Portugal is a favorite among digital nomads, with an energetic atmosphere, enjoyable weather, and affordable cost of living. No wonder that it ranks 8th in the VisaGuide.World Digital Nomad Index, with a score of 3.18.
Portugal: Quick facts
What Visa Can Digital Nomads Get in Portugal?
Depending on how long you want to live in Portugal, you can apply for one of two options:
- Temporary stay visa – issued for one year and for multiple entries.
- Long-term residency visa – issued for four months, during which time you can apply for a two-year residence permit.
If you’re considering moving to Portugal for remote work, consulting a Portuguese immigration expert can help clarify your options. Whether you work with a local attorney or an immigration consultancy, professional advice can help you navigate Portugal’s residency process.
Specialized immigration professionals can assist with the legal steps required to become a Digital Nomad in Portugal, ensuring a smooth transition. Learn more about your options here.
What Are the Qualifying Criteria?
To qualify for one of Portugal’s digital nomad visas, you have to meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country.
- Have a monthly income of at least €3,280.
- Have at least €9,840 in your bank account (savings).
- Have a contract for remote or freelance work.
- Have accommodation in Portugal.
- Have health insurance with at least €30.000 coverage.
Supporting Documents for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The documents you have to submit when applying for a digital nomad visa for Portugal are:
- Your passport. The passport must be valid for six months after your visa expires. You must also provide a notarized color copy of the main pages of your passport (the pages with your personal information as well as expiry and issue date).
- Two identification photos. The photos must be recently taken (last six months) and sized 5 X 3.5 cm.
- Proof of accommodation. You have to prove you have accommodation in Portugal; depending on your situation, you can submit either of the following documents:
- Rented accommodation, or
- Portuguese lease agreement, or
- Evidence of property ownership in Portugal.
- Proof of tax residency. You can provide:
- Tax return statements, or
- Tax receipts.
- Valid health insurance. It must be valid for your entire stay in Portugal with at least €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies.
- A cover letter in English. You must write a cover letter, which includes the following information:
- Your personal info
- The reason you want to live in Portugal
- Details about your accommodation in Portugal
- Your financial state
- A police certificate. It serves as proof you have a clean criminal record.
- Confirmation of permission and your income. Provide a letter from your employer, invoices, or tax statements, proving your income.
- Proof of remote employment. You can submit:
- Work contract, or
- Partnership agreement, or
- Proof of business ownership and recent business tax returns (if you own your own business).
- Your flight ticket to Portugal.
- Proof of your family relationship (if you choose to bring family members). You can submit:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate.
- A bank statement demonstrating a monthly salary of €3,280.
- Proof of enough money to stay in Portugal. You must have at least €9,840 in your bank account, which is 12 Portugal minimum wage salaries.
- A NIF registration certificate.
The documents are the same for both types of visas.
How to Apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
The application process is the same for both visa types, with the difference being one extra step for a long-term visa because you must visit the Immigration and Borders Service when you enter Portugal to apply for a residence permit. You don’t need to apply for a residence permit if you get a temporary visa.
To apply, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Apply for an NIF Number
You can obtain the NIF number before leaving your home country through the NIF website.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
You must provide all the required information in the application form.
Step 3: Book an Appointment with a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate
Once you’ve completed the form, schedule an appointment at the Portuguese embassy or consulate. During the appointment, you will need to submit the application form, supporting documents, and biometric data.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
| Temporary Stay visa Application | €75 |
| Long-term Visa Application | €90 |
| Processing Fee of Residence Application | €80+ |
| Residence Permit Card | €70 |
The payment can be made at the embassy or consulate appointment, online, or through a payment slip, depending on the specific embassy or consulate.
Step 5: Wait for the Visa to Process
It will take several weeks for the visa to process, with a maximum processing time of 90 days.
Step 6: Get Your Visa
Once processed, your visa will be affixed to your passport, and you can travel to Portugal. The visa may include a sticker with the date you must visit the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) for your residency permit application.
For tailored advice on becoming a remote worker in Portugal, consider consulting a Portuguese immigration expert to explore the options available to you.
Steps to Follow After Settling in Portugal
Step 1: Open a Bank Account (for Long-term Visa Applicants)
When you arrive in Portugal, you must open a bank account and transfer the required savings. This is necessary as you will need a bank statement when applying for a residence permit.
Step 2: Apply for a Residence Permit at AIMA (for Long-term Visa Applicants)
You need to book an appointment with AIMA if the consulate hasn’t already arranged it for you. You can apply in person or with the help of a representative. Once your application is approved, the residence card will be sent to your registered address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Pay Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Portugal?
You must pay taxes in Portugal only if you stay for more than 183 days. You are taxed on your worldwide income at progressive rates from 13.25% to 48% for 2024, depending on how much you earn.
If you are self-employed, you must pay taxes each quarter of the year, not only once a year.
You are responsible for filing your taxes, as the tax system in Portugal is a self-reporting system. To be able to file your taxes, you must obtain a NIF number – a tax identification number.
Please note that if you are already part of the NHR program, you won’t lose your tax benefits. The same applies if you can prove you planned your move to Portugal before January 1, 2024.
What Is the Cost of Living in Portugal for Remote Workers?
Portugal is one of the more affordable countries in the European Union. On average, as a single person, you need about €1,500 – €2,000 to live comfortably (rent included). Naturally, the cost of living changes depending on your lifestyle and where you are accommodated.
Some of the prices you’ll find for basic needs in Portugal are:
| Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the City Center | €949 |
| Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of City Center | €723 |
| Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the City Center | €1,668 |
| Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the City Center | €1,209 |
| Groceries for one person (per month) | €200-€300 |
| Basic utilities (per month) | €116 |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | €2.00 |
| Monthly pass (regular price) | €40.00 |
| Meal in an inexpensive restaurant | €10.00 |
| Three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant | €40.00 |
What Is the Visa Processing Time?
Your visa will be processed in about 90 days.
Can I Renew My Digital Nomad Visa?
You can renew your long-term visa for three years if you spend at least 1.5 years in a row or 16 months in total in Portugal within 2 years of holding a residence permit.
Can I Obtain a Permanent Residency
After you have lived for five years in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. You must spend 2.5 years in a row or 28 months in total in Portugal within the 3 years with the second residence permit to be eligible.
Can I Include Family Members in My Application?
If you want to include family members in your application, you must have a higher income. The amount differs depending on who you bring:
- An extra 50% to bring your spouse or dependent parent
- An extra 25% to bring a dependent child
Why Should I Choose Portugal to Work Remotely?
The benefits of working remotely in Porutgal include:
- Portugal has good internet overall, so you can work remotely with stable internet wherever you are in the country.
- You can find many coworking spaces with comfortable furniture, fast internet, and, most importantly, other remote workers with whom you can connect.
- This visa offers flexibility as you can work and travel at the same time.
- Life is affordable in Portugal, so at least you do not have to worry about your budget.
- You will meet English-speaking people all the time so communication will not be a problem.
- The Portuguese are known to be friendly and warm people.
- You can travel visa-free to the Schengen zone if you have a residence permit.
What Are Some Co-Working Spaces in Portugal?
You can find plenty of coworking spaces in Portugal, especially in Lisbon and other larger cities: