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Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Residence permit to work by the ocean, travel, and get citizenship in 5 years

Download the guide Calculate the cost
€3,040 a month Minimum applicant’s income
4+ months Visa obtaining period
5 years Residing to qualify for citizenship

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is issued to foreigners who work remotely. Freelancers, employees of foreign companies, self-employed, and individual entrepreneurs can qualify.

Visa applications are accepted only from foreigners from non-EU and non-EEA countries.

Article 53 of Law No. 23/2007, dated 07/04/2007, provides the visa rules.

Digital Nomad Visa applicants confirm a monthly income of at least €3,040. They also need to buy or rent residential properties in Portugal.

The Digital Nomad Visa gives the right to get a Portugal residence permit for 2 years, subject to extension.

Residents must spend at least 183 days a year in the country to keep their permits.

Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Moving to Europe

With a Digital Nomad Visa, applicants can move to Portugal with their families and get residence permits there.

Creating a safe haven

With a low crime rate, stable political system and peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, Portugal is safe to live and raise children. The country ranks sixth in the Global Peace Index 2022.

Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

Digital nomads with Portugal residence permits can travel visa-free to other Schengen countries and spend up to 90 days out of 180.

High-quality education and healthcare

Portuguese residents get free education in public schools and universities, with their diplomas recognised worldwide. Medical services are also available on the same rights as for the citizens.

Tax optimisation

Digital nomads must live in Portugal more than 183 days per year, which makes them tax residents of the country. Therefore, they can get the favoured tax status of Non-habitual Residents, which exempts them from taxes on foreign income. It also allows them to pay social security contributions at a reduced rate of 10%.

Convenient path to a residence permit

It is faster to get a Digital Nomad Visa than a working residence permit since digital nomads have fewer requirements. They do not need to invest in the country’s economy; it is only necessary to confirm the required income amount and rent or buy real estate.

Portugal citizenship in 5 years

After holding residence status in Portugal for 5 years, the digital nomad can apply for permanent residence or citizenship. Portugal passport holders can visit 187 countries visa-free.

Practical guide on the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

  • Step-by-step procedure
  • Requirements for applicants
  • Required documents
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
Download the guide

PDF, 17 pages, 2.8 MB

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa requirements for applicants

Investor
  • Over 18
  • No criminal record
  • Non-EU and non-EEA citizen
  • Remote work
  • Income of at least €3,040 per month
  • Bought or rented housing in Portugal
Spouse
  • No criminal record
  • In official marriage or partnership with the investor
Children under 18
Children aged 18 to 30
  • Unmarried
  • Financially dependent on the investor
Spouses’ parents under 65

Financially dependent on the investor

Spouses’ parents over 65

Digital Nomad Visa costs

The Digital Nomad Visa cost depends on the number of applicants and the type of real estate — rented or purchased. If the applicant purchases the property, they pay the stamp duty and annual property tax.

1 option

Expense item Amount
Purchase or rent a real estate No requirements for property or rental cost
Stamp duty 0.8% of the property value at purchase
Annual municipal property tax 0.3 to 0.8% of the property value
Travel insurance when applying for the visa 14+ per month
Visa application fee €90 per family member
Processing fee under the residency application €85.05
Fee for a residence permit card €73.10
Medical insurance when applying for a residence permit €20+

Real estate and income requirements for applicants

A digital nomad buys or rents a residential property in Portugal. In the case of renting housing, they conclude a lease agreement for at least one year.

The applicant’s monthly income is calculated according to the minimum wage in Portugal. It amounts to €760 per month in 2023. The digital nomad must earn at least four Portuguese salaries — €3,040 monthly.

To be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa, the applicant must work remotely under an employment or partnership agreement or service agreement, be an individual entrepreneur, or be self-employed.

A benefit of the Digital Nomad Visa is that the applicant doesn’t have to open a bank account in Portugal. It’s enough for them to have an account in any bank operating with the SEPA payment system.

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Individual cost calculation for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees

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We will send you a quote by email within 1 hour.

Required documents for the Digital Nomad Visa

Immigrant Invest lawyers help applicants collect the necessary documents, fill out forms, check, translate and apostille them. Documents for visa application include the following:

  1. An international passport.
  2. Two colour photos 4.5 x 3.5 cm in size.
  3. An English motivation letter explaining why the applicant wants to move to Portugal.
  4. A work contract and other agreements proving that the applicant works remotely.
  5. A bank statement proving a monthly income of €3,040.
  6. Tax return statements or tax receipts.
  7. Proof of sufficient funds to reside in Portugal — a bank statement showing at least the last 12 salaries of the digital nomad. In 2023, the account balance should be no less than €36,480.
  8. A certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence.
  9. Proof of kinship between family members: marriage or birth certificates.
  10. A rental agreement or a certificate of real estate ownership in Portugal.
  11. Medical insurance.
  12. Tickets to Portugal on the approximate date of arrival with the visa.
  13. A NIF registration certificate.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa types

Portugal has been issuing Digital Nomad Visas since October 2022. It’s a national type D visa, which comes in two forms: for a temporary stay and for obtaining residency.

A temporary stay, or a short-stay visa, allows to reside in Portugal for up to a year. This multiple-entry visa cannot be extended or used to obtain residency.

A residency visa, or a long-term visa, is intended for foreigners looking to reside in Portugal. The visa is valid for 4 months and allows two entries into the country. Once the visa holder arrives in Portugal, they can use it to apply for a 2-year residence permit.

Best places to relocate for digital nomads in Portugal

Portugal is one of the most picturesque places in Europe, with a warm climate, developed economy, and high-safety level. The Digital Nomad Visa is a good opportunity for those who work remotely to relocate to Portugal.

