Portugal Digital Nomad Visa 2024: Applications, Cost & Benefits

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visas allow remote workers and freelancers to get residence in the nation Residents of non-EU countries can apply for residence in Portugal using this visa type.

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Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa is a national category D visa. When your visa is approved, you can stay in Portugal for at least a year. As a professional looking to relocate to a nomad-friendly nation, you may enjoy the benefits of living near the coast and meeting like-minded individuals.

Remote work and freedom commonly coincide many people want to make the digital nomad idea a reality. You can go to numerous different places while still advancing your job. Portugal allows you to experience its beauty while working from anywhere in the nation. You may also join the digital nomad community. If you work remotely, keep in mind this visa type and your previous experience living in a foreign nation.

In this post, we will discuss the requirements for this visa type and provide a list of the top places for remote workers.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa D8 Visa Requirements

Here are some of the requirements for getting a Digital Nomad Visa to Portugal:

Your age should be over 18 years old.
You need to have citizenship in non-EU and non-EEA countries.
You will have fully remote work on a permanent contract or freelance.
You will prove the total income from all sources which would be at least €3,040.
You must show your accommodation arranged in Portugal, at least a 1-year extended agreement for rented properties.
It is possible to get a citizenship application after five years.

The D8 Visa, often known as the Portugal Digital Nomad visa, allows non-EU, EEA, or Swiss residents to apply.

Digital Nomad Visa Types

To accommodate the rising trend of remote work, Portugal now provides Digital Nomad Visas, which allow people to reside in Portugal while working for businesses abroad. There are two sorts of visas available for digital nomads.

Temporary Stay Visa

This visa permits you to stay in Portugal for a total of 12 months. It cannot be extended for residency, but it may be renewed four times.

Here’s the brief rundown:

Duration: Up to 12 months.
Renewable: Yes, it is renewable up to four times.
Income Requirement: Must earn at least €3,280 per month.
Accommodation: Minimum lease agreement required for accommodation.
Bank Account: A Portuguese bank account may be required by some consulates.
Police Clearance: A clean criminal record is required.
Family Reunification: This visa does not permit family reunification.

This visa is best suited for non-EU/EEA citizens who can work remotely and fulfill income criteria. It enables you to stay in Portugal temporarily without committing to a long-term residency.

Long-Term Visa

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa for long-term stay is known as the Residency Visa.

Here are some of the key characteristics of this type:

Validity: Initially valid for four months, you can apply for a two-year residency permit upon entering Portugal.
Renewal: The residency permit is renewable for another three years.
Income Requirement: You must earn more than €3,040 per month.
Documents: You’ll need a valid passport, evidence of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal background, among other things.
Application Fee: The application fee ranges between €75 and €90.
Family: You are welcome to bring family members.

This visa is suitable for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely and want to live in Portugal while working for employers headquartered overseas.

Remote Workers in Portugal

Remote workers in Portugal might expect a lifestyle with some of the following benefits:

A pleasant temperature: Portugal has a pleasant temperature with plenty of sunshine. It makes Portugal a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Living costs: It is often cheaper than in many other Western European countries, providing for a comfortable way of life.
Cultural Experiences: A rich history, a diverse culture, and a diverse choice of leisure activities are available.
Population: There is a growing population of digital nomads and remote workers in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
Language: Excellent English proficiency, particularly in metropolitan regions, which facilitates communication.
Work-Life Balance: The Portuguese culture places a high priority on work-life balance, which is compatible with the remote work lifestyle.

According to Statista, the number of employed persons in Portugal is expected to rise by 0.03 million between 2023 and 2024 (+0.59%).

Income Requirements for Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa

You will be required to make at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, or around €3040 per month.

Digital Nomad Visa for Your Family

If you are a family member who received a residence permit through a D8 visa, you are eligible for a residence permit under the Family reunification Act.

If you are seeking family dependents, be prepared to provide income to sustain your family structure. An applicant’s average monthly income is €3,040 for a single individual, €380 for a couple, and €228 for each dependent kid.

