Digital nomads travel to different locations to work remotely. They live a ‘nomadic’ lifestyle and work in various settings, such as cafés, public libraries, dedicated co-working spaces, and outdoor locations. Digital nomads rely heavily on technology and digital connectivity, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones with a fast and reliable internet connection.
Since the pandemic, the digital nomad lifestyle has become increasingly popular. If you dream of escaping the 9-5 grind, the digital nomad lifestyle could be exactly what you’re looking for. After all, what could be better than working from some of the most beautiful places in the world, combining your love of travel with your day-to-day work commitments?
Success as a digital nomad will depend on the type of work that you do. Working remotely can cause additional stress and make it difficult to form and maintain business relationships.
If you’re considering applying for a digital nomad visa for Portugal in 2022, our guide will take you through all the steps you’ll need to follow.
If you want to live legally and work as a digital nomad in another country, you will need to obtain a digital nomad visa. In many countries, you can apply for yourself and your dependents.
Most governments do not use the term ‘digital nomad visa’. Instead, each region has its own name to cover this type of visa. In Portugal, digital nomads will need to apply for the D7 visa, through the Portuguese Government Immigration website.
The D7 visa is the ideal option for digital nomads who wish to spend more than 90 consecutive days in Portugal, although there is no minimum stay period once you have been approved for the visa. That said, the D7 is generally best for people who plan to live in Portugal for at least one year.
If approved for the visa, it is valid for two entries into Portugal and allows you to stay in Portugal for an initial four months. It also provides eligibility to apply for a residence permit for a period of two years, which can be renewed for three consecutive years and upgraded to a permanent residence permit after five years.
One of the best things about the D7 visa is that it gives you visa-free access to all countries within the Schengen area, so it’s perfect for digital nomads who want to explore Europe alongside living and working in Portugal.
There are a few requirements that you must meet in order to be approved for the D7 visa.
If you are considering applying for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, it is recommended that you speak to a Portuguese immigration expert. Here is an outline of the requirements:
To be eligible for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D7), you must either:
And:
The total processing time varies, but it is usually between two weeks and three months. It is best to collate all of the supporting information and documents around two to three months prior to your visa application date. You will need to submit your application a minimum of three months before your planned arrival date in Portugal. The earliest you can apply is 90 days in advance, and the latest is 15 days from your departure date.
If your application is approved, it usually takes around 15 days for your visa to be processed.
For the best chance of approval, it is recommended that you discuss the precise financial and identification documents required with your local embassy before you submit your application. Requirements may vary between consulates or embassies.
To apply for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa (D7), you will need to pay an application fee of €83. If your application is successful, you must pay a further fee of €72 for a residence permit.
The government fee for the D7 visa is in the region of €400 per application. You will also need to factor in the associated tax liabilities. To learn more about this, it is best to speak to an immigration lawyer in Portugal.
If approved, the D7 visa will be approved for two years in the first instance. After that, you can live and work remotely in Portugal for up to two years. After that, you can renew your visa for a further three years. And once you have lived in Portugal for five years, you can make an application for permanent residency (subject to passing a basic language test).
Once you arrive in Portugal, you will be required to apply for a tax code and social insurance number. You can apply for both through the Portuguese Social Security Administration. In most cases, you will need a certificate of registration to apply for your residence permit.
If you’re considering living as a digital nomad in Portugal, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a destination.
Here’s a summary of the 11 best destinations in Portugal for digital nomads.
Lisbon
Porto
Braga
Sagres
Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Aveiro
Peniche
Ericeira
Lagos
Figueira da Foz
Amarante
Discover more in our ‘11 Best Destinations to Move to in Portugal for Digital Nomads’
