Portugal is a dream destination for many. The beautiful coast, the delicious food, the scrumptious Port wine, and the character-filled cities and towns – Portugal has it all. Excitedly, for those working remotely, it’s a possibility to work and live in this amazing country! While Portugal has been a destination for digital nomads for years already, the country only recently announced the Portugal digital nomad visa. But where do you get started?
We’ll go over everything you will need to know about the Portugal digital nomad visa in this ultimate guide, including the requirements, application process, extensions, costs, timeframe, and even alternatives. We’ll also provide you with information regarding tax, the best cities, cost of living, healthcare, and more – this is the ULTIMATE guide, after all!
Does Portugal Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Portugal has a digital nomad visa. The visa was made official on 30 October 2022 and is currently accepting applications. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about the ever-so-popular Portugal digital nomad visa.
- There are two categories of the Portugal digital nomad visa: 1) a temporary (short) stay visa for up to one year or 2) a residency permit that can be renewed for up to five years.
- You must earn at least four times the national minimum wage to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa, which, as of 2023, is €3,040.
- The cost of the Portugal digital nomad visa is €75 for a temporary stay visa and €90 for a residence visa.
- As a Portugal digital nomad visa holder, you become an NHR resident (non-habitual resident) for tax reasons, which means no taxes on foreign income and 20% tax on income earned in Portugal (compared to up to 48% with standard Portuguese income tax rates)
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Prior to the Portugal D8 digital nomad visa being released, most digital nomads entered Portugal on a D7 visa. While the D7 visa was a great pathway to residency in Portugal, it was not created with the digital nomad in mind – rather, retirees. As of October 2022, a new Portuguese visa has accepted digital nomad applications. There are two pathways for the Portugal digital nomad visa: the temporary (short) stay visa and the residency visa. Whichever one you pick is completely up to you, and you can apply for a digital nomad visa now!
One major thing to note before we dig in is that many of the resources you’ll come across regarding the Portugal digital nomad visa are incorrect or outdated. Many resources may state that the digital nomad visa in Portugal is the D7 passive income visa, but this is WRONG! It is also incorrect that you must have a minimum salary of €2,820.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
- You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You must have a minimum salary of four times the minimum wage, which, as of 2023, is €3,040.
- You must work for a foreign company or be a freelancer/self-employed of a non-Portuguese company.
- You must have travel health insurance to cover you during your stay in Portugal.
- You must have a passport valid for 3 months after the duration of your stay.
- You must get a criminal record certificate from your home country or country of residence.
- You must have proof of accommodation for 4 months for the temporary stay visa or 12 months for the residency visa.
- You must also pay the applicable visa fee.
Who Can Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
Anybody not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa – as long as they meet the requirements above. The applicant must come to Portugal with the intent of performing salaried work or freelance work for companies located abroad. The most important point is that the applicant must have a minimum income of four times the minimum wage, which is currently €3,040. This income requirement is what differentiates the Portugal digital nomad visa from other visas, including the D7 visa.
What’s the Difference Between a Digital Nomad Temporary Stay Visa and the Digital Nomad Residence Visa?
You have two options when it comes to the Portugal digital nomad visa, also called the D8 visa: the temporary stay visa and the residence visa. Which one you pick is entirely up to you! The main difference between these two types is that the temporary stay allows you to stay in Portugal for a year while the residency allows you to stay in the country for up to 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship!
As a general rule, what you pick will depend on what you want from your digital nomad experience in Portugal. For example, if you want to simply test out to see if Portugal is for you, the temporary stay D8 visa would be more suitable. On the other hand, if you have a goal in mind of staying in Portugal (or Europe) on a more permanent basis, opt for the residence visa.
