Portugal is one of the most popular European countries for digital nomads. It has beautiful nature, an ocean, a mild climate, affordable housing, flexible taxation, and a high quality of life. Portugal is also one of the cheapest countries to live in the EU.
Digital nomads or digital natives do not want to be tied to one country. They want to move from place to place, working online from anywhere. For example, startup founders, freelance designers, and IT company employees can be considered digital nomads.
This is a new type of residence permit for highly qualified professionals who want to live freely but be employed by companies registered abroad. In this article, we will talk about the features of the Portugal digital nomad visa and how to obtain it. Here you can get more information about Portugal’s digital nomad visa https://firstlegal.group/services/visas/digital-nomad-visa-d8.
Features of Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomads visa in Portugal is a full-fledged residence permit that allows remote workers with an income of €3040 per month to live in the country for 2 years. At the same time, this residence permit can be obtained only through a resident visa, which is requested in the country of residence.
Advantages of the digital nomad visa:
- ease and speed of obtaining the document;
- the opportunity to live in a European country and travel around the world (taking into account the maximum permissible period of stay in another country);
- opening bank accounts in European banks;
- no requirement to know the local language;
- the possibility of finding an employer outside the country of origin.
Initially, it was not envisaged that this visa would provide an opportunity to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. But later, when a certain practice has already emerged, after 5 years of residence on a digital nomad visa, most countries allow the applicant to apply for permanent residence and then citizenship.
How can a digital nomad obtain a residence permit?
To obtain a digital nomad visa in Portugal and apply for a residence permit, you must have a permanent income from remote work of 3,040 euros per month. Income must be confirmed for the last three months at the time of submitting documents to the consulate. We remind you that this type of residence permit can only be obtained by applying for a D visa in the country of residence (outside Portugal).
Income must be active and can come from any type of remote work, so the type of contract can be any: employment, service contract. It is necessary to demonstrate the constancy of such income, contract, crediting of income to any account, and tax obligations must also be met.
In addition, you must:
- Not have citizenship of a country that is a member of the EU.
- No criminal record or other problems with the law.
- Have a place of residence in Portugal (owned or leased).
To get a Portugal nomad visa you need to take some steps.
- Collection of documents
First, you need to collect all the required documents and submit them to the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence (you can submit them in the country where the applicant has a residence permit)
- Consideration of the application
The Portuguese Consulate will consider your application within 60 working days. If the answer is positive, the applicant receives a visa and a date for a visit to the immigration service (SEF).
- Travel to Portugal and registration of a residence permit
After receiving a D visa, which will be pasted into your passport, you must enter Portugal within 120 days (the validity period of the visa) to go through the next stage – obtaining a residence permit. This happens after a visit to the Portuguese immigration department. The visit is often scheduled in advance and is reflected in your visa in your passport.
- Response from the Migration Service
Review of documents by the Migration Service is not a quick process and its term is from 2 weeks to 3 months.
- Obtaining a residence permit
If the decision is positive, the migration authorities send you confirmation and a residence permit by mail to the specified address in Portugal.
Family members of a digital nomad can also apply for a Digital Nomad Visa together with the main applicant. In this case, the income of the main applicant must be 50% more when applying for a spouse, and 30% more for each minor child.
Health Care and Social Security
Another advantage of obtaining a digital nomad visa in Portugal is access to the country’s healthcare system. Portugal has a high standard of healthcare services, which are available to residents, including those on a digital nomad visa. Nomads can opt for private health insurance or contribute to the Portuguese social security system, gaining access to public healthcare services. This flexibility ensures that digital nomads can choose a healthcare plan that suits their needs and budget, providing peace of mind while living abroad.
Community and Networking Opportunities
Portugal’s popularity among digital nomads means there is a thriving community of like-minded individuals spread across the country. Lisbon and Porto are particularly well-known for their co-working spaces, meetups, and networking events tailored to freelancers and remote workers. These events offer excellent opportunities for digital nomads to build professional connections, collaborate on projects, and learn from others in their field. The supportive community atmosphere makes it easier for newcomers to integrate, share experiences, and find resources that enhance their remote work experience in Portugal.
Future Prospects for Digital Nomads in Portugal
Looking ahead, Portugal’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for digital nomads is likely to continue. The success of the digital nomad visa program could lead to further developments and incentives to attract more remote workers. The Portuguese government is actively promoting the country as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, which could mean more initiatives tailored to digital nomads in the future. These could include expanded co-working spaces, networking opportunities, and other support systems to cater to the growing community of remote workers choosing Portugal as their base.
