Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D7, Temporary Stay Visa)
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Andy Stofferis
Freelance Writer
Last update
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Portugal Rating from Citizen Remote
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4.0
Internet Infrastructure 5.0
Country Stability 4.0
Cost of Living 4.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 3.0
Taxes 4.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length One year
Possible to extend? Yes
Who can apply? Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
Minimum Income Requirements At least €2,800 per month for an individual
Time for visa applications 3-4 months
Want to know if you can apply?
Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Portugal recently introduced a new digital nomad visa called the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa. The D7 Passive Income Visa is available to those that can provide proof of an independent income. The D2 Entrepreneur Visa and Portugal Golden Visa offer more permanent residence in return for investment.
If you are from the EU, an EEA country, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter, live, and work in Portugal. But you do need to register as a resident with the SEF in the same way as those entering the country on a D7 visa (see below for further information).
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Need help applying?
Marilia - Portugal Immigration Lawyer
Types of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas
There are five visa types available for digital nomads wanting to live and work in Portugal.
The Temporary-Stay Visa is best for digital nomads looking to work remotely from Portugal.
The D7 Passive Income Visa is best for those wishing to stay up to two years.
The D2 Entrepreneur Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa are for those wishing to invest in the Portuguese economy and pursue a path to permanent residence.
A short-stay tourist visa is also an option for those intending to stay for less than 90 days and who don’t need a local bank account.
Temporary-Stay Visa
This visa is targeted at digital nomads specifically. The visa offers those with proof of a remote job the opportunity to live in Portugal while maintaining their remote work that generates at least €2,800 a month. The visa lasts one year and can be extended up to four times for a maximum of five years. Additionally, you will only be charged a 15% tax rate as opposed to the standard Portuguese 25% for the first four years of your stay. Aside from these requirements and incentives, the visa has an identical process to the D7 Visa.
D7 Passive Income Visa
This visa was initially targeted at retirees with their own passive incomes but is also the ideal visa for digital nomads and other remote workers. The initial visa is granted for 120 days, before which time you must present at the SEF (Servico de Estangeiros e Fronteiras) to receive a residence permit valid for two years.
The visa and the residency permit also grant you full access to the Schengen area as though you were an EU citizen. You can bring your spouse and dependent children with you as an extension of the visa.
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient income from outside the country to sustain yourself and any family members. This is the equivalent of a minimum salary, which is €8,460 per year. If you are bringing a spouse, you must show another 50% on top of that (€4,230 per year) and another 30% on top of that for a dependent child (€2,538 per year).
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
The D2 visa is principally targeted at entrepreneurs from outside the European Union and exists to encourage local investment. As such, you must show that you either have a company operating in Portugal (you can invest in an existing company) or that you have the resources to set up such a company.
You can provide evidence of your own existing resources or proof of a bank loan from a Portuguese bank. It is recommended to have proof of at least €5,000, but there is no minimum requirement. This must be accompanied by a solid business plan that shows the impact your investment will have on the local community and economy and why you have chosen Portugal as your business location.
You must also show that you have enough money to sustain yourself and any dependents during your time in the country, which must be the equivalent of the minimum salary in Portugal (€8,460 per year).
As well as being able to bring your family with you, this visa gives you access to the Schengen area as if you were an EU citizen. You can also open a bank account and transfer your tax residency to Portugal.
The initial visa is for 120 days, and during that period, you must apply for a residency permit that will allow you to live in the country for up to 5 years. After this five-year period, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is Portugal’s investment visa. In return for an investment of at least €500,000, you can obtain a residency permit that will let you travel in the EU like a Portuguese citizen. You only need to stay in Portugal for seven days during your first year on the program and for 14 days in each subsequent year.
Your spouse and dependent children are eligible for the same rights as an extension of your visa, and you will be eligible to open bank accounts. In addition, you can transfer your tax residency to Portugal if you wish, but you will not face Portuguese tax responsibility unless you spend more than 183 days a year in the country.
The minimum investment to qualify is €500,000, and there are several ways you can make this investment.
First, you can invest in property or an investment fund. If you make your property investment in a low-density or rehabilitation area, you may be able to make a lower investment.
