Portugal Digital Nomad Visa in 2024 | Step-by-Step Application Guide

The Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal is designed to attract remote workers, freelancers, and individuals who can perform their work duties remotely while residing in Portugal.

Introduced on 30^th October 2022 by the Portuguese government, this visa aims to leverage Portugal’s pleasant climate, quality of life, and relatively low cost of living to attract professionals who can contribute to the economy without needing to be physically present in an office.

This article will explore the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa in detail. We’ll guide you through the application process, discuss the different types of visas available, detail the necessary documents, and review alternative visa options and the overall cost of living. Whether planning a short stay or considering long-term residency, this step-by-step guide will provide all the essential information you need for your journey in 2024.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (Portugal D8 Visa)

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (also called the Portugal D8 Visa) is for remote workers who want to live and work in Portugal. To get this visa, you must earn enough money. You must make at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage, about €3820 monthly.

Types of Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal

Following are the 2 types of Digital Nomads in Portugal:

1. Temporary Stay Visa (Short Term Visa)

The Portugal Temporary Stay Visa lets digital nomads work online in Portugal for up to 1 year (12 months) and can’t be extended. This visa is open to people from all countries except Switzerland and those in the European Economic Area (which includes EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway).

For example, you can apply for this visa from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand. With this visa, you can travel freely in the Schengen Area, like any EU resident.

2. Residency Visa (Long Term Visa)

The Portugal long-term residency visa is initially valid for 4 months. While in Portugal, you can apply for a 2-year residency permit with this visa. This residence permit lets you stay for another 2 years, allowing you to live and work there longer.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for Foreigners in 2024

The process for obtaining both temporary and long-term visas in Portugal involves submitting the same documents. The main difference is that if you have a long-term visa, you must visit the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) in Portugal and apply for a residence permit before your visa expires. This step isn’t necessary for those with a temporary visa.

Eligibility Requirements for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

To qualify for a Portugal new Digital Nomad visa, you need to meet these requirements:

Be at least 18 years old.
Not be a citizen of an EU/EEA country.
Earn at least €3,820 each month.
Have a contract for remote or freelance work.
Have a place to stay in Portugal.

Documents Required for Obtaining a Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa

To get a Portugal Digital Nomad visa, you need to gather these documents:

A valid passport.
Two recent passport photos (sized 4.5X3.5 cm).
A bank statement showing a monthly income of €3,820.
Another bank statement shows at least €36,480 in your account.
Proof of tax payments or tax refund receipts.
A NIF (Portuguese tax number) registration certificate.
Proof of remote employment, like a work contract or partnership agreement.
A letter in English explaining why you want to move to Portugal.
Valid health insurance that covers you in Portugal.
A police certificate, translated into Portuguese, shows you have no criminal record.
A lease agreement in Portugal or proof of property ownership.
Your flight ticket to Portugal.
Documents proving family relationships if you’re bringing family members.

How to Apply for A Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal?

To apply for a digital nomad visa for Portugal, follow these steps:

Fill Out the Application Form: You can start by filling out the application form on the official Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with a Portuguese consulate. You must bring all required documents to this appointment to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa.
Pay the Visa Fee: The application fee for a temporary stay visa is €75, and for a long-term visa, it is €90.
Travel to Portugal: If you’ve applied for a long-term (Residency visa) after your visa is approved, the consulate will schedule an appointment with the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) in Portugal. At this meeting, you must present the same documents as at the consulate and pay a fee of €170.
Obtain the Residency Card: After processing your application, your residency card will be mailed to you.

Alternative Visa Options in Portugal

1. D7 Visa (Retirement or Passive Income Visa)

Suitable for digital nomads with a passive income.
Requirement: Must have a passive income of at least €8,460 annually.
Validity: 2 years, extendable if you spend at least 16 months in Portugal during this period.

2. Tourist Permit

Ideal for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.
Applicable if you are from a country that does not require a Schengen Visa, such as the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

What is the Cost of Living in Portugal?

Housing: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon costs about €800 monthly. Prices are lower in cities like Braga, Aveiro, or Coimbra.
Utilities: Monthly bills typically range from €50 to €150.
Groceries: Weekly grocery expenses vary from €60 to €100, depending on lifestyle and dietary preferences.
Dining Out: Meals at local restaurants generally cost between €8 and €15.

Overall, Portugal offers a relatively lower cost of living than other Western European countries, with an average annual salary of around €20,000. This makes it an attractive option for digital nomads seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can include family members under a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. However, if you choose to do so, you must show a higher monthly income to cover the additional family members. Specifically, the financial requirements increase by:

€254 for each underage family member.
€380 for each adult family member.

You must prove that your income is sufficient to support yourself and your family in Portugal.

The cost of a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for:

For a long-term visa, the fee is €90.
For a temporary stay visa, the fee is €75.

The processing time for a Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa usually takes up to 90 days. Once your application is approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport as an official endorsement, allowing you to start your stay in Portugal as a digital nomad.

If you have lived in Portugal for over 183 days, you will become a tax resident. You can then apply for Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status, which provides ten-year tax benefits.

As a digital nomad with NHR status, you’ll benefit from a fixed 20% tax rate on your income earned in Portugal, much lower than the standard rate of 48%. This significant tax cut can enhance your financial situation while you work as a digital nomad in Portugal.

Get Your Portugal Documents Easily with Our Expert Services

Do you need help getting set up in Portugal? Don’t fret! We offer fast and affordable services for obtaining your NIF (Tax Identification Number) online. Let us handle the paperwork so you can enjoy your new life in Portugal without the hassle. Contact us to get started!

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa in 2024 | Step-by-Step Application Guide

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (Portugal D8 Visa)