The Portugal remote work visa is one of the latest visa programs catering to foreigners who work remotely. Also called the Portugal Digital nomad visa, it’s a suitable choice for professionals who wish to move to Portugal but earn a worldwide income. It’s also for residents from non-EU countries as they can apply for residency using this visa type.
That said, the Portugal remote work visa or Portugal digital nomad visa is a national type D visa. It is precisely called the Portugal D8 Visa. Hence it splits into two categories: Remote workers can apply for the Digital nomad temporary stay visa (short stay visa) for 1 year or they can apply for a residency permit that can be renewed yearly for up to five years.
This article will tell you all you need to know about this remote work visa.
Why Choose Portugal as a Digital Nomad?
Portugal is one of Europe’s best countries with a low cost living. Plus, many cities, towns, and villages in Portugal have fast-growing digital nomad communities. For instance, Lisbon is one of the most innovative remote work-oriented cities in the world. Beyond that, some dreams Portugal fulfills are remote work and flexibility to travel and tour as you are. You’ll find Portugal, a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and tons of leisure activities.
What is the Digital Nomad visa (D8)?
The Portugal Digital nomad visa is a visa suitable to remote workers in Portugal who earn incomes from employers in another country. Hence, it’s meant for expat workers, remote workers and freelancers as long as they don’t earn an income from a Portuguese employer.
As said earlier, the Portugal Digital Nomad visa (D8) splits into two categories:
- Short-stay visa: This visa allows you to remain in Portugal for 1 year (12 months) and does not count towards permanent residency. For this visa, you can apply with a minimum 4-month lease. However, a 1-year lease is the most recommended. You can also renew this visa for another 2 or 3 years.
- Residency permit: This Digital Nomad visa type allows you to reside in Portugal with the opportunity of becoming eligible for permanent residency or citizenship after five years. For this visa, your initial will allow you to remain in Portugal for 24 months. Once you renew, you can stay for an additional 36 months.
Nevertheless, regardless of whether you choose the short-stay visa or the residence permit, the D8 visa demands that you show an income of about €3,280. Note that even if your income fluctuates, you can still apply for this visa. But you must show that you’re reaching the monthly average of €3,280 or four times the Portuguese minimum wage.
Minimum Stay Requirements
Every visa has its minimum stay requirements, and the Portugal digital nomad visa has one or two. During the first two-year period, you should not leave Portugal for more than six months in a row or eight months in total. Although authorities might not be strict about this, it’s better to follow the rules.
What are the requirements for the Portugal Digital nomad visa?
The requirements for the Portugal remote work visa include:
- Being over the age of 18 years
- Have citizenship in non-EU and non-EEA countries
- Have fully remote work on a permanent contract or freelance.
- Prove that the total income you receive from all sources to make you a digital nomad is about €3,280. If you’re coming with your family, you must receive an additional 50 percent monthly income for a spouse, and 25 percent additional monthly income for each child.
- Also need to have additional savings in your account of about €9, 840.
- Must show you have a 1-year extended agreement on a rented (or bought) property in Portugal.
Documentation for the Portugal remote work visa.
Generally, you’ll need to gather the following documents. However, you should contact the Portuguese Consulate in your home country to find out if the required documents have been updated.
- Two Photos for passports (4.5 x 3.5cm)
- Valid passport (with at least six months’ validity
- Visa application form.
- Contract or partnership agreement proving remote work
- Bank statements displaying monthly earnings and savings in the past three months.
- Latest tax return
- Proof of accommodation such as your rental agreement,
- European health insurance,
- NIF registration certificate (Portuguese tax identification number)
- Certificate of criminal record. If your country is part of the Hague Convention, you’ll need to have that certificate certified by Apostille. If not, you can legalize your certificate with the Embassy of Portugal
- Proof of Digital Nomad visa fee payment.
And additionally for any dependents, you’ll need to have the following documents:
- Birth certificates for dependents (certified by Apostille)
- Marriage certificate (certified by Apostille).
Where to apply for the Portugal remote work visa?
Generally, you could apply for a Portugal remote work visa from your home country or right in Portugal. If you choose the option of applying at AIMA (former SEF, the Immigration and Borders Service in Portugal). However this application process is longer and more complicated. Using this step also means that you cannot leave the country until you’ve finalized the application.
How to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa.
Step 1: Gather all your documents
You need to put together all the documents you need and have them officially authenticated by an Apostille from the country of issuance for use in a different country. Generally, you could complete your initial visa application in English, Portuguese, or your local language, at your local Embassy. However, for your residency permit application in Portugal, your documents must be translated into Portuguese and authenticated by the Portuguese embassy.
Step 2: Fill out the application form and write a cover letter
You’ll need to fill out the application form.There you’ll detail your personal and financial documents. Ensure that the information is accurate and aligns with your supporting documents. Accompanying your Portugal visa D8 application is a letter detailing your:
- Personal details
- Your reason for applying for temporary residence in Portugal
- Any connections you have to Portugal
- Your planned accommodation in Portugal
- How do you plan to sustain yourself and any dependents during your stay in Portugal?
Every applicant would need to write their own cover letter. However, the dependents can have shorter cover letters and should reference the principal applicant’s documentation. All the cover letters should be signed and dated by the applicant or legal guardian.
