Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply [4 Steps]

Do you dream of living in exciting European cities on the coast while working remotely? Now you can with the official Portugal digital nomad visa! 

Digital nomads were already taking advantage of the Portugal D7 visa, which is for people who earn an income remotely or from retirement payments. 

Now, with the official Portugal digital nomad visa, remote workers have a legal visa specifically for them! 

With the Portugal digital nomad visa, applicants can live in the country for two years with the option to renew their residency permit for up to five years. After five years of living in Portugal, you may apply for permanent residency.

There is an option to stay in Portugal for just 12 months instead of two years. If you choose to continue to live in Portugal, then you must apply for a residence permit.

They will also have visa-free access to the 27 Schengen countries. 

Applicants may include their spouses and dependents on the digital nomad visa.

Portugal joins other European countries in offering digital nomad visas, including Malta, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Spain, Italy, and Estonia. 

While the application process may seem fairly simple for Portugal’s digital nomad visa, it doesn’t mean relocating to a new country is necessarily easy. With Nomads Embassy’s hand-selected immigration lawyers, you’ll experience a smooth and quick move to Portugal. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the Portugal digital nomad visa requirements, how to apply, and how you can get in touch with our local immigration lawyers to assist you with your digital nomad visa application.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in a foreign country. This visa grants a temporary residence permit, typically lasting from six months to two years, with the ability to renew. 

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must earn an income remotely either as an employee, business owner, or freelancer. Holders of the digital nomad visa may not participate in local economic business opportunities. All income must be earned from an entity outside of the country they reside in. 

A digital nomad visa is perfect for those remote workers who simply want a change of scenery or have constantly been traveling and would like to settle down somewhere for a bit. 

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Every digital nomad visa has specific requirements to be eligible to apply for them. Below are the Portugal digital nomad visa requirements we know so far. 

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid at the time of applying
• Work Remotely – You must earn a remote income as a freelancer, employee, or business owner of a company located outside of Portugal
• Earn €3,280/month* net – You must meet the minimum income requirement equal to at least 4x Portugal’s national minimum wage
  • Earn €4,100/month – You must meet the minimum income requirement when applying with a spouse
  • Earn €3,496/month – You must meet the minimum income requirement (increased by €216 per child dependent)
• International Health Insurance – You will need €30,000 in health insurance coverage in Portugal, including repatriation, for the duration of your stay
• Clean Criminal Record – You must submit a certified criminal record clean of marks

If you meet the above requirements, you’re most likely eligible to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa. 

*Important Note: The minimum income requirement increased from €2,750/month to €3,040/month to the current amount of €3,280/month to be 4x the minimum wage in Portugal.

**Update: A previous version of this article required an NIF number. This is no longer required for the digital nomad visa.

Steps to Apply

To apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa, you will have to submit your visa application to a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country or at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras in Portugal. 

Step 1: Gather Documents

It’s always a good idea to start gathering the required documents to submit with your application as the first step in applying for the Portugal digital nomad visa. Below is a list of the documents you may need.  

• Copy of Passport
• Passport-Sized Photos
• Proof of Income from the last 3 months
• Proof of Remote Work
• Tax Residency Documents
• Proof of Relationship to Dependents (if applicable)
• Certified Criminal Background Check
• Health Insurance Policy with Coverage in Portugal
• Address of accommodations in Portugal (12 months recommended)
• Motivational Letter

Documents issued by the government, such as marriage and birth certificates and the criminal background check must be apostilled or certified.

These documents may be submitted in either English, Portuguese, or the language where the Portuguese consulate or VFS office is located.

Step 2: Submit Application

To submit your application, you must schedule an appointment at a Portuguese embassy, consulate, of VFS office in your country of residence.

Portuguese embassies in select countries, including the United States, have contracted VFS offices to manage digital nomad visa applications. So, depending on where you are applying from, the process can look a bit different for everyone.

When filling out the application, it’s important to choose whether you plan to apply for the 12-month or two-year residence permit.

You will need to complete the following visa application here.

Be sure to bring originals and copies of your documents to submit along with your application.

It’s also important to note that some consulates and offices, such as in Bahrain and the UAE, will hold your passport while processing your application.

There is also a 90€ application processing fee you must pay.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

The processing time for the Portugal digital nomad visa is around two to three months. Of course, this depends on the embassy or consulate you submit your application is located and how busy it is.

Step 4: Receive Residency Permit

After obtaining your Portugal digital nomad visa, you must then apply for your residency permit in Portugal. You will have four months from the time you enter Portugal to schedule your appointment at AIMA and apply for the residence permit.

Bring your visa and all of the documents you submitted to the consulate.

You will have your fingerprints taken and receive your residence permit, which can be renewed for up to five years.

Portugal for Digital Nomads

Portugal is one of the hottest trending digital nomad destinations. There are massive communities in Lisbon and Porto. You can find hip cafes, restaurants, bars, and awesome coworking spaces in both of these cities. 

Plus, every night, you’ll get to experience stunning sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy sunny days on the sandy beaches. 

Walk through this European country and admire the architecture, art museums, and incredible cuisine of fresh seafood and delicate pastries. Not to mention, the weather is almost always sunny and warm. 

Portugal is a leader in the world for digital nomads. They also opened the very first digital nomad village in February 2021.

As one of the most anticipated digital nomad visas of the year, Portugal is ready to welcome remote workers and digital nomads to come and live in the country while experiencing the incredible culture and scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Portugal digital nomad visa.

Can I apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa while already in Portugal?

No, you must apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa at a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Will I owe local taxes in Portugal if I have the Portugal digital nomad visa?

Yes, you will become a tax resident of Portugal when you live there. However, foreigners earning income from abroad may qualify for the non-habitual resident program (NHR) and receive a lower tax rate.

It’s important to note that the program is set to expire in 2024.

Do I have to stay in Portugal for a certain amount of time as a resident?

Yes, there is a minimum stay requirement when you obtain a residence permit in Portugal. You must not leave the country for more than six months at a time. You must also be physically present in Portugal for at least 183 days out of the year.

If you wish to renew your residence permit, the immigration agent will review your physical presence in the country. If you do not meet the minimum stay requirement, your renewal may be rejected.

Can couples combine their income to meet the minimum income requirement for the Portugal digital nomad visa?

No, unfortunately couples cannot combine their income when applying for Portugal’s digital nomad visa. The main applicant must meet the income requirements and prove that they can support their dependents according to Portugal’s eligibility criteria.

Let Us Help You Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Even with this article, it can still be confusing and overwhelming to apply for digital nomad visas. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone! 

Nomads Embassy offers one-on-one assistance with our hand-selected immigration lawyer partners to help you file your application and gather all of the necessary documents you need. 

We have hand-selected the best immigration lawyers in Portugal to assist you in applying for the Portugal digital nomad visa in a timely and efficient process with our Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa service.

To request a consultation with our partners, complete the form located in the article.

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