Can You Get Permanent Residency in Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa?

The Portugal digital nomad visa is one of the most popular and beneficial digital nomad visas for remote workers who wish to relocate to Europe. One of these attractive benefits is getting on a path to permanent residency in Portugal. 

Digital nomad visas offer incredible opportunities to remote workers who wish to live abroad, but a select few have even more benefits, like leading to permanent residency. 

So, if you are looking to permanently relocate to a new country and start a new chapter for yourself and your family members, then the Portugal digital nomad visa may be the perfect opportunity for you do fulfill your dream. 

In this article, we will explore how you can get permanent residency in Portugal with the digital nomad visa, the eligibility requirements, and how Nomads Embassy can help. 

What is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

Before we dive into the number one benefit of the Portugal digital nomad visa, I want to first explain what it is. 

Portugal officially launched the digital nomad visa, also known as the D8 visa, in late 2022. This visa allows remote workers and their family members to come and live in Portugal. 

Now, there are two validity options for Portugal’s digital nomad visa. 

1. Applicants may stay for just 12 months on a non-renewable visa
2. Applicants may stay for two years with a renewable residence permit 👈 (this one leads to permanent residency!)

If you decide to stay for more than one year, then your initial visa will be valid for just four months. After arriving in Portugal, you will apply for your two-year residence permit, which is renewable for up to five years. 

It is important to understand that you will become a tax resident in Portugal and that you must stay in the country for a certain amount of time during the year. This time will depend on whether you would like to apply for permanent residency in Portugal, which we will explain later on. 

You can always read more about the application process and implications of Portugal’s digital nomad visa in our in-depth article here.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Requirements

Before dreaming about getting permanent residency in Portugal, let’s make sure you meet the eligibility requirements first. 

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

If you can fulfill the above requirements, then you might be eligible to apply for Portugal’s digital nomad visa! Request our free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment to further verify your eligibility by completing the form above. 

Can You Get Permanent Residency in Portugal with the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes! You can get permanent residency in Portugal with the digital nomad visa.

After living in Portugal full-time for five years and meeting some additional eligibility requirements, you may apply for permanent residency. 

Portugal Permanent Residency Eligibility Requirements

It takes more than just living in Portugal for five years to be able to apply for permanent residency. You must also meet other criteria, such as:

If you meet these requirements, then you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal through the AIMA office. 

Is There a Minimum Stay Requirement to Get Permanent Residency in Portugal?

Yes, there is a minimum stay requirement to be eligible for permanent residency in Portugal. 

The general rule is that you may not leave the country for more than eight months in total for the duration of your residence permit. You may also not leave the country for more than six months at a time without just reason. 

So, in the case of the Portugal digital nomad visa, which grants a two-year residence permit initially, you must stay in Portugal for at least 16 months during first two years of temporary residency. 

However, when you renew your residence permit, it will be granted with three years of validity. The rule of not leaving Portugal for more than eight months during these three years still applies. So, you will have to stay in Portugal for at least 28 months during these three years. 

What Does It Mean to Have Permanent Residency in Portugal?

Obtaining permanent residency in Portugal means that you can live and work in Portugal indefinitely. 

You may also take advantage of social services, such as the national healthcare and social security system. 

While you are now allowed to stay in Portugal indefinitely, you will still have to renew your permanent residence card every five years to remain a resident in Portugal.

Can You Get Citizenship in Portugal with the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization in Portugal with the digital nomad visa. 

After five years of legally living in Portugal, even with a temporary residence permit, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship. The processing time after submitting your documents takes about a year. During this time, it’s still a good idea to apply for permanent residency. 

Becoming a Portuguese citizen allows you to have full access to the European Union and to vote in Portuguese elections. 

In other good news, Portugal allows you to have dual citizenship, meaning you can keep your original nationality and hold multiple passports. 

Will You Owe Taxes in Portugal as a Resident?

Yes, you will owe local taxes in Portugal when you become a temporary and permanent resident. 

Portugal taxes worldwide income and wealth. However, there are tax benefits and programs, such as the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, which is set to relaunch in 202, that digital nomads and foreign residents may qualify for. 

Get on a Path to Permanent Residency in Portugal with Nomads Embassy

In just five years, remote workers can obtain permanent residency (and even citizenship!) in one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in Europe. 

Are you ready to expand your global mobility and put yourself on a path to permanent residency in Portugal?

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads is here to help! 

We have partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist our members with their Portugal digital nomad visa applications through our Done-for-You Visa Services. 

We guarantee a 100% compliant application and dedicated legal assistance throughout the entire process so you can apply and relocate with confidence. 

Want to get in touch with our immigration lawyer partner to discuss your Portugal digital nomad visa application? Simply complete the contact form in this article to request our free eligibility assessment to get started.