Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Portugal has a Digital Nomad Visa (D8). Its main requirement is having an average monthly income of 3,280 euros.
Remote workers are welcome in Portugal and can plan to stay in the country. Portugal has had a Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa) in effect since October 2022. The visa authorizes digital nomads to live in the country while carrying out their professional activities remotely for foreign companies.
Before its creation, many Portuguese consulates worldwide were assigning the D7 Visa to those who wanted to work remotely from Portugal. However, the D7 Visa is originally intended for holders of passive income, which is not the case for digital nomads. Therefore, aiming to attract foreign income, the Portuguese government created a specific visa for this audience. Learn here how it works, how to apply, and what the requirements are.
What are Digital Nomads?
Digital nomads are professionals who work online. In other words, they don’t need to attend a physical office to perform their activities. They can have an employment contract in their country of origin but carry out their work activities from anywhere in the world.
It’s estimated that 35 million professionals follow the nomadic lifestyle worldwide, according to the 2022 Global Migration Trends Report. Additionally, it’s expected that one billion people will adopt this work modality by 2035.
Portugal is considered one of the best destinations in the world for remote workers, and some regions of the country already invest in this audience, such as Ponta do Sol on Madeira Island, home to Europe’s first digital nomad village, the Digital Nomad Village. Also, according to research conducted by Global Real Estate Broker Savillis, the Portuguese capital Lisbon was elected the best city to work in this model, followed by Miami, USA.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
The remote work visa can be requested by professionals not belonging to the European Union who wish to migrate to Portugal to perform subordinate work or independent professional activity for companies located abroad. They must meet the minimum requirements described below.
What is the Minimum Income Required for Remote Workers?
The main requirement to apply for this visa is having an average monthly income corresponding to four times the current Portuguese minimum wage:
4 x 820 euros = 3,280€
That is, a monthly salary of at least 3,280 euros (in 2024).
Documents for Proving Remote Work
You must present proof of average monthly income for the last three months of work.
For subordinate work:
- Employment contract; or
- Promise of employment contract; or
- Employer declaration proving employment relationship
For independent professional activity:
- Company contract; or
- Service provision contract; or
- Written proposal for service provision contract; or
- Document demonstrating services provided to one or more entities
Does the Digital Nomad Visa Allow Family Reunification?
Yes. It’s possible to reunify the following family members:
- Spouses or partners (with proven stable union for more than 2 years)
- Minor children
- Dependent adult children who are studying
- Parents and in-laws, over 65 years old or economically dependent
Financial Requirements for Family Members
Regarding the values to be proven for family reunification, two different values come into play:
- Monthly Salary Value This is the salary value to be proven according to the Income Tax declaration. In the case of the Digital Nomad Visa, the minimum monthly remuneration required for the main applicant already covers dependents/reunified family members.
Applicant: 4 x Minimum Wage (MW) = € 3,280.
- Value for Proving Means of Subsistence
To prove that the applicant can maintain themselves in Portugal, the candidate must also make a deposit in a current account at a Portuguese bank. It’s worth noting that this amount will not need to remain in the investor’s account throughout the year. It can be used as the candidate wishes after obtaining their residence authorization. The amount to be calculated is as follows:
Number of Applicants: Amount:
- Single Applicant – 9,840 €
- Couple – 14,760 €
- Couple with 1 Child – 17,712 €
- Couple with 2 Children – 20,664 €
Additional Requirements for Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal
- International travel medical insurance. Valid for at least one year. Minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
- Criminal background check, with no convictions for crimes that in Portugal would be punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year, regardless of whether the sentence was served.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
What is the Visa Validity?
There are two visa categories in Portugal regarding duration:
The Temporary Stay Visa (VET) will grant the right to reside in the country for up to 12 months. This is perfect for nomads who are used to spending shorter periods in different countries, traveling the world in search of new scenery and experiences.
The Residence Visa grants the right to a temporary residence authorization for two years, renewable for another 3 years. After these 5 years living in the country, the worker can apply for their permanent residence authorization and live in Portugal for as long as they wish.
What is the Price of the Digital Nomad Visa?
The consular fee for a Temporary Stay Visa (VET) is 75€.
For the Residence Visa, with a duration of more than one year, the fee is 90€.
Note: These values are constantly being updated, so make sure to verify the current fee.
What are the Advantages of Being a Digital Nomad in Portugal?
It’s no coincidence that Portugal is a popular destination among Digital Nomads. The advantages are many and go beyond the low cost of living and mild climate.
Portugal is also known for its safety, excellent gastronomy, and high-speed internet. A large number of Portuguese people speak English well, as well as languages like Spanish and French. The country also has easy connections to major European cities. It has 10 airports: Porto, Lisbon, Faro (the main ones), Beja, Madeira, Porto Santo, Ponta Delgada, Santa Maria, Horta, and Flores.
Not to mention that by living legally in Portugal, the digital nomad will have permission to travel without a visa throughout the “Schengen Area,” an area created by convention between 26 European countries where there are no border or customs controls.
