Stay Visa

This visa allows you to stay in Portugal for a period of 12 months. It cannot be extended for residency purposes, although it can be renewed four times.

Here is a quick rundown:

• Duration: Up to 12 months.
• Renewable: Yes, it is renewable up to four times.
• Income Requirement: Must earn at least €3,280 per month.
• Accommodation: Minimum lease agreement required for accommodation.
• Bank Account: A Portuguese bank account may be required by some consulates.
• Police Clearance: A clean criminal record is required.
• Family Reunification: This visa does not permit family reunification.

This visa best suits non-EU/EEA citizens who can work remotely and meet the income requirements. It allows you to live in Portugal temporarily without committing to a long-term residency.

Long-Term Visa

The Residency Visa is the name given to the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for long-term residence.

Here is some of the important features of this type:

• Validity: Initially valid for four months, you can apply for a two-year residency permit upon entering Portugal.
• Renewal: The residency permit is renewable for another three years.
• Income Requirement:  You must earn more than €3,040 per month.
• Documents: You’ll need a valid passport, evidence of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal background, among other things.
• Application Fee: The application fee ranges between €75 and €90.
• Family: You are welcome to bring family members.

This visa is appropriate for non-EU/EEA people who work remotely and wish to reside in Portugal while working for employers based elsewhere.

Remote Workers in Portugal

Remote workers in Portugal can expect a lifestyle that includes some of the following advantages:

A pleasant temperature: Portugal has a pleasant temperature with plenty of sunshine. It makes Portugal a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Living costs: It is often cheaper than in many other Western European countries, providing for a comfortable way of life.

Cultural Experiences: A rich history, a diverse culture, and a diverse choice of leisure activities are available.

Population: There is a growing population of digital nomads and remote workers in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

Language: Excellent English proficiency, particularly in metropolitan regions, which facilitates communication.

Work-Life Balance: The Portuguese culture places a high priority on work-life balance, which is compatible with the remote work lifestyle.

According to Statista, the number of employed people in Portugal was forecast to continuously increase between 2023 and 2024 by in total 0.03 million people (+0.59 percent).

Income Requirements for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa

You will be expected to earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, around €3040 per month.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for Your Family

If you are a family member with a residence permit obtained through a D8 visa, you will be entitled to a residence permit based on the family reunification statute.

If you are applying for your family dependents, get ready to demonstrate income to support your family structure. As an applicant, the average monthly income for a single person is €3,040, for a spouse, it is €380 additional per month, and for each child dependent, it is €228 additional per month.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for Your Spouse

You can bring your spouse to Portugal through your Digital Nomad Visa, but eligibility criteria depend on.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Application

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Be sure that you meet the monthly income requirement of at least €3,040 and get ready to prove that you have a remote work arrangement.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Gather all necessary documents, including:

• A valid passport.
• Photos for passports (4.5 x 3.5 cm).
• Contract or partnership agreement proving remote work.
• Bank statements displaying monthly earnings and savings.
• Proof of accommodation to show you are staying in Portugal.
• The required health insurance in Portugal
• A certificate of no criminal record translated into Portuguese.
• A NIF registration certificate (Portuguese tax identification number).
• A letter in English outlining why you are relocating to Portugal.

Step 2: Visa Application

Fill out the visa application form. It is available from the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Make an appointment with the Portuguese consulate or embassy. Then, you can submit your application along with the required documents.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

The processing time may vary. You will get a notification once your application is approved.

Step 4: Visa Issuance

If your application is approved,  the visa will be stamped on your passport, allowing you to travel to Portugal.

Step 5: Arrival in Portugal

If you have a long-term visa, apply for a residence permit before your visa expires upon your arrival.

Who Can be Eligible to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal?

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Income: You must have a consistent monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, around €3,040 per month.
• Employment: Provide evidence of remote or freelance jobs.
• Accommodation: You need to arrange for accommodation in Portugal.
• These specifications are consistent across all of the sources listed. It is crucial to note that the actual income criteria may differ significantly between sources.
• Valid Passport: To enter Portugal, you must have a valid passport and, if appropriate, the necessary travel authorizations.
• Health Insurance: Have health insurance that covers your stay in Portugal.
• Clean Criminal Record: Have a clean criminal record from your own country.

Individuals who are not EU/EEA nationals can apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. This means that persons from any nation other than the European Union and the European Economic Area can apply for this visa as long as they match the other qualifying requirements, such as a consistent monthly income and proof of remote employment. The visa has drawn applicants from various countries, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others.

Portugal Nomad Visa Taxes

Here are the key points regarding taxes for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa:

Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Status: Digital nomads who have lived in Portugal for more than 183 days are eligible for NHR status, which provides tax breaks over ten years.

Tax Rate with NHR Status: Digital nomads with NHR status pay a set 20% tax rate on income made within Portugal, as opposed to the ordinary rate of up to 48%.

Global Income: Because of the NHR status, global income is tax-free.

Short-Term Stay: If you are only visiting Portugal for a few days, you do not need to become a tax resident.

Long-Term Stay: Long-term visa holders who spend more than 183 days in Portugal must become tax residents.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Costs

Other expenses associated with the Digital Nomad Visa may include:

• Medical insurance payments and rent.
• Private health insurance costs can range from €20 to €100 monthly, depending on the package.

