What Is A Digital Nomad?
People known as Digital Nomads travel to different countries while working remotely. Their lifestyle is often nomadic, and they depend on technology to fulfill their work obligations.
Digital Nomads have the ability to work from coffee shops, public libraries, or the convenience of their home by making use of their gadgets like laptops and smartphones.
Furthermore, the trend of working remotely and being self-employed is on the rise, as it affords the chance to visit a multitude of countries.
What Is The Digital Nomad Visa?
The Portugal D7 Visa, commonly known as the Digital Nomad Visa, is a unique visa that enables non-natives to lawfully reside and work remotely in Portugal.
Although some individuals may refer to it as the Portugal Passive Income Visa, we will use the terminologies Digital Nomad Visa and D7 Visa in this blog.
An option to obtain residency is via the Portugal’s Golden Visa program, which involves a substantial investment of at least 300,000 Euros in Portugal. This investment ensures residency for the duration of its validity.
Compared to the Golden Visa method, the Permanent Residency Visa incurs lower expenses. However, its application also entails greater difficulty and a more protracted procedure for obtaining digital nomad residency. Considering this, numerous voyagers now favor the digital nomad visa due to its flexibility.
Who Needs A Visa To Enter Portugal?
Certain nationalities have visa-free entry to Portugal, but non-EU citizens are required to obtain a Portugal Visa to enter the country.
The type of Visa required for Portugal may differ depending on the length of your visit.
If You Are An EU Citizen
Gaining entry into Portugal is uncomplicated for EU citizens due to Portugal being a Schengen Area member and an EU member.
EU citizens have the freedom to reside, work, and visit Portugal without any need for a specific visa.
If You Are A US Citizen
If you are a US citizen, you will be happy to know that Portugal has specific agreements with the US. US citizens can enter Portugal for 90 days without acquiring any type of visa.
This agreement is valid every 6 months, and once the first 90 days have passed, you are required to exit Portugal. Individuals who are Digital Nomads and wish to stay in Portugal for over 90 days will have to submit an application for an extended visa.
If You Are A US Green Card Holder
It can be complicated for individuals holding US Green Cards, as their need for a visa depends on their country of origin, with some not requiring one while others do.
If you are not from a country that permits visa-free entry, then acquiring a Schengen Visa is necessary to gain access to Portugal.
If You Are A Citizen Of Canada, Australia, Or New Zealand
The privileges afforded to US citizens are also extended to citizens of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Individuals from these countries are able to travel to Portugal for up to 90 days without requiring a particular visa.
You will be required to apply for a visa that offers a longer duration of stay once 90 days have elapsed.
If You Reside In Any Other Country
Regrettably, the benefits that the aforementioned countries enjoy are not extended to other nations.
If you’re a Digital Nomad planning to reside in Portugal, it’s essential to examine the available visa options and select the one that best fits your requirements.
What Are The Types Of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas?
Although there are no official visas designated specifically for digital nomads or remote workers in Portugal, there exist two types of visas suitable for individuals seeking to reside in Portugal while pursuing remote employment opportunities.
The Temporary Stay Visa
If you are looking for an opportunity to live in Portugal for a longer duration but aren’t interested in becoming a permanent resident, the Temporary Stay Visa is an ideal option. This visa is valid for a year and can be extended for two years.
Furthermore, it will allow you to enter the country multiple times.
If you choose to, you can explore other European countries while using your temporary stay visa from Portugal.
Proving a monthly income of €2820 is crucial to demonstrate that you can sustain yourself while staying in Portugal and won’t be a financial burden on the country.
The Residency Visa
The Digital Nomad who desires to remain in Portugal for an extended period of time can obtain a Residency Visa. After obtaining the Temporary Resident Visa, an application can be made for a Permanent Residency Permit.
Upon reception of your Residency Visa, keep in mind that its validity only lasts for four months. Thus, you must request a permit within Portugal before this period expires.
Obtaining a Portugal D7 Visa has the potential to result in permanent residency status in Portugal.
What Portugal Visa Type Is The Best Visa To Use For Digital Nomads?
For those seeking a long-term stay in Portugal, the Portugal D7 Visa is the most favorable Digital Nomad Visa option available.
It’s worth noting that the process of acquiring a Portugal D7 Visa can be complex and requires a significant amount of time to complete. However, in this manual, I will offer a brief overview of the application process.
The Portugal D7 Visa process and requirements can be located precisely by referring to this resource. It comprehensively covers the Portugal D7 Visa prerequisites, the application procedure, and the necessary measures to be taken.
It is important to note that the Portugal D7 Visa involves a two-step application process. The initial step involves applying for the Portugal Residence Visa, which is also referred to as the D7 Visa.
After acquiring your residence visa, you are required to journey to Portugal and arrange an appointment with the relevant officials, which is the process for obtaining your permit.
To legally remain in Portugal, you require a Residency Permit.
What Is The Difference Between A Portugal Digital Nomad Visa And A Tourist Visa?
In terms of duration, the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and the Portugal Tourist Visa differ as the former permits a longer stay in the country.
The length of time you can stay with a Tourist Visa varies by country, but typically it is up to 90 days.
On the other hand, if you obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal, your stay can be prolonged for a maximum duration of one year or more.
As a Digital Nomad who frequently travels, you have the option to apply for a tourist visa.