Step 3: Submit your application
Now you can submit your application at your local Portuguese Consulate. Some countries would have their applications done with VFS Global, the official partner of the Embassy of Portugal. You might need to request an appointment first. On your appointment day, you need to go personally to the consulate or application center for your fingerprints and photo to be taken. Then you’ll need to pay the Digital nomad visa application fee.
Step 4: Wait for your D8 visa
Ideally, you might wait for 60 days before you will receive notification of your Digital Nomad visa application approval. After this, you can choose to have your visa sent to you by a secure port or you can travel to your consulate or wherever you apply to collect it.
Step 5: Enter Portugal and register for residency
Once you enter Portugal, your initial visa allows you to stay for 120 days. During this time, you are required to schedule an appointment for your residency permit. AIMA would typically schedule it and the date of appointment should be included in your visa documentation. If it’s not, you will need to phone AIMA to make an appointment. On the appointment day, you’ll need to have your NIF and Portuguese Bank Account. So you need to have this done before your application day. Also on the appointment day, you’ll need to pay a fee of 170 EUR. Note that residence permits take about two weeks to process. After this, it would be mailed to your home address in Portugal.
Portugal Remote Work Visa Costs
Under the digital nomad visa, you will pay 75 EUR for the temporary stay visa. This is valid for 1 year, multiple entries but there’s no residency permit.
In contrast, if you wish for a long-term Portugal remote work visa you pay around 93 EUR per person.
Benefits of the D8 Portugal Remote Work Visa
- Right to live and work in Portugal
The D8 visa allows you to live and work in Portugal legally for a specific duration, usually up to 1 year. This is different from the tourist visa that only allows you to be in Portugal for 90 days every three months.
- Visa-free travel across Europe
Portugal is part of the Schengen area. With this visa, you can travel to other member states without getting an additional visa.
- Access to public services in Portugal
While in Portugal on this visa type, you can access other public services such as education, healthcare, and social benefits.
- Pathway to citizenship
Once you’ve resided legally under the Portugal Digital Nomad visa, you can apply for permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship. Also note that to become a Portuguese citizen, you’ll need to pass the basic Portuguese language test.
- Family reunification
With this visa, you can bring your other family members. However, you must prove you have enough additional income to support them in Portugal.
Alternatives to the Portugal Remote Work Visa for Digital Nomads
Granted, the minimum income requirement for the digital nomad visa is steep. Therefore, you might be interested in other visa types, if your income doesn’t meet the criteria. Here are alternatives that might fall into your situation.
Portugal D7 visa
The Portugal D7 visa is one of the most popular alternatives to almost any visa type. As long as you can prove you receive a passive income, this can be the solution to your entry into Portugal. Do note that this income must be entirely passive. Hence, it could be retirement savings, pensions, stocks, and more.
Startup visa (D2 visa)
This visa is aimed at those who want to begin a business in Portugal. The minimum requirements for this visa are also lower. However, the visa application process and requirements for this visa are quite complicated and vague. So you might be better off applying for other visa options.
Frequently asked Questions about Portugal Remote Work Visa
Does Portugal tax remote workers?
Under the Digital remote work visa, you may be eligible for the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) status. This means you can live in Portugal, without being taxed on your global income. And then, if you live in Portugal for more than 183 days, you’ll be eligible for tax breaks over ten years. Plus, taxes on any income within Portugal are set at 20% as opposed to the regular rate of 48%. However, the NHR scheme is ending.
How to get the AIMA appointment?
The AIMA appointment can be automatic. However, it’s more common to get in touch with AIMA and arrange an appointment. However, getting AIMA on the phone is as though you’re getting on a full-time job. It’s much better to get a third-party service or even your immigration lawyer to do that for you.
Can I work remotely in Portugal for a month?
It’s possible to work remotely in Portugal for a month while on a tourist visa. However, this exists in the gray area, since you aren’t earning an income directly from Portugal, and you’re likely earning a worldwide income.
However, if you plan on residing in Portugal for longer, it’s better to follow the due process by applying for a suitable visa such as the D7 passive income or D8 remote work visa.
Do I need a visa to work remotely in the EU?
Depending on your status, you might need a visa to work in the EU. Generally, you can apply for a National visa from any country in the EU to legally work there. Many countries in the EU offer freelancer, or remote work visas that you can apply for.
Can I work in Portugal without residency?
Citizens from the EU/EFTA can work in Portugal without a visa. However, if you are staying longer than 3 months, you’ll need to register your residence. Generally, non-EU citizens will need a work visa and residence permit to reside in Portugal.
What is the easiest digital nomad visa in Europe?
There isn’t a single European country without the easiest visa. Making the choice depends on your income, processing times, and required qualifications.
Do Portugal tax expats?
Before now Portugal taxed expats mostly using the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) program. But now the program is ending, and there are new rules that will significantly reduce your tax burden for several years.
Can I live and work remotely in Portugal for a UK company
You can live and work remotely in Portugal while working for a UK company using the digital nomad visa. Alternatives that also work include the D2 and D7 visa types.
Which digital nomad visa is tax-free in Europe?
No European country offers a tax exemption for the digital nomad visa. However, some countries have attractive tax programs for digital nomads, like Portugal’s NHR program.
