DIGITAL NOMAD GUIDE
The best location for a digital nomad, freelancer, or remote worker
Portugal offers a unique Digital Nomad Visa or entrepreneur visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in Portugal while maintaining employment with a company outside of Portugal. This visa is one of the first of its kind in Europe, offering options for temporary stay and residency permits. If you are looking for quality of life, a great work-life balance, low cost of living, and a superb location to travel, Portugal is the perfect place for you. This page has all the information to get you started.
1. Digital Nomad Temporary Stay Visa
2. Digital Nomad Residence Visa
Suitable for those seeking a longer stay or aiming for Portuguese citizenship.
Requires additional documentation like NIF, proof of tax residence, and employment or freelancer contract.
Eligibility for this Visa
Non-EU/EEA Citizens
Only individuals from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) are eligible to apply for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa.
Clean Criminal Record
Applicants must have no conviction for an offence in Portugal punishable by a custodial sentence of more than one year.
Income €3280
Your monthly income is minimum €3280
Employment Outside Portugal
Applicants must be employed by a company based outside of Portugal or be self-employed with clients outside Portugal.
BENEFITS OF LIVING IN PORTUGAL
Work-Life Balance
Flexible Work Environment:Â The visa allows for a flexible work environment, accommodating remote work, freelancing, and online business operations.
Co-working Spaces:Â Portugal, especially cities like Lisbon and Porto, has a growing number of co-working spaces, providing networking opportunities and fostering a sense of community among digital nomads.
Work and Travel:Â The visa allows digital nomads to work while exploring the country, experiencing its landscapes, beaches, historic sites, and cities
Quality of Life
High Living Standards: Portugal is known for its high living standards, with excellent healthcare, education, and public services.
Safety: Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a friendly and welcoming population.
Climate: Portugal boasts a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an attractive destination year-round.
Lifestyle and Cultural Experience
Rich Culture: Portugal has a rich and diverse culture, with a long history, unique traditions, and a variety of cultural events and festivals.
Cuisine: Portugal offers a diverse and delicious cuisine, famous for its seafood, pastries, and wines.
Language Learning: Living in Portugal provides an opportunity to learn Portuguese, enhancing communication with locals and enriching the overall experience.
Economic and Financial Benefits
Cost of Living: Portugal has a relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
Tax Benefits: Portugal offers attractive tax regimes for foreign residents, potentially providing tax exemptions on foreign income.
Currency: Using the Euro (€) makes financial transactions seamless when traveling within the Eurozone.
Legal Stay and Mobility
Legal Residence: The visa provides a legal means to reside in Portugal, ensuring access to local services and amenities.
Schengen Area Access: Visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area, allowing them to explore other European countries easily.
Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: The Residence Visa can lead to permanent residency and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship, granting additional rights and privileges.
Networking and Community
Diverse Community: Portugal’s digital nomad community is diverse, with individuals from various backgrounds and professions.
Networking Opportunities: Regular meetups, events, and online platforms provide opportunities to connect with other digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
Supportive Environment: The community is generally supportive, with shared knowledge and experiences fostering personal and professional growth.
Access to Healthcare and Education
Healthcare: Portugal has a high-quality healthcare system, and visa holders can access healthcare services during their stay.
Education: For those with families, Portugal offers quality education, and children can attend local schools, experiencing a new educational environment.
Our Digital Nomad services 
- Expert Guidance: Our team is well-versed with the intricacies of the Digital Nomad application process in Portugal. We provide expert guidance to ensure a smooth and successful application.
- Comprehensive Document Review: We provide a comprehensive checklist of all required documents, we meticulously review all necessary documents to ensure they meet the requirements, reducing the chances of application rejection.
- Application Form Assistance: We guide you in accurately completing the visa application form, ensuring all information is correctly entered to avoid any delays or rejections.
- Time-Saving: Navigating the Digital Nomad process can be time-consuming. Our services streamline the process, saving you valuable time and effort.
- Stay Updated: Visa laws and regulations can change. We keep abreast of the latest updates related to Digital Nomad in Portugal, ensuring you always have the most current information.