In the event that you plan on prolonging your stay in a particular country, opting for a Portugal D7 Visa would be more advantageous as it allows you to stay in Portugal for an extended duration before departing for another country.
Portugal Digital Nomads – The 5 Most Popular Places to Stay & Work
1. Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, provides an excellent setting for digital nomads. With its stunning scenery and a thriving community of remote workers, it offers ample chances to connect with like-minded individuals. Lisbon is renowned for its UNESCO-designated points of interest such as Sintra, as well as its extensive Moorish heritage, providing a plethora of incredible experiences for digital nomads.
As a digital nomad, you’ll find everything you need in Lisbon. There’s a range of long-term lodging options available, from opulent villas to simple flats. Prices fluctuate, but if you’re looking to stay downtown, expect to pay around $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. These apartments are outfitted with all the latest amenities, including internet and a workspace, making them perfect for getting work done.
If you don’t want to work from your apartment, there are numerous co-working spaces available in the city due to the increasing number of digital nomads in the community. Additionally, there are several amazing cafes with decent internet speed and tasty coffee where you can work from.
Living as a digital nomad in Lisbon offers numerous enchanting attractions to discover during your leisure time such as riding the famous tram, walking around the old neighborhoods, relishing the delicious pasteis de nata, and exploring the lively markets.
2. Porto
Porto, located in Portugal, is an excellent place for digital nomads to reside. The city boasts remarkable qualities that would appeal to digital nomads, such as its rich history, lively nightlife, and distinctive tourist destinations. The city’s lively vibe revolves around its fame for producing Port wine, making it the ideal weekend destination for digital nomads who are looking to party and savor exquisite food and wine.
As a digital nomad, Porto offers numerous reasons to enjoy the experience. Firstly, it is reasonably priced compared to Lisbon. Furthermore, it boasts a breathtaking landscape, including the picturesque Douro River, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides enjoying a boat trip on the river, there are plenty of exciting activities to partake in Porto. The splendid old town can teach you about the city’s fascinating past, as you explore its magnificent historical buildings.
Porto is the ideal destination for wine enthusiasts as it offers an exquisite fortified wine called Port that you can relish all day long. Moreover, you can take advantage of the chance to tour the finest wine makers in the city and discover beautiful vineyards situated on the Douro River.
There are numerous reasonably priced options for long-term rentals in Porto. The typical rate for a studio apartment in the heart of the city is $1,000 per month. Porto, like the majority of locations in Portugal, offers dependable internet access, making it an ideal location for digital nomads to work without difficulty.
3. Ponta do Sol – Madeira
Ponta do Sol is a perfect choice for those who want to experience warm weather in a relaxed setting in Portugal. This charming beach town is situated along the southern coast of Madeira, which is renowned for its sunshine. Ponta do Sol boasts numerous stunning beaches, yet it is not a common destination for digital nomads or tourists. Thus, you can delight in serenity and harmony in this coastal haven.
The reason behind Ponta do Sol’s name is the rock protruding out into the sea and reflecting the sun’s rays. Though the beach will be your primary destination, you can also explore various fascinating historical and cultural sites like the Lugar de Baixo Palace and Nossa Senhora da Luz. The latter is renowned for its intricate wooden carvings.
Ponta do Sol serves as a perfect starting point to discover Funchal, the capital city of the Madeira area, which is just a 30-minute drive from Ponta do Sol. If you need some time off from work, you could devote a day or two to exploring Funchal, where several captivating attractions await you.
4. Lagos
Nestled in the Algarve area, Lagos is a stunning seaside destination situated in the southern part of Portugal. The town boasts of favorable weather, picturesque beaches, myriad entertaining outdoor pursuits and well-developed infrastructure, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads. In addition, the location’s natural landscape scenery is simply breathtaking.
Lagos is a small coastal town that is easily navigable, even without the use of a car. As a digital nomad residing in Lagos, one can relish a more reasonably priced lifestyle, with an average cost of $600 per month for a studio apartment. In the event that you become uninterested in working from your resident, head to the seaside cafes with your laptop and relish in breathtaking ocean scenery while you work.
During your work break, make sure to visit the walled old town and trek to the nearby Ponta de Piedade cliffs for breathtaking views of the town. If you enjoy outdoor activities, there is no shortage of options in Lagos, including surfing, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, cycling, mountain biking, and other recreational activities.
5. Ericeira
If you’re a digital nomad seeking to surf during your leisurely moments, Ericeira, a small town labeled as Europe’s surf capital, is worth considering. It has a vast eight-kilometer coastline and houses several stunning beaches renowned for their exceptional waves.
Digital nomads will have numerous enjoyable activities to participate in during their free time in Ericeira, besides just surfing. They have the option of relaxing at Praia do Sul beach, discovering the beautiful Old Town adorned with vibrant buildings, and relishing scrumptious seafood meals!
Ericeira’s cost of living is somewhat elevated, which is not surprising due to its status as a frequented tourist spot. Nonetheless, there are many reasonably priced options for long-term rentals available. Anticipate an expenditure of roughly $1,200 each month for a downtown apartment.
Ericeira serves as a perfect starting point to discover other stunning locations in Portugal. If you desire a break from the city routine over the weekend, you can plan excursions to Lisbon, Sintra, or Cascais.
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