Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa: How to apply

Lonely woman freelancer with flag of Portugal enjoying having breakfast with cup of coffee working on laptop sitting near window in cafe at morning.

Published: 17 November 2022

**Some of the Portugal Golden Visa's rules and criteria have changed since this article was published. Please visit our Portugal residency by investment page for the latest information and to download a factsheet.**

The Portuguese digital nomad visa has become a reality. On October 30th, the Portuguese government announced the new digital nomad visa scheme for foreigners who would like to move and work in a beautiful country located on the coast of the Atlantic ocean. 

In this blog, we will give you more information on the Portuguese digital nomad visa as well as other visa options that could help you live in the country of port wine and become one of the remote workers that will see their dreams come true. 

How can you get the right to live and work in the EU?

The coronavirus pandemic brought into the spotlight the need for remote working. As companies were forced to send employees to work from home due to restrictions, the way we live changed. Some people moved out of big cities such as London and Paris, searching for more space that would be in line with the needs of a remote worker. 

Others decided to move to a new country as working requires only a laptop and an internet connection. Countries such as Portugal, Spain, Greece and others became a trend among people who were ready for a big change in their lives. Although things are easy for EU citizens who can work in any EU country they want, non-EU citizens need a visa and paperwork to get the right to move and work in the old continent. 

Portugal offers a variety of visas for people who have decided to pack their suitcases and live in the country of fado and port wine. 

How can I get a Portugal digital nomad visa?

Portuguese immigration authorities introduced the digital nomad visa on October 30th, adding one more visa option for digital nomads who would like to enjoy the Portuguese way of life. The digital nomad visa could become a popular option for every non-EU/EEA citizen who wants to live in Portugal for an extended period of time. 

What are the requirements for the Portuguese digital nomad visa?

Portuguese authorities have outlined the requirements for acquiring a Portuguese digital nomad visa. You can read the list here:

  • minimum wage of no less than €2,836 per month
  • proof of income for the past 90 days
  • proof of tax residency
  • an employment contract or self-employment proof

As Portugal has a low cost of living, at least compared to other EU countries such as France and Germany, the minimum wage for a digital nomad makes sure that you will be able to enjoy the perks of living in one of the most affordable countries on the continent. 

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What is the Portugal digital nomad visa application process?

The Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence, or SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), the country's Immigration and Border Service, are the places to go to apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal.

We suggest calling the embassy in your home country to set up the appointment, or if you are already in Portugal, you can try getting in touch with and setting up an appointment with SEF.

Can I invest in a Portuguese Golden Visa?

If you would like to become an EU citizen, you can get a Portuguese passport if you invest in the country's golden visa scheme. 

The program allows you to live, work, and go to school in Portugal in exchange for an investment of your choice, which can be anything from real estate to a transfer of capital. As well as low prices, the country also boasts a high quality of life. Those who are eligible also gain greater mobility thanks to visa-free travel to 188 countries, including the Schengen Area countries that are part of the European Union.

Additionally, the program has lasting advantages. After five years of residency, applicants are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, permanent residence, and an EU passport. The high quality of life in Portugal is a major factor in the country's rising popularity as a destination for foreign investors seeking citizenship.

For more information on the Portuguese Golden Visa scheme, please get in touch with our fully qualified advisers.

Would you like to live in Portugal? Get in touch with Holborn Assets

Portugal is among the top remote-working destinations in the world. Great weather, proximity to the US and EU capital cities such as Paris, Madrid and Rome make it ideal and a popular destination for remote workers. The Portuguese golden visa and the new digital nomad visa can help you change your way of life. 

Holborn offers a specialized service to its clients by assisting them in obtaining citizenship and legal residency in any country in the world. Holborn’s fully qualified advisers can help you design a financial plan to make the move possible and stress-free. You can rest easy knowing that you are in good hands with our team of experts so just get in touch with us today.

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