If you find yourself dreaming of Portugal’s stunning ocean views, historic castles and vibrant city life, then you’re in luck. Portugal’s digital nomad visa aims to attract innovative entrepreneurs and global workers to this sunny country. With this visa, you can enjoy the famed Portuguese hospitality, for up to a year. Let’s find how you can achieve that.
What is Portugal’s digital nomad visa?
Portugal launched its digital nomad visa on October 30th, 2022 to allow international workers to live and work legally in Portugal. The visa was designed for employees with work contracts and independent professionals with international clients to work while immersing themselves in the country. Portugal has not one but two digital nomad visas to choose from. The residency visa is valid for four months, and once you are in the country you can submit an application for two more years of residency. The temporary stay visa, meanwhile, allows you to stay for one year.
Who can apply for the digital nomad visas?
Applications for these types of temporary work visas in Portugal are open to non-EU/EEA remote workers, who either work for an employer outside of Portugal or are self-employed. To apply, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a non-European citizen
- Have a work contract
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have proof of at least €3,040 (approximately $3328) in monthly salary
- Have proof of accommodation
What are the requirements?
If you’re considering a digital nomad lifestyle in Portugal, there are crucial prerequisites you need to fulfil before you can apply for a visa. Make sure these are met to ensure a smooth application process.
Financial requirements
Portugal requires visa holders to make four times the minimum monthly salary to guarantee you have enough income to live in the country during your stay. This means you must make at least €3,040 per month.
Health insurance requirements
You need valid travel insurance that covers all necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance.
Remote work-related documentation
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal, you will need to provide work-related documentation that supports your remote employment status. For regular employees, you will need to submit a work contract, promise of one, or employer statement. Independent professionals should provide either a company contract, a service-rendering contract, or documentation of services provided to one or more contracting entities.
Accommodation proof
The Portugal digital nomad visa requirements include proof of accommodation. The specific documentation needed is usually a rental agreement, hotel reservation or confirmation letter from the person hosting your residency.
I always join digital nomad living in Portugal groups on social media. They are a great place to ask for help finding accommodations.”
Any other specific requirements
As with many countries that offer digital nomad visas, you must prove a clean criminal history in order to be approved. Unlike other countries’ policies, however, you must also write a letter of intent about why you want to temporarily move to Portugal.
What is the process for getting a digital nomad visa?
The application process for the digital nomad visa is fairly straightforward, as long as you remember to follow all these steps:
- Prepare documentation: Gather your proof of income, work-related documents verifying your employment status and accommodation arrangement documentation.
- Complete online application: Visit the official Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) website and complete the visa form. You will also summit all the required documents at this time.
- Book an appointment: Book an appointment with the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country for document verification.
- Pay fees: Pay the digital nomad visa fee. A temporary stay visa costs €75 ($82), while a long-term visa costs €90 ($98).
- Wait for approval: After the submission and appointment, your application will be reviewed, and you will receive an update on your approval status. The visa approval process takes between 60 to 90 days.
- Book an appointment in Portugal: If you’re applying for a long-term visa or residency visa, your consulate will set up an appointment at the Immigrations and Border Services of Portugal to complete the process. Once you’re there, you will need to resubmit your documents and shell out €170 ($186) for the processing fee.
Tips for a successful application
Don’t overthink your letter of intent detailing your reasons for relocating to Portugal. Just be honest and straightforward about why you want to move and include details of what you are looking forward to doing and seeing in your new host country.
I like to pretend I am writing to a family friend when I write intention letters. That way the tone is a good mix of formal and friendly.”
Living as a digital nomad in Portugal
Strong internet connectivity, thriving co-working communities, a favorable climate and a blend of rich history with cutting-edge innovation all make Portugal an ideal destination for digital nomads. Lisbon, with its trendy restaurants, endless nooks and crannies to explore and great public transport connections, is a great place to work from. It’s also the perfect jumping off point to explore the rest of Portugal when it’s time to log off for the weekend.
Conclusion
Securing a digital nomad visa in Portugal is a gateway to exploring the country’s vibrant culture while continuing your remote work. To make your travel hassle-free, check out our tips for international travel, the passport process, and the visa and ETIAS you need to visit and work in Europe, and get ready to embark on an adventure where work meets wanderlust.
Frequent questions about the digital nomad visa in Portugal
The type of digital nomad visa you apply for determines the length of your stay. A residency visa allows you to stay for up to two years, while the temporary stay visa allows you to stay for 12 months.
The Portugal digital nomad visa does not state any explicit restrictions on the type of work allowed, however you must earn more than €3,040 ($3320) per month from a salary or remote job. The income must come from a source outside of Portugal.
Yes, with its budget-friendly lifestyle, good internet connectivity and English-speaking population, Portugal is an ideal destination. You’ll enjoy an enriching cultural immersion, historic sites and delicious cuisine, all with a warm welcome from the locals.