Portugal is one of those European countries that have attracted thousands of digital nomads in recent years. Portugal is a safe country known for its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and centuries-old architecture. Above all, it offers everything a digital nomad is looking for: reliable fast internet connection, great weather, low cost of living, and some great sights to explore.

In order to leave your daily routine behind and start a new life in Portugal as a freelancer, you can use a digital nomad visa.

Portugal does not yet officially have a digital nomad visa. However, digital nomads who want to stay in the country longer will have the opportunity to apply for a Portuguese passive income visa (D7). This visa, introduced by the Portuguese government in 2007, allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to apply for temporary residence in Portugal.

Remote workers can apply for this visa if they meet the requirements and qualifications. Thus, the visa is also called the Portuguese digital nomad visa.

For how long is the residence permit for a remote worker issued?

The visa allows you to stay in the country for up to a year, with the possibility of extending the period of stay up to 5 years.

Basic requirements (documents) for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa

Digital nomads wishing to move to Portugal can apply for a Portuguese passive income visa (D7). But, as with any visa application, there are requirements and qualifications that must be met.

Provide proof of passive income. The first requirement for a Portuguese D7 visa is proof of passive income, which must be at least the minimum wage in Portugal. If you bring dependents with you, your income must be an additional 50% of the minimum wage.

Portuguese NIF number - you have to apply for a NIF number, also known as Identificacao tax number. You can get it from the Portuguese Tax and Customs Service. The NIF number will allow you to carry out any business activity or financial transaction in the country. If you are outside of Portugal, you can apply for a NIF number remotely by proxy.

Account in a Portuguese bank - anyone who intends to reside in Portugal must have an account in a Portuguese bank. You can open a bank account even if you are outside the country if you have a NIF number. Single applicants must have at least 7000 euros in their bank account. The minimum amount for a couple is 10,500 euros.

Proof of residence - you must secure a place to live before entering Portugal. You do not have to buy a property, you must have a long-term lease agreement for at least 12 months.

No criminal record - applicants must present proof of no criminal record. You must present the document when applying for the Portugal Digital Nomad visa. 

Health insurance - the main applicant and dependents must have comprehensive health insurance in the EU with a minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000.

How to apply for a Portuguese Digital Nomad visa?

Make an appointment with the Portuguese diplomatic mission nearest to you - you can apply for a D7 visa through the Portuguese embassy or consulate near you. Portuguese diplomatic missions around the world can accept D7 visa applications. Contact the embassy and make an appointment to submit your visa application.

Fill out the visa application form - when you fill out the D7 visa application with passive income, make sure that all the details are correct. You need to provide your full postal address, contact number, email address, etc.

Provide all the required documents.

Wait for your application to be processed - it can take three to four months to process the Portuguese Nomad digital visa. In some cases, processing can take up to six months.

Register your residence in Portugal - once your visa application is approved, you will be able to enter Portugal as a digital nomad. While in Portugal, you need to register as a resident through the Foreigners and Borders Service or SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). Be sure to register within three working days of your arrival in the country.

Attend the interview for residence permit - after registering as a resident, you will be interviewed for a D7 residence permit. After the interview, you can wait a maximum of two weeks until you are issued a residence permit. Once you have your residence permit, you can live and work as a digital nomad in Portugal.

Visa fee

When applying for a Portuguese digital nomad visa or a D7 visa with passive income, you have to pay the registration fee and the initial residence permit fee.

The application fee for a D7 visa with passive income is 180 euros. You also need to pay 320 euros for the initial residence permit.