Are you considering becoming a digital nomad in Portugal? This guide covers everything you need to know about the digital nomad visa for Portugal, including requirements, taxes, and benefits.
Get a head start on the application process and ensure a smooth transition to your new lifestyle with this complete Portugal digital nomad visa guide.
What Is Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
Does Portugal have a digital nomad visa? The answer is yes!
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, also called Portugal D7 Visa for remote work, is a new type of visa specifically designed for remote workers. This temporary stay visa allows digital workers to reside in Portugal for a period of up to one year while working remotely for a company or as a freelancer.
The D7 Visa Portugal for digital nomad is an excellent option for those looking to experience the culture and lifestyle of Portugal while maintaining the flexibility and autonomy of remote work.
This visa also offers a number of benefits. You will, for example, have access to the country’s healthcare system, and you will also be able to apply for an extension after the initial one-year period.
Let’s add to that Portugal’s mild climate, beautiful beaches, digital nomad village, co working spaces, and rich history, and we obtain an attractive destination for digital nomads looking for a change of scenery.
Read Later – 40 countries with digital nomad visas around the world.
Types of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas?
When it comes to finding the best option for digital nomads, the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa (D7) stands out as the most suitable one.
This visa is specifically designed for remote workers and digital nomads, allowing them to reside in Portugal for up to one year. Other options such as Residency Visa, tourist visa, Portugal Golden Visa, or Portugal D2 Visa may not be as suitable for digital nomads as they have different requirements and conditions.
Previously used by digital nomads wanting to travel to Portugal, the tourist visa and the Portugal temporary stay visa for digital nomad are taking a backseat since the implementation of the D7 visa. We will go into more details about the requirements and the process for the D7 visa in the next sections.
How Much Does the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
One of the weaknesses of the new Digital Nomad Visa is its prohibitive price. The visa fee is €83 ($89), and in addition to that, you will also have to pay the residence permit fee of €72 ($77).
Payment of these two fees is mandatory for the new Portugal’s digital nomad visa. The good news in all that is that it is not specific as Lisbon digital nomad visa, but it allows digital nomads to live and work remotely from everywhere they want in Portugal.
New Digital Nomads Visa Requirements
New Digital Nomad Visa is a popular option for digital nomads, but it comes with some requirements that absolutely must be met:
- Proof of income
- valid bank account
- proof of accommodation
- health insurance coverage
- minimum stay requirement
- clean criminal record
- cover letter
Here are the digital nomad visa Portugal requirements you’ll have to meet.
Bank Account
In order to meet the Portugal nomad visa requirements, the applicants need to have a valid bank account in their name. This requirement allows Portugal authorities to ensure that candidates have the financial means to support themselves during their stay in Portugal.
The bank account must have enough funds to cover the applicant’s expenses for the total duration of their stay. Portugal nomad visa requirements also include bank statements that have to take part in the application package.
Portuguese Digital Nomad Visas Income Requirements
The new Digital Nomads Visa income requirements refer to the financial means that an applicant must have in order to be considered for the visa.
Portuguese government requires that candidates demonstrate that they have enough income to support themselves during their stay in the country and that they will not become a burden on the state.
The digital nomads visa minimum income requirement is four times the Portuguese minimum wage, which is approximately 2300 euros ($2453) in 2024 (minimum wage: €760 ($810)).
Proof of Accommodation
In order to be eligible for a Portugal’s digital nomads visa, candidates must be able to provide a document that shows he or she has a place to stay while in the country.
This can include a lease agreement for a rented apartment or house, a hotel reservation, or a letter from a friend or family member who is willing to host him or her.
The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the applicant has a stable place to live in Portugal and won’t become a burden on the country’s social services.
Health Insurance
The Portugal residency visa for remote workers is only available for candidates that have an adequate health insurance policy that will cover their medical expenses while in Portugal.
The insurance policy must be valid in Portugal, and must have coverage for emergency medical expenses and hospitalization.
It must include comprehensive EU-wide health insurance for the applicant and his/her dependents. The insurance also has to be paid 12 months in advance and include medical insurance worth 30 000 € ($31 993).
Minimum Stay Requirement
The minimum stay requirement for remote workers residency visa is intended to ensure that the applicant is using the visa for its intended purpose, which is to work remotely while in Portugal.
The remote worker must stay for at least 183 days per year in the country and not leave it for longer than 6 months.
