Digital Nomad Visa For Portugal - Citizen Remote (2023)

About the new Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa

While we are aware that Portugal has recently passed a new digital nomad visa into law (called the temporary-stay visa and coming August 30th), we are currently compiling all the information available to create a comprehensive page on that visa. What we do currently know about the new temporary-stay visa is that it will require you to prove you have made at least $2,750 a month for the last three months. In addition, the visa will also allow you to travel visa-free through the Schengen Zone.

Check back soon to find more information on Portugal’s newest Visa.

While Portugal does not currently offer a specific visa for remote workers, the D7 Passive Income Visa is available to digital nomads that can provide proof of an independent income. The D2 Entrepreneur Visa and Portugal Golden Visa offer more permanent residence in return for investment.

If you are from the EU, an EEA country, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter, live, and work in Portugal. But you do need to register as a resident with the SEF in the same way as those entering the country on a D7 visa (see below for further information).

There are four visa types available for digital nomads wanting to live and work in Portugal.

The D7 Passive Income Visa is best for those wishing to stay up to two years.

The D2 Entrepreneur Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa are for those wishing to invest in the Portuguese economy and pursue a path to permanent residence.

A short-stay tourist visa is also an option for those intending to stay for less than 90 days and who don’t need a local bank account.

D7 Passive Income Visa

This visa was initially targeted at retirees with their own passive incomes but is also the ideal visa for digital nomads and other remote workers. The initial visa is granted for 120 days, before which time you must present at the SEF (Servico de Estangeiros e Fronteiras) to receive a residence permit valid for two years.

The visa and the residency permit also grant you full access to the Schengen area as though you were an EU citizen. You can bring your spouse and dependent children with you as an extension of the visa.

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient income from outside the country to sustain yourself and any family members. This is the equivalent of a minimum salary, which is €8,460 per year. If you are bringing a spouse, you must show another 50% on top of that (€4,230 per year) and another 30% on top of that for a dependent child (€2,538 per year).

D2 Entrepreneur Visa

The D2 visa is principally targeted at entrepreneurs from outside the European Union and exists to encourage local investment. As such, you must show that you either have a company operating in Portugal (you can invest in an existing company) or that you have the resources to set up such a company.

You can provide evidence of your own existing resources or proof of a bank loan from a Portuguese bank. It is recommended to have proof of at least €5,000, but there is no minimum requirement. This must be accompanied by a solid business plan that shows the impact your investment will have on the local community and economy and why you have chosen Portugal as your business location.

You must also show that you have enough money to sustain yourself and any dependents during your time in the country, which must be the equivalent of the minimum salary in Portugal (€8,460 per year).

As well as being able to bring your family with you, this visa gives you access to the Schengen area as if you were an EU citizen. You can also open a bank account and transfer your tax residency to Portugal.

The initial visa is for 120 days, and during that period, you must apply for a residency permit that will allow you to live in the country for up to 5 years. After this five-year period, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is Portugal’s investment visa. In return for an investment of at least €500,000, you can obtain a residency permit that will let you travel in the EU like a Portuguese citizen. You only need to stay in Portugal for seven days during your first year on the program and for 14 days in each subsequent year.

Your spouse and dependent children are eligible for the same rights as an extension of your visa, and you will be eligible to open bank accounts. In addition, you can transfer your tax residency to Portugal if you wish, but you will not face Portuguese tax responsibility unless you spend more than 183 days a year in the country.

The minimum investment to qualify is €500,000, and there are several ways you can make this investment.

First, you can invest in property or an investment fund. If you make your property investment in a low-density or rehabilitation area, you may be able to make a lower investment.

Second, you can also make a capital investment of a minimum of €1.5 million to qualify for the visa.

Third, you can create jobs in Portugal. You can either create a minimum of 10 new full-time positions in a business you own or invest a minimum of €500,000 in a local business and create at least five new full-time jobs over the next three years.

Finally, you can make a donation of at least €250,000 to the preservation of national heritage or at least €500,000 to research and development in Portugal.

Tourist Visa

Residents from many countries worldwide are free to enter Portugal under a short-stay tourist visa valid for 90 days without prior application. These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, and the UAE. Citizens from other countries must apply for a Schengen visa before arriving in Portugal.

