Since October 30, 2022, Portugal has been accepting applications for a new visa designed to attract location-independent professionals, known as digital nomads, to the country. In this guide, we'll walk you through the Portugal digital nomad visa, which comes in two types, temporary stay visa and residence visa (D8). You'll learn about the requirements, including the minimum income, the application process, and other available alternatives, namely the D7 visa and the D2 visa.
- Temporary stay visa
- Residence visa (D8)
- Alternatives
- Passive income visa (D7)
- Portugal D2 visa
- Digital nomad guide
Note: EU passport holders can work remotely in Portugal without needing a digital nomad visa. Stay for up to three months without registering, or for a longer period, declare your presence at the local municipality office (camâra municipal) and get a temporary residency certificate, usually valid for five years.
Option 1: Temporary stay visa for digital nomads
The temporary stay route to obtaining Portugal digital nomad visa allows multiple entries and a stay of up to 1 year in the country, with the possibility of extension. This is a recommended option for those who want to explore Portugal as a potential base for a longer period than the 90 days allowed by a tourist Schengen visa, but do not want to commit to a long-term stay for tax or other reasons.
This added flexibility allows individuals to evaluate their experience and decide whether they want to further deepen their connection to Portugal or explore other opportunities in other countries.
Key points:
- Work Scope: Enables work as a self-employed freelancer or online business owner from a country outside the EU or EEA.
- Travel freedom: Permits free movement in and out of Portugal, with adherence to other Schengen zone immigration requirements.
- Eligibility criteria: Mainly hinges on demonstrating sufficient income to sustain oneself during the stay. The threshold is set at four times the Portuguese minimum wage, equivalent to €3,040 per month.
- Documentation: Required proofs include a statement of responsibility from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, alongside potential requests for bank statements and invoices.
- Suitability: Ideal for those wanting to explore Portugal for a period longer than the 90-day Schengen tourist allowance but without committing to long-term residency.
- Application: The official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal provides all necessary forms and documents for the application process.
Option 2: Residence visa for digital nomads (D8)
The residence visa (D8 visa) route to obtaining the Portugal digital nomad visa is a good fit for those remote workers seeking an extended stay in Portugal, with the intention of obtaining residency or even working towards Portuguese citizenship.
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The residence visa is valid for 2 years initially, with the possibility of extension for another 3 years and later exchange into a permanent residence permit. After 5 years, you can also apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Requirements for D8
- Taxpayer identification number (NIF) and Portuguese bank account: Essential for administrative purposes.
- Minimum salary: A remote work salary equivalent to at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, amounting to a minimum of €3,040 per month.
- Proof of tax residence in Portugal: A 12 month rental agreement registered with the tax authority
- Employment contract: For those employed outside of Portugal, an employment contract is necessary. Freelancers require a contract demonstrating client engagements.
- Financial documentation: Bank statements and payslips (or invoices) to verify the monthly income.
Residence visa process
Embassy Stage
Submit the visa application at the nearest Portuguese consulate in your country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Residency permit stage
Upon entering Portugal with the granted visa, proceed to the immigration department (SEF) to apply for a residency permit.
If successful, the consulate provides a double-entry visa valid for four months. During this period, entry into Portugal initiates the second stage—application for a residency permit at SEF.
Alternatives to Portugal digital nomad visa
Portugal D7 visa – Passive income visa
The Portugal D7 visa, also known as the passive income visa, is an option for digital nomads who rely on passive income from abroad to secure residency in Portugal. Prior to the official launch of the Portugal digital nomad visa in October 2022, the D7 visa was often chosen by retirees, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who wanted to settle in Portugal with their own funds.
This choice was especially popular among those who wanted to take advantage of the non-habitual residents (NHR Portugal) tax regime, which will end in 2024.
Key points:
- Eligibility criteria: While the D7 visa historically accepted salaried remote work, this may be reconsidered with the introduction of the digital nomad visa. The D7 visa is now primarily for individuals deriving their entire income as dividends from an online business based outside of Portugal.
- Types of eligible passive income: Pension income, dividends, rental income, and royalties are among the eligible types of passive income for the Portugal D7 visa.
