Digital Nomad Visa In Portugal: What You Need To Know

Portugal is a well-known country that requires no introduction due to its popularity as a top tourist destination, boasting stunning sights and delectable culinary options.

Here’s a piece of great news for digital nomads: Portugal has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa that’s advantageous for those seeking to work remotely from Portugal and also delve into the country’s attractions.

What Is The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

Two options for Digital Nomad Visas are available in Portugal: the D7 visa and the recently announced Digital Nomad Visa in October 2022.

In essence, Portugal allows entrepreneurs, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and remote workers to relocate and work from there.

The primary audience for the D7 visa are individuals who generate passive income or retirees who desire to stay in Portugal. The visa requires a minimum passive income of EUR 822.50, which may include earning rental income as a landlord.

In order to attract long-term investors and expats and to enhance Portugal’s GDP, the Portuguese government has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

In order to be eligible for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa and receive a positive outcome, certain criteria must be met.

You must earn 4 times the amount of the Portuguese minimum wage which would mean you need to earn over EUR 2,800.
You must be employed by a company outside of Portugal. Being self-employed is also an option.

Meeting the requirements mentioned above does not automatically qualify every individual to apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa as only those who are citizens of third countries can apply. Consequently, European Union nationals are not eligible for this visa.

This visa is not available for citizens of the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area (EEA), in addition to nationals of the European Union.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

The following is a summary of the application procedure for obtaining a digital nomad visa.

Documents

It is compulsory to provide the subsequent documents:

Financial Proof

You can demonstrate your financial independence with this evidence. To do so, you need to furnish a bank statement indicating that your earnings are no less than four times the minimum wage in Portugal. Consequently, you have to confirm that you have been earning over EUR 2,800 per month for the past three months.

Work Document

If you want to obtain the Digital Nomad Visa, you must demonstrate either your self-employment status or your employment by a company not based in Portugal. This requirement is essential to facilitate your entry into the country.

How Long Can You Stay In Portugal With The Digital Nomad Visa

In certain instances, the Digital Nomad Visa enables you to remain in Portugal for over a year.

How To Apply For The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa is a simple process. If you reside outside of Portugal, simply go to the corresponding Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your country and apply.

Additional documents may be required if you are applying from a country other than your home country, in addition to those mentioned above.

Don’t forget to make an appointment at the consulate and enquire beforehand before you decide to show up in person. This way, you can prepare and won’t have to have a second visit to the consulate or embassy just for paperwork.

The cost for the Digital Nomad Visa application fee seems to differ based on the country where the visa is being applied for. It’s advisable to inquire at the nearest Embassy or Consulate for details.

Since the visa started accepting applications on October 30, 2022, it has not yet been declared how much time is required for visa processing, as it is a completely new visa.

We recommend you give yourself about a month to wait for the visa.

Here’s a concise and clear guide on obtaining your Digital Nomad Visa. Be prepared to wait at least 4 weeks for processing, so keep this in mind when planning the rest of your travels.

You can pack stress-free for Portugal with comfort, even if it takes a month.

Best Places To Live In Portugal For Digital Nomads

Lisbon

Lisbon, the largest city and capital of the country, is increasingly becoming a tourist destination valued by visitors from abroad, not only due to its pleasant climate and proximity to the seaside but also thanks to its rich history and iconic landmarks.

Lisbon, not only the largest city in Portugal, but also the most costly to reside in, is, however, less expensive when compared to the major European metropolises.

Porto

Located in the northern region of Portugal, Porto holds the position of being the second largest city in the country. It holds a special place in our hearts as one of the top destinations on our 10-day Portugal itinerary.

Porto boasts its own airport and is enveloped by several smaller cities that are worth exploring. Famous for its wine, this city is home to approximately 200,000 locals and is increasingly popular among tourists. Though not as pricey as Lisbon, Porto remains one of Portugal’s more costly destinations.

Coimbra

Coimbra is a charming city situated in the heart of Portugal. Although small, it boasts a unique reputation for being home to the country’s first university. The city truly embraces its academic heritage, with students comprising a significant portion of its population, and its scholastic influence evident throughout every nook and cranny.

This location is ideal for those seeking a destination that is less popular with tourists, as it has convenient access to nationwide transportation systems including public transit and highways.

Faro

If you love the sun and the beach, then Faro is the ideal destination for you.

Cost Of Living In Portugal

The experience of residing in Portugal is similar to other popular destinations in the southern part of Europe. Bali offers the opportunity to enjoy an excellent and comfortable lifestyle without incurring excessive expenses.

The cost of living in Portugal is variable and contingent on factors such as location and personal preferences, but it is possible to sustain oneself on a budget of around $600 per month if residing in a hostel.