Second, you can also make a capital investment of a minimum of €1.5 million to qualify for the visa.
Third, you can create jobs in Portugal. You can either create a minimum of 10 new full-time positions in a business you own or invest a minimum of €500,000 in a local business and create at least five new full-time jobs over the next three years.
Finally, you can make a donation of at least €250,000 to the preservation of national heritage or at least €500,000 to research and development in Portugal.
Tourist Visa
Residents from many countries worldwide are free to enter Portugal under a short-stay tourist visa valid for 90 days without prior application. These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, and the UAE. Citizens from other countries must apply for a Schengen visa before arriving in Portugal.
Find a complete list of countries that need and do not need a Schengen visa to visit as a tourist here.
The most common Schengen visa allows you to spend 90 days in a six-month period. But frequent travelers can also apply for a 5-year visa that allows them to spend 90 days in the Schengen area every 180 days.
You will need to apply for a separate visa per individual traveling and provide an itinerary listing the countries via which you intend to enter and leave the Schengen area and which countries you intend to visit.
To apply, you must provide a completed visa application form, a valid passport, two recent passport photos, evidence of your reservations and itinerary, evidence of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, proof of financial means to pay for your trip, and proof that you have paid the visa fee.
Which Portugal Visa Type is Best for Digital Nomads?
Digital nomads wishing to stay in Portugal should look to the Temporary-Stay Visa. The visa is made specifically for digital nomads, and as long as you meet the income requirements, you will find yourself with full access to the Schengen Zone for up to five years.
The D2 Visa and the Golden Visa are targeted at those looking for permanent or semi-permanent residency and require that you transfer a lot of your assets into the Portuguese economy.
The D7 visa offers the same benefits as the other two in terms of being able to bring family members, open local bank accounts, and travel freely within the Schengen area.
Need help applying?
Marilia - Portugal Immigration Lawyer
Who can Apply for the Portugal Temporary-Stay Digital Nomad Visa?
Whether or not you need to apply for the Temporary-Stay Visa may depend on your current citizenship. These citizenships should apply as follows.
If you are a United States Citizen
United States citizens can apply for the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa as long as they meet the income requirement of €2,800 per month.
If you are an EU Citizen
If you are from the EU, an EEA country, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter, live, and work in Portugal. However, you need to register as a resident with the SEF the same way as those entering the country on a Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa.
If you are a US Green Card Holder
United States Green Card holders can apply for the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa the same as US citizens. The main difference for Green Card holders is that you must ensure that your residence permit (Green Card) is valid for three months beyond the two years you are allowed in Portugal.
If you are a Citizen from Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
Citizens of these countries should apply for the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa the same way as US citizens so long as they meet the income requirements of €2,800 per month.
If you reside in any other country
Citizens of any other country may also apply for the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa if they meet the income requirements of €2,800 per month.
Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa Requirements
Before making your Temporary-Stay Visa application, you should ensure that you are eligible and have all your documentation in hand.
The principal eligibility requirements for the Temporary-Stay Visa are as follows:
You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (these citizens do not require a visa).
You must have a minimum income (from outside Portugal) of at least €2,800 per month.
You (and your dependents) must have a clean criminal record.
You must have proof of accommodation in Portugal for one year (rental agreement, hotel booking, etc.).
When you arrive in Portugal, you must obtain a Portuguese NIF (Numero de Identificao Fiscal) and open a Portuguese bank account before making your residency application within 120 days.
Documents Required for Paying Taxes in Portugal
To pay taxes in Portugal, you must obtain a NIF (Numero de Identification Fiscal). This number is also required for most financial transactions, including opening a bank account and purchasing property, but also more basic financial transactions, such as obtaining an internet contract and making online purchases.
It is also necessary to have a NIF when making your residence permit application in Portugal.
A NIF is easy to obtain by visiting the closest Tax Office or Citizen Bureau (Financas or Loja do Cidadao) – you can find a list of locations here. There is no need to make an appointment; just show up during opening hours. Your NIF is provided upon application, and there is no associated fee.
You will need to provide valid identification (passport), proof of residence (your visa), and proof of your address, either in Portugal or your home country.