Find a complete list of countries that need and do not need a Schengen visa to visit as a tourist here.

The most common Schengen visa allows you to spend 90 days in a six-month period. But frequent travelers can also apply for a 5-year visa that allows them to spend 90 days in the Schengen area every 180 days.

You will need to apply for a separate visa per individual traveling and provide an itinerary listing the countries via which you intend to enter and leave the Schengen area and which countries you intend to visit.

To apply, you must provide a completed visa application form, a valid passport, two recent passport photos, evidence of your reservations and itinerary, evidence of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, proof of financial means to pay for your trip, and proof that you have paid the visa fee.

Which Portugal Visa Type is Best for Digital Nomads?

Digital nomads wishing to stay in Portugal for a limited period of up to 2 years should look at the D7 Passive Income Visa. It allows you to live and work in the country without investing in local businesses or property.

The D2 Visa and the Golden Visa are targeted at those looking for permanent or semi-permanent residency and require that you transfer a lot of your assets into the Portuguese economy.

The D7 visa offers the same benefits as the other two in terms of being able to bring family members, open local bank accounts, and travel freely within the Schengen area.

Whether or not you need to apply for the D7 visa may depend on your current citizenship. These citizenships should apply as follows.

If you are a United States Citizen

United States citizens can apply for the Portugal D7 visa as long as they meet the income requirement of €8,460 per year.

If you are an EU Citizen

If you are from the EU, an EEA country, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter, live, and work in Portugal. However, you need to register as a resident with the SEF the same way as those entering the country on a D7 visa.

If you are a US Green Card Holder

United States Green Card holders can apply for the Portugal D7 visa the same as US citizens. The main difference for Green Card holders is that you must ensure that your residence permit (Green Card) is valid for three months beyond the two years you are allowed in Portugal.

If you are a Citizen from Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

Citizens of these countries should apply for the D7 visa the same way as US citizens so long as they meet the income requirements of €8,460 per year.

If you reside in any other country

Citizens of any other country may also apply for the Portugal D7 Visa if they meet the income requirements of €8,460 per year.

Before making your D7 visa application, you should ensure that you are eligible and have all your documentation in hand.

The principal eligibility requirements for the D7 visa are as follows:

• You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (these citizens do not require a visa).
• You must have a minimum income (from outside Portugal) of at least €8,460 per year, plus an extra 50% for your spouse and 30% for a dependent child.
• You (and your dependents) must have a clean criminal record.
• You must have proof of accommodation in Portugal for one year (rental agreement, hotel booking, etc.).
• When you arrive in Portugal, you must obtain a Portuguese NIF (Numero de Identificao Fiscal) and open a Portuguese bank account before making your residency application within 120 days.

Documents Required for Paying Taxes in Portugal

To pay taxes in Portugal, you must obtain a NIF (Numero de Identification Fiscal). This number is also required for most financial transactions, including opening a bank account and purchasing property, but also more basic financial transactions, such as obtaining an internet contract and making online purchases.

It is also necessary to have a NIF when making your residence permit application in Portugal.

A NIF is easy to obtain by visiting the closest Tax Office or Citizen Bureau (Financas or Loja do Cidadao) – you can find a list of locations here. There is no need to make an appointment; just show up during opening hours. Your NIF is provided upon application, and there is no associated fee.

You will need to provide valid identification (passport), proof of residence (your visa), and proof of your address, either in Portugal or your home country.

Portugal Bank Account Requirements

Having a local bank account is also necessary when making your residence application. You can open an account with a local bank, an international bank with branches in Portugal, or a mobile bank with operations in Portugal.

The process for opening an account varies between banks and depends on the type of account that you wish to open. Nevertheless, at minimum, you will need to provide valid identification (passport), proof of residence (your visa), proof of your address in Portugal or your home country, and your NIF. In addition, your chosen bank may ask for further documents.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

When making your D7 Visa application, you must provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents from an income source outside of Portugal. How much is sufficient? It is the equivalent of a minimum salary, which is €8,460 per year. If you are bringing a spouse, you must show another 50% on top of that (€4,230 per year) and another 30% on top of that for a dependent child (€2,538 per year).

You can provide various documents to demonstrate that you are financially self-sufficient, depending on your situation.

