Portugal is a popular destination for remote workers as it provides an easy way to obtain a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

If you are unsure whether a digital nomad remote work visa is perfect for you, then check out our Portugal Visa Guide, in which we cover all the types of visas available for Portugal.

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Overview Of The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

This section is all about the visa for digital nomad Portugal. If you don’t want to read through this section, you can just skip ahead.

What Is A Digital Nomad?

Digital Nomads are remote workers who travel and work in different countries. They often live a nomadic lifestyle and use technology to complete their work responsibilities.

Using their devices, such as smartphones and laptops, Digital Nomads can work in coffee shops, public libraries, or even from the comfort of their home.

In addition, remote working and self-employment are becoming increasingly popular as you have the opportunity to see many different countries.

What Is The Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa or Portugal D7 Visa is a special type of visa that allows foreigners to legally stay in Portugal and live in the country, especially while doing remote work.

Some people refer to the Portugal D7 Visa as the Portugal Passive Income Visa. But in this blog, we will stick to the terms Digital Nomad Visa and D7 Visa.

One of these is through the investment in a residency program known as the Portugal's Golden Visa. This requires applicants to make a sizable investment in Portugal, a minimum of 300,000 Euros. In exchange, they'll obtain residency for as long as the investment is active.

The Permanent Residency Visa is much less costly than the Golden Visa approach. Still, it is also more complicated and a pretty lengthy digital nomad residency process. Therefore, more and more travelers prefer the digital nomad visa because it allows flexibility.

Who Needs A Visa To Enter Portugal?

Some nationalities may enter Portugal without a visa. However, for non-EU citizens, you must apply for a Portugal Visa to enter Portugal.

Depending on the duration of your stay, the type of Portugal Visa you need can vary.

If You Are An EU Citizen

If You Are A US Citizen

If You Are A US Green Card Holder

If You Are A Citizen Of Canada, Australia, Or New Zealand

If You Reside In Any Other Country

If You Are An EU Citizen

It is straightforward for EU citizens to gain entry to Portugal. Portugal is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area.

This means that EU citizens do not have to apply for any specific visa. EU citizens can work, visit, and live in Portugal freely.

If You Are A US Citizen

If you are a US citizen, you will be happy to know that Portugal has specific agreements with the US. US citizens can enter Portugal for 90 days without acquiring any type of visa.

This agreement only applies every 6 months, and you must leave Portugal after the initial 90 days are over. Digital Nomads seeking to reside in Portugal for more than 90 days will need to apply for a longer-stay visa.

If You Are A US Green Card Holder

Things get a bit tricky for US Green Card Holders. Some US Green Card Holders don't need a visa, and others do, depending on their home country.

However, suppose you're from a country that doesn't have this benefit. In that case, you'll need to apply for a Schengen Visa before you can visit Portugal.

If You Are A Citizen Of Canada, Australia, Or New Zealand

Citizens from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand enjoy the same benefits as US citizens. Citizens from these nations can visit Portugal for 90 days without needing a specific visa.

After 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa that provides a longer stay.

If You Reside In Any Other Country

Unfortunately, other countries do not share the same benefits as the countries mentioned above.

Therefore, if you are a Digital Nomad seeking to live in Portugal, you will need to look at the types of visas available and apply for the one most suited to your preference.

What Are The Types Of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas?

There is no official Portugal Digital Nomad Visa or Remote Work Visa, but there are two types of visas you can apply for to live in Portugal as a Digital Nomad.

1. The Temporary Stay Visa

The Temporary Stay Visa is perfect for those who do not seek permanent residency but wish to live in Portugal for an extended period. The Temporary Stay Visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for 2 years.

In addition, it will grant you multiple entries into the country.

With this temporary stay visa, you can travel outside Portugal and experience other European countries if you like.

However, an important requirement is to prove that you have a monthly income of €2820. This will prove that you can provide for yourself during your stay and that you are not a burden to Portugal.

2. The Residency Visa

The Residency Visa is for Digital Nomads who want to stay in Portugal for more than one year. Once you receive a Temporary Resident Visa, you can apply for a Permanent Residency Permit.

Please note that after receiving your Residency Visa, it is only valid for four months. Within this time, you will need to apply for a permit within Portugal.

Having a Portugal D7 Visa can eventually lead you to permanent residency in Portugal.

What Portugal Visa Type Is The Best Visa To Use For Digital Nomads?

The best Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal is the Portugal D7 Visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Portugal for an extended amount of time.

