For digital nomads who work remotely, Portugal offers an excellent opportunity to live and work in a beautiful country and experience its culture, food, and weather. Portugal launched its Digital Nomad visa on October 30, 2022, and it is available to remote workers who earn at least four times the minimum wage of €700 per month, which is approximately €2800 per month.
As of January 1, 2023, Portugal’s minimum wage has increased to €760 per month, meaning a digital nomad must earn at least €3040 per month to meet the requirement.
The Digital Nomad visa in Portugal allows eligible individuals to live and work in the country for up to one year while working remotely.
In this guide, we will walk you through the eligibility requirements, monthly income requirements, documentation, processing time, residency requirement, type of digital nomad visa, and path to residency, so you can better understand the visa application process.
Requirements for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
To be eligible for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Non-EU citizen: You must be a non-EU citizen, meaning you cannot be a citizen of any European Union member state.
Proof of Remote Work: Applicants must have a remote job that allows them to work from anywhere in the world. The job must be with a company outside of Portugal or for an employer registered in Portugal but based abroad.
Income Requirement: Provide proof of income, either from remote work or self-employment, of at least €3040 per month.
It’s important to note that this income requirement can be met through multiple sources of income, and it can be a combination of remote work and self-employment. Additionally, you’ll need to show that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
Clean Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record in your home country or any other country where you have lived in the past five years.
Age: There is no age limit for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa.
How to Schedule an Appointment for a Digital Nomad Visa:
To schedule an appointment for a Portugal digital nomad visa, the process may vary depending on your location.
If you are in Pakistan, you can send an email to sconsular.islamabad@mne.pt with the subject line “Appointment for Digital Nomad Visa” In the email, include your name, mobile number, email address, residential address, and monthly income.
For other countries, visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate of Portugal in your country to find the appropriate process for scheduling an appointment.
Once you have secured an appointment, you can start preparing the necessary documents and requirements for your digital nomad visa application.
Documents Required for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
When applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Documents Checklist: Here is the download Link
- Application Form: Portugal national visa application Form (filled out and signed)
- Authorization Form: Authorization Form for criminal background checks (filled out and signed)
- Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs with a white background (size: 3.5 by 4.5 cm) and should not be older than 6 months.
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- Travel insurance: Travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
– There are multiple insurance companies that provide travel medical coverage for Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Pakistani travelers can obtain this coverage from IGI, UIC, and Pak Qatar Takaful and it may cost around 20000 to 30000 PKR for insurance of up to a Year.
Additionally, companies like AXA, Allianz, and Europ Assistance are worth considering for applicants outside Pakistan. It’s important to compare coverage and prices and ensure that the policy meets the requirements of the specific Schengen country being visited.
- Proof of Remote Work: A letter from your employer stating your job title, salary, and that you are allowed to work remotely or any Evidence of your remote work income, such as bank statements, Proof of income, such as salary slips or tax returns.
- Proof of Income: Proof of a minimum monthly income of €3040 for the last 3 months at least.
- Bank Statement: The statement for the last 3 months shows monthly earnings equivalent to four months’ minimum wages, amounting to €3040.
- Document attesting his fiscal residence: Tax return certificate from your home country to attest your fiscal residence.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A police clearance certificate from your home country or any country where you have lived for more than a year in the last five years. The certificate should not be older than 6 months and must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Accommodation: Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental agreement or hotel reservation.
Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready before submitting your application to avoid any delays or complications.
What to Expect After Submitting Your Application:
After submitting your digital nomad visa application, you can expect to receive a call for an interview at the Portuguese Embassy within 2 to 3 weeks.
The interview typically lasts around 10 to 15 minutes, and you can expect the interviewer to ask general questions to get to know you better. It is important to stay confident and be prepared to answer questions about yourself, your qualifications, your source of income, and your intention for moving to Portugal.
The interview will be a chit-chat-style conversation, and you won’t need to bring any additional documents with you. The questions will be generic in nature and focused on getting to know you better.