Top Places to Relocate in Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa

Lisbon

Lisbon attracts remoter workers as the city has high-speed internet. In addition, affordable living costs and the mild climate year-round make Lisbon a choice among the digital nomads. You will have opportunities to meet an international and diverse community. Moreover, thanks to the city’s booming tech scene, you will have networking options. 

Porto

Douro River and its architecture attract the attention of remote workers in the city. Compared to Lisbon, the cost of living is lower. Plus, friendly locals and growing coworking spaces can make your job easier to meet new people in the city. As the international community is expanding, you will have options to get to know like-minded individuals as a nomad.

Braga

As known as a quiet and peaceful environment, Braga can be one of the top destinations if you want to focus on without the crowded and noisy atmosphere of a big city. Not only that, but the city is also cost-effective, and there are national parks you can visit, where you can enjoy nature and protect your work-life balance.

Madeira

Madeira is an island, so you can have a unique living experience. You can visit the natural landscapes or Ponta do Sol, the digital nomad village. There, you will find free coworking spaces as well as community-driven events. This way, you may feel more belonging to the international community as a remote worker.

Aveiro

You will find canals and art nouveau buildings in Averio, a scenic backdrop for remote workers in Portugal. The city is small, and it is easy to get around. In addition, you can consider this city if you are looking for lower living expenses.

What are the Benefits of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa?

The benefits of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa include

Residency: Holders of the visa can stay in Portugal for at least a year, with the option of renewing for up to five years and finally applying for citizenship.

Travel: Visa holders can travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area, allowing for convenient travel throughout Europe.

Cost and Effort: Compared to other national visas, the application process is generally low-cost and low-effort, requiring proof of sufficient income and remote work capabilities.

Tax Advantages: the potential to become a non-habitual resident for tax reasons, potentially leading to lower tax rates or exemptions for 10 years.

How to Open a Portuguese Bank Account

1. Obtain a NIF: A Portuguese tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal).
2. Provide Identification: A valid passport or ID card.
3. Proof of Address: A recent utility bill or bank statement.
4. Proof of Employment: A pay slip or employment contract.

Some banks, particularly if you are already a resident, may allow you to open an account online. Non-residents may need to hire a lawyer or a relocation business. Because the procedure varies, it is best to check with the specific bank for their needs. Account opening services cost between €269.25 and €395.

D7 Visa vs. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: What are the Differences?

The Differences Between the D7 Visa and the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa)

The D7 Visa is for the ones with passive income sources like pensions or rental property income. In contrast, the Digital Nomad Visa is for people who earn an active income through remote work or freelancing. The D8, the Digital Nomad Visa, has a higher income requirement than the D7, showing the active income nature of the visa.

D7 Passive Income Visa

The D7 Passive Income Visa is a long-term residency visa for Portugal. It is also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa. It is intended for non-EU/EEA/Swiss residents with a steady passive income.

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss residents with a respectable passive income from pensions, financial investments, or real estate are eligible.
• Income Requirements: The main candidate must earn at least €8,460 per year, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% for each dependent kid.
• Residency: Upon landing in Portugal, you can apply for a two-year residence visa, which can be renewed.
• Stay Requirement: During the first two years, you must stay at least 16 months in Portugal.
• Family Reunification: Partners, children, and dependant relatives may be reunited.
• Permanent Residency: You can seek for permanent residency after five years of legal stay.
• Citizenship: After six years, you can seek for Portuguese citizenship if you meet specific requirements, such as language proficiency.

D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want to start a business in Portugal can apply for the D2 Visa, often known as the Entrepreneur Visa.

• The purpose of this visa is to allow entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers to live in Portugal.
• Eligibility: You must have a credible business idea and enough money to support yourself and your company.
• Income Requirement: The main candidate must earn at least €8,460 per year, plus supplementary funds for family members.
• Investment: There is no official minimum. However the average first investment is roughly €5,000.
• Business Plan: Must outline your company’s social, economic, and cultural influence in Portugal.
• Benefits include travel rights inside the Schengen area and the possibility of family reunification.

The Wrap-Up

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) is a popular choice, especially for remote workers. If you actively earn income, offering flexibility and access to public services, you can consider applying for this visa type.

Unlike the D7 Visa, which is for passive income, the D8 Visa allows year-round residency in Portugal. This way, you have the option of a one-year temporary stay or a five-year resident visa with the alternative of renewal or exchange for permanent residency. After five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and possibly acquire an EU passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which visa type in Portugal is best for digital nomads?

The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to apply for a one-year temporary stay visa or a residency permit. It can be renewed for up to five years, is the finest visa for digital nomads in Portugal.

Is a digital nomad visa available in Portugal?

Yes, Portugal does provide a digital nomad visa for non-EU/EEA citizens with a monthly income criteria.

What are the income criteria for a digital nomad visa in Portugal?

The monthly income criterion is at least €2,800, which is four times the Portuguese minimum wage.

Do digital nomads have to pay taxes in Portugal?

Digital nomads can apply for Non-Habitual Resident status in order to cut their taxes, potentially paying 0% tax on global income and a flat 20% tax on income received within Portugal.

How long does a digital nomad visa in Portugal last?

The digital nomad visa permits you to stay in Portugal for up to a year, with the option of renewing.

Which European country makes it the simplest to obtain a digital nomad visa?

The easiest European country to obtain a digital nomad visa is a matter of opinion and varies according to individual circumstances. Countries such as Estonia, Croatia, and Hungary, on the other hand, are known for their comparatively simple digital nomad visa requirements.