Best Portuguese Travel Blogs
This list of the 10 best Travel blogs when visiting Portugal will provide a wealth of information and ensure that your trip is a truly unforgettable one!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies started implementing remote opportunities for employees. As a result, Digital Nomad Visas have become increasingly popular amongst people who work from home and wish to travel. Portugal is a popular destination for remote workers as it provides an easy way to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa. In this post, we will guide you through the process of becoming a Digital Nomad In Portugal. After this post, you'll be able to effortless obtain digital nomad residency in Portugal.
If you are not sure whether a digital nomad visa is perfect for you, you can check out our Portugal Visa Guide in which we cover all the types of visas available for Portugal.
In this post, you'll find:
You can now save over 30 hours, and use Atlys to apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. Download the Atlys app, and let it handle everything for you - from application preparation to background checks. With Atlys, there's no need to spend time understanding the Portugal digital nomad visa requirements as Atlys does all the heavy lifting for you.
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. It is becoming increasingly popular to become a remote worker or self-employed as you have the opportunity to see many different countries.
There are other ways of making Portugal your adopted home.
One of these is through the investment for residency program known as the Portugal's Golden Visa. This requires applicants to make a sizeable investment in Portugal, a minimum of 300,000 Euros, and in exchange, they'll obtain residency for as long as the investment is active.
The permanent residency visa route is much less costly than the Golden Visa approach, but it is also more complicated and quite a lengthy digital nomad residency process. More and more travelers prefer the digital nomad visa because it allows flexibility. This type of Portugal Visa is commonly referred to as the Portugal D7 Visa.
A Digital Nomad Visa is provided to remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who wish to travel and work in a foreign country.
The difference between a Digital Nomad Visa and a 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, where a Digital Nomad Visa can extend your stay for up to a year or more. Generally, the Portugal Tourist Visa won't allow long stay digital nomad residency.
If you are a Digital Nomad who travels frequently, you can opt to apply for a tourist visa. If you wish to extend your stay in a country, 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.
Some nationalities may enter Portugal without a visa. For non-EU citizens, you will need to apply for a Portugal Visa to enter Portugal. Depending on the duration of your stay, the type of Portugal Visa you need can vary.
It is extremely easy 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, you will be happy to know that Portugal has specific agreements with the US. US citizens are allowed to enter Portugal for 90 days without acquiring any type of visa. This agreement only applies every 6 months, and you are required to leave Portugal after the initial 90 days. Digital Nomads seeking to reside in Portugal for more than 90 days will need to apply for a visa that allows a longer stay.
Things get a bit tricky for US Green Card Holders. Some US Green Card Holders don't need a visa and others do. This all depends on your home country. If your passport/country enjoys the benefit of visa-free travel, you don't need to apply for a visa if you plan to visit Portugal. However, if you're from a country that doesn't enjoy this benefit, you'll need to apply for a Schengen Visa.
Citizens from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand enjoy the same benefits as US citizens. Citizens from these nations can enter Portugal for 90 days without the need for a specific visa. After 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa that provides a longer stay.
Unfortunately, other countries do not share the same benefits as the above-mentioned countries. 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.
In Portugal, there is no official Digital Nomad Visa or Remote Work Visa, but there are 2 types of visas you can apply for to live as a Digital Nomad in Portugal.
The Temporary Stay Visa is perfect for those who do not seek a permanent residency but wish to live in Portugal for an extended period. The Temporary Stay Visa is valid for your entire stay (1 year or less) and will grant you multiple entries into the country.
With this visa, you are allowed to travel outside of Portugal and experience other European countries if you like. An important requirement is to prove that you have a monthly income of €705. This will prove that you can provide for yourself during your stay and that you are not a burden to Portugal.
If your looking for mid term digital nomad residency, the temporary stay visa is a good option.
The Residency Visa, also known as a retirement visa or D7 Visa, is for the Digital Nomad who wants to stay in Portugal for more than one year. Once you receive a Temporary Resident Visa, you will be able to apply for a Permanent Residency Permit. Take note that after you receive your Residency Visa, it is only valid for four months. Within this time, you will need to apply for a Residency Permit within Portugal.
The best visa for Digital Nomads wanting to reside in Portugal is the Portugal D7 Visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Portugal for an extended amount of time. In this post, I will walk you through the Portugal D7 Visa application process as it's the most popular option for Digital Nomads traveling to Portugal.
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.
Important Note:
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 need to travel to Portugal and schedule an interview with SEF. This is the part where you get your Residency Permit.
The Residency Permit is what allows you to stay in Portugal legally.
You can see why the Portugal D7 Visa can be complicated and quite a lengthy process.
So, if you wish to live in Portugal as a Digital Nomad, I highly recommend you follow the steps outlined in this dedicated guide. After reading through the guide, you'll have an in-depth understanding on how to obtain digital nomad residency in Portugal.
