The flexibility offered by remote working and a digital nomad lifestyle is a desire shared by many people. It is also a reality for an increasing number of professionals. Here is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: The Complete Guide for 2024
The concept of working and living anywhere while exploring new destinations is nothing short of amazing. The good thing is that many countries are now facilitating this desirable dream.
Portugal is among the attractive destinations for digital nomads, thanks to its digital nomad visa scheme.
The Portuguese government introduced an innovative digital nomad visa in October 2022. The program was aimed at attracting non-EU nationals who seek to work and live in Portugal if they meet the requirements.
While many countries have introduced such visa schemes, the Portugal digital nomad visa is very appealing, partly due to Portugal’s geographical attractiveness as well as its cost of living and modern infrastructure to support digital nomads.
Let us take a close look at the requirements for a Portuguese digital nomad visa, the application process, and the benefits it provides.
Overview of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The Portugal digital nomad visa is a national visa program that allows non-EU citizens to work and reside in the country for a year or even more.
This visa scheme targets remote workers and freelancers with a monthly income of at least €3,548.
This visa is ideal for remote professionals and digital nomads looking to relocate to a nomad-friendly destination that offers excellent facilities, adventure activities, beautiful scenery, and a lot of like-minded people.
The Portugal digital nomad visa program comes in two forms. Let’s look at each type:
- Residency visa: This is also referred to as a long-term visa. It is a two-entry visa program that allows holders to stay for an initial four months. However, after entering the country, they can obtain a two-year residence permit.
- Temporary stay visa: this visa type is valid for one year without the possibility of applying for a residency permit. What it means is that you can stay in Portugal for a maximum of twelve months. But the good thing about it is that you can extend the visa a maximum of four times.
The procedure for obtaining both visa types is almost similar.
The main difference is that residency visa holders need to visit the Immigration and Border Service offices once they arrive in Portugal.
This is where they will apply for their residency permit before the expiration of the initial visa. The temporary visa holders, on the other hand, do not need to visit this office.
Who Is Eligible for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
A Portugal digital nomad visa is available for any non-EU citizen who wishes to work and live in the country for up to one year, with the possibility of renewing the visa for more years.
All citizens of the EU and Switzerland are not eligible for this visa since they can freely travel to Portugal.
What it means is that digital nomads from the UK, Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand can apply for the Portuguese visa scheme.
The best thing is that holders of such visas can travel visa-free across the Schengen areas, just like any EU resident.
Please note that there are several other requirements that you must meet besides being a non-EU citizen. We will cover them in the next section.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Besides your citizenship, there are several requirements that you must meet to be able to qualify for the Portugal digital nomad visa.
For instance, you have to demonstrate your financial sufficiency during your stay in the country.
Besides this, you must make arrangements for accommodation and health insurance before you travel to Portugal.
And of course, you need to prove that you are engaged in remote work or digital activity such as freelancing or self-employment.
Here is the full list of requirements that you must meet in order to apply for the Portuguese digital nomad visa program:
- You must be a non-EU citizen.
- Your monthly income should exceed €3,548.
- You should be 18 years of age or older.
- You should have made prior arrangements for accommodation in Portugal.
- You must have a valid work contract that allows you to work remotely. If you are a freelancer, you should have a client’s contract.
- You must have valid health insurance covering the period of your stay in the country.
Required Documents for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The first step to applying for the Portuguese digital nomad visa is to visit the relevant online portal and fill out the application form.
Once you have done so, you have to book an appointment with a Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country.
As you prepare to attend the interview, be sure to prepare the required documentation, including the following:
- A valid passport
- Two passport-sized photographs (sized 4.5×3.5)
- Proof of accommodation that lasts for at least twelve months.
- Proof of income meeting the stated minimum requirement. You need to show a bank statement that demonstrates your minimum monthly salary of €3,548.
- Proof of a clean criminal record. It is usually a certificate issued by the police department in your country but should be translated into Portuguese.
- Proof of remote employment. In this case, you have to provide a contract showing that you are allowed to work remotely in Portugal.
- Valid health insurance coverage.
- An English-language letter explaining your reasons for relocating to Portugal
- If a family member accompanies you during your trip, you must have a document proving your relationship with the accompanying family member. In this case, it could be your spouse or children who still depend on you.
- Flight ticket to Portugal.
How to Apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
If you are eligible to apply for a Portuguese digital nomad visa and have prepared all the required documents, you can then initiate the application process.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill out the application form and write the cover letter: As mentioned earlier, you need to fill out the application form. You can obtain this form online from the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Portugal.
- Schedule and attend an appointment with a Portuguese embassy or consulate: If you are satisfied that you have all the necessary documentation, you can book an appointment with the embassy. Remember to be on time for the scheduled dates and carry with you all the required documents.
- Pay the visa application fee: As you submit your application form, you must pay the required fee. It is usually €75 or €90, depending on the type of digital nomad visa you are seeking.
- Travel to Portugal: If you applied for the residency visa after the initial approval of your digital nomad visa application, you are required to travel to Portugal. This time, don’t worry about booking appointments. The Portuguese embassy or consulate will book an appointment with the Immigration and Border Service (SEF) in Portugal. Once you arrive, you are required to submit the same documents that you presented to the embassy or consulate and pay an additional residency permit fee of €170.
- Receive the residency card: If your application was successful, SEF will send you a residency card via post.
Waiting Period for Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The average processing time for a Portuguese digital nomad visa is about 60–90 days. Once your application is approved, the authorities will stamp it in your passport.
For a residency permit application, expect to receive your card within 90 days.
Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Here are just a few benefits that holders of Portugal digital nomad visa can enjoy:
- Relatively affordable: Unlike other visa programs in Portugal, the digital nomad visa scheme only requires applicants to show proof of sufficient income and permission to work remotely. Applicants do not need to buy a property or deposit money in Portuguese banks. Moreover, they do not need to start a business or find an employer in Portugal.
- Right to live in Portugal: The digital nomad visa allows holders to work and live in the country for up to one year and, in some cases, more than a year.
- Visa-free travel across Europe: With a Portuguese digital nomad visa, you can travel across Europe without any additional visa, just like any other EU citizen. In other words, it allows you to explore the continent while pursuing your career, living a truly digital nomad lifestyle.
- Tax incentives: New residents in Portugal are exempt from income tax. So, as a digital nomad, you can claim Non-Habitual resident status, which comes with a reduced tax burden.
- Pathway to Portuguese citizenship: After five years of continuous residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence. Just make sure to learn Portuguese during your stay in the country.
- Access to public services: holders of a digital nomad visa can access public services in Portugal, which include education, health, transportation, and other social benefits.
Conclusion
Portugal is an enticing destination for a majority of digital nomads, thanks to its flexible digital nomad visas, affordable cost of living, welcoming atmosphere, safety, lower taxes, and stunning landscapes.
With a digital nomad visa program, you can live and work legally in the country for at least one year and enjoy all its undeniable appeals.
Just be sure to check the eligibility criteria, provide all the required documentation, fill out the application form, and attend scheduled interviews. Prior planning is therefore crucial.
Also Read:
- The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements, Application Process & Costs Breakdown 2024.
- The 17 Best Digital Nomad Visas in 2024
