Portugal is a country that almost everyone knows. The place needs no introduction as it is one of the top tourist destinations filled with picturesque places and delicious food spots.
For the digital nomads, here’s some good news. Portugal has recently launched the Digital Nomad Visa, and it’s actually beneficial for those who would like to work from Portugal, take time and explore what the country has to offer.
Here’s everything you need to know about Portugal’s new Digital Nomad Visa.
Wondering if you need a visa for Portugal? Check on iVisa.
What Is The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
Portugal has two options when it comes to Digital Nomad Visas, the D7 visa and the new Digital Nomad Visa announced in October 2022.
So basically, if you are an entrepreneur, a freelancer, self-employed, or a remote worker, you can move to Portugal and work from there.
The D7 visa has mainly been aimed at passive income earners or retirees wanting to spend time in Portugal. It is aimed at people who earn at least EUR 822.50 through passive income, such as being a landlord to renters.
The new Digital Nomad Visa was made a reality by the Portuguese government in expectation of permanent investors and expats in Portugal, thus aiming to give a significant boost to the country’s GDP.
Launched in October 2022, the visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for one year. We will look at the new Digital Nomad Visa for the purposes of this article.
Don’t worry; everything is explained in detail below.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
For you to apply and get a successful response for the Digital Nomad Visa that Portugal offers, you will have to meet the following criteria:
- You must earn 4 times the amount of the Portuguese minimum wage which would mean you need to earn over EUR 2,800.
- You must be employed by a company outside of Portugal. Being self-employed is also an option.
Even if you meet the above conditions, not everyone can apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. For that, you have to be a national of a third country. Thus, the visa is a no for the nationals of the European Union.
Along with the nationals of the European Union, the citizens of the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area (EEA) also cannot apply for this visa.
The citizens of the countries mentioned above can move to Portugal without requiring a Digital Nomad Visa.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
Here’s an overview of the digital nomad visa application process.
Documents
The following documents are mandatory:
Financial Proof
This proof shows that you are financially independent. You are required to provide a bank statement to you earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage. Therefore, you must prove you earn more than EUR 2,800 per month for the last three months.
Work Document
In order to successfully enter the country on the Digital Nomad Visa, you will be required to show proof that you are employed by a company outside of Portugal, or provide proof that you are self-employed.
Other Documents
- A passport valid for at least 12 months
- 2 color passport photos
How Long Can You Stay In Portugal With The Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to stay in Portugal for up to a year or, in some cases, more.
How To Apply For The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The application process is straightforward. If you are in any country other than Portugal, then visit the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in that particular country and apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.
If it’s not your home country you are applying from, then you might have to show some extra documents apart from the ones mentioned above.
Don’t forget to make an appointment at the consulate and enquire beforehand before you decide to show up in person. This way, you can prepare and won’t have to have a second visit to the consulate or embassy just for paperwork.
The application fee for the Digital Nomad Visa seems to vary depending on the country you are applying for the visa from. Check with your nearest Consulate or Embassy for information.
This is a brand new visa that only began accepting applicants on the 30th of October 2022, therefore it is yet to be made official how long the visa processing takes.
We recommend you give yourself about a month to wait for the visa.
And that’s detailed and crips info on how to get your hands on your Digital Nomad Visa. Count at least 4 weeks to get your visa, and then keep this in your mind and plan the rest of your trip.
This way, even if it takes a month, you can comfortably pack for Portugal without any stress.
Best Places To Live In Portugal For Digital Nomads
Portugal is an excellent country for digital nomads. It has a lot of beautiful places where you can work and live comfortably.
Here are some of the best places in Portugal for Digital Nomads.
Lisbon
Lisbon… the capital and biggest city in the country. It’s becoming more and more of a tourist city appreciated by foreigners not only because of its nice weather and proximity to the beach but also because of its history and monuments.
Besides being the biggest city in Portugal, Lisbon is also the most expensive one to live in. But if you compare it to the main European capitals, it is cheaper.
Porto
Porto is the 2nd largest city in the country and is in the North of Portugal. It’s one of our favorite spots in our 10-day itinerary in Portugal.
It has its own airport and it is surrounded by a lot of smaller cities that are worth a visit. Known for the wine, Porto has around 200,00 residents, and it’s becoming a tourist favorite. It is not as expensive as Lisbon but is still one of the more expensive cities in Portugal.
Coimbra
Located in the center of Portugal, Coimbra is a smaller yet beautiful city. It is known for its university which was the first in Portugal. Students are a big part of the city and the academic tradition is on every corner.
With public transportation and highways connecting it to the whole country, this is the place to choose if you are looking for something less touristic.
Faro
Are you a lover of the sun and the beach? Faro is the perfect place for you then.
With sunny days in the summer and mild winters, Faro is filled with the best Portuguese beaches and warm water (the only place in the country you can actually find this).
It is filled with tourists during the summer, but it is a lot quieter during the winter.
Guimarães
This is the place where the whole country was born. It’s located in the North and it’s a city filled with history.
It is the least touristic city mentioned in this text and, therefore, the cheapest one to live in too.
Summers are warm and dry, and winters can be colder than in most of the other places in Portugal. It is one of the most affordable cities in Portugal.
Cost Of Living In Portugal
Living in Portugal is comparable to other hot spots in Southern Europe. You can live a great comfortable life in Bali without spending too much.
While you could easily live in Portugal for about USD 600 per month if you live in a hostel. It depends on the destination chosen and your lifestyle.
Portugal is the kind of place where you can live well without spending too much, but it can also be expensive if you’re tempted by expensive restaurants or bars.
Many expats living in Portugal love it because you can live here on a tight budget or forget about the money factor and simply enjoy your life without overthinking too much.
You can find cheap monthly rent or stay in a hostel. It’s entirely up to you!
Same regarding the food, you could either cook your own food or eat local food to save money – or you could also appreciate great meals in one of those Western restaurants.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads in Portugal
Portugal is a great country for digital nomads. It has a lot to offer in terms of infrastructure, food, and culture.
And, it’s much cheaper to live here than in other Western European countries.
If you’re thinking of becoming a digital nomad, Portugal is definitely a place you should consider. Just be prepared for the visa process, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Besides that, Portugal is an excellent place to live and work as a digital nomad.
Not sure if Portugal is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
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