How To Get A Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa

Who can apply for a Portuguese digital nomad visa? 

To be eligible for the digital nomad or D8 visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are at least 18 years old.
   
• You are a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen.
   
• You are employed in a fully remote role or work as a freelance with clients based outside of Portugal. 
   
• You can demonstrate a steady monthly income of at least €3,280. This requirement is set to ensure that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Portugal.

Portuguese digital nomad visa types

Portugal offers two primary types of digital nomad visas, each designed to cater to different lengths and purposes of stay for remote workers:

• Temporary Stay Visa: This visa is valid for one year and is the perfect option if you’re a working nomad looking for a short stay in Portugal without committing to a long-term residency. You can renew this visa up to four times, extending your stay to a total of up to five years. However, it does not permit family reunification, so if you plan to bring your family members, you may need to consider other Portuguese visa options.
   
• Residency Visa: This is a long-term visa and is valid for an initial four months, but you can apply for a two-year residency permit once you arrive in Portugal, and then renew it for another three years. Unlike the temporary stay visa, the long-term D8 visa allows you to include your family members in your application, making it an ideal option if you plan to relocate to Portugal with your family. 

Portuguese digital nomad visa requirements

To successfully apply for a Portuguese D8 visa, you must provide the following key documentation:   

• A valid passport.
   
• A police clearance certificate from your home country and any other country where you've resided for more than six months in the past year.
   
• Valid health insurance covering medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation during your stay in Portugal.
   
• Evidence of stable housing in Portugal, such as a lease agreement or property deed.
   
• Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Portugal for at least one year. This is often calculated as 12 times your monthly income requirement.

How to apply for a Portuguese digital nomad visa

• Gather the necessary documentation listed above, including your passport, income verification, and health insurance details. Ensure that they are properly translated into Portuguese by a reputable translation service that provides certified translations in Portugal. 
   
• Once you have all your documents, fill out the visa application form. You can usually download this form from your home country’s Portuguese consulate website, or obtain it at an accredited VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) centre. 
   
• After filling out the application form, schedule an appointment at the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate. During your appointment, submit your application form along with all supporting documents. Ensure to bring the originals and copies or certified translations of each document.
   
• Be prepared to pay the application fee, typically ranging from €75 to €90, depending on the consulate and your nationality.
   
• After submitting your application, wait for the processing period, which can take between two to three months. Once your application is approved, you will be notified to pick up your passport with the D8 visa stamp. At this stage, you can begin finalising your travel plans.  

Comparing the Portuguese D7 and D8 visas 

Both the D7 and D8 visas offer excellent opportunities for non-EU citizens to live in Portugal, but they serve different needs. The D7 visa is designed for individuals who rely on passive income such as pensions, rental properties, or dividends, making it ideal for retirees and investors. In contrast, the D8 visa best suits digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who earn active income through remote work or freelance businesses.

The eligible income requirement for both visa types also differs. D7 visa applicants must demonstrate a stable passive income of at least €9,870 annually, with additional amounts required for dependents. On the other hand, the D8 visa requires proof of active income of a lesser amount (about €3,280) sufficient to cover monthly living expenses in Portugal.

Benefits of living in Portugal as a digital nomad

Living in Portugal as a digital nomad offers a unique combination of lifestyle, professional opportunities, and financial advantages. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Affordable Cost of Living: Portugal offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries. Cities like Lisbon and Porto may be more expensive, but smaller towns and coastal areas provide even more budget-friendly options. This ensures you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
    
2. High-Speed Internet and Infrastructure: Portugal boasts reliable and fast internet, a crucial factor for remote work. Most urban areas and even smaller towns have excellent internet speeds and plenty of co-working spaces, cafes, and libraries fitted out for remote workers, ensuring you remain productive while enjoying life in Portugal.
    
3.  Favourable Tax Benefits: Portugal provides attractive tax incentives for digital nomads such as the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which offers significant tax reductions for the first 10 years, with lower rates on foreign income. This is especially beneficial for digital nomads who want to minimise their tax burden while in Europe.
    
4. Access to the Schengen Area: Living in Portugal gives you access to the entire Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free travel to 26 European countries. This is a major benefit for digital nomads who enjoy travelling while working, as it enables easy movement across Europe without worrying about additional visas.
    
5. Ease of Residency: Portugal's long-term D8 visa offers a relatively straightforward residency option, making it easy for digital nomads to settle in the country permanently. The visa process is user-friendly, and once approved, you have access to Portugal’s services, including healthcare and education.

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