Digital Nomad Visa for Your Spouse

You can bring your spouse to Portugal with your Digital Nomad Visa, although eligibility conditions vary.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Costs

Visa Type	Cost (EUR)	Validity
Temporary Stay Visa	75	Valid for 1 year, multiple entries, no residency permit
Long-term Visa	90	Valid for 4 months, two entries, leads to 2-year residence permit upon arrival

Additional costs linked with the Digital Nomad Visa may include:

Medical insurance payments and rent.
Private health insurance costs can range from €20 to €100 monthly, depending on the package.

Visa Application

Check Eligibility:

Make sure you have a monthly salary of at least €3,040 and are prepared to verify that you work remotely.

Prepare Documentation

A valid passport.
Photos for passports (4.5 x 3.5 cm).
Contract or partnership agreement proving remote work.
Bank statements displaying monthly earnings and savings.
Proof of accommodation to show you are staying in Portugal.
The required health insurance in Portugal
A certificate of no criminal record translated into Portuguese.
A NIF registration certificate (Portuguese tax identification number).
A letter in English outlining why you are relocating to Portugal.

Submit the Application

Make an appointment with the Portuguese consulate or embassy. Then, submit your application together with the necessary documentation.

Wait for Approval

Processing time may vary. You will be notified once your application has been approved.

Visa Issuance

If your application is granted, a visa will be issued in your passport, allowing you to go to Portugal.

Arrival in Portugal

If you have a long-term visa, apply for a residence permit before it expires when you arrive.

Who Can be Eligible to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal?

Age: You must be at least 18 years old.Income: You must have a consistent monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, around €3,040 per month

Employment: Provide evidence of remote or freelance jobs.

Accommodation: You need to arrange for accommodation in Portugal. These specifications are consistent across all of the sources listed. It is crucial to note that the actual income criteria may differ significantly between sources.

Valid Passport: To enter Portugal, you must have a valid passport and, if appropriate, the necessary travel authorizations.

Health Insurance: Have health insurance that covers your stay in Portugal.Clean Criminal Record: Have a clean criminal record from your own country.

Individuals who are not EU/EEA nationals may apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. This implies that anyone from countries other than the European Union and the European Economic Area can apply for this visa provided they meet the other qualifying criteria, such as a stable monthly income and proof of remote employment. The visa has attracted applications from several nations, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others.

Nomad Visa Taxes

Here are the main topics about taxes for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Status: Digital nomads who have lived in Portugal for more than 183 days are eligible for NHR status, which provides tax breaks over ten years.
Tax Rate with NHR Status: Digital nomads with NHR status pay a set 20% tax rate on income made within Portugal, as opposed to the ordinary rate of up to 48%.
Global Income: Because of the NHR status, global income is tax-free.
Short-Term Stay: If you are only visiting Portugal for a few days, you do not need to become a tax resident.
Long-Term Stay: Long-term visa holders who spend more than 183 days in Portugal must become tax residents.

Benefits of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa?

The benefits of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa include

Residency: Holders of the visa can stay in Portugal for at least a year, with the option of renewing for up to five years and finally applying for citizenship.
Travel: Visa holders can travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area, allowing for convenient travel throughout Europe.
Cost and Effort: Compared to other national visas, the application process is generally low-cost and low-effort, requiring proof of sufficient income and remote work capabilities.
Tax Advantages: the potential to become a non-habitual resident for tax reasons, potentially leading to lower tax rates or exemptions for 10 years.

How to Open a Portuguese Bank Account

Obtain a NIF: A Portuguese tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal).
Provide Identification: A valid passport or ID card.
Proof of Address: A recent utility bill or bank statement.
Proof of Employment: A pay slip or employment contract.

Some banks, especially if you are already a resident, may let you create an account online. Non-residents may need to engage a lawyer or a moving company. Because the method differs, it is important to consult with the individual bank about their requirements. Account opening costs between €269.25 and €395.

The Wrap-Up

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) is a popular alternative, particularly among remote workers. If you actively make money and provide flexibility and access to public services, you might consider applying for this visa category.

Unlike the D7 Visa, which is intended for passive income, the D8 Visa allows for year-round residency in Portugal. In this manner, you may choose between a one-year temporary stay and a five-year resident visa, which can be renewed or exchanged for permanent residency. After five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and perhaps obtain an EU passport.

Good Luck.

Read More: Japan launches digital nomad visas for 49 countries

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