- Personalized Approach: Every client's situation is unique. We offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs and circumstances.
- Transparent Communication: We believe in clear and transparent communication. You'll be informed at every step, ensuring you're always in the loop.
- Multilingual Support: Our team can assist clients in multiple languages, ensuring clear understanding regardless of your native tongue.
- Post-Approval Assistance: After visa approval, we guide you on settling in Portugal, including finding accommodation, accessing healthcare, and other essential services. We also provide ongoing support and advice as you adjust to your new life in Portugal, addressing any challenges or concerns you may encounter..
- Peace of Mind: With our expertise, you can have peace of mind knowing that professionals are handling your Digital Nomad application, minimizing potential pitfalls.
Digital Nomad Document Requirements
You will need:
Application Form: Submit the Digital nomad Visa Application Form, and print a copy.
Passport: Valid passport with an expiration date minimum six months after your Digital nomad visa expires.
Work contract or a contract for the provision of services: With a salary or income per month of at least 3040 euros and with a certified translation
Confirmation of receipt of funds: Account statement minimum for the last 3 months.
Proof of Accommodation: Applicants must have a place to live in Portugal, whether rented or owned, and need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement, minimum 1 year (and it’s being requested for it to be registered with the Tax office).
Criminal Record: Applicants must have a Criminal record with apostille and a certified translation (valid for 3 months)
Proof of Tax Residence: Applicants need to provide proof of tax residence for the last 12 months.
Declaration for SEF: Declaration authorising SEF to consult my Portuguese criminal record.
Photos: passport-sized photos, preference colour on a white background
Valid International Health Insurance: Applicants must have valid international health insurance covering the duration of their stay in Portugal, with a minimum of 4 months and 30.000 euros cover.
Flight Reservations
Proof of means of subsistence
Additional Information
1. Initial Research and Preparation:
- Research Visa Types: Understand the different types of Digital Nomad Visas available (Temporary Stay and Residence) and determine which one is suitable for your needs and circumstances.
- Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare all required documents, including proof of income, employment contract, proof of accommodation, and valid international health insurance.
2. Submission of Application:
- Find Nearest Consulate: Locate the nearest Portuguese consulate in your country of citizenship or permanent residence.
- Submit Application: Apply for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa at the nearest Portuguese consulate or at the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF) in Portugal.
- Pay Application Fee: There will be an application fee that needs to be paid at the time of submission.
3. Document Verification:
- Review by Consulate/SEF: The consulate or SEF will review the submitted documents and may request additional information or clarification.
- Verification of Employment and Income: Your employment status and income will be verified through the provided documents, such as employment contract, payslips, and tax residency documents.
4. Approval and Visa Issuance:
- Notification of Approval: If your application is successful, you will be notified by the consulate.
- Issuance of Visa: You will be granted a visa, which could be a double-entry visa valid for four months if you applied for the Residence Visa.
5. Entry to Portugal and Residency Permit (For Residence Visa):
- Enter Portugal: Use the granted visa to enter Portugal and start the second stage of the application process.
- Apply for Residency Permit: Once in Portugal, apply for your residency permit at SEF.
- Attend Appointment: You will need to attend an appointment at SEF, where your biometric data will be collected, and any additional documents will be submitted.
6. Renewal Process (For Temporary Stay Visa):
- Check Visa Validity: Be aware of the expiry date of your Temporary Stay Visa.
- Apply for Renewal: If you wish to extend your stay, apply for a renewal before the visa expires, following the renewal procedures and submitting the required documents.
7. Compliance and Reporting:
- Maintain Legal Status: Ensure compliance with the visa conditions and Portuguese laws to maintain your legal status in Portugal.
- Report Changes: Inform the relevant authorities of any changes in your circumstances, such as change of address, employment, or income.
8. Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship (For Residence Visa):
- Fulfill Residency Requirements: Meet the residency requirements to be eligible for permanent residency and citizenship.
- Apply for Permanent Residency: After fulfilling the residency requirements, apply for permanent residency.