I should mention that the process of getting a Portugal D7 Visa is complicated and takes some time to complete. For the purpose of this guide, I'll briefly explain how to apply for one.

However, you can find the exact Portugal D7 Visa process and requirements here. It outlines the Portugal D7 Visa requirements, how to apply for one, and what steps you should take.

It's worth mentioning that the Portugal D7 Visa is a 2 part visa application. The first part is applying for the Portugal Residence Visa (known as the D7 Visa).

Once you obtain your residence visa, you must travel to Portugal and schedule an interview with the respective authorities. This is the part where you get your permit.

The Residency Permit is what allows you to stay in Portugal legally.

What Is The Difference Between A Portugal Digital Nomad Visa And A Tourist Visa?

The difference between a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and a Portugal Tourist Visa is the amount of time allowed to stay in the country.

Depending on the country, a Tourist Visa will allow you to stay up to 90 days.

In contrast, a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal can extend your stay for up to a year or more.

If you are a Digital Nomad who travels frequently, you can opt to apply for a tourist visa.

However, suppose you wish to extend your stay in a country. In that case, it is more beneficial to consider a Portugal D7 Visa. This will allow you to remain in Portugal for a longer period until you decide to travel to another country.

Portugal Digital Nomad Requirements

Before you start your application, you need to meet certain requirements. That’s what this section of the post covers. Again, if you don’t want to read through this part, feel free to skip to the next section of our guide.

What Are The General Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements?

Before you start your Portugal D7 Visa application, you'll need to consider the general visa requirements for prospective Digital Nomads.

Let's take a look at them:

You Will Need To Get A Portuguese NIF Number

You Will Need To Open A Portuguese Bank Account

You Will Need To Prove Financial Self-Sufficiency

You Will Need Proof Of Accommodation

You Will Need To Have The Correct Documents

You Will Need Full Health Insurance

You Have To Have A Clean Criminal Record

You Will Need To Meet The Minimum Stay Requirement

You Will Need To Get A Portuguese NIF Number

If you plan to carry out any financial activities during your stay in Portugal, you will need to get a NIF. A NIF is a tax number used in Portugal. You can get it from the comfort of your home when using the provided link.

You Will Need To Open A Portuguese Bank Account

Once you have a NIF, you can open a Portuguese bank account remotely. Your Portuguese bank account will be used to make any related payments in Portugal.

Without a bank account, you will not be able to carry out any fiscal activities. As a digital nomad, a bank account is very important.

You Will Need To Prove Financial Self-Sufficiency

Suppose you wish to stay in Portugal as a digital nomad. In that case, you will need to prove that you are financially stable to provide for yourself during your stay.

You can use bank statements or other relevant documents to prove that you are financially stable. You can verify you meet this requirement on Atlys.

Furthermore, you must prove that you will have regular recurring income (passive income) during your stay in Portugal. So, to qualify for a Portugal D7 Visa, you need to meet the following passive income requirements:

For the lead applicant: a minimum of €8,460 per year.

For dependant applicants (like a spouse): a minimum of €4,230 per year.

For any dependant children: a minimum of €2,538 per year.

You Will Need Proof Of Accommodation

You are required to secure adequate accommodation before you travel to Portugal. Although you do not need to buy property, you must have a long-term rental lease (minimum of 12 months).

This is an essential Portugal digital nomad visa requirement as authorities are hesitant to approve short-term accommodation. As such, it's best to find suitable long-term accommodation before starting your application.

You Will Need To Have The Correct Documents

Before applying for your digital nomad residency permit, you'll need to understand the Portugal digital nomad visa requirements and document requirements. Next, I'll discuss the documents you must submit during the application process.

The D7 Visa Application Form

Your Valid Passport

2 Passport-Sized Photographs

Proof of Regular Income or Passive Income, known as proof of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Proof that you have Legal Residency in the US (If Applicable)

The FBI Criminal Record Certificate

Request for Criminal Record Enquiry by the Immigration And Border Services (SEF)

Proof of Valid Health Coverage

A Cover Letter that indicates the reason for your request

Take note that you should make copies of all the documents needed as you will need them in the future.

You Will Need Full Health Insurance

The primary applicant must have comprehensive EU-wide health insurance, including any dependents. Take note that the medical cover must be paid for in advance (12 months).

Each applicant must have minimum medical insurance worth €30,000. Atlys is the best way to get the right insurance.

You Have To Have A Clean Criminal Record

A criminal background check is one of Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa requirements. Without a clean criminal record, your application will be unsuccessful.

Ensure that you obtain your criminal record before starting the application process. You can also get one online.