• If you are retired: evidence of stable income from a pension or investments.
• If you are a remote worker: an employment contract that details your income and bank statements from the previous three months.
• If you are self-employed: certificate of business registration and bank statements from the previous three months.
• If you are a freelancer: bank statements from the previous three months and evidence of significant savings.

Proof of Accommodation

You are required to provide proof of accommodation in Portugal for the first 12 months of your visit. Acceptable evidence includes a rental agreement, Airbnb or hotel booking, or a letter from someone who will provide you with accommodation in Portugal.

If you cannot provide proof of accommodation for 12 months, you can submit a letter to the Embassy explaining why you have not met this requirement. For example, you could submit evidence of accommodation for six months along with a letter explaining that you plan on hunting for a more permanent rental or buying property once you arrive in Portugal. It is then down to the discretion of the Embassy to decide whether to accept your application.

Full Health Insurance

You must provide evidence that you have travel health insurance for you and your dependents for the first four months of your trip with a minimum coverage of €30,000 per person. Once you have your residence permit in Portugal, you will be eligible to apply for a variety of local health insurance schemes.

You will only be eligible for Portuguese public healthcare if you are a resident for tax purposes and contribute to Portugal’s social security system.

Clean Criminal Record

Evidence of a clean criminal record is required for most long-term visa applications in all countries. The process for proof that you do not have a criminal record depends on your country of origin, but the certificate verifying your status must have been issued within the last three months. However, if you have lived in another country within the last five years, you will also need to provide a certificate from the country.

An Apostille must notarize your document, and if you need to have it translated into English or Portuguese, you must legalize the translation with the Portuguese Embassy. In addition, they can provide you with a list of certified translators in the area.

Minimum Stay Requirement

When you receive a D7 visa for two years, you are expected to stay in Portugal for a minimum of 16 months (non-consecutive), including a minimum of 183 consecutive days each year. The consequences of not meeting this requirement are that your application may be rejected if you decide to renew your visa at the end of the two-year period. In addition, you may be liable to pay taxes elsewhere if you are claiming tax residency in Portugal.

Below you will find detailed step-by-step instructions for applying for a D7 visa for Portugal. The process is similar when applying for the D2 and Golden Visa, but additional documentation is required, and considering the investment involved, it may be worth consulting an immigration attorney.

With all three visas, you need to apply for a residence permit once you arrive in Portugal. Guidelines for how to do this are provided below. These also apply to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to register as a resident in Portugal.

Step 1 – Acquire the Necessary Documents

Gather all the necessary documents before you make your application. Bear in mind that all documents issued by a non-EU country must be officially authenticated by an Apostille from the issuing country to be used in another country.

In addition, while you may be able to make your initial visa application at your local Embassy in Portuguese, English, or your local language, when you apply for your residency permit in Portugal, your documents will need to be translated into Portuguese and authenticated by the Portuguese embassy.

Keep copies of all your visa application documents, as you will need them again to make your residency application.

Below is a list of the documents required for a D7 Visa:

• D7 Visa Application form
• Covering letter explaining your visa request (must include your personal details, why you are requesting a visa, any personal ties you have to Portugal, where you plan to stay, and how you will finance your time in the country)
• Valid Passport (with at least six months of validity)
• Two suitable passport-sized photographs
• Proof of regular income meeting the minimum requirements (bank statements, letter of employment showing income, investment statements, pension certificate, etc.)
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal for at least 12 months (rental agreement, Airbnb booking, a letter from family members, etc.)
• Criminal record certificate (certified by Apostille)
• Proof of valid health insurance (for the first four months of your trip)
• Proof that you have paid the visa fee

If you wish to attach family members to your visa, you will require further documentation, specifically:

• Marriage certificate (certified by Apostille)
• Birth certificate for dependents (certified by Apostille)

Step 2 – Complete the Application Form and Cover Letter

Complete the APPLICATION FOR NATIONAL VISA. The form asks for detailed personal information and information about your trip and finances. Everything you say in the document should align with the information in your supporting documentation.

Your application form will also ask you to specify how you would like your passport to be returned to you following the application process.

