7 Surprising Facts About the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (Read Before Applying)

No two digital nomad visas are the same. Each has its own rules, limitations, and requirements. We’re going to explore some surprising facts about the Portugal digital nomad visa that can help you with your application and chances of getting approved.

When applying for a digital nomad visa, it’s important to be informed of the eligibility requirements, benefits of the visa, application process, and consequences of obtaining the visa. 

While this information can be difficult to come by, especially with conflicting information found on blogs, Nomads Embassy is sharing our firsthand experience and tips in this article. 

Of course, it’s vital to remember that every visa application is different. Your application process may look different from your friend’s process depending on your nationality, eligibility, and where you live. 

So, these facts about the Portugal digital nomad visa that we’re sharing are to be taken generally and not situation-specific. However, I guarantee that they will help you with the process and provide a better idea of what you’re getting into when you apply. 

And remember, you don’t have to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa on your own! Nomads Embassy has partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist you with your digital nomad visa application and relocation to Portugal. 

Request our free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment to start the process of working with our immigration lawyer partners today! 

What is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

Before we dive into the surprising facts about the Portugal digital nomad visa, here’s a quick overview. 

Portugal launched its digital nomad visa in October 2022 and granted over 2,600 visas in the first year.

The Portugal digital nomad visa allows remote workers and their immediate family members to live in Portugal for either one or two years. (I’ll explain more about these term options later!)

The country is a trending hotspot for digital nomads right now, thanks to its impeccable weather, affordable cost of living, and rich history. There are also many great cities for digital nomads in Portugal, such as Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra. 

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Requirements

If you’re considering applying for the Portugal digital nomad visa, then it’s vital that you confirm you meet the eligibility requirements. 

To be eligible for Portugal’s digital nomad visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Valid Passport
• Work Remotely for an Entity Established Outside of Portugal
• Earn 3,280€ per month as a single applicant
  • Earn 4,100€ per month or 3,280€ per month with 9,840€ in savings as a couple
  • Earn 4,316€ per month or 3,280€ per month with 12,432€ in savings as a family of three
• Have a clean criminal record from the last five years
• Obtain international health insurance coverage of at least 30,000€ per year

If you meet these requirements, then you can proceed with your visa application – just after you read these surprising facts about the Portugal digital nomad visa below. 

Surprising Facts About the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

It’s completely possible to apply for Portugal’s digital nomad visa on your own, even though we recommend working with an immigration lawyer as Portuguese bureaucracy can be complicated and change instantly.

If you choose to apply alone, then you’ll definitely want to be aware of these surprising facts about the Portugal digital nomad visa. 

#1 The Minimum Income Requirement Changes Annually

The minimum income requirement for Portugal’s digital nomad visa is tied to the national minimum wage in the country. It is set to be 4x the national minimum wage. 

So, each year, as the national minimum wage changes, so does the minimum income requirement. 

When Portugal’s digital nomad visa was first released, the income requirement was just 2,700€ per month. It then increased to 3,040€ per month in 2023, and now it is 3,280€ per month in 2024. 

If you’re applying in a new year, make sure that you continue to meet the minimum income requirement, as it will likely have increased. 

#2 There are Two Long-Term Stay Options

When filling out your Portugal digital nomad visa application, there is a spot where you can indicate whether you wish to stay in Portugal for just 12 months or for two years. 

If you decide to only stay for 12 months, the visa is not renewable. This means you must leave the country once your visa expires. 

If you decide to stay for two years, then you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit after you arrive in Portugal. This is renewable indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. 

#3 There is a Minimum Stay Requirement

You must be present in Portugal for at least 183 days out of the year when you obtain a residence permit in Portugal. You may not leave for more than six months at a time. 

If you do not meet the minimum stay requirement, your residency can be revoked. 

#4 You Must Apply for the Visa from Your Country of Residence

When you apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa, you must submit your application at a local Portuguese embassy, consulate, or VSF office, located in your legal country of residence. 

In other words, you cannot apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa while outside of your home country and definitely not while you are already in Portugal. 

If you’re a digital nomad who is constantly on the move and wants to apply for this visa, then you must plan to be in your home country for at least a couple of months to secure and attend your visa appointment. 

#5 Immediate Family Members are Allowed

Portugal digital nomad visa applicants may include their immediate family members on their applications.

It’s important to know that the minimum income requirement increases with each additional family member you wish to bring, though. 

For example, the main applicant who plans to bring their spouse must earn at least 4,100€ per month. Or they may earn 3280€ per month and have at least 9,840€ in savings. 

For each additional child dependent, the monthly income increases by 216€ while the savings amount increases by 2,592€. 

When applying, you’ll also have to submit a certified or apostilled document proving your relationship with dependents. 

Check a Complete List of Documents for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa 

#6 Can Lead to Permanent Residency After Five Years 

After legally living full-time in Portugal for at least five years, you can convert your temporary residency to permanent residency. 

Portugal offers one of the few digital nomad visas that lead to permanent residency.

After obtaining permanent residency in Portugal, you can proceed on a path to citizenship, too! 

#7 You Will Become a Portuguese Tax Resident

One of the most surprising facts about the Portugal digital nomad visa is that you will become a tax resident in Portugal. 

Just recently, Portugal decided to end its favorable Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) program. This program offered decreased tax rates for foreign-earned income. 

Now, digital nomads in Portugal will be subjected to the tax rates of Portuguese residents. However, there could be hidden discounts and deductions depending on your situation. 

See if You’re Eligible to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

These surprising facts about the Portugal digital nomad visa may have made you even more excited to begin your visa application. 

If this is the case, I recommend also checking out our list of helpful tips for your Portugal digital nomad visa application. 

One of the hardest parts of beginning the process is determining your eligibility. Before starting your application, you’ll want to confirm that you meet the requirements. 

Nomads Embassy offers a free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment to determine which digital nomad visas you’re eligible for. 

Plus, once we find one that’s right for you, we can introduce you to our hand-selected local immigration lawyers to help you get started on your application. 

Request your free eligibility check for Portugal’s digital nomad visa by completing the form below