Updated on novembro 19th, 2023
Digital Nomad Visa Portugal
The digital nomad visa Portugal is also called the visa for professional activity provided remote job outside the national territory.
It is a visa specifically intended for foreign professionals who provide their services remotely as an employee worker.
There is the possibility of requesting the Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal temporarily, for less than a year, or as a long term visa, which can be renewed for up to 5 years.
Therefore, any foreign professional who fits into this situation and wants to live in Portugal, can apply for the digital nomad visa, provided they meet the required requirements.
It is worth remembering that in Portugal, after 5 years, it is possible to apply for Portuguese nationality and one of the best aspects of moving to Portugal with a long term Visa is that.
This type of visa allows visitors to live and work in Portugal, which popularity among remote workers is due to several reasons, including the low cost of living, mild weather, an abundance of coworking spaces, connections to major European cities, and the country’s fluency in English.
Key Takeways
Indice
Toggle- Visa for remote professionals, temporary (less than a year) or long-term (renewable).
- For foreign professionals working remotely with an income of 4 Portuguese minimum wages per month (€3040/month in 2023).
- Documentation: Valid passport, employment contract, proof of income, criminal record, and travel insurance.
- Access to Portugal’s lifestyle, healthcare, safety, and favorable cost of living.
- Eligible for Portuguese nationality after 5 years
Why Portugal?
With the rise of the gig economy and digital technologies, freelancing and remote work have become increasingly popular options for those looking to work abroad.
Many companies are now offering freelance and remote work opportunities in a range of sectors, including finance, software development, marketing, and customer service around the world and most of these companies will provide a competitive salary and benefits for those working remotely.
Additionally, there are a number of startups and small businesses in Portugal that offer freelance and remote positions. These positions are often more flexible with regards to hours and offer more of the autonomy that freelancers and digital nomads seek.
With Portugal’s warm climate and relaxed lifestyle, it is no wonder why so many people are choosing to work remotely from the country.
Additionally, Portugal has a number of coworking spaces and accelerator programs available to help foster innovation and collaboration. These spaces are ideal for people looking to network and find new opportunities.
Despite being small, the nation has something to offer to everyone.
From vivacious cities with a thriving nightlife, culture, history, and great cuisine like Lisbon and Porto to secluded coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean, portuguese people are among the world’s friendliest people.
The Global Peace Index places Portugal fourth among the safest nations in the world, so foreigners living there never have to worry about crime.
Portugal has outstanding healthcare that is both inexpensive and ranked 12th in the world by the World Health Organization.
Portuguese citizens have access to both the public and private healthcare systems, as well as Joint Commission International facilities that are fully accredited and have staff who understand English.
With comparable infrastructure to that of the United States and Canada, it is simple to work from home or connect with the rest of the world thanks to the availability of clean, potable water from the tap, renewable energy and high speed internet.
In Portugal, where more than 700,000 foreigners from all over the world reside, it’s simple to blend in and frequently impossible to differentiate the expatriates from the natives.
Especially in the more wellliked expat hotspots like Porto, the Silver Coast, Lisbon and the Algarve.
Furthermore, Portugal offers a special visa for digital nomads, which allows foreign nationals to live and work in Portugal, that requires applicants to demonstrate that they have a source of income or are self employed as a freelancer.
Cost of Living in Portugal
Cost of living in Portugal is relatively low compared to many other European countries.
Depending on where you stay, the cost of living can range from quite affordable to moderately expensive.
Rent, groceries, and utilities are all quite reasonable, and the cost of transportation is fairly low.
Eating out is also quite affordable, with many restaurants offering delicious meals for a fraction of what you would pay in other countries, so cost of living in Portugal is still quite manageable, even if you’re on a tight budget.
In general, depending on your lifestyle and whether you own or rent, a couple can live well on $2,500 to $3,000 per month.
Expect to pay a little bit more to live in Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve while inland places are less expensive.
By launching the new digital nomad visa, Portugal is joinig the list of countries that already offer opportunities to all internationals who plan to work remotely.
Portugal Nomad Visa Requirements
The visa can be applied for by foreigners who can prove remote work with companies outside of Portugal, and who have an income of 4 Portuguese minimum wages per month:
a. Earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage.
b. On top of showing proof of income, applicants must submit a contract of employment from a company located outside the country.
c. Present a document detailing the applicant’s tax residence.
There is a general list of documents that you must present for any visa application to be made in Portugal, which includes:
- Two identical passport-type, color photographs with a plain background, that are recent and in good condition;
- A valid passport;
- Criminal record issued by the country of nationality and, if applicable, also by the country in which you have lived for more than one year;
- Application for consultation of Portuguese criminal records, to be consulted by (SEF, now AIMA);
- Valid travel insurance or Certificate of Right to Medical Assistance (CDAM), known as PB4;
- Proof of means of subsistence.
In the case if you are a hired professional, it is necessary to demonstrate that you have an employment relationship with a company. This can be proved with an employment contract or a declaration issued by the contracting company that proves the employment relationship.
Digital Nomad Visa Application
An application is submitted for the Digital Nomad Visa at the nearest Portuguese consulate in your country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Once the visa has been approved, you will be allowed entry into Portugal and once there you will request a residency permit at SEF within that time frame.
The Digital Nomad Visa is valid for six months without the applicant becoming a tax resident, another benefit to this visa.
If the applicant decides that they want to apply for a longer residence permit, during that period, either before or after the extension, they should apply for the residence permit as an independent worker, which can be done from within Portugal whilst on the Digital Nomad Visa status.
When seeking a visa in Portugal, we always recommend that you seek out immigration specialist companies that can assist you with the bureaucratic procedures.
These companies will analyze your case and recommend the most appropriate type of visa, as well as verify that your documents are in accordance with the requirements of the Portuguese authorities.
After submitting the documents, an interview is scheduled at the consulate for the visa to be stamped to your passport.
Subsequently, it is necessary to provide the documents required by the SEF interview for obtaining your residence permit card and possible reunifications for your relatives.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the digital nomad visa in Portugal?
It is a visa specifically intended for foreign professionals who provide their services remotely, whether as an employee or as a self employed worker.
What is the validity of a digital nomad visa?
There is the possibility of requesting the Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal temporarily, for less than a year, or as a long term visa, for more than one year, which can be renewed for up to 5 years.
What are the benefits of moving to Portugal?
It is worth remembering that in Portugal, after 5 years, it is possible to apply for Portuguese nationality and one of the best aspects of moving to Portugal with a long term Visa is that, once a resident in Portugal, Digital Nomads can apply for the Non Habitual Resident Tax Regime.
Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal?
The visa can be applied for by foreigners who can prove remote work with companies outside of Portugal, whether as an employee or not, and who have an income of 4 Portuguese minimum wages per month.
How to apply for a Portugal digital nomad visa?
An application is submitted for the Digital Nomad Visa at the nearest Portuguese consulate in your country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Conclusion
Hiring a specialized company guarantees quality assistance from the start of the process, including checking the necessary documents, assembling the visa application process and finalizing the procedure with the respective residence permit card in Portugal.
Do you want to know about the most common issues about global mobility in Portugal?
Schedule a call with one of our lawyers in Portugal clicking in the button below to find out which portuguese visa is most suitable for you.
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