Portugal Bank Account Requirements
Having a local bank account is also necessary when making your residence application. You can open an account with a local bank, an international bank with branches in Portugal, or a mobile bank with operations in Portugal.
The process for opening an account varies between banks and depends on the type of account that you wish to open. Nevertheless, at minimum, you will need to provide valid identification (passport), proof of residence (your visa), proof of your address in Portugal or your home country, and your NIF. In addition, your chosen bank may ask for further documents.
Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency
When making your Temporary-Stay Visa application, you must provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents from an income source outside of Portugal. How much is sufficient? It is the equivalent of a minimum salary, which is €8,460 per year. If you are bringing a spouse, you must show another 50% on top of that (€4,230 per year) and another 30% on top of that for a dependent child (€2,538 per year).
You can provide various documents to demonstrate that you are financially self-sufficient, depending on your situation.
If you are retired: evidence of stable income from a pension or investments.
If you are a remote worker: an employment contract that details your income and bank statements from the previous three months.
If you are self-employed: certificate of business registration and bank statements from the previous three months.
If you are a freelancer: bank statements from the previous three months and evidence of significant savings.
Proof of Accommodation
You are required to provide proof of accommodation in Portugal for the first 12 months of your visit. Acceptable evidence includes a rental agreement, Airbnb or hotel booking, or a letter from someone who will provide you with accommodation in Portugal.
If you cannot provide proof of accommodation for 12 months, you can submit a letter to the Embassy explaining why you have not met this requirement. For example, you could submit evidence of accommodation for six months along with a letter explaining that you plan on hunting for a more permanent rental or buying property once you arrive in Portugal. It is then down to the discretion of the Embassy to decide whether to accept your application.
Full Health Insurance
You must provide evidence that you have travel health insurance for you and your dependents for the first four months of your trip with a minimum coverage of €30,000 per person. Once you have your residence permit in Portugal, you will be eligible to apply for a variety of local health insurance schemes.
You will only be eligible for Portuguese public healthcare if you are a resident for tax purposes and contribute to Portugal’s social security system.
Clean Criminal Record
Evidence of a clean criminal record is required for most long-term visa applications in all countries. The process for proof that you do not have a criminal record depends on your country of origin, but the certificate verifying your status must have been issued within the last three months. However, if you have lived in another country within the last five years, you will also need to provide a certificate from the country.
An Apostille must notarize your document, and if you need to have it translated into English or Portuguese, you must legalize the translation with the Portuguese Embassy. In addition, they can provide you with a list of certified translators in the area.
Minimum Stay Requirement
When you receive a Temporary-Stay visa for two years, you are expected to stay in Portugal for a minimum of 183 consecutive days (6 months) at some point during your visa period.
Need help applying?
Marilia - Portugal Immigration Lawyer
How to Apply for the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa – Step-By-Step Instructions
Below you will find detailed step-by-step instructions for applying for a Temporary-Stay visa for Portugal. The process is similar when applying for the D7, D2, and Golden Visa, but additional documentation is required, and considering the investment involved, it may be worth consulting an immigration attorney.
With all four visas, you must apply for a residence permit once you arrive in Portugal. Guidelines for how to do this are provided below. These also apply to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to register as a resident in Portugal.
Step 1 – Acquire the Necessary Documents
Gather all the necessary documents before you make your application. Bear in mind that all documents issued by a non-EU country must be officially authenticated by an Apostille from the issuing country to be used in another country.
In addition, while you may be able to make your initial visa application at your local Embassy in Portuguese, English, or your local language, when you apply for your residency permit in Portugal, your documents will need to be translated into Portuguese and authenticated by the Portuguese embassy.
Keep copies of all your visa application documents, as you will need them again to make your residency application.
Below is a list of the documents required for a Temporary-Stay Visa:
Temporary-Stay Visa Application form
Covering letter explaining your visa request (must include your personal details, why you are requesting a visa, any personal ties you have to Portugal, where you plan to stay, and how you will finance your time in the country)
Valid Passport (with at least six months of validity)
Two suitable passport-sized photographs
Proof of regular income meeting the minimum requirements (bank statements, letter of employment showing income, investment statements, pension certificate, etc.)