- Apply for Citizenship: Eventually, you may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, granting you additional rights and privileges.
Conclusion:
The application process for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa involves several steps, from initial research and application submission to approval and visa issuance. Each step requires careful attention to detail and compliance with the requirements and procedures. Following the process diligently increases the chances of a successful application, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of living and working in Portugal as a digital nomad.
Here is a general outline of the path for full residency in Portugal for non-EU/EEA citizens, such as those on a Digital Nomad Visa:
1. Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit:
- Apply for a Residence Visa: Before moving to Portugal, apply for an appropriate residence visa, such as a digital nomad visa, from the nearest Portuguese consulate in your home country.
- Enter Portugal: Once the visa is approved, enter Portugal and apply for a temporary residence permit from the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
- Temporary Residence Permit: The initial temporary residence permit is usually valid for one year.
2. Renew Temporary Residence Permit:
- First Renewal: The temporary residence permit can be renewed for two successive periods of two years each.
- Maintain Requirements: Ensure compliance with the requirements of the visa, such as maintaining stable income and having health insurance.
3. Option A. Apply for Permanent Residency:
- Eligibility: After five years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
- Application: Submit the application to SEF along with the required documents, such as proof of stable income, accommodation, and basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.
- Approval: Once approved, the permanent residence permit allows you to live, work, and study in Portugal indefinitely.
3. Option B. Apply for Portuguese Citizenship:
- Eligibility:Â After five years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
- Application: Submit the citizenship application along with the required documents, such as criminal record certificates, proof of income, and proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language.
- Approval: Once the citizenship application is approved, you will be granted Portuguese citizenship and can apply for a Portuguese passport.
4. Enjoy Rights and Privileges:
- EU Rights: As a Portuguese citizen, you will enjoy the rights and privileges of EU citizenship, including the right to live, work, and study in any EU/EEA country.
- Voting Rights: You will have the right to vote and stand as a candidate in local, national, and European elections.
- Passport Benefits: A Portuguese passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to many countries around the world.
Important Considerations:
- Legal Residence: Maintain legal residence and comply with Portuguese laws and regulations throughout the residency and citizenship process.
- Language Requirement: Basic knowledge of the Portuguese language is required for permanent residency and citizenship.
- Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is essential for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship.
WHY OUR CLIENTS LIKE OUR UNIQUE APPROACH
In our commitment to delivering solutions tailored to each customer’s unique needs, we have developed a systematic five-step approach.
The journey begins with Understanding the customer’s situation, needs, and objective. These insights allows us to Define the plan, set clear objectives, and define a timeline. With the roadmap in place we proceed to Execute the plan, deploying the necessary resources, tools, and strategies to achieve the objective. We provide real time Feedback to our customers, with a panoramic view of the journey, encompassing past actions, present outcomes, and future projections related to their case. The final step, once the desired outcomes are achieved and the customer is satisfied, is the celebration of Success
In essence, our approach is a blend of meticulous planning, execution, and collaboration, ensuring that every customer case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism
WE WALK THE WALK
Our Knowledge and experience is based in many successful client cases we have worked on. That is the reason most of our new clients are referrals from our previous ones.
360 DEGREE COVERAGE
We work in all aspects of your puzzle to ensure each piece is a perfect fit. Nothing is left to chance. We focus only on what you need and don't wate time with anything else
WITH YOU ALL THE WAY
Some objectives may seem daunting and challenging, but you won't have to do it alone. We eliminate problems, we sort paperwork, and tie up loose ends, saving you time, effort, and money.
WE WALK THE WALK
Our Knowledge and experience is based in many successful client cases we have worked on. That is the reason most of our new clients are referrals from our previous ones.
360 DEGREE COVERAGE
We work in all aspects of your puzzle to ensure each piece is a perfect fit. Nothing is left to chance. We focus only on what you need and don't wate time with anything else
WITH YOU ALL THE WAY
Some objectives may seem daunting and challenging, but you won't have to do it alone. We eliminate problems, we sort paperwork, and tie up loose ends, saving you time, effort, and money.
What Our Clients Think