Lisbon is considered one of the most popular cities in the world for digital nomads. It offers a wide range of different coworking places. For those who seek privacy and silence, there are numerous cafes, bookshops and libraries with an authentic atmosphere.

Business professionals call Lisbon one of the best places to live in Portugal. Beautiful coasts, refined architecture, and high-tech scenes become attractive to digital nomads.

Porto is suitable for residents who need a cosier and more restful atmosphere. It has its medieval charm and is cheaper to live in than Lisbon.

Although the infrastructure is less developed than in Lisbon, many coworking places exist in the historical centre and the river banks.

Cascais is a wonderful city for digital nomads who need to escape from the fast pace of life and relax the mind. It offers coworking places of different styles, from totally minimalistic spaces to those surrounded by nature.

Step-by-step procedure on how to get a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and a residence permit

1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary check of the digital nomad before concluding an agreement. A certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer checks information in international legal and business databases.

The check helps discover the facts that may affect obtaining a visa and residence permit in Portugal and reduce the risk of refusal. For example, providing additional documents or choosing another program may be necessary.

The preliminary Due Diligence is confidential and takes 1 business day.

Pass a quick test and learn the nuances that can prevent you from obtaining a residence permit
10+ business days
Getting a Portuguese taxpayer number
10+ business days

Getting a Portuguese taxpayer number

The digital nomad needs a taxpayer number (Número de Identificação Fiscal, NIF) to rent or buy real estate and open an account in a Portuguese bank. In the future, the NIF will be valid for many actions, from making an appointment with a doctor to accessing the Internet.

Non-EU citizens get NIFs through a tax representative in Portugal. The procedure is remote. Immigrant Invest lawyers prepare a power of attorney, under which the Portuguese representative gets a NIF for the applicant.

Up to 2 months
Purchasing or renting a housing
Up to 2 months

Purchasing or renting a housing

Immigrant Invest real estate experts offer properties for rent or purchase. The applicant picks a property remotely or goes to Portugal to see the options in person.

Buying a property takes up to two months. Renting is faster and takes only several days.

3+ weeks
Collecting and submitting documents for a Digital Nomad Visa
3+ weeks

Collecting and submitting documents for a Digital Nomad Visa

Immigrant Invest lawyers help investors collect the necessary documents, fill out forms, check, translate and apostille them.

Digital Nomad Visa applicants submit documents and biometric data to a Portuguese consulate in the country of residence.

90+ business days
Obtaining a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
90+ business days

Obtaining a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

The Portuguese Consulate processes the visa application within 90 days. The digital nomad receives a passport with a visa sticker, which indicates the date of the visit to the Portuguese migration service (SEF) to apply for a residence permit.

If the consulate has not set a date for a visit to the SEF, the digital nomad needs to sign up personally or with the help of a representative, such as an Immigrant Invest lawyer.

1 day
Entry to Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa
1 day

Entry to Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa

The visa is valid for four months. The applicant needs to come to Portugal and apply for a residence permit to the SEF.

1 day
Applying for a residence permit
1 day

Applying for a residence permit

The digital nomad personally submits the documents for a residence permit at an appointed time and day. An Immigrant Invest representative accompanies the applicant.

2+ weeks
Getting a residence permit card
2+ weeks

Getting a residence permit card

After the application is approved, a residence permit card is sent to the investor’s registered address in Portugal.

Why trust in Immigrant Invest?

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent that works only with government programs in the EU and the Caribbean under licence from the respective governments.

We have been working since 2006 and know everything about the industry: the nuances of laws in each foreign jurisdiction, how Due Diligence is carried out, and the best ways to solve the issues.

Immigrant Invest has an in-house Compliance Department. It conducts a preliminary Due Diligence check, which reduces the risk of refusal of a visa and residence permit to 1%.

Schedule a meeting

Let’s discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

Zlata Erlach, Investment Programs Expert
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Answers to frequently asked questions

Does Portugal have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, Portugal started issuing special Digital Nomad Visas for non-EU remote workers and freelancers in October 2022. The requirement is to earn at least €3,040 per month. It takes about 90 days to obtain this visa.

How much does a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa cost?

The applicant’s costs include purchasing or renting a residential property and related taxes. In addition, the applicant gets medical insurance and pays fees for visa application and issuing residence permit cards. The total cost depends on the applicant’s family composition. To learn more, get an individual cost calculation.

How to apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

To get a Digital Nomad Visa, foreigners collect the required documents and submit them to the Portuguese consulate in the country of their citizenship or residence. The processing of the visa takes about 90 business days.

It is also possible to obtain a visa in Portugal if the applicant is already there, for example, with a Schengen Visa. In this case, the process will take around 2 years, during which the applicant cannot leave the country.

Is Portugal good for digital nomads?

Yes, Portugal is good for digital nomads, for it allows applying for a residence permit as soon as the visa is ready. Residency cards are issued within 4 months.

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and provides numerous opportunities for remote work, from multiple and accessible WiFi spots to sea getaways.

Are digital nomads taxed in Portugal?

Yes, remote workers and freelancers in Portugal who moved there with a Digital Nomad Visa pay taxes there. They must stay in Portugal for at least 183 days a year to keep their residency. That makes them tax residents of the state.

Digital nomads can obtain the Non-habitual Resident status that will exempt them from tax on foreign income for 10 years.

What is the minimum income for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

The minimum required income for digital nomads is €36,480 annually.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal as a digital nomad?

€2,000 is the standard monthly expense for a single digital nomad, including renting, all the utilities, food and entertainment. However, Portugal Digital Nomad Visa applicants prove they earn at least €3,040 per month.

Schedule a meeting

Let’s discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

Zlata Erlach, Caribbean Investment Program Expert
Schedule a meeting
Prefer messengers?
WhatsApp Telegram