Proof of accommodation in Portugal for at least 12 months (rental agreement, Airbnb booking, a letter from family members, etc.)
Criminal record certificate (certified by Apostille)
Proof of valid health insurance (for the first four months of your trip)
Proof that you have paid the visa fee
If you wish to attach family members to your visa, you will require further documentation, specifically:
Marriage certificate (certified by Apostille)
Birth certificate for dependents (certified by Apostille)
Step 2 – Complete the Application Form and Cover Letter
Complete the APPLICATION FOR NATIONAL VISA. The form asks for detailed personal information and information about your trip and finances. Everything you say in the document should align with the information in your supporting documentation.
Your application form will also ask you to specify how you would like your passport to be returned to you following the application process.
Remember that your application also needs to be supported by a cover letter. This letter should include:
Your personal details (including information such as your passport number).
Why you are requesting temporary residence in Portugal.
Any ties you may have to the country, including family and friends, owning property, business investments, etc.
Where you plan to stay while in Portugal and the type of accommodation you will use.
How you intend to support yourself and any dependents during your time in Portugal.
List and explain the contents of all the documents you are submitting as part of your application.
Each applicant will need their own cover letter, but cover letters for dependents are likely to be shorter and refer to the documentation of the principal applicant.
All covering letters should be signed and dated by the applicant or their legal guardian.
This is the first item that assessors will read when reviewing your applications and provide important context for your request. It is crucial to be both detailed and specific in your letter.
Step 3 – Submit Your Application
You must submit your application, supporting documentation, and visa fee at your local Portuguese Embassy. You can find a list of Portuguese Embassies around the world here. You may also be able to book an appointment with VFS Global, the official partner of the Embassy of Portugal in several countries, including the United States.
You will need to personally visit the embassy or application center to have your fingerprints and photo taken and submitted as biometric information. Most services will have an online portal for making an appointment.
At this stage, you will need to pay the visa application fee, which is currently around €180 per person, depending on the country you are applying from. If you are applying through VFS Global, you will be able to pay online. If you apply at an embassy, they will provide you with information on how to make a money order payment.
Find out more information about your application appointment here.
Step 4 – Wait for Your Visa
You will be able to track the progress of your visa application online with a reference number provided to you. You can expect it to take 3-4 months for your visa to be processed. Finally, you will receive an email confirming when your visa has been approved.
You can collect your passport and visa from the location where you applied, or you may have opted to have your passport and visa sent to you via secure post at the time of your application.
Step 5 – Enter Portugal and Register as a Resident
Once you have received your visa, you are free to enter Portugal. This initial visa lets you stay for 120 days, before which time you must visit the SEF (Servico de Estangeiros e Fronteiras) to register as a resident.
Often a SEF appointment will have been made on your behalf when you applied for your visa. The date of your appointment will be provided as part of your visa documentation. If not, you can make an appointment through the SEF portal.
If the first available appointment is after the expiration of your initial visa, request a confirmation email from the SEF and use this to extend the validity of your D7 visa when necessary.
In addition to all the documents you submitted for your initial visa application (translated into Portuguese and certified), at this stage, you will also need to provide proof that you have a NIF and a Portuguese Bank Account (details for how to acquire these are provided above). You will also need to submit a new application form, which is different from your original visa application form). This form is in Portuguese.
Your appointment should last around 20 minutes, and you will be expected to pay a fee of €320. Permits take about two weeks to process and will be sent to your home address in Portugal.
Need help applying?
Marilia - Portugal Immigration Lawyer
Timeline for Applying for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Processing periods depend on the country you are applying from, but you can usually expect your initial visa application to take 3-4 months to be processed and approved.
Once you are in Portugal, you need to visit the SEF to get your residence permit. It can take more than four months for an appointment date to open up. Once you have your appointment, your permit should be sent to you within two weeks.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
Exact visa fees fluctuate depending on the country where you are applying and the local currency. But you can expect to pay around €180 for your initial visa application and a further €320 for your residence permit once you are in Portugal.
Remember that there is also a cost to having documents certified by an Apostille, translated, and for having translations certified. These costs vary significantly between countries.