Clean Criminal Record
A clean criminal record certificate is required in order to obtain the Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal, which means that an applicant must not have any criminal convictions or pending charges.
This requirement ensures that the individuals who are granted the visa will not pose a threat to the security and well-being of the Portuguese society.
Cover Letter
Every Portugal nomad digital request must be accompanied by a formal letter that will serve as an introduction to the applicant and provide additional information about his/her background, qualifications, and reasons for wanting to apply for the visa.
The cover letter should be written in a professional and formal manner and should be tailored to the specific requirements of the visa. The cover letter is an opportunity to provide additional information that might not be covered in the application form.
Some Differences in Requirements Depending on Where You Are Coming from
Look out for important considerations for international candidates seeking a Digital Nomads Visa for Portugal.
Learn about Portugal digital nomad visa citizenship differences, depending on whether you come from the USA, the UK, Europe, Canada or others.
For US Citizens and US Green Card Holders
Additionally, to the requirements detailed above, USA citizens need to show a valid passport as well as a valid ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to travel to Portugal, as the country is part of the Schengen Area.
It’s always recommended to double check the requirements with the Portuguese immigration office as they are subject to change without notice.
For UK Citizens
Now that Great Britain has left the European Union, candidates coming from the UK must apply for a Portugal digital nomad visa Schengen.
The UK is no longer part of the Schengen Area. This means UK citizens have to be able to show a passport and ETIAS to travel to Portugal.
For EU citizens
EU citizens have certain rights and freedoms that allow them to live and work in other EU countries without any visa.
In addition to the requirements mentioned above, EU candidates have to show a passport or national ID card.
European citizens are free to move from one country to another within the EU. This is why they don’t need to apply for an ETIAS nor a Schengen visa to enter Portugal.
For Canada, Australia & New Zealand Citizens
To apply for a Portugal D7 visa, applicants must provide a passport with at least 6 months remaining until expiration as well as an ETIAS, as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are not part of the Schengen area.
Here again, we would recommend you double check the requirements with the Portuguese immigration office.
What About Other Countries?
Other countries such as Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France or Germany work exactly the same as for EU citizenship.
EU candidates only need a passport or national ID card on top of the above requirements. They have freedom of movement within the EU and don’t need to apply for an ETIAS to enter Portugal.
Step By Step Application Process For Digital Nomad Community
Look out for in-depth information on how to apply for a digital nomads visa Portugal.
We will be detailing the specific steps that applicants need to take and the documents and information they will need to collect in order to complete their residency permit application successfully.
Portugal Embassy Appointment
This appointment is mandatory if you want to apply for the visa. It is a scheduled meeting with a representative of the Portuguese Embassy, where the applicant will submit their visa application and supporting documents.
During the appointment, the representative will review the application and ask any additional questions if needed. They might request additional documents. Candidates usually have to pay for their visa fee by the end of this appointment.
Get All the Documents for Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
If your plan is to apply for Portugal D7 via, then you have no other choice but to present the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining until expiration (or a valid ID if you’re an EU citizen
- A passport-sized photograph
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal (bank statements, letter from an employer, employment contract, etc.)
- Proof of health insurance that covers your stay in Portugal for at least 30 000 € ($31 993).
- A criminal record check from your home country
- A cover letter detailing the purpose for your stay in Portugal, outlining your plans for working and living in Portugal as a digital nomad
- A digital nomad income statement, showing that you have a stable and recurring income from remote work, such as pay stubs, income tax returns, or a letter from your employer, all of that showing you earn at least 2800 € per month ($2986)
- A copy of your flight itinerary or a letter of sponsorship from a Portuguese resident
- A copy of your accommodation reservation or proof of a rental agreement
- A copy of your Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) if you already have one
D7 Visa Application Form & Cover Letter
If you want to know how to apply for a digital nomad visa Portugal and enhance your chance to obtain it, then you have to focus on your application form and your cover letter.
The application form is a mandatory document that has to be completed and submitted as part of the visa process.
The document is available on the website of the Portugal immigration office and typically needs to be filled out electronically and printed out.
You will have to enter personal information, including passport details, background information, and information about your plans in Portugal.
The cover letter isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It also comes with the visa application process. This document will allow you to introduce your application and to provide additional information about your plans.
Your cover letter should also explain why you are applying for this specific visa and what you hope to achieve during your stay in Portugal. Both the application form and cover letter should be completed in English.
