Updated: 16 April 2025, 04:01 am
|||In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has emerged as a reliable and productive mode of work. Many jobs can now be performed entirely online, allowing professionals to work from anywhere in the world without needing to be physically present in an office. Recognizing this shift, Portugal introduced the Digital Nomad Visa to welcome remote workers seeking a flexible lifestyle in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
What are the requirements for this visa? What benefits does it offer? And what should you know before starting your remote work journey in Portugal? Our guide below answers all your questions about the Portugal Digital Nomad (Remote Work) Visa.
This visa is designed for foreign freelancers, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs working remotely, as well as employees of foreign companies. However, it is exclusively available to individuals from non-EU (European Union) and non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries.
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Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) Requirements
Income Requirements for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, you must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,280. Additionally, you need to either rent or purchase a property in Portugal.
This visa is valid for two years and can be renewed. However, maintaining your permit requires residing in Portugal during the validity period.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Types
There are two types of Digital Nomad Visas in Portugal and the choice between the two depends on how long you want to live in Portugal.
Temporary Stay Visa
The temporary stay visa is issued for one year with multiple entries.
Long-Term Visa
A long-term residency visa is issued for four months. During this time, you may apply for a two-year residency permit.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Application
Who Can be Eligible to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal?
Below are the criteria you must meet to qualify for Portugal’s digital nomad visas:
- Age: Be over 18 years old.
- Citizenship: Hold citizenship from a non-EU/EEA country.
- Income: Have a verified monthly income of at least €3,280.
- Savings: Maintain a savings bank account balance of at least €9,840.
- Employment: Hold a valid remote work contract or proof of freelance work.
- Accommodation: Secure housing in Portugal, either rented or owned.
- Health Insurance: Obtain health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Passport: Possess a valid passport.
- Criminal Record: Provide proof of a clean criminal record from the applicant’s home country.
Real Estate and Income Requirements for Applicants
Real Estate
Applicants must either purchase or rent a residential property in Portugal. For rentals, the lease agreement must cover a minimum of one year to meet the visa requirements.
Income
Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,280, which ensures sufficient financial stability during their stay in Portugal.
Savings
To qualify, applicants must have €9,840 in their bank account, equivalent to 12 times Portugal’s minimum wage (€820).
If applying with family members:
- Add 30% of the required amount for a spouse or parent.
- Add 25% per child.
Required Documents for the Digital Nomad Visa
Here are the documents you must submit when applying for the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond visa expiry)
- Notarized copy of passport’s main pages
- Two recent passport-sized photos (5 x 3.5 cm)
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership)
- Proof of tax residency (tax returns or receipts)
- Health insurance with €30,000 coverage
- Cover letter detailing personal info, reason for moving, accommodation, and finances
- Police certificate (clean criminal record)
- Proof of income (employer letter, invoices, or tax statements)
- Proof of remote employment (contract or business proof)
- Flight ticket to Portugal
- Proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
- Bank statement (income of at least €3,280/month)
- Proof of savings (€9,840 minimum)
- NIF registration certificate
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for Your Family
You can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa with your family and dependents, however, you need to prove that you have the means to support them. On your own, you need to earn €3,280 monthly; then add €228 per month per dependent.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for Your Spouse
You can also bring your spouse with you to Portugal through your Digital Nomad Visa; but in this case, also you need an additional amount of €380 per month, to the €3,280 required for you to become eligible.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Cost (EUR) | Validity |
| Temporary Stay Visa | 75 | Valid for 1 year with multiple entries but no residency permit |
| Long-term Visa | 90 | Valid for 4 months with two entries. You can request a 2-year residence permit upon arrival |
What are the Benefits of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa?
- You can stay in Portugal for at least one year, with the possibility of a 5-year renewal and applying for citizenship.
- You can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area.
- You can benefit from an affordable and straightforward application process.
- You can take advantage of tax benefits, potentially lowering tax rates or qualifying for exemptions for 10 years as a non-habitual resident
Remote Workers in Portugal: Main advantages
- You can enjoy a reliable and stable internet connection, essential for remote work.
- You can work from numerous well-equipped co-working spaces across the country.
- You can work and travel at the same time, thanks to the flexibility of the Digital Nomad Visa.
- You can benefit from affordable living expenses, making Portugal a budget-friendly destination.
- You can communicate easily, as many locals speak English, reducing language barriers.
- You can connect with the warm and friendly Portuguese people, enhancing your social experience.
- You can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, expanding your travel opportunities.
Portugal Nomad Visa Taxes
Once you acquire the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, there are certain tax obligations to consider:
- NHR Status: If you stay in Portugal for over 183 days, you can apply for Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status, which grants you a 10-year tax break.
- Tax Rate for NHR: With NHR status, you pay 20% tax on income earned in Portugal, significantly lower than the general rate of 48%. Global income is tax-free under this status.
It is also important to note that if you are on a Short-Term Stay visa, you won’t become a tax resident. However, if you stay on a Long-Term Stay visa (more than 183 days), you will become a tax resident.
What Is the Cost of Living in Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa?
As one of the more affordable countries in the EU, Portugal is a great place to live in. A single person can comfortably live on €1,500 – €2,000 in Portugal including rent. However, as it is worldwide, your preferred lifestyle will surely influence your cost of living.
Top Places to Relocate in Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal offers several fantastic cities for digital nomads. Lisbon provides high-speed internet, mild weather, and an affordable lifestyle, perfect for building a global network. Porto is known for its stunning views, vibrant coworking spaces, and friendly locals. For those seeking peace, Braga offers a cost-effective, nature-filled environment. Madeira, with its unique island experience and digital nomad village, offers free coworking spaces and a strong international community. Lastly, Aveiro, known for its canals and art nouveau buildings, provides low-cost living and a welcoming atmosphere for remote workers.
Final Thoughts
If you are a remote worker, Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa is the perfect opportunity for you. With straightforward requirements and a range of attractive benefits, Portugal offers an ideal environment for digital nomads to live and work. You can even bring your family along and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Portuguese people, making it a great place to call home.
Additionally, for those seeking long-term residency or investment opportunities, the Portugal Golden Visa offers a pathway to Portuguese residency through various investment routes, including real estate. The Portugal Residency by Investment benefits include visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, the possibility to apply for citizenship after five years, and attractive tax incentives, making it an ideal option for investors and families seeking a European residence permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which visa type in Portugal is best for digital nomads in 2024?
There are two types of Digital Nomads Visas in Portugal. One is suitable for short-term stays and the other for long-term stays with the possibility of applying for a 2-year residency.
2. Is a digital nomad visa available in Portugal?
Yes, Portugal offers remote workers who meet certain conditions and criteria the possibility to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa.
3. What are the income criteria for a digital nomad visa in Portugal?
An individual needs to earn €3,280 monthly to qualify. If they are moving with their spouse, the amount needs to increase by €380. If they will have other dependents with them, €228 per month per dependent needs to be added also.
4. Do digital nomads have to pay taxes in Portugal?
Yes, there is a specific tax structure for digital nomad visa holders in Portugal. Digital nomads with NHR status have to pay a 20% tax rate on income made in Portugal and any global income is tax-free.
5. How long does a digital nomad visa in Portugal last?
A temporary stay visa costs 75 euros and is Valid for 1 year with multiple entries but with no residency permit. A long-term Visa costs 90 euros and is valid for 4 months with two entries, and you can request a 2-year residency permit upon arrival.
6. Which European country makes it the simplest to obtain a digital nomad visa?
Spain, Portugal, Estonia, and the Czech Republic offer Digital Nomad Visas that are easy to obtain.