Paying Taxes on a Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa
If you stay for a while in Portugal, you will become a Portuguese tax resident. Accordingly, you will be liable to income taxes in Portugal. Personal income taxes in Portugal can be as high as 48%.
However, when you become a tax resident of Portugal you can opt to apply for the non-habitual resident tax regime (NHR). To be eligible to benefit from this regime, you must not have been a Portuguese tax resident during the five years prior to your application.
Under NHR, you can be exempt from paying tax on foreign source income. However, you should take into account you might still be paying taxes on it in the country of origin of the income.
Furthermore, high value-added activities will be subject to a rate of 20%. On pensions, a rate of 10% applies.
Apart from the above, it is also interesting to know that Portugal does not levy capital gains tax on cryptocurrencies if certain conditions are met.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Denial
There are various reasons a visa application may be denied, and it usually relates to not meeting one of the specific requirements. This is why it is essential to gather, translate, and notarize relevant documentation carefully.
Usually, you will receive a letter stating why your visa was denied. However, you can appeal the decision if it is something like insufficient justification for the application or insufficient proof of income.
You have a 30-day window to initiate the appeal process. It is better to do this than just submit another application, as your application may be automatically denied based on your previous refusal.
You will need to resubmit your documentation with an appeal letter that politely explains why you missed certain criteria and highlights the new documentation that fills the gap in your previous application.
You can expect the appeal process to take 4-8 weeks.
Living in Portugal as a Digital Nomad
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in western Europe and matches a Mediterranean climate with a long Atlantic coastline. Even in the capital, you get the benefits of modern European facilities, but with a “small town” feel. The local cuisine is excellent, travel connections around the country efficient, and from Portugal, you are free to explore the rest of the European Schengen area on your visa.
Capital Lisbon
Form of Government Unitary Semi-Presidential (part of the European Union)
Population 10.3 million (2020)
Climate Mediterranean
Language Portuguese
Currency Euro
22 people in Portugal!
Join the community of remoters!
As a digital nomad in Portugal, you will find a safe country welcoming to foreigners and where many people speak English. Accommodation and food are affordable, and the internet speeds are excellent. You can even get GB connections in major centers such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
Portugal’s digital nomad community is young but thriving as one of the most affordable countries in western Europe. Facilities are modern, and new options are appearing quickly. Lisbon has become a top digital nomad hotspot in the last two years.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Portugal
Lisbon
Lisbon is the country’s capital and the best place to get connecting flights to anywhere in Europe. Lisbon is like a big city with a small colonial town feel; if that small town was packed with cultural venues and lively night spots. Internet connections are excellent, coworking facilities are plentiful, and there are many other digital nomads to share your experience.
Porto
If you prefer a slower pace of life but don’t want to sacrifice creature comforts or work essentials, Porto is a great option. The city centers around the Ribeiro riverside, where you can drink Port made just meters away. Alongside Baroque churches, you’ll find some nice coworking spaces.
Braga
If you are keen to explore historic Portugal between conference calls and creative sessions, Braga is a nice city in the north. You will find plenty of historic castles and cathedrals, plus you are close to beaches and the famous Peneda Jeres National Park. Day trips to Spain will also be on your list.
Faro
The capital of the stunning Algarve region, this beach paradise is a bit more affordable than nearby Lagos (also a great destination). The sun shines most of the year on a city with lazy days, but which comes alive at night.
Madeira
If you are keen on the idea of living at the edge of the world, consider the idyllic Portuguese island of Madeira, though it is closer to Morocco than it is to Portugal. This village supports a close-knit community of digital nomads that fosters creative connections (and an island-wide Slack).
Attractions and Places to Visit
There are many unique natural and cultural wonders to explore in Portugal. But if you are making a bucket list for your time in the country, make sure these are on your list.
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Peneda Jeres National Park
National park in Portugal
Striking mountains overlooking clear lakes and rivers where deer and Iberian wolves roam freely. Take a break to tackle hiking trails and swim through waterfalls.
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Alto-Douro
Region in north-eastern Portugal
This river valley is a popular winemaking region that still uses historical methods for processing its grapes. Show up to help with the harvest and enjoy the wine festival (September).