Living in Portugal can be affordable as long as you avoid the high-end restaurants and bars, but indulging in these luxuries can quickly become costly.

Portugal is a beloved destination for several expats as it offers the flexibility to live on a tight budget or to live luxuriously without worrying much about finances.

The decision is entirely yours whether to opt for affordable monthly rent or choose to stay at a hostel.

10 More European Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

Croatia

Digital nomads used to flock to Croatia as a desirable destination outside of the Schengen Zone before Jan 1, 2023. The Schengen visa, which permits a maximum stay of 90 days out of 180, is the most common option for travelers. Due to its proximity to Italy, Croatia was an ideal spot for digital nomads to rejuvenate their Schengen Visa. They could stay for 90 days and conveniently move on to other Schengen Zone countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy or elsewhere.

Unfortunately, Croatia’s membership in the Schengen zone means that non-Schengen countries will now have to follow the same entry and exit regulations as the other 26 participating countries. Nevertheless, remote workers can still take advantage of the Croatian digital nomad visa, which allows for a full year of travel in places such as Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik.

Czech Republic

With the Czech digital nomad visa, also known as the “Zivnostenske opravneni” visa, remote workers have the option to stay for at least six months or up to a year. Luckily, the visa is also commonly referred to as the “Zivno” visa, which is easier to say.

Prague is recognized as the primary digital nomad hub in the Czech Republic, known for its excellent Christmas festivities and as a recommended location for novice digital nomads. While it may seem like a magical spot for a year of remote work, obtaining a visa requires some effort. To acquire a “Zivno”, digital nomads are obliged to check the list of authorized industries and acquire a business license, along with meeting the standard financial requirements.

Estonia

Estonia, a small country situated between Russia, Latvia, and Finland, has gained a positive image among digital nomads due to its fast internet connection and hospitable regulations.

With its debut in August 2020, the Estonian digital nomad visa quickly became a hot topic among remote workers and digital nomad groups. This innovative program enables eligible digital nomads to stay in the country for up to 365 days, and offers two visa options: a 90-day stay or a yearlong stay.

Georgia

Uniquely positioned at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Asia, Georgia has transformed into somewhat of a remote work hub in recent years, in no small part due to the Georgian digital nomad visa.

People from 95 countries (including the United States and European Union members) are welcome to participate in the remote work project, which allows digital nomads and their families to reside and work in Georgia for up to a year. The application process has specific requirements that must be met, such as a minimum income threshold. Nevertheless, the criteria are perceived to be comparatively lenient when compared with other digital nomad visa programs in Europe, making Georgia an appealing opportunity for many nomads.

Germany

While Germany doesn’t provide a designated visa for digital nomads, it does offer a visa that caters to non-remote work and suits their needs well.

Both remote and traditional workers can utilize the Freiberufler (German freelancer) visa to stay in Germany for up to three years with the possibility of renewal. For digital nomads, they have the option to apply for either the Selbständiger (Self-Employed) visa or freelancer visa if they meet the appropriate criteria. While the German digital nomad visa options may be more suitable for certain individuals, not every applicant will fulfill the rigorous qualifications needed for official documentation.

Greece

The Greek digital nomad visa allows individuals to stay for up to 12 months and can be extended for another year if they still meet the requirements. To acquire the visa, applicants must demonstrate a specific monthly income, provide evidence of remote employment, and show proof of health insurance.

Although the islands are picturesque, there are apprehensions regarding the inconsistent internet connectivity for remote workers. To ensure sufficient internet speeds for extensive rentals, it’s recommended to verify the best internet speeds available, especially if your work involves Zoom calls and large data transfers.

Hungary

Nomads are drawn to Hungary because of the reasonable lodging options, stunning capital city, and delicious and satisfying food. The Hungarian digital nomad visa is different from other European visas in that it is intended for young solo professionals under 40 with a relatively low income requirement. To qualify, one must possess an address, evident health coverage, and not have any dependents traveling with them.

Iceland

Iceland is a favored spot for those who crave adventure, thanks to its rough terrain, magnificent volcanoes, dusky shores, and nearness to the aurora borealis. Nevertheless, Iceland is known for its exorbitant prices, and the income guidelines for the digital nomad visa may not be the most appropriate for beginners on the move.

To qualify for Iceland’s digital nomad visa, applicants must meet several requirements, including having a monthly income of at least 1,000,000 ISK (or 1,300,000 ISK if traveling with a partner), being a non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizen, and having the ability to enter Iceland without a Schengen visa. Additionally, the visa only allows for a maximum stay of 180 days. This means that potential applicants will have to fulfill various criteria to be eligible for the visa.