- Minimum income requirement: Applicants must demonstrate passive income equivalent to at least the Portuguese minimum wage, which is currently €740 per month for one applicant. Additional percentages are required for a dependent spouse (50%) and each dependent child (30%, under 18). A stronger application can be built by showcasing higher levels of passive income and savings.
- Savings requirement: Proof of sufficient savings is necessary in case of a loss of the passive income source. Applicants should have at least 12 months' worth of the minimum salary, plus the applicable percentages for dependent spouse and children.
Required documents for D7:
- Completed D7 visa application form
- Valid passport
- Two passport photos (passport-sized)
- Proof of regular passive income
- Proof of adequate accommodation (12-month lease or purchase agreement)
- Clean criminal record background check
- Valid travel insurance with health coverage
- Six months of bank statements
- Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Previous year’s tax statement
- Medical insurance
D7 visa application process:
- Apply for the temporary D7 visa from your home country.
- Attend your SEF appointment and enroll your biometric data.
- Get your residency card.
D7 visa processing time:
- Obtaining a temporary four-month visa in your home country can take up to 60 days.
- Receive an appointment with SEF when your visa is issued by the Portuguese consulate.
- SEF processing time: about three weeks to send your residence card to your Portuguese address.
- Legal deadline for SEF processing: 90 days.
Portugal D2 visa – Entrepreneur or independent service provider
The Portugal D2 visa, aimed at entrepreneurs or independent service providers, is a viable option for those who do not have a regular source of passive income, making it a suitable alternative to the Portugal digital nomad visa.
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Although the requirements are stricter than for the digital nomad visa and the D7 visa, it’s still a good choice for those who have enough financial resources to start a business in Portugal or run an existing one.
Key points:
- Eligibility criteria: The D2 visa is suitable for individuals wishing to establish a new business in Portugal, set up a Portuguese branch of an existing business, or manage an existing business in the country.
- Residency dependence: Residency approval with the D2 visa primarily hinges on the viability of the proposed business or business idea in Portugal. The scope of businesses is broad, ranging from a coffee shop to a wellness retreat to a real estate agency.
- Entrepreneur route: One pathway to D2 visa residency involves incorporating a company in Portugal and hiring a Portuguese accountant. Financial means to set up and operate the company must be demonstrated, and annual Portuguese corporation tax, along with social security contributions, are required.
- Independent service provider route: An alternative route involves being an independent service provider. This route has fewer requirements compared to the entrepreneur route. No incorporation of a Portuguese company or a Portuguese accountant is necessary. Instead, proof of client contracts and evidence of relevant experience or qualifications in the field of work are required.
- Success Factors: A robust business plan demonstrating the profitability of the business in Portugal enhances the likelihood of a successful D2 visa application.
- Comparison with D7 visa: Generally, the application process for the D7 visa is considered more straightforward compared to the D2 visa.
Required business documents:
- Business plan, company registration, contracts, invoices, financial reports, and bank statements.
- Investment declaration specifying type, worth, and timeframe of the investment.
- Solid business plan evaluated on social, economic, and cultural implications.
- Proof of financial ability to sustain the business and oneself during the stay.
Required personal documents:
- Passport, bank statements, criminal background check, travel insurance, and photographs.
- Financial requirements for the primary applicant, spouse, and dependent children.
- Designation of a tax representative.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
D2 visa aplication process:
- Obtain a NIF.
- Open a bank account in Portugal and deposit funds.
- Arrange long-term accommodation, either buying or leasing for a suggested minimum of one year.
- File the application online via the E-Visa Portal, either through the Portuguese consulate or embassy or directly in Portugal.
- Two-phase application process: Submission of documents to the embassy or consulate, followed by an interview. Successful applicants receive a four-month D2 visa.
- Second phase in Portugal with SEF involves attending an appointment to apply for residency.
D2 visa application processing time:
The Portugal D2 visa process typically takes two to three months if the applicant already has a business plan or a company in Portugal.
Portugal Digital Nomad Guide
Are you planning to move to Portugal as a digital nomad? Read our digital nomad guides to find out how to prepare well and make the most of your stay.
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(Sources: Euronews, Global Citizens Solutions, Portugalist, and Digital Émigré)