Before you start your next Portugal D7 Visa application, you'll need consider the general Portugal digital nomad visa requirements:
Let's take a look at them:
If you plan to carry out any fiscal 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 from the comfort of your home when using the provided link.
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, and as a digital nomad, a bank account is very important.
If you wish to stay in Portugal as a digital nomad, you will need to prove that you are financially stable to provide for yourself during your stay. You can use bank statements, or any other relevant documents to prove that you are financially stable. You can verify you meet this requirement on Atlys.
Furthermore, you need to 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 meet the following passive income requirements:
You are required to secure adequate accommodation before you travel to Portugal. Although you do not need to buy property, you need to have a long-term rental lease (minimum 12 months). This is a very important 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.
The primary applicant, including any dependents, must have comprehensive EU-wide health insurance. 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.
A criminal background check is one of the main Portugal digital nomad visa requirements. Without a clean criminal record, your application will be unsuccessful. Ensure that you obtain your criminal record in time before you start the application process. Schedule an online delivery here.
If you plan to obtain a Residency Visa you will need to meet the minimum stay requirements. You must stay in Portugal for a minimum of 183 days every year. Or not be absent for more than 6 months, or you can also opt to live a total of 8 months in Portugal with various breaks within the year. Take note that there are no minimum stay requirements for the Temporary Stay Visa.
Quick note: If you're still unclear of the requirements and the required documents, I suggest you read through our dedicated Portugal D7 Visa guide. There you'll find clear instructions on the required documents and also how to get them (for example, FBI Criminal Record Certificate). Keep in mind that for your Digital Nomad Visa, you'll be applying for the National D7 Type Visa which allows an extended stay.
I have broken the Portugal D7 Visa process down in 7 simple steps you can use when you start your visa application to obtain digital nomad residency. If you are still unsure about the requirements or what to expect, read this official Portugal D7 Visa post.
Before you start your visa application, we recommend that you gather all the required documents as this will make the process easier along the way. Furthermore, if you don't submit all the required documents at your visa appointment, your digital nomad visa application will most likely be denied.
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 need to submit during the application process.
Take note that you should make copies of all the documents needed as you will be needing them in the future.
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. Be sure that all the information is correct and the same as your passport.
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 it. Keep in mind that due to COVID-19 you might not be able to submit in at the Embassy in person. 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 €75 for your Temporary Stay Visa. Keep in mind that these fees may change at any time.
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 need to 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 appointment (more about this next).
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.
Note that 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 long. However, you'll find that some SEF offices in less crowded 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.
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 will be collected, and you are required to submit all supporting documents once again.
Here are the supporting documents you'll need to submit at your SEF appointment:
Quick note: Our dedicated D7 guide will include everything about the SEF appointment and what you require. The above mentioned steps are to give you an idea of what to expect during the Portugal D7 Visa application process.
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 are legally allowed to live in Portugal as a digital nomad and enjoy all the benefits that come along with your new Residency Permit.
There are many amazing destinations in Portugal where remote workers can choose to work. We will list our Top Places to Work in Portugal.
The Digital Nomad Village is an initiative created by the Regional Government of Madeira, and Startup Madeira. It is specifically designed 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. 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 they need to. 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 is a destination for those Digital Nomads who seek a quiet and relaxing work experience. Here you will be inspired by the amazing architecture, incredible blue skies, and the deep history and culture of Coimbra. Coimbra is an excellent destination if you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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.
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.
With your Temporary Stay Visa/Residency Permit, you can enjoy visa-free travel to countries within the Schengen Area. You have the opportunity to see and experience any of the exciting European destinations.
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.
One of the biggest benefits of Portugal is its low cost of living. Compared to other destinations around the world, Portugal is relatively affordable, making it a top destination for freelancers, remote workers, and retirees.
Digital Nomads can relax in all the sunshine Portugal has to offer throughout the year. After you have completed all your work, you can enjoy many outside activities, thanks to the incredible weather Portugal has to offer.
For any Digital Nomad, these are 2 important deciding factors. Portugal has reliable WiFi connections and numerous working spaces, making it a top destination for Digital Nomads.
You will be happy to know that Portugal has plenty of accommodation options for all Digital Nomads.
Accommodation options include:
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 a 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 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.
If you are planning to stay in Portugal for a long period, it is possible to rent a property. There are many great 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 is one of the most popular accommodation options in Portugal. This is because Airbnb has more flexibility in regards to its terms and conditions. If you are planning to have a short trip, then Airbnb is the perfect option for you. Airbnb also makes it possible to extend 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.
Within hostels, you are likely to find many beds in one room, which means there is little to no privacy. If you are a Digital Nomad who loves meeting and interacting with new people, then hostels are a great option for you. Hostels are a perfect option for those who are only planning a short stay in Portugal. Another benefit of hostels is that it is relatively cheap, making it a budget-friendly option.
No. Portugal offers a high quality of life and relatively low cost of living.
Yes, Portugal has specific agreements with the US that allow US citizens to enter Portugal for 90 days without acquiring any type of visa. If you are planning to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa.