You Will Need To Meet The Minimum Stay Requirement

You must meet the minimum stay requirements if you plan to obtain a Residency Visa. You must stay in Portugal for a minimum of 183 days every year, not be absent for more than 6 months, or live a total of 8 months in Portugal with various annual breaks.

Note that there are no minimum stay requirements for the Temporary Stay Visa.

If you're still unclear about the requirements and the required documents, I suggest you read through our dedicated Portugal D7 Visa guide. You'll find clear instructions on the required documents and how to get them (for example, FBI Criminal Record Certificate). Remember that for your Digital Nomad Visa; you'll apply for the National D7 Type Visa, which allows an extended stay.

The Portugal D7 Visa Application Process

Finally, we get to the application process. The application process can be tedious but with our step-by-step guide you’ll know exactly what to do.

How To Apply For A Portugal D7 Visa-Quick Step-By-Step Instructions

I have broken the Portugal D7 Visa process down into 7 simple steps you can use when you start your visa application to obtain digital nomad residency. Here's how to come to life as a freelancer in Portugal.

This application is for a temporary D7 visa (one year).

Step 1 - Acquire All The Necessary Documents

Before starting your visa application, we recommend gathering all the required documents, as this will make the process easier along the way.

Not having all the required documents for your application and visa appointment may result in your application being denied.

Step 2 - Fill Out The Application Form

For your Temporary Stay Visa, you will need to fill out the visa application form or use Atlys to do it.

Once you have completed the form, you can submit it online. Ensure all the information is correct and the same as your passport.

Step 3 - Submit Your Documents

Next, you'll need to submit your application alongside all your supporting documents. You can submit your documents at the Portuguese Consulate/Embassy or mail them.

Alternatively, I recommend getting the appropriate shipping labels and mailing your application. This can be done when you use Atlys.

During this step, you'll also need to pay the appropriate visa fees. You can expect to pay around €180 for your Temporary Stay Visa. Keep in mind that these fees may change at any time.

Step 4 - Collect Your Residency Visa

As soon as you submit your application, the Embassy will process your visa and ensure that you meet the requirements. If your visa is approved, you must travel to the Embassy and collect your passport.

Your passport will include your Residency Visa, which can be used to travel to Portugal and attend your SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Service)

Step 5 - Schedule An Appointment At SEF

Once you have your new digital nomad visa (also known as the D7 Residency Visa), you will need to book an appointment with SEF in Portugal. This can be done by contacting SEF directly, or you can schedule an appointment online.

This is the step where you apply for your Portugal Residency Permit.

You might find it challenging to schedule an appointment that suits your preferred date. This is another reason why acquiring a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa can take a long. However, you'll find that some SEF offices in smaller cities have more appointment slots available.

Therefore, if you wish to get an appointment as soon as possible, I recommend scheduling an appointment at a SEF office located in smaller cities.

Step 6 - Attend Your Appointment With SEF

You will need to fly to Portugal and attend your appointment in person. Here you will have an interview with Portugal authorities.

During this interview, your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) will be collected, and you must submit copies of all supporting documents.

The Residency Permit Application Form

2 Recent Photographs

Your Passport

Your Valid Residency Visa

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Permission To Check Your Criminal Record

A Document Proving Your Tax Situation

A Social Security Document

Supporting Document That Proves You Have Medical Insurance

Here are the supporting documents you'll need to submit at your SEF appointment:

Step 7 - Get your Portugal Residency Permit

After completing your interview, authorities will process your application. Your Residency permit usually takes around 2 weeks to be processed.

Once this is complete, Portugal authorities will contact you and inform you that you can collect your new Residency Permit.

You can legally live in Portugal as a digital nomad and enjoy all the benefits of your new Residency Permit.

Additional Information About Portugal

Now that we went through everything you need to know about the Portugal D7 Visa. It’s time to learn more about Portugal, specifically:

Where Are The Best Places To Work In Portugal?

There are many amazing destinations in Portugal where remote workers can choose to work. We will list our Top Places to Work in Portugal.

Ponta do Sol, Madeira

Coimbra

Lisbon

Ponta do Sol, Madeira

The Ponta do Sol is an initiative created by the Regional Government of Madeira and Startup Madeira. It is specifically designed to be a village for Digital Nomads and remote workers who wish to work in Portugal.

The program's objective is to bring digital nomads and local businesses together to create a community of individuals who have a good social and economic influence on the village.

If you want to get a sense of Madeira, we recommend going on one of the Nomad Escape tours to see what it's like to be a digital nomad!

