What is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
The Portuguese government has recently announced the launch of a new digital nomad visa. It follows in the footsteps of several other European countries that have introduced this type of visa including Croatia, Greece, and Iceland. If you want to work remotely in Portugal, the digital nomad visa is worth looking into.
If you dream of becoming a digital nomad in 2023 or want to leave the monotonous 9-5 behind, Portugal could be the perfect destination. With its beautiful landscapes, world-class beaches, and affordable cost of living, it could be the best decision you make.
It’s important to note that this visa is new, and there are bound to be some teething problems along the way. The visa was released on 30th October 2022, and you should check with us for the latest updates.
Why has the digital nomad visa been introduced?
Working in Portugal is possible with a standard visa, but there are restrictions and grey areas around the rules of working. The digital nomad visa changes that. The COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for remote working and escalated its popularity in recent years and visas like this are opening the world for remote workers.
Portugal has focused on attracting more people to the country since the financial crash in 2008. The government has invested in infrastructure to attract companies to the country through the popular Golden Visa programme. The digital nomad visa has been introduced to attract more remote workers and entrepreneurs to the country and is likely to gain lots of attention from people who want to work remotely with more freedom.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
The visa allows remote workers to live and work in Portugal for up to one year or apply for residency and stay for a longer period. It is like the D7 visa, but tailored specifically to remote workers. Once accepted, you can work remotely legally. It also removes the need for people to update or reset their tourist visa terms. It paves the way for welcoming remote workers and those with passive income into the country and recognises their value and the positive impact they can have.
Am I Eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa?
To be eligible for the digital nomad visa you need to:
Be remote worker
Earn at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage (around €2,836 per month)
Show proof you are self-employed or a contract of employment
Show proof of income
You can find out more about living and working in Portugal in our guide.
How to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa
It’s simple to apply for a digital nomad visa. You can apply via the Portuguese Consulate in your home country or at the Portuguese immigration and border services. There are two different routes you can go down when applying for the digital nomad visa depending on your future plans.
Temporary stay visa
The temporary stay visa is valid for up to 1 year. You can travel freely in and out of Portugal and it can be renewed. It’s available to self-employed people, freelancers, and remote workers. If you’re not sure of where you’ll be in a year or so and want to see how things go, this option is best.
2. Residence Visa
If your goal is to live in Portugal long-term and become a citizen, you will need to apply for a residence visa. When you submit your application, it will enter the embassy stage. Once this has been accepted, your application will move on to the residency permit stage which can be completed once you enter Portugal with your digital nomad visa.
If the digital nomad life is for you, we have the expertise to make it happen. Whether you want to invest in a business, buy a property or move to Portugal for good, our currency experts can help you get the most out of your money.