Remember that your application also needs to be supported by a cover letter. This letter should include:

• Your personal details (including information such as your passport number).
• Why you are requesting temporary residence in Portugal.
• Any ties you may have to the country, including family and friends, owning property, business investments, etc.
• Where you plan to stay while in Portugal and the type of accommodation you will use.
• How you intend to support yourself and any dependents during your time in Portugal.
• List and explain the contents of all the documents you are submitting as part of your application.

Each applicant will need their own cover letter, but cover letters for dependents are likely to be shorter and refer to the documentation of the principal applicant.

All covering letters should be signed and dated by the applicant or their legal guardian.

This is the first item that assessors will read when reviewing your applications and provide important context for your request. It is crucial to be both detailed and specific in your letter.

Step 3 – Submit Your Application

You must submit your application, supporting documentation, and visa fee at your local Portuguese Embassy. You can find a list of Portuguese Embassies around the world here. You may also be able to book an appointment with VFS Global, the official partner of the Embassy of Portugal in several countries, including the United States.

You will need to personally visit the embassy or application center to have your fingerprints and photo taken and submitted as biometric information. Most services will have an online portal for making an appointment.

At this stage, you will need to pay the visa application fee, which is currently around €180 per person, depending on the country you are applying from. If you are applying through VFS Global, you will be able to pay online. If you apply at an embassy, they will provide you with information on how to make a money order payment.

Find out more information about your application appointment here.

Step 4 – Wait for Your Visa

You will be able to track the progress of your visa application online with a reference number provided to you. You can expect it to take 3-4 months for your visa to be processed. Finally, you will receive an email confirming when your visa has been approved.

You can collect your passport and visa from the location where you applied, or you may have opted to have your passport and visa sent to you via secure post at the time of your application.

Step 5 – Enter Portugal and Register as a Resident

Once you have received your visa, you are free to enter Portugal. This initial visa lets you stay for 120 days, before which time you must visit the SEF (Servico de Estangeiros e Fronteiras) to register as a resident.

Often a SEF appointment will have been made on your behalf when you applied for your visa. The date of your appointment will be provided as part of your visa documentation. If not, you can make an appointment through the SEF portal.

If the first available appointment is after the expiration of your initial visa, request a confirmation email from the SEF and use this to extend the validity of your D7 visa when necessary.

In addition to all the documents you submitted for your initial visa application (translated into Portuguese and certified), at this stage, you will also need to provide proof that you have a NIF and a Portuguese Bank Account (details for how to acquire these are provided above). You will also need to submit a new application form, which is different from your original visa application form). This form is in Portuguese.

Your appointment should last around 20 minutes, and you will be expected to pay a fee of €320. Permits take about two weeks to process and will be sent to your home address in Portugal.

Processing periods depend on the country you are applying from, but you can usually expect your initial visa application to take 3-4 months to be processed and approved.

Once you are in Portugal, you need to visit the SEF to get your residence permit. It can take more than four months for an appointment date to open up. Once you have your appointment, your permit should be sent to you within two weeks.

Exact visa fees fluctuate depending on the country where you are applying and the local currency. But you can expect to pay around €180 for your initial visa application and a further €320 for your residence permit once you are in Portugal.

Remember that there is also a cost to having documents certified by an Apostille, translated, and for having translations certified. These costs vary significantly between countries.

When you obtain a D7 visa, you can become a non-habitual resident (NHR) for tax purposes. But to be eligible to make Portugal your tax residence, you must not have been taxed there during the five years prior to your application (excluding corporate tax).

As an NHR, you can be exempt from paying tax on pensions, rental income, real estate gains, and income from non-Portuguese sources if your country has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Portugal. In this case, you will only pay these taxes in your country of origin.

If your pension income is taxed in Portugal, you will pay a flat rate of 10%, including retirement savings and insurance. Meanwhile, you will pay the same income tax as a local resident, depending on your income level. Income from high value-added activities in Portugal will be taxed at 20%.

Portugal is also a cryptocurrency tax haven where the currency still enjoys 0% taxation and no VAT charges when exchanging crypto for fiat currencies.

There are various reasons a visa application may be denied, and it usually relates to not meeting one of the specific requirements. This is why it is essential to gather, translate, and notarize relevant documentation carefully.