Here are the differences between the two Portugal digital nomad visas:
| Temporary Stay D8 Visa | Residence D8 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year | 2 years |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes, for 3 years |
| Accommodation Requirement | 4 month lease | 12 month lease |
| Monthly Salary Requirement | 4x the minimum salary, €3,040 | 4x the minimum salary, €3,040 |
| Portuguese Bank Account Requirement | Depending on the consulate | Yes |
Documents Needed to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Here is everything you’ll need to apply for the Portugal digital nomad temporary stay visa:
- National visa application
- 2 passport photos
- Passport valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return
- Valid travel insurance
- Criminal record certificate from country of origin
- Criminal record enquiry for SEF to access your criminal record
- Proof of sufficient funds to live in Portugal
- Work contract or agreement for your work activity
- Proof of average monthly income for the last three months with a minimum value equivalent to four times the monthly minimum wage
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal covering a period of 4 months
- Proof of your tax residence
- Proof of payment for visa application fee
The documents needed for the digital nomad residence visa are as follows:
- National visa application
- 2 passport photos
- Passport valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return
- Valid travel insurance
- Criminal record certificate from country of origin
- Criminal record enquiry for SEF to access your criminal record
- Proof of sufficient funds to live in Portugal with funds in a Portuguese bank account
- Work contract or agreement for your work activity
- Proof of average monthly income for the last three months with a minimum value equivalent to four times the monthly minimum wage
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal covering a period of 12 months
- A NIF (tax identification number)
- Proof of payment for visa application fee
How to Apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
Step One: Make Sure You Meet the Requirements
First things first, make sure you are eligible for the Portuguese digital nomad visa. Check out the requirements in the bullet point list above. Don’t waste your money applying for this visa if you don’t meet all the requirements.
Step Two: Gather the Necessary Documents
Make sure you have all the documents on hand for a smoother visa application process. The last thing you want is to scramble around, trying to find everything you need.
Step Three: Make an Appointment with the Consulate
Now that you have everything sorted, first, contact your home country’s Portuguese consulate and make an appointment. While you may be able to simply email them your D8 application, more likely than not, you may need to submit it in person during your appointment. Make sure all documents are officially translated!
Step Four: Get Your Decision
The D8 temporary stay visa has a much quicker turnaround time than the residence visa. Generally, you may wait up to 30 days for the temporary stay visa and around 60 to 90 days for the residence visa. You’ll also receive your passport with the appropriate visa.
Step Five: Go to Portugal
Now that you have your visa on hand, you can go to Portugal! If you applied for a temporary stay visa, congratulations! You can now stay in Portugal for up to one year as a digital nomad.
However, if you applied for the Portugal digital nomad residence visa, keep in mind that you will have been given a double-entry visa that is valid for just 120 days, so 4 months. There are a couple of additional steps to follow once you arrive in the country.
Step Six: Attend Your SEF Interview (Residence Visa Only)
Within the 4 months of your double-entry visa, you will need to attend your SEF interview. There are SEF offices all over the country, so find one nearest you! At the interview, you may be required once again to bring all of your documents to prove that you are eligible for the visa. The documents include:
- Passport with visa
- Visa application form
- Valid criminal record certificate
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds to live in Portugal with funds in a Portuguese bank account
- Documents attesting the NIF (tax identification number)
What you need to bring to your SEF interview really depends on the individual office and officer, so to be the safe side, just bring all the documents you supplied in the beginning of the application process.
Step Seven: Get Your Residency Permit Card (Residence Visa Only)
After a successful interview, you will receive your residency permit card valid for 2 years!
Extending the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Both the temporary stay digital nomad visa and the residence digital nomad visa can be extended.
The digital nomad temporary stay visa initially allows you to stay in Portugal for up to one year or 12 months. This visa can be extended for a total of 4 times after the initial visa is accepted. This means that you can technically stay in Portugal for up to 5 years on a temporary stay visa.
The digital nomad residence visa is valid for 2 years initially, but you can extend the visa once. Although you can extend only once, the extension gives you an additional 3 years, for a total of 5 years.
To extend your D8 visa, the process is similar to the initial application. You will need to provide information such as proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation. For the residence visa, you are required to have stayed in Portugal for 8 months out of 12 months, so 16 of the first 24 months, with no absence longer than 6 consecutive months.
Cost of Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The initial cost for applying for a Portugal digital nomad visa is €75 for a temporary stay visa and €90 for a residence visa. However, there are additional costs to consider, including translation, notarization, and any legal or consultation fees, if applicable.
If you are applying for the residence visa, you will also need to pay for the processing and issuing of your residence, which will cost an additional €83 and €72, respectively.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal?
For the temporary stay visa, you may get your visa within 30 days on average. For the digital nomad residence visa, expect around a 60 to 90-day wait for the initial 4-month visa. After you receive the initial visa, you will need to apply for a residency permit, so the entire process can take more than 4 months, depending on how long the wait is till your SEF interview.