Patience is Key: How Long Does it Take to Process a Digital Nomad Visa Application for Portugal?
After completing your interview with the embassy for the Portugal digital nomad visa, the actual waiting process for visa approval begins.
The specific processing time for the digital nomad visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply. However, on average, it takes around 60 to 90 days to process the visa application. This means that you may need to wait up to 3 to 4 months before your visa is approved.
To avoid any last-minute complications, it’s recommended that you apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. This will give you plenty of time for the visa processing and any additional requirements that may arise.
Digital Nomad Visas Types
The Digital Nomad visa in Portugal is a short-stay visa that allows you to live and work in Portugal for up to one year. However, if you wish to stay in Portugal for a longer period, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. This permit allows you to stay in Portugal for up to two years and can be renewed for an additional three years.
There are two types of Digital Nomad Visas available in Portugal:
Short-term Visa: This visa allows digital nomads to stay in Portugal for up to 180 days in a year. It’s ideal for those who want to spend some time in the country but don’t want to commit to a long-term stay.
Long-term Visa: This visa allows digital nomads to stay in Portugal for up to two years and can be renewed for an additional three years. It’s ideal for those who want to live and work in the country for an extended period.
Discover Why Portugal is the Ideal Destination for Digital Nomad Visas:
Cost of Living
Portugal is an affordable country to live in, especially when compared to other Western European countries. The average cost of living for a single person in Lisbon is around €800 to €1,200 per month, depending on your lifestyle and housing choices.
Residency Requirement
As a Digital Nomad Visa holder, you must spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal to maintain your residency status. If you spend more than 183 days in Portugal, you may be subject to Portuguese income tax.
Path to Residency
If you decide to stay in Portugal for a more extended period, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit after your Digital Nomad visa expires. After living in Portugal for five years with a valid visa, digital nomads can apply for permanent residency.
This application process requires proof of financial means, knowledge of the Portuguese language, and integration into Portuguese society. Once you obtain permanent residency, you have the right to live and work in Portugal indefinitely with the same rights as a Portuguese citizen. To be eligible for a Temporary Residence Permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid Digital Nomad visa.
- Have a valid passport.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Have a stable source of income.
- Have health insurance that covers Portugal.
You will also need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract, and proof of income. Once you have a Temporary Residence Permit, you will be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, which allows you to live and work in Portugal indefinitely.
Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Apart from the obvious benefit of being able to live and work in Portugal, there are several other advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa:
Tax Benefits: Portugal has a special tax regime for non-habitual residents, which offers tax benefits to foreign residents who meet specific requirements.
Quality of Life: Portugal is known for its excellent quality of life, with beautiful beaches, delicious food, and vibrant culture.
Affordable Cost of Living: Portugal offers a significant cost of living, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Safety and Security: Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners.
Easy access to other European countries: Portugal is part of the Schengen area, which means that with a valid visa, you can travel freely to other countries within the Schengen area.
Weather
Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The southern region of the country, the Algarve, has a warm and sunny climate all year round, while the northern region is cooler and rainier.
Peace and Crime Index
Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with a low crime rate and a peaceful society.
Conclusion
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa provides an excellent opportunity for remote workers to live and work in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. With its warm climate, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Portugal is a great destination for digital nomads looking for a new adventure.
The visa application process is straightforward, with a few key requirements that must be met. Digital nomads must prove that they have a minimum monthly income of €3040 and provide evidence of health insurance coverage. They must also demonstrate that they can work remotely from Portugal and have a clean criminal record.
Once approved, digital nomads can stay in Portugal for up to 12 months, with the option to renew for an additional year. After five years of continuous residency, digital nomads can apply for permanent residency in Portugal.
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a range of benefits, including tax incentives and access to Portugal’s excellent healthcare system. It’s also worth noting that Portugal is a safe and peaceful country, with a low crime rate and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners.
If you’re considering applying for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, be sure to gather all the necessary documentation and carefully review the application requirements. With a little preparation and planning, you could soon enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer while working remotely from paradise.