Finally, after 5 years of legally residing in Portugal, the remote worker can apply for their permanent residence visa or Portuguese citizenship and enjoy all its advantages.
Setting Up Your New Life: Banking and Housing Fundamentals
Opening a Portuguese Bank Account
To open a Portuguese bank account, you’ll need to have a NIF number and provide proof of address. A NIF number in Portugal serves as a tax identification number. Foreign individuals can acquire it by visiting the nearest Finanças (Portuguese tax office) and submitting an application in person.
For proof of address, acceptable documents include a valid driver’s license or residence authorization in Portugal (Residence permit). If you’re not yet in Portugal, it’s possible to open a Portuguese bank account online from abroad. Some online banks that provide this service include Atlantico, ActivoBank, Banco N26, and Novo Banco.
Finding Accommodation
Securing a comfortable living space is an exciting aspect of moving to a new country. There are several reliable online platforms for finding accommodation in Portugal, such as:
- Idealista
- Imovirtual
- Uniplaces
- Airbnb
- OLX
- Casa do Saporo
- Custo Justo
- Expatriados
Average monthly housing rental costs can be around €1,100 (1,200 USD). Whether renting a house or an apartment, there are pros and cons to consider. Apartments are typically more space-efficient and have better insulation but may not have private outdoor areas. Houses offer more space but involve higher maintenance expenses.
Tax Considerations for D8 Visa Holders
Tax obligations are of significant importance for D8 visa holders. If your stay exceeds 6 months, you will be considered a Portuguese tax resident and may be required to pay Portuguese taxes on your global income.
However, if your duration of stay in Portugal is less than 6 months and no income is derived from within Portugal, you are not subject to tax obligations. Portugal offers two attractive tax regimes for D8 visa holders: the Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) status, offering advantageous tax rates for a 10-year period, and a simplified tax regime for individuals who become tax residents.
Renewal and Path to Permanent Residence
The D8 residence visa offers more than just a temporary opportunity to reside in Portugal. In fact, it can be renewed up to 4 times after the initial 1-year period, allowing for a cumulative stay of up to 5 years. The renewal process is relatively straightforward and should be initiated from your country of residence.
Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Portugal
The digital nomad lifestyle in Portugal involves more than just securing a visa and residence. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that combines work, travel, and personal growth. Portugal’s thriving digital nomad community, pleasant climate, stunning coastal areas, and high standard of living make it an attractive destination.
Joining coworking spaces is a great way to dive into the digital nomad community. Worktugal is an excellent resource offering a wealth of popular coworking spaces in Portugal. Cities like Braga and Lagos offer a unique environment catering to diverse digital nomad preferences, with:
- vibrant cafes
- modern art venues
- technology centers
- a distinct blend of work and recreational perspectives
Health Insurance Requirements
To ensure a safe and legally compliant stay in Portugal, obtaining health insurance is mandatory for all D8 visa applicants. The insurance must meet certain criteria, including a minimum coverage amount and validity for the duration of the stay in Portugal.
Criminal Record Requirement
When applying for the Portugal D8 Visa, one of the essential documents you’ll need to provide is a criminal record certificate. This document serves as a background check and must be obtained from your country of residence. For U.S. citizens, this means requesting an FBI Criminal History Certificate.
Tax Benefits for Digital Nomads in Portugal
Yes. With the temporary stay digital nomad visa, taxation is 20% or less. In other words, tax rates depend on a person’s income and how much wage tax you pay in other countries. As a freelancer in Portugal, you are eligible to obtain the NHR visa for non-resident status, with all these advantages. After the NHR program ends in 2024, there is another program that provides similar benefits.
What Happens to My Tax Residence at Home?
This depends on where you live in the world. In the absence of longer absences, you may qualify for an income tax deduction at home. If you’re U.S.-based, this is a bit more difficult, but you can still apply for the Foreign Income Exemption.
Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads
Portugal’s landscape is dotted with numerous coworking spaces, each offering a unique environment for creativity and productivity. These spaces are designed to cater to the needs of digital nomads who thrive on the flexibility and synergy of shared work environments.
Customized Advice for Different Candidate Scenarios
The D8 visa doesn’t suit all situations uniformly. Each applicant’s situation is unique, and it’s important to consider these differences when navigating the application process.
Navigating Challenges: Common Pitfalls and Solutions
The path to securing a D8 visa and establishing a life in Portugal may present some obstacles. Some common pitfalls in the visa application process include:
- Inadequately filled application forms
- Submitting incorrect or insufficient documentation
- Inaccuracies in personal details
- Failure to provide proper photo sizes or quality for identification purposes
About Via Portugal
Via Portugal is a leading immigration law firm specializing in helping individuals and families navigate the complex process of moving to Portugal. With a team of experienced lawyers and immigration specialists, Via Portugal provides personalized solutions to meet each client’s unique needs.
Why Choose Easy Nationality Via Portugal?
Knowledge and Experience: Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of Portuguese immigration law and years of experience assisting clients with various visa applications, including the D7 visa, Golden Visa, Startup Visa, and Family Reunion Visa.
We offer all long-term visas in Portugal to meet your needs. Take a look.