Usually, you will receive a letter stating why your visa was denied. However, you can appeal the decision if it is something like insufficient justification for the application or insufficient proof of income.

You have a 30-day window to initiate the appeal process. It is better to do this than just submit another application, as your application may be automatically denied based on your previous refusal.

You will need to resubmit your documentation with an appeal letter that politely explains why you missed certain criteria and highlights the new documentation that fills the gap in your previous application.

You can expect the appeal process to take 4-8 weeks.

Capital Lisbon

Form of Government Unitary Semi-Presidential (part of the European Union)

Population 10.3 million (2020)

Climate Mediterranean

Language Portuguese

As a digital nomad in Portugal, you will find a safe country welcoming to foreigners and where many people speak English. Accommodation and food are affordable, and the internet speeds are excellent. You can even get GB connections in major centers such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

Portugal’s digital nomad community is young but thriving as one of the most affordable countries in western Europe. Facilities are modern, and new options are appearing quickly. Lisbon has become a top digital nomad hotspot in the last two years.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the country’s capital and the best place to get connecting flights to anywhere in Europe. Lisbon is like a big city with a small colonial town feel; if that small town was packed with cultural venues and lively night spots. Internet connections are excellent, coworking facilities are plentiful, and there are many other digital nomads to share your experience.

Porto

If you prefer a slower pace of life but don’t want to sacrifice creature comforts or work essentials, Porto is a great option. The city centers around the Ribeiro riverside, where you can drink Port made just meters away. Alongside Baroque churches, you’ll find some nice coworking spaces.

Braga

If you are keen to explore historic Portugal between conference calls and creative sessions, Braga is a nice city in the north. You will find plenty of historic castles and cathedrals, plus you are close to beaches and the famous Peneda Jeres National Park. Day trips to Spain will also be on your list.

Faro

The capital of the stunning Algarve region, this beach paradise is a bit more affordable than nearby Lagos (also a great destination). The sun shines most of the year on a city with lazy days, but which comes alive at night.

Madeira

If you are keen on the idea of living at the edge of the world, consider the idyllic Portuguese island of Madeira, though it is closer to Morocco than it is to Portugal. This village supports a close-knit community of digital nomads that fosters creative connections (and an island-wide Slack).

Attractions and Places to Visit

There are many unique natural and cultural wonders to explore in Portugal. But if you are making a bucket list for your time in the country, make sure these are on your list.

Benefits of Working in Portugal as a Digital Nomad

Cost of Living

Portugal uses the Euro, and the current average salary is €20,000 a year. This is quite a bit lower than neighboring countries. In neighboring Spain salaries are about a third more, and in nearby France salaries are around double.

But an affordable cost of living means that Portugal still feels affluent. You can expect to pay:

• Single-bedroom apartment in Lisbon per month: €800-€1,000
• Single-bedroom apartment in Braga per month: €400-€600
• Monthly electricity, water, and related bills: €120
• Basic internet connection per month: €30
• Public transport: €1.70 per one-way ticket, €40 per month
• Meal at a simple restaurant: €10
• Meal for two at a restaurant: €45
• Imported beer in a bar: €3
• Cinema ticket: €7
• Gym membership per month: €35

Currently (September 2022), the Euro and the U.S. Dollar have a 1:1 value.

The cost of living in Portugal is highly favorable compared to larger cities in the United States, such as Houston, where the cost of living is almost double. On average, the cost of living in Portugal is 40% less than in the United States.

Portugal is also more affordable than neighboring European countries. It is about 10% cheaper than in Spain, and around 25% cheaper than in France.

Digital Nomad Essentials

• Internet (speed): 350Mbps – 1GBps
• Time Zone: GNT+1
• Socket Type: C and F type plugs
• Calling Code: +351

Recommended Coworking Spaces

• Lisbon – Heden, Outsite, WorkHub
• Porto – OP Lab, Porto i/o
• Braga – Factory Braga, Regus
• Faro – Alandra Square
• Madeira – Centro Cultural John dos Passos

Portugal is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads wanting to base themselves in Europe thanks to its good infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and generous visa scheme. Portugal acts as an excellent base for digital nomads hoping to explore the Schengen area.

FAQs about the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Author

Andy Stofferis is a digital nomad blogger: www.andysto.com