There are many reasons why Digital Nomads choose Madeira over any other destination in Portugal. It boasts a rich culture, perfect weather conditions, nature activities, and many more.

In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for Digital Nomads to socialize with other like-minded individuals from all over the world, making it a top destination for Digital Nomads.

Also known as the surfing capital of Europe, Ericeira offers many benefits for Digital Nomads.

One main benefit is that Ericeira grants easy access to Lisbon, making it possible for Digital Nomads to travel between the 2 cities if needed. Ericeira also offers many co-working spaces and digital-friendly coffee shops. Here you can enjoy a cold drink while getting some work done.

Coimbra

Coimbra is a destination for those Digital Nomads who seek a quiet and relaxing work experience.

You will be inspired by the amazing architecture, incredible blue skies, and Coimbra's deep history and culture here. Coimbra is an excellent destination if you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a hotspot for Digital Nomads who enjoy city life. Lisbon offers delicious foods, incredible nightlife, plenty of co-working spaces, and multiple digital-friendly cafes.

Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy the capital of Portugal and work remotely. Lisbon is perfect for the extroverted Digital Nomad.

What Are The Benefits Of Working In Portugal?

Working in Portugal has many benefits that can make remote work in Portugal worthwhile. Here are a few reasons why Portugal is one of the best places to work as a Digital Nomad.

Easy Access To Other EU Countries

With your Temporary Stay Visa/Residency Permit, you can enjoy visa-free travel to countries within the Schengen Area. In addition, you have the opportunity to see and experience any of the exciting European destinations.

Portugal's Culture And History

One of the many things Portugal has to offer is its rich history and culture. Be inspired by Portugal's beautiful architecture and amazing culture. It is sure to inspire creativity while busy with your remote work.

Low Cost Of Living

One of the most significant benefits of Portugal is its low cost of living. As a result, Portugal is relatively affordable compared to other destinations worldwide, making it a top destination for freelancers, remote workers, and retirees.

Perfect Weather Conditions

Digital Nomads can relax in all the sunshine Portugal offers throughout the year. After completing all your work, you can enjoy many outside activities, thanks to the incredible weather Portugal offers.

Fast WiFi And Great Co-Working Spaces

For any Digital Nomad, these are 2 critical deciding factors. In addition, Portugal has reliable WiFi connections and numerous working spaces, making it a top destination for Digital Nomads.

What Accommodations Are Available In Portugal?

You will be happy to know that Portugal has plenty of accommodation options for all Digital Nomads. Here are some of the accommodation options available to you:

Co-living Spaces

Co-living spaces are the perfect option for people who want to live with like-minded individuals. The benefit of co-living spaces is that the total cost is shared by all parties, meaning that the cost of accommodation can be relatively cheap.

That said, there are many options to choose from. If you choose to live in fancier accommodation, you can expect to pay more.In a co-living space, you can expect to have your own bedroom.

Other common facilities will be shared amongst the group. This can include the bathroom, kitchen, living room, and dining room.

Hotels

Hotels are always a great option for Digital Nomads. Portugal has many hotels in many cities that you can choose from. Just be aware that hotels are not as budget-friendly as other accommodation options, making it expensive if you plan to stay for a long period.

Rental Properties

If you are planning to stay in Portugal for a long time, renting a property is possible. There are many excellent property options available in Portugal. Be aware that most property owners will require you to sign a rental agreement for at least a year.

Be sure that you are financially able to rent a property before you do so, as you will be signing a rental agreement.

Airbnb

Airbnb is one of the most popular accommodation options in Portugal. This is because Airbnb has more flexibility regarding its terms and conditions. If you are planning to have a short trip, then Airbnb is the perfect option for you.

Airbnb also extends your stay for longer if you wish to do so. Bargaining is part of Portugal's culture, making it possible for you to reduce the cost of accommodation.

Before you book an Airbnb, ask politely if it is possible to reduce the price. In most cases, the host might expect this and reduce the price slightly.

Hostels

Within hostels, you are likely to find many beds in one room, which means there is little to no privacy. Hostels are an excellent option if you are a Digital Nomad who loves meeting and interacting with new people.

Hostels are a perfect option for those who are only planning a short stay in Portugal. Another benefit of hostels is that they are relatively cheap, making them a budget-friendly option.

Happy Travel!

All the best with your Digital Nomad Visa application! Once you finally have your visa, you can enjoy traveling to Portugal, where you can work and bask under a foreign sun.

Trusted Sources

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Portugal - Ministry of Foreign Affairs