Are you a digital nomad thinking of moving to Portugal? If so, then the Portugal digital nomad visa is perfect for you.
Portugal is one of those European countries that have been attracting thousands of digital nomads over recent years. Destination Portugal is a safe country famous for its gorgeous beaches, friendly locals and centuries-old architecture. Above all, it offers everything a digital nomad seeks – reliable fast internet connections, lovely weather, low cost of living, and several great attractions to explore.
However, most digital nomads who came to Portugal can only stay for a short time. But with the D7 Visa for Digital Nomads, digital nomads will have the opportunity to stay longer, giving them plenty of time to explore the beautiful attractions in the country while working remotely.
If you're interested in the remote working visa for Portugal, here's everything you need to know about it.
Lisbon the colourful capital of Portugal
About the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal does not officially have a digital nomad visa yet. However, digital nomads who want to stay longer in the country will have the option to apply for the Portugal Passive Income (D7) Visa. Introduced in 2007 by the Portuguese government, the visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to apply for temporary residency in Portugal. Once approved, they can live in the country for up to a year, with an option to extend the visa.
Successful applicants can live, work, or study in Portugal and have the option to bring their dependents, such as their children or parents. Furthermore, the visa will allow them to work or establish a business in the country. Remote workers can be eligible if they meet the requirements and qualifications. Thus, the visa is also called the Portugal digital nomad visa.
Another benefit of the Portugal Passive Income Visa is that it allows the holder to travel visa-free throughout Schengen Area countries. Furthermore, successful applicants can qualify for permanent residency after five years of living in Portugal.
What Are the Requirements and Qualifications for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomads eager to move to Portugal can apply for the Portugal Passive Income (D7) Visa. But just like applying for any visa, there are requirements and qualifications to meet.
- Provide proof of a passive income – the first requirement for the Portuguese D7 Visa is proof of a passive income, which should be at least the minimum wage in Portugal. As of 2022, Portugal's minimum wage is €9,870 per year. If you are bringing dependents, your income needs to have an additional 50% of the minimum wage.
- Portuguese NIF Number – you must apply for the NIF Number, also known as the Numero de Identificacao Fiscal. You can obtain this from the Tax and Customs Authority in Portugal. The NIF Number will allow you to perform any business activity or financial transactions in the country. If you are outside of Portugal, you can apply for the NIF number remotely through a power of attorney.
- Portuguese Bank Account – everyone who intends to reside in Portugal must have a Portuguese bank account. You can open a bank account even if you're outside the country as long as you have the NIF number. Single applicants should have a minimum of €7,000 in their bank account. The minimum amount for couples is €10,500.
- Proof of accommodation – you must secure a place to stay before you enter Portugal. Although you do not necessarily need to buy a property, you must have a long-term rental lease of at least 12 months.
- Clean criminal record – applicants must show proof of a clean criminal record. You are required to submit the document when applying for the Portugal digital nomad visa.
- Health Insurance – the primary applicant and dependents should have comprehensive EU-wide health insurance, with minimum medical coverage of €30,000.
- Cover letter – you need to submit a letter stating why you are applying for a temporary residency permit in Portugal. Include all relevant details in the letter, such as where you plan to live in Portugal, the type of accommodation you will be living in, and how you intend to earn a living.
- Initial residency – for the visa to remain valid, you should stay in Portugal for at least 16 months during the first two years. If you are outside the country for more than six consecutive months, the permit could be revoked.
Lots of sunshine and stunning beaches in the Algarve
How to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
Once you have all the requirements, it's time to apply for the Portuguese D7 Passive Income Visa. Here are the steps.
- Schedule an appointment with the Portuguese diplomatic missions near you – you can apply for the D7 visa through the Portuguese embassy or consulate near you. Portuguese diplomatic missions around the world can accept D7 visa applications. Get in touch with the embassy and schedule an appointment to submit your visa application.
- Fill out the visa application form – when you fill out the application form for the D7 passive income visa, ensure that all the details are correct. You need to include your complete mailing address, contact number, email address, etc.
- Submit all the required documents – next, submit the application form together with the required documents. You can submit the documents personally or by mail, depending on where you apply.
- Wait for your application to be processed – your Portugal digital nomad visa could take three to four months to process. To avoid delays, make sure your requirements are complete. Also, double-check the visa application form and ensure all details are correct. Other factors can also affect the processing of your visa, such as changes in travel restrictions. In some cases, the processing could take up to six months.
- Register your residence in Portugal – once your visa application is accepted, you can enter Portugal as a digital nomad. While in Portugal, you need to register as a resident through the Foreigners and Borders Service or SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). Make sure to register within three working days of your arrival in the country.
- Attend the interview for a residence permit – after registering as a resident, you will attend an interview for the D7 residence permit. After the interview, you can wait a maximum of two weeks for the residence permit to be issued. Once you have the residence permit, you can live and work as a digital nomad in Portugal.