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Obidos Castle
Castle in Óbidos, Portugal
Medieval castle set in a landscape of vineyards and windmills, discover remarkably well-preserved 13th-century architecture.
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Pena Palace
Castle in Sintra, Portugal
Located just outside Sintra, this abandoned monastery was rejuvenated in the 16th century and is now a colorfully painted castle in the mountains.
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Abbey of Santa Maria
Cistercian monastery located in the Portuguese city of Alcobaça
Located in Alcobaca, this 12th-century abbey is the largest church in Portugal and supports some awe-inspiring gardens.
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Praia da Marina Beach
Beach in Portugal
Located in the Algarve, this stretch of coast is characterized by island rocks, with plenty of local bays, caves, and grottoes to explore.
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Aveiro
City in Portugal
This city is the Venice of Portugal, with many streets navigated by water channels.
Benefits of Working in Portugal as a Digital Nomad
Excellent Visa Conditions
It is relatively easy to get a long-term visa to live and work in Portugal, and these visas can be a gateway to permanent residence if you want to stay after the initial two years. Plus, since Portugal is part of the Schengen area, your visa gives you broad access to the rest of Europe.
Warm Climate
Portugal has a warm and sunny climate with hot summers made for the beach and mild winters. Temperatures rarely drop below 15 degrees Celsius in Lisbon, even in January. This climate also makes Portugal an ideal wine region, which means there is plenty of good quality affordable wine everywhere you go.
Affordable Cost of Living
It is not just the wine that is affordable in Portugal, you’ll find that the cost of living is significantly lower than in other major western European countries, but you still get a comparable quality of life when it comes to essentials such as infrastructure and medical treatment.
Quality of Life
Life in Portugal runs at a relaxed pace, and the community respects the need for a balance between work and leisure. You are never far from a beach or a bar serving excellent food and good wine. There is a vibrant cultural scene and plenty of activities such as hiking, surfing, and diving.
Cost of Living
Portugal uses the Euro, and the current average salary is €20,000 a year. This is quite a bit lower than neighboring countries. In neighboring Spain salaries are about a third more, and in nearby France salaries are around double.
But an affordable cost of living means that Portugal still feels affluent. You can expect to pay:
Single-bedroom apartment in Lisbon per month €800-€1,000
Single-bedroom apartment in Braga per month €400-€600
Monthly electricity, water, and related bills €120
Basic internet connection per month €30
Public transport €1.70 per one-way ticket, €40 per month
Meal at a simple restaurant €10
Meal for two at a restaurant €45
Imported beer in a bar €3
Cinema ticket €7
Gym membership per month €35
Currently (September 2022), the Euro and the U.S. Dollar have a 1:1 value.
The cost of living in Portugal is highly favorable compared to larger cities in the United States, such as Houston, where the cost of living is almost double. On average, the cost of living in Portugal is 40% less than in the United States.
Portugal is also more affordable than neighboring European countries. It is about 10% cheaper than in Spain, and around 25% cheaper than in France.
Digital Nomad Essentials
Internet (speed) 350Mbps – 1GBps
Time Zone GNT+1
Socket Type C and F type plugs
Calling Code +351
Recommended Coworking Spaces
Braga – Factory Braga, Regus
Faro – Alandra Square
Madeira – Centro Cultural John dos Passos
Portugal is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads wanting to base themselves in Europe thanks to its good infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and generous visa scheme. Portugal acts as an excellent base for digital nomads hoping to explore the Schengen area.
FAQs about the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Does Portugal Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Portugal introduced a digital nomad visa on October 30, 2022 called the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa.
How Can I Become a Digital Nomad in Portugal?
Since October 30, 2022, the Digital Nomad Visa permits people to reside and work in Portugal. To qualify, you need to earn at least four times the national minimum wage, approximately $3,350 (€3,040) monthly. There are two options: a year-long temporary residency permit and a renewable five-year Portugal residency visa.
What Is the Difference Between a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and a Tourist Visa?
A Temporary-Stay Visa for Portugal allows digital nomads to stay in Portugal for one year, after which time you can renew it up to a total of five years. A standard tourist visa will only let you stay for a maximum of 90 days and does not permit you to complete certain activities, such as opening a bank account.