Alternatives to the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal
D7 Passive Income Visa
Before the advent of the D8 digital nomad visa, the D7 passive income visa was the most popular visa type for digital nomads in Portugal. Nowadays, most digital nomads applying for this visa will be denied – unless they meet the criteria. As the name suggests, the D7 visa is for nomads who earn passive income only. This is income such as pension, dividends, rental, and some investments. Application for this is similar to the D8 residence visa, but the income requirements are lower at just 100% of the minimum wage, which, as of 2023, is €760 per month.
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
If you’re an entrepreneur, a D2 visa might be a good option for you. This is a visa for those who want to open a business in Portugal. There aren’t any strict requirements for what kind of business one can open – as long as you have the means to do so. There is also no minimum requirement for investment. Instead, you need to prove that you have the funds to support yourself in Portugal for a year.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Golden Visa program has always been one of the more popular paths to residency in Portugal. As of this year, this program is due to change significantly, but it’s not the end of the Golden Visa! In order to qualify for this visa, you have several options. Some examples include creating at least 10 jobs, transferring capital equal to or exceeding €500,000 in qualifying venture capital funds (no real estate) or research activities, and transferring capital equal to or exceeding €250,000 or more in the arts, recovery, or maintenance of national cultural heritage.
Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal for EU Citizens
If you’re a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, congratulations! You don’t need a visa to live and work in Portugal. You can simply move to this beautiful country without any of those annoying bureaucratic visa processes. However, if you plan to stay in Portugal for more than three months, you will need to formally register as a resident with the SEF. To do so, follow steps six and seven above!
Can you Live in Portugal as a Digital Nomad on a Tourist Visa?
Portugal is a part of the Schengen Area, which encompasses 27 countries. And citizens of 63 different countries, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Mexico, can enter this area visa-free for 90 days out of a 180-day period.
When it comes to living in Portugal as a digital nomad while on this Schengen “tourist visa”, this is a bit of a gray area. While technically illegal, no one is hunting down digital nomads on a tourist visa in Portugal. But with that said, from a legal standpoint, it’s best to obtain a proper visa if you go to Portugal with the intent and purpose of working while in the country.
When entering Portugal and the Schengen Area with a tourist visa, your main and only purpose should be to travel. While checking your email here and there and attending a meeting or two doesn’t affect your purpose of travel to the Schengen Zone, if you come to the area loaded with your laptop with all intents of working your usual workload, apply for a Portugal digital nomad visa.
Tax Requirements for Digital Nomads in Portugal
Now for the fun part! Just kidding! Taxes aren’t fun for anyone, but here’s the skinny on what you need to know about paying taxes in Portugal.
Income tax in Portugal is progressive, ranging from 14.5% to as high as 48%. This is for all income – even income earned by digital nomads from foreign companies or individuals. You will need to pay taxes in Portugal if you stay in Portugal for more than 183 days.
Keep in mind that on top of normal tax, your income will also be subject to social security tax. On the plus side, however, you do not need to pay social security in the first 12 months.
Unfortunately, while previously, digital nomads were given a preferential tax rate called the NHR tax rate, this is no longer the case.
Is Portugal a Good Place for Digital Nomads?
Portugal is one of the most popular countries for digital nomads for a reason! From its beautiful coastline, gorgeous weather, relatively low cost of living, and fun culture, it’s no wonder Portugal is on the bucket list for many. Here are the main pros and cons of living in Portugal as a digital nomad.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost of living. Costs can be relatively low, especially compared to other major European destinations. | Bureaucracy. Most things in Portugal take a lot of time, and paperwork is pretty slow. Even making an initial appointment might be a frustrating experience. |
| Amazing weather. Portugal is a sunny destination with long summers and relatively mild winters, especially in the south. | Cold houses. This will be an issue, especially if you live in a part of Portugal with colder winters. Unfortunately, some houses in Portugal are not very well-insulated and may not have heating. |
| Safety. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with the Global Peace Index rating it 6th in the world. | Cash is king. You will need cash at hand as Visa and Mastercard are not accepted everywhere. |
| Path to residency/citizenship. Yep, you read that right! Various visas in Portugal, including the D8 residence visa, offer a pathway to residency and, ultimately, permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years! | English is not commonly spoken. You’ll have to learn some Portuguese to get the most out of your experience living in Portugal. |
Best Places to Live in Portugal for Digital Nomads
You can’t really go wrong when picking a place to live in Portugal. Whether you are after a big city life or a small-town charm, this country has it all. If you’re just starting the search for a place to live in this beautiful country, here are four of the most popular cities for digital nomads in Portugal.
For a more complete list with more details, check out our article on the 10 best places to live in Portugal.