How Much Will It Cost to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
When applying for the Portugal digital nomad visa or D7 passive income visa, you will pay the application fee and the fee for the initial residence permit.
The Application fee for the D7 Passive Income Visa costs €180. You also need to pay €320 for the Initial Residence Permit.
Porto and the Maria Pia Bridge built by Gustave Eiffel
Other Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Portugal
If you are not eligible for the D7 Passive Income Visa, there are other visa options that you can use to enter Portugal and live as a digital nomad.
The most common visa is the Schengen tourist visa. It also allows you to travel to other Schengen countries. However, nationals from other EU (European Union) / EEA (European Economic Area) countries or those from Switzerland can enter Portugal freely with no visa.
In addition, Portugal has agreements with countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Citizens from these countries can stay in Portugal for a maximum of 90 days without a visa.
Aside from the D7 Passive Income Visa, here are other visa options to consider if you want to live longer in Portugal as a digital nomad visa:
1. Temporary Stay Visa
A temporary Stay Visa refers to digital nomads who want to live in the country for one year. To qualify for this visa, you must prove that you earn at least €635 per month during your stay and ensure that you can afford to pay for your accommodation and other necessities during your stay.
The Temporary Stay Visa will allow you to live in Portugal for a year. You have the option to renew it for two more years. The temporary stay visa is ideal for digital nomads who do not plan to seek permanent residency in the country.
To apply for the temporary stay visa, you must submit your passport and other travel documents, valid travel insurance, proof of clean criminal record, and proof of monthly income.
2. Residency Visa
If you plan to live as a digital nomad in Portugal for more than a year, you can apply for a residency visa. There are two types of residency visas, and the other one is the D7 Passive Income Visa. If you are not eligible for the D7 visa, you can apply for the D2 Visa.
Also called the Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa, the D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs and independent service providers from outside the EU and Schengen Area countries wanting to start a business or invest in Portugal. To apply for this visa, you need to show proof you are earning at least €7200 per year.
Living as a Digital Nomad in Portugal
Portugal is an ideal country to live in for digital nomads. It offers everything that a digital nomad seeks in a foreign country – good internet connections, plenty of coworking spaces affordable cost of living, lovely weather, beautiful beaches, and lots of attractions to explore.
Most digital nomads in Portugal that want to enjoy city life live in Lisbon or Porto. In Lisbon, the average cost of living is around $2,156 per month. As for the accommodations, you will find several affordable long-term stays in Portugal. A one-bedroom studio in Lisbon could cost an average of $660 per month.
The digital nomad community in Portugal is thriving, and you'll find many networking groups where you can network with fellow nomads. Moreover, you will find several gatherings and meet-up events for digital nomads in the country. You will also find many coworking spaces with excellent internet and where you can work with fellow digital nomads.
When you're not working, you can explore the picturesque cities of Porto or Lisbon or lounge at the gorgeous beaches of the Algarve region. You can even enjoy the Portuguese island of Madeira, with its digital nomad village and the island archipelago of the Azores. Regardless of where you base yourself, getting around the country is easy.
Enjoy the stunning nature found in the Azores
Portugal has a well-developed road infrastructure and transportation system, which is convenient enough to travel around the country. The towns and cities are well-connected, and transportation is easily accessible and cheap.
Mainland Portugal has three major airports, Porto, Lisbon and Lagos that serve several flights within Europe or anywhere in the world. Many cities also have domestic flights, which makes travelling within the country faster and easier. In addition, Portugal has an efficient train network covering the entire country through regional, inter-regional, and suburban trains.
FAQs on the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Does Portugal Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Portugal does not have a digital nomad visa, but digital nomads can apply for the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa to live in the country for up to a year.
Can You Include Family Members on the D7 Passive Income Visa?
Yes, you can include your family members in the application for Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa. However, you need to show proof that you earn a yearly income of €9,870 per year, plus 50 percent of this amount for the spouse and 30 percent for each child.
Can You Extend the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa?
Once your D7 visa is approved, you can live as a temporary resident in Portugal for a year. After that, you can renew for another two years. After five years of legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residency.
How Long Will It Take for the D7 Passive Income Visa to Be Processed?
The processing time for the Portugal digital nomad visa will vary. It could take four to six months, depending on some factors. To avoid delays, make sure to fill out the form correctly and submit all required documents.
Can I become a Portuguese Citizen with the D7 Passive Income visa?
Yes, the temporary residence permit under the D7 visa is good for one year, but you can renew it for two more years twice. After living in Portugal for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Is Portugal Expensive?
The cost of living in Portugal is cheap compared to many other European countries. The average cost of living for digital nomads in Lisbon, Portugal is around $2,156 per month.
The rugged coast on the island of Madeira
Looking for a Digital Nomad Visa in Europe
Portugal is not the only country in Europe with a digital nomad visa. Countries like Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Norway, Romania, Spain, Germany and many others have digital nomad visas, check out the full list here.