The cost of living can range depending on where you wish to stay in Portugal and how comfortable you want to live. Typically you could expect to pay as much as 1750 - 2000 EURO per month in cities like Lisbon, while other places like Algarve could cost you between 1100 - 1500 EURO per month.
Yes, Portugal has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, making it one of the safest countries for Digital Nomads.
Yes. There is a Digital Nomad Village in Madeira, created by the Regional Government of Madeira, and Startup Madeira. This initiative was created for Digital Nomads in Portugal and is our top recommended destination for Digital Nomads.
The 26 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Portuguese citizens tend to be very friendly people. You can expect Portuguese citizens to be helpful and kind during your stay. Don't be surprised if someone approaches you to have a casual conversation.
No, with a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa you can enjoy the same benefits the Schengen Visa has to offer.
The best time to visit Portugal depends largely on what you'll want to experience while you are there. For more information, you can check out our Best Time To Visit Portugal. For more Portugal travel tips you can also read our guide on The Best Places To Visit While In Portugal.
A D7 visa is a temporary residency permit that is used to obtain a D7 residence permit.
Unfortunately, you need to be in your home country to start the Portugal D7 Visa. You won't be able to apply from abroad. However, you can start gathering documents and researching the visa while abroad. Doing this will enable you to confidently apply for your Portugal D7 Visa as soon as you are back in your home country.
For example, if you have a legal status in Australia, you can submit your application in Australia. However, if you are only visiting Australia, then you need to submit your application in the United States in person.
###Do I need to buy property in Portugal to apply for the D7 visa?
You do not need to buy or own property in Portugal to qualify for the D7 visa. However, during your application process, you will need to provide proof of accommodation. A rental agreement should suffice.
Yes. Once you open your Portuguese bank account, you'll need to make a deposit before your appointment with SEF. There is no specific amount required. However, we recommend that your bank account show a total amount of $8000 - $10 000.
A D7 Visa is a temporary residence permit used to obtain a D7 residency permit. This process can take up to 3 - 4 months. If you fail to submit the correct documents, it might take longer. Also, due to the COVID - 19 lockdown and travel restrictions, you can expect the process to take up to 6 months.
Once your application is successful, your D7 visa is valid for 4 months. Take note that you need to apply for your D7 residency permit within these 4 months.
You can apply for your D7 visa in your home country at the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
For your residency permit, you need to travel to Portugal and apply to SEF and schedule an appointment to start your application. For more information, you can consult our complete guide on how to get permanent residency in Portugal.
Technically yes. Your passport is required for your D7 Visa stamp. However, this can be avoided. Because the Portugal D7 visa takes some time to be processed, you could arrange with the Embassy that you won't send your passport alongside your documents.
Keep in mind that not all Embassies are the same. So, it's recommended that you contact the Embassy where you'll be scheduling your appointment and find out if your passport is required.
In most cases, you won't need to leave your passport at the Embassy.
This will enable you to travel to and from the Schengen Area.
Yes, a D7 visa is the first step that will lead to permanent residency and citizenship. After you have stayed in Portugal for 5 years you can apply for citizenship, provided that you are eligible and meet the requirements.
Yes, provided that they meet all requirements, especially the passive income requirements.
Applicants need to be at least 18 years of age, although this program is popular amongst wealthy retirees.
You are eligible if you:
Are a non-EU citizen
Have a clean criminal record
Meet the passive income requirements
Have proof of accommodation in Portugal
Are willing to spend at least 16 months in Portugal during your first 2 years of relocating
Have sufficient funds to support yourself in Portugal
No. Anyone can apply for the D7 visa as long as they meet the requirements and their source of passive income is stable and expected to stay stable over a long time.
A NIF number is your legal tax number in Portugal. Without a NIF you will not be able to carry out any fiscal activities in Portugal.
NHR stands for Non-Habitual Resident. It is a Portugal tax program that offers foreigners reduced tax rates and in some cases, exemption from tax.
The Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) is a security service within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI). For the purpose of this article, the SEF is responsible for all activities related to migratory movements. If you wish to apply for a Residence visa in Portugal you need to schedule an appointment with SEF.
SEF has a pre-booking system that allows you to schedule appointments either by telephone or online. It is required that you attend your appointment in person. Remember that you are starting a new application for a Residence permit, therefore you will need to have all required documents before your interview.
It is possible to reschedule your appointment, but we advise that you plan ahead of time so that it is not needed.
The biggest difference is the amount of time that you are allowed to stay in Portugal. With a Portugal Schengen Visa it is limited to 90 days. That's why the Schengen visa is easier and cheaper to obtain.
The best time to visit Portugal depends largely on what you'll want to experience while you are there. For more information, you can check out our Best Time To Visit Portugal. For more Portugal travel tips you can also read our guide on The Best Places To Visit While In Portugal
This list of the 10 best Travel blogs when visiting Portugal will provide a wealth of information and ensure that your trip is a truly unforgettable one!
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