Waiting Time for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
Portugal digital nomads visa processing time mostly depends on the country you are applying from, but also on the volume of applications and the accuracy and completeness of your application.
On average, it usually takes from 1 to 4 months from the date you provide your documents.
We’d recommend you to apply for a Portugal d7 visa in advance to ensure that you have enough time to complete the process and receive your visa before you travel there.
Go to Portugal
Once in Portugal, digital nomads who have been granted their visa will have to follow a few steps to ensure a smooth and legal stay in the country:
- Register with the local authorities within three months of arriving to obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
- Buy a Portuguese SIM card to ensure you have access to reliable internet and communication during your stay.
- Find a place to stay, either by renting an apartment or finding a short-term rental solution.
- Open a Portuguese bank account to manage your finances.
- Stay compliant with the law and regulations, including tax laws.
- Go explore the country and make the most of your time in Portugal!
D7 Visa Taxes to Expect
As a remote worker living in Portugal under the Digital Nomad Residence visa, you may be
subject to various taxes, including:
- Preferential income tax: any income earned from foreign sources isn’t taxed at all. If you earn money from a Portuguese company, you will be subject to personal income tax at 20 %.
- Social security contributions (10 %): if you’re working for a Portuguese employer or if you’re self-employed in the country, you will have to pay social security contributions.
- Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services purchased in Portugal.
- Property tax (tax residency), also known as “IMI” if you rent a place in Portugal.
Learning how Portugal taxes work can be a hassle, thus we recommend you consult with a tax professional or seek advice from the Portuguese tax authorities to determine your specific tax obligations.
Portugal’s digital nomads visa tax rate is a big advantage as general income taxes come with a progressive rate, ranging from 14.5% to 48% for high earners.
Portugal Visa for Remote Workers with Family
The digital nomad visa program is a temporary stay visa which allows you to bring your family along with you as long as they’re either your spouse or dependent children.
Each family member will have to submit their own visa application, including all required documents and fees.
Also, the Portugal digital nomad visa spouse implies that you and your relatives must be in possession of a comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Portugal.
You will also have to rent suitable accommodation for your family members as well as to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support everyone.
Are You Working Remotely In Portugal For a US Company
Are you wondering how long a US digital nomad can stay in Portugal? US citizens are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 12 months.
D7 visa Portugal digital nomad is a long-term visa that allows digital nomads to live and work in Portugal for a continuous period of up to one year. No difference applies for American citizens.
Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa Renewal (What To Expect?)
Your temporary stay visa for remote workers may be subject for renewal after the initial one year period.
What you need to do is submit a renewal application to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service, providing updated documentation, such as proof of income on a Portuguese bank account and valid health insurance.
The processing time for a visa renewal is usually quicker than the initial application, but it can take a few weeks to complete. You may be required to attend an interview with the local Immigration Service, but this really is at the discretion of the authorities.
FAQs about Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Can I renew my Portugal remote workers visa?
Yes, you can renew your temporary stay visa for up to five years if you meet the requirements and follow the renewal process outlined by the local Immigration and Borders Service.
How long does it take to process a Portugal remote workers visa?
On average, Portugal digital nomad visa processing time usually is from 1 to 4 months from the date you provide your documents.
Can I bring my family members to Portugal as digital nomad?
Your spouse and dependents can apply for a dependent visa to live with you in Portugal. They will need to provide the required documentation and meet the eligibility criteria for the Portuguese digital nomad visa.
Does Portugal have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Portugal’s new digital nomad visa allows individuals who work remotely to live and work in Portugal for up to one year.
Can you apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa while abroad?
Portugal temporary stay visa digital nomad can be applied for while you are abroad. You will have to make an appointment with the local Portuguese embassy.
Is it hard to get D7 Portugal visa?
A Portugal remote working visa isn’t hard to get if you complete the eligibility criteria and if you provide a complete and accurate application.
Do digital nomads pay taxes in Portugal?
Portugal digital nomad visa tax rate is 20 % for national operations and 0 % if your income comes from outside the country.
Final Words on Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Visa for digital nomad Portugal offers a unique and innovative solution for individuals seeking a flexible work-life balance while experiencing a new culture.
Don’t forget that this is a temporary residency permit that doesn’t grant Portuguese citizenship nor permanent residency.
But with its thriving startup ecosystem, favorable tax laws and scenic destinations, the country has become a sought-after destination for digital nomads.
