Portugal has become an incredibly popular destination for digital nomads in recent years. If you’re considering making the move to Portugal, you may be eligible for a digital nomad visa.
Until very recently, the only option for remote workers considering moving to Portugal was the D7 visa (also known as the passive income visa) — it isn’t designed with nomads in mind and is typically geared towards those receiving a retirement income.
Providing you could prove you received a consistent income and had a substantial amount of savings, this visa meant remote workers had a shot at moving to Portugal (I went through the process myself).
Thankfully, Portugal has since decided to launch a visa specifically for digital nomads making the process significantly easier.
From October 30, remote workers will be able to apply for a temporary-stay visa of up to one year or a residency permit which can be renewed for up to five years.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new Portugal visa.
What is the Portugal digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a special type of visa that allows people to live and work in Portugal for up to one year. This type of visa is designed for people who work remotely, meaning they can do their job from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection.
To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must prove:
- That you have a valid passport
- Enough money to support yourself during your stay in Portugal
You should be able to prove that you have made at least $2,750 a month for the last three months. This is four times Portugal’s minimum wage and unfortunately significantly higher than the requirements for the D7 visa — if you make a lower income but make it passively, then the $7,011 a year requirement may be more suitable. - You will need to be employed by a foreign company and come from a country that is not in the EU or EEA
- You’ll also need to show proof of health insurance. This should offer coverage EU-Wide.
Once you have these documents in order, you can apply at a Portuguese Consulate in your home country or Portugal’s immigration agency, Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras.
Portuguese bureaucracy is notoriously frustrating, so it’s good to be prepared at all stages and have all documents required.
What are the benefits of Portugal’s new digital nomad visa?
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to consider applying for a Portuguese visa. First of all, Portugal is a beautiful country with plenty to see and do. Whether you want to lounge on the beaches of the Algarve or explore the charming streets of Lisbon, there’s something for everyone in Portugal.
In addition, Portugal offers a great quality of life. The cost of living is relatively low, especially compared to other Western European countries, and Portuguese people are known for being friendly and welcoming.
Another major benefit of a digital nomad visa is that it gives you the flexibility to live and work anywhere in Portugal. This means that you can live in Lisbon for a few months and then move elsewhere in the country if you want to explore another part of Portugal.
The visa will also allow you to travel visa-free through the Schengen Zone allowing you to visit many other exciting European cities.
Check out our digital nomad guides to Portugal:
This new digital nomad visa may be right for you if you’re looking for a new adventure and want the freedom to live and work anywhere in Portugal. If this doesn’t sound quite right though, there are many other options in countries around the globe.