Lisbon
Of course, no list about Portugal’s best places to live is complete without Lisbon. Lisbon has been a hot spot for digital nomads for years and is only continuing to grow. It’s a gorgeous city with plenty to do and amazing people to meet and network with. Despite being a popular city, Lisbon is still relatively affordable compared to other popular digital nomad destinations in Europe, though the cost of living is expected to grow. Life as a digital nomad in Lisbon is pretty easy. There are plenty of coworking spaces, sports and fitness groups, and delicious food and drinks throughout the entire city. Public transportation in Lisbon is a godsend as well!
Disclaimer: Lisbon is one of the most popular cities in the world for digital nomads. Unfortunately, this popularity has led to some unfortunate consequences. Over the past few years, locals have been getting priced out of Lisbon due to rising rent, where landlords would rather rent to tourists and digital nomads who can afford to pay much more than locals. If you do plan to move to Lisbon, please keep this in mind and do your best to lessen your impact. To learn more about this, check out our ethical digital nomad guide.
Porto
Porto is one of the fastest-growing cities for digital nomads in Europe. It’s a great option for digital nomads looking for a more affordable city than Lisbon without sacrificing the amenities a city has to offer. With a population of just over 200,000, Porto is the perfect mix of city meets coastal town. But don’t let the smaller size fool you! There’s still plenty to do and see here – including drinking Port wine! Just like in Lisbon, in Porto, there are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to work at while living and getting to know the Portuguese way of life. Plus, if you’re a surfer, Porto is an amazing surf destination! The cheaper cost of living definitely is a big draw as well – check out She Travelled the World’s guide on affordable European destinations for more on this.
Madeira
The island of Madeira is an up-and-coming digital nomad destination in Portugal. More specifically, there are two hotspots on the island that are popular with digital nomads: Funchal and Ponta do Sol. If you’re after a location with hot and dry summers and mild winters, look no further! Funchal is the capital city of this gorgeous island, complete with several cute cafes and even a coworking space. And interestingly, Ponta do Sol is famous for being a small village dedicated to digital nomads! Due to this, there is a much closer community of expats and digital nomads found on Ponta do Sol and Madeira than you can find anywhere else!
Lagos
A digital nomad destination perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, Lagos is slowly becoming more and more popular with digital nomads and expats alike! Here, you can surf, kayak, cycle, sail, and hike to your heart’s content! Lagos is an international town, so if you don’t speak Portuguese too well, you should be able to get by without too many issues. Lagos may not be big, but it does offer everything you may need to live comfortably, including supermarkets, cafes, shops, restaurants, co-working spaces, gyms, and, of course, beaches! If you want to buy something a bit more specific, Portimão, a larger town, is located just 20 km away.
Cost of Living in Portugal for Digital Nomads
One of the biggest draws for digital nomads in Portugal is the relatively lower cost of living compared to other Western European destinations. However, with that said, Portugal, like much of the world, is currently experiencing a rising cost of living, so these figures are subject to change. The cost of living can vary widely, depending on where you live and your lifestyle.
If you live in a smaller village, your rent can be as low as €450, but if you want to live in one of digital nomad hotspots like Lisbon or Porto, expect to shell out around €700 to €1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. You can definitely find cheaper options if you look slightly away from the city center or if you live with roommates.
When it comes to food, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to fish and produce. On average, a digital nomad will spend anywhere between €200 and €300 a month on groceries. Of course, you should expand your food budget if you plan to eat out often. A typical lunch, also called a prato do dia, will set you back €7-12, and a 3-course dinner will cost around €15-20.
Healthcare in Portugal for Digital Nomads
You may or may not be eligible for universal healthcare in Portugal, depending on the type of digital nomad visa you have. If you are on a temporary stay D8 visa, you will need your own private insurance. On the other hand, if you are a resident, you’ll be able to access the Portuguese healthcare system.
Portugal’s healthcare system is excellent, ranking 22nd in the mid-year 2023 Health Care Index by Numbeo. The public healthcare system is managed by Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). While healthcare in the public system is free for those under 18 and over 65 years of age, everyone else may need to pay a subsidized fee, which will range from €5 to €20. Public healthcare in Portugal covers pretty much everything – except dental care and cosmetic surgery.
Unfortunately, a big concern with Portuguese public healthcare is the wait time. For this reason, many opt to take out private insurance to complement the universal healthcare system.
Check out our list of the 10 best insurance options for digital nomads!
