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Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) Guide: How to Work Remotely in Portugal
In the past few years, Portugal has appeared as a top destination for remote workers and freelancers, who are looking for a blend of beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and a vibrant community. The country offers a dedicated visa for remote workers, known as the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is officially known as the D8 Visa, and it allows people to live and work in Portugal for an extended period without needing a specific work permit. In this article, we’ll get to know everything about the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) Visa, from eligibility criteria to application process, rights and benefits, and tax considerations.
What is the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa?
The Portugal Nomad Visa, or D8 Visa, is a residence permit designed for individuals who wish to live and work remotely in Portugal. The Portuguese government introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa program on 30th October 2022, which opens up a world of opportunity for foreigners, remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who are looking for work and live in Portugal.
With this visa, anyone with a remote job that provides sufficient income can conveniently live and work in Portugal for up to one year and then apply for a residency card in order to stay longer in the country. This visa offers you the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of Portugal while continuing to pursue your career and achieve your goals. Applicants must show sufficient income to support themselves without relying on Portuguese employment opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa or D8 Visa, applicants must be citizens of non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and they must meet specific eligibility criteria. These typically include a proof of sufficient source of income to support yourself while living in Portugal, such as remote work, freelance projects, or passive income streams. Their average monthly income should be four times the Portuguese national minimum wage (around $3,350 per month) to be eligible to apply for this residence visa.
Further considerations:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must intend to reside in Portugal for an extended period.
Which documents are required for Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?
- Passport that is valid for six months after your Digital nomad visa expires;
- Visa application form;
- Two passport-sized photos according to the Schengen visa photo requirements;
- Criminal record certificate from country of origin (for foreigners) and from the country where the applicant lives for more than 6 months;
- Private health insurance;
- Travel medical insurance;
- Proof of your regular specific income;
- Proof of your accommodation (for at least the first 6 month);
- Latest tax return;
- Current 3 month bank account statement;
- Work contract or letter of employment;
Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) categories
There are two types of D8 Digital Nomad Visa:
- Temporary stay visa (also known as a short stay visa)
- Residence visa.
Temporary stay visa
This visa category is fit for people who want to work and live in Portugal for a short time period. It will allow you to stay in Portugal for 12 months, although you can renew this visa up to four times (each for one year). It’s important to note that in this temporary visa category, there is no family reunification allowance.
Residence visa
This residence visa or the long term Digital Nomad Visa is a great option for people who want to live and work in Portugal for a long time with the purpose of getting residency. The visa has an initial validity of 4 months; during this period, applicants must have to enter Portugal and apply for a two-year residency permit. You can apply it from the immigration and borders service Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, formerly known as SEF and now known as AIMA (Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo).
For more information about the visas, you can check the official website of Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa or D8 visa
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa holders enjoy several rights and benefits
- The right to live, work, and study in Portugal during the validity of their visa.
- Allow family reunification.
- Access to Portugal’s excellent healthcare system.
- The opportunity to explore and experience Portuguese culture, cuisine, and lifestyle.
- The ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes many European countries.
- Provide a pathway to Portuguese citizenship.
What is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application process?
The application process for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa involves several steps, including:
- Gathering all required documents, including proof of income, health insurance coverage, criminal record certificate, and proof of accommodation.
- Complete your visa application form to fill with your personal details along with a cover letter, explaining your reasons as to why you are applying for temporary residency in Portugal.
- Submit the visa application to the Portuguese consulate, local Portuguese embassy or a VFS Global office in your home country or country of legal residence. There’s no option to apply for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa online.
- Paying the applicable visa fees.
- Attending any required interviews or providing additional information as requested by immigration authorities.
- Waiting for the visa application to be processed, which typically takes a few weeks to a few months depending on the workload of the consulate or embassy.
Alternative of Portugal Digital Nomad Visas
There are several other types of visas available to digital nomads interested in living and working in Portugal as an expat, as well as the D8 Digital Nomad Visa.
Some of the options are listed here:
- The Short-Term Work Visa is the ideal choice for digital nomads intending to work from Portugal on a temporary basis.
- The D7 Passive Income Visa is best suited to those planning to stay for up to two years.
- The D2 Business Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa program is most suitable for those individuals who are intending to make an investment in the Portuguese economy and desire a pathway to permanent residency.
- The EU Blue Card is like a special visa that lets highly qualified people from outside the European Union live and work in Portugal.
Getting your NIF as Digital Nomad in Portugal
The NIF also known as a (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is an important document. If you want to work legally in Portugal and pay taxes on your income. As a digital nomad, it’s important to get your NIF since you’ll be working remotely from Portugal. For further information related to this see, NIFNISS.pt
Conclusion:
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) is a fantastic opportunity for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads to experience the beauty and culture of Portugal while pursuing their careers. With its simple application process, attractive benefits, and welcoming environment, Portugal has become a top destination for those looking for a flexible and fulfilling lifestyle. So pack your bags, grab your laptop, and start your next adventure in Portugal with the D8 Visa!
