How to Get a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and freelancers who want to live and work distraction-free. So, if you are tired of working from the same old desk, we can pave your way to immigrating to this beautiful country. Here, we will tell you all about the Portugal digital nomad visa. Read on to learn more.

Does Portugal Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes! You can have Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa also called the D8 visa. But what exactly is the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal? It is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live and work legally in Portugal.

It provides 2 types of visa, which depend on how long you want to stay:

• Portugal digital nomad visa to permanent residents who want to make Portugal their new home base.
• Portugal temporary stay visa digital nomad for those who want to stay in Portugal for up to one year​.

Portugal digital nomad visa is a good option for careers that are not tied to a physical office. This includes graphic designers, software developers, writers, digital marketers, translators, consultants, and even online educators.

Who Can Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal?

Not everyone qualifies, but if you have the following qualifications, you are eligible to apply:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Your monthly income must be at least €3,280, which is four times Portugal’s minimum wage.
• You need to work for a company outside Portugal or run your own remote business.
• You need proof of where you’ll stay in Portugal, like a rental agreement.
• You also need health insurance that covers you in Portugal.
• You’ll need a clean criminal record.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

You must provide detailed documentation to apply for this kind of Portugal Visa. Let’s see a list of the requirements you need for Portugal digital nomad visa:

• Ensure your current passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Portugal.
• Provide an employment contract, client agreement, or business registration documents that prove you work remotely for a company, clients, or a business based outside Portugal.
• Show a minimum monthly income of €3,280 through bank statements, employment contracts, or proof of freelance earnings.
• Provide evidence of accommodation in Portugal, like a rental agreement or property deed covering at least 12 months.
• Get health insurance that covers medical expenses in Portugal for the duration of your stay.
• Submit a criminal background check from any country where you’ve resided recently that indicates no criminal history.
• Provide a document that shows your tax residency status in your home country.
• You need to provide a completed visa application form.
• Write a letter explaining your reasons for living and working remotely from Portugal, which includes your professional activities and how they align with residing in Portugal.
• Some consulates may require a scanned image or photocopy of your national identity card for additional verification.

Pro Tip: Ensure all documents are up-to-date, translated into Portuguese if necessary, and authenticated as required.

How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal

Here are all the steps of the Portugal digital nomad visa application:

1. Gather All Necessary Documents

• For this part, you need to collect all the above-mentioned documents, translate them into Portuguese, and ensure all of them are up-to-date.

2. Fill Out the Application Form (Online or In Person)

Online:

1. Visit the official website of “washingtondc.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt” for the Portuguese consulate in your country. Look for the “Visas” section (commonly under “Consular Services”).
2. Access the D8 Digital Nomad Visa Application Form.
3. Create an account if required (use a valid email to register and log in).
4. Fill in your details carefully, and don’t forget to double-check for accuracy.
5. Save a copy of the form for your records before submitting it.

In-person:

1. Visit the consular section of the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate.
2. Request a printed copy of the D8 Digital Nomad Visa Application Form.
3. Complete the form clearly and thoroughly with accurate personal and professional details.
4. Sign the form, as unsigned applications will not be accepted.
5. Check if pre-registration or an appointment is required and confirm with the consulate in advance.
6. Bring the completed form and all required documents to your appointment.
7. Submit the form and documents to the consular officer during your visit.

3. Submit Your Application

Online:

1. Log in to the consulate’s visa application portal again.
2. Upload scanned copies of all required documents. Ensure files meet the size and format requirements specified.
3. Pay the visa fee through the portal (Keep the receipt for your records).
4. Once submitted, book your in-person appointment for the visa interview.

In-person submission:

1. Visit the Portuguese consulate or embassy nearest to you.
2. Bring physical copies of all required documents, the completed form, and your payment for the visa fee.
3. Submit everything to the visa officer during your appointment.

4. Attend the Visa Interview

1. Go to the Portuguese consulate or embassy where you submitted your application. If applied online, confirm with the consulate if an interview is required.
2. The officer will ask questions about your job, your reason for choosing Portugal, and your financial stability.
3. Have all the documents we mentioned above and a copy of your application receipt.

5. Wait for Processing

• You need to wait 2–3 months for processing. Check your consulate’s website for specific timeframes. If you applied online, log in to the consulate’s portal regularly to track your application status.

6. Receive Your Visa Decision

• You’ll get an email or letter informing you of the decision. If approved, pick up your passport with the visa stamped. If your application gets rejected, the consulate will provide reasons for the denial. You may address the issues and reapply if eligible.

7. Prepare for Your Move to Portugal

• Book your flights and secure long-term accommodation. If you applied online, download and print your visa details for travel. Upon arrival, you may need to schedule an appointment with the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) for residency documentation.

Bringing Family to Portugal Using the Digital Nomad Visa

The good news is that Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa gives you the chance to bring your family along. Spouses, long-term partners, minor children, dependent adult children (like students), and even dependent parents qualify under the family reunification policy.

You need to meet additional income thresholds to take your family with you. To do this, you need to show an additional 50% of the individual income requirement for a spouse or partner and 30% for each child. You must also provide documentation like:

• Marriage or birth certificate
• Proof of financial dependency
• Evidence of suitable accommodation.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Taxes

If you stay in Portugal for more than 183 days, you’ll be considered a tax resident and you need to pay Portuguese income tax. Portuguese tax rates depend on your income level and range from 14.5% to 48%. But don’t worry—Portugal has a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program that offers great benefits for newcomers.

Qualifying individuals can pay a low flat tax rate of 20% on some income earned in Portugal. Moreover, you don’t have to pay taxes on foreign income, like dividends or pensions, which depend on agreements between Portugal and your home country. This program lasts for up to 10 years and it is a great advantage for digital nomads moving to Portugal.

Digital Nomad Visa Portugal Cost

The visa fees can include document processing and residence permits. Let’s see how much you need to pay for a Portugal digital nomad visa 2024​:

• €90 per applicant for the visa application fee.
• €85.05 per applicant for the residence permit processing fee.
• €73.10 per applicant for issuing the physical residence permit card.
• €20 per month for health insurance.
• Additional income of €1,640 per month for spouse or partner.
• Additional income of €984 per month for each dependent child.

Payment methods include:

• Credit or Debit Card
• Bank Transfer (Ensure you keep a receipt)
• Cash

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa to Permanent Resident

After having a Portugal D8 visa for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. To qualify need to:

• Demonstrate continuous residence in Portugal.
• Show basic proficiency in Portuguese (A2 level).
• Prove financial stability.
• Maintain a clean criminal record.

When you get permanent residency, you can have access to healthcare, education, and social services. After another five years (a total of 10 years), you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, which allows you to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: Let’s Recap

Considering all these points, the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa can offer remote workers an incredible opportunity to experience life in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries. In this guide, we tried to answer all your questions and provide you with comprehensive info. If you are still in 2 minds, make an online appointment for free consultation.

FAQs about Portugal Digital Nomad Visa