Best Coworking Spaces in Portugal
You can find coworking spaces all across Portugal. Here are some of the best ones we recommend:
- Second Home (Lisbon) – Monthly costs from €340 + IVA for a permanent desk or from €250 + IVA for hot desking. Space has a jungle-like feel with comfortable chairs, good community, and decent wifi.
- Synergy (Porto) – Costs €44 + IVA per week for a fixed desk, €70 + IVA per month for a flexible desk twice a week, €120 + IVA per month for a fixed desk with 24/7 access. Space includes a kitchen, meeting rooms, and fast wifi.
- Cowork Funchal (Funchal) – Costs from €12 + IVA per day, €40 + IVA per week, €100
+ IVA per month for hot desking, or €130 + IVA per month for a permanent desk. Cowork Funchal is open 24/7 and has fast wifi. - John Dos Passos Cultural Center (Ponta do Sol) – Free coworking space with decent wifi and can accommodate up to 100 people, both indoors and outdoors.
How to Find a Place to Live in Portugal
One of the first considerations when moving to Portugal will be to find a place to stay. This step is particularly important for budding digital nomads in Portugal, as you will need to prove you have accommodation in the country for 4 or 12 months, depending on which visa you are applying for. Finding accommodation in a new country can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge on hand, you should be able to find your dream home in Portugal in no time.
Before we dive into how to find accommodation in Portugal, let’s first review what you should look out for when looking for a digital nomad-friendly accommodation.
- High internet speeds: Of course, since you’re working online, you will need good and reliable internet. While you can obviously work from a coworking space, having good internet at home will come in handy for those lazy days. If internet is included in rent, always test it out beforehand to see if it’s fast enough for you and your needs.
- Workspace: Some may prefer to work in a coworking space or cafe, but if you’re one of those people that also like to work from home, you’ll need to ensure you have enough space in the house to work comfortably.
- Utility prices: Always ask whether utilities are included in the price of rent. If they are, perfect! If it isn’t, ask how much you should expect to pay in addition to the rent for gas, electricity, water, and internet.
- Good location: This goes without saying, but make sure the apartment you are checking out is located in a good area where you want to live. You want to be living close enough to a supermarket, restaurants, bars, and maybe even a coworking space.
Where to Find Apartments in Portugal?
So, now that you know what to look for… how do you find apartments in Portugal?
Word of Mouth
Do you already have some friends or family in Portugal? They can help you get set up in the country by helping you find a place to stay. They’ll also have the most up-to-date information about how to find accommodation in their specific area – if that’s where you are planning on moving anyway!
Rental Listing Sites in Portugal
Of course, the most obvious way to find a rental in Portugal is to use a rental listing site. The first three listed below should be where you look for rentals in Portugal. However, if, after searching extensively, you still can’t find an option, Uniplaces can be a great resource as well. Just note that it is much more expensive!
Join Facebook Groups
Surprisingly, one of the best ways to look for accommodation in Portugal is to join Facebook groups! There are many rental apartment Facebook groups to help you with your search. Even if you don’t find one to your liking there, you can easily post about yourself and what you’re looking for, and you should get a few responses. Take care and pick the right Facebook groups – try to join ones that are in Portuguese rather than in English.
- Alugar / Casas / Quartos / Barato / Distritos / Lisboa / Setubal / Porto /
- Apartamentos t0 t1 t2 t3 alugar / arrendar casa (Lisboa, Cascais, Oeiras)
- Casas / Apartamentos / Quartos para arrendar no Porto
Travel Accommodation Sites
These sites can be an option, but for digital nomads, we generally recommend other options when looking for accommodation. While travel accommodation sites can be easy and accessible, they will be more expensive. Plus, these websites contribute to rising living costs in destinations like Portugal. For more on this, check out our digital nomad ethics guide.
However, if you’re in a pinch and you can’t find any accommodation in Portugal – especially on short notice when you first move into the country – try out these sites:
Check out our our post on digital nomad housing options for more on this.
Start Your Nomad Life in Portugal Now!
What’s stopping you from making the move? Just make sure you meet the requirements for the Portugal digital nomad visa, and make the jump! The process of applying for the D8 visa may seem confusing, but you’ll see that it’s quite straightforward once you have all the documents needed. As the process might differ depending on the consulate you apply from, just make sure to contact your local consulate beforehand in order to ensure you’ve got everything sorted before you apply.
Learn more about other digital nomad visas that are available on our digital nomad visa page!
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