What Is the Length of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
The Temporary-Stay Visa for Portugal allows you to stay in Portugal for one year. After this, if you still meet the requirements, you can apply to extend your visa for another four years. After this time, you are eligible to apply for residency.
Is It Possible to Extend the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, the original Temporary-Stay Visa is for one year, but you can extend it for another four years. After these five years, you can apply for a residency permit based on your time in the country.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Visa Application Process?
Once you have gathered and certified your documentation, you can expect it to take 3-4 months for the Portuguese embassy in your country to process your application. Once your visa has been approved and you arrive in Portugal, you must visit the SEF to register as a resident. It takes about two weeks for them to process your application and send you your residency permit but wait times for an appointment can be months.
Can You Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa While Abroad?
Yes, you can apply for a Temporary-Stay Visa for Portugal from a country other than your home country at the Portuguese Embassy in that country. Remember that you will need to have all your documents from your home country authenticated by your origin country (which can be done by post), and all documents will need to be translated into Portuguese or English.
What Currency Should You Use to Pay for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
You will pay for your Temporary-Stay Visa for Portugal in the local currency of the country from which you are applying.
How Can You Pay the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Fee?
If you are applying via a VFS Global visa partner, you will be able to pay online. If not, you will need to pay by money order. The Embassy will provide you with the details to make the payment.
Can You Pay the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Fee Online?
If you apply through Citizen Remote then you can make your payment online. If you are applying at an Embassy, you must pay via money order at a local branch.
Will You Get a Refund for Your Visa Application If You Are Denied?
No, if your visa application is denied, you cannot obtain a refund for your payment. However, if your visa is denied, you will receive a letter explaining why and telling you whether you have the right to appeal.
However, Citizen Remote offers full-service visa help to get you from start to finish until your visa is in hand. Using our service, you are eligible for partial reimbursement.
Is It Safe in Portugal?
Portugal is rated among the safest countries in the world by the Global Peace Index.
Is It Expensive to Live and Work in Portugal?
The cost of living in Portugal is highly affordable. It is about 40% cheaper than the United States and 25% cheaper than other western European countries, such as France. Local salaries are low at around €20,000 on average, but those on a Temporary-Stay Visa should be earning from outside the country.
How Much Money Do You Need per Month to Qualify for the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa?
You must be able to prove that you make at least €2,800 a month in remote income.
Can U.S. Citizens Travel to Portugal Without a Visa?
U.S. citizens can enter Portugal as a tourist without a visa. You will be permitted to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days.
Is There a Digital Nomad Community in Portugal?
As one of the most affordable countries in western Europe, Portugal has a strong digital nomad community. You can find their Facebook group here.
Are People in Portugal Friendly?
Portugal is considered a very friendly country. The locals are accustomed to foreigners and tend to be welcoming. Basic English is widely spoken.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?
Spring and Fall are the best times to visit Portugal. The weather is good, and there is plenty going on, but it is not as expensive or crowded as during the Summer.
What Portugal Neighboring Countries Issue Visas for Digital Nomads?
Several European countries offer visas for digital nomads, including Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Romania, and Norway.
Do You Need COVID-19 Test/Medical Certificate to Enter Portugal?
COVID-19 tests and medical certificates are not currently required to enter Portugal. Read more.
What Are Portugal’s COVID-19 Local Guidelines and Protocols?
There are currently no requirements to wear a mask or carry a vaccination card while in the country. You can find Portugal's complete COVID-19 guidelines and protocols here.
What Are the Downsides of Living in Portugal?
Portugal may seem like a remote work paradise, but there are a few downsides to keep in mind. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can be common in major cities. Thieves may use children to distract you, so stay alert in public places. Also, while Portugal generally has great weather, winters can be chilly without proper heating.
Author
Andy Stofferis is a digital nomad blogger: www.andysto.com
He is a contributing writer for various organizations and media involved in the digital nomad industry (AllWork.Space, e-Residency Estonia).
Andy has been running a fully remote digital marketing agency over the past nine years while traveling to more than 50 destinations.
