Residence permit and remote work visa in Portugal
Portugal is one of the most famous destinations for digital nomads. Lisbon and Porto are home to large communities of remote workers from all over the world. The cities' administrations are developing local infrastructure so that overseas professionals have easy access to restaurants and co-working spaces, and the country's government has developed a special D8 visa.
Freelancers, self-employed, business owners, and other professionals who meet the requirements set forth in Article 54 of Law No. 23/2007 can apply for the Portugal Remote Work Visa. The document gives the right to reside in the Republic, freedom of movement in Europe, medical care, and much more. However, its holders cannot be employed in the country. All income must come from a source outside the country.
The validity of a residence permit issued on the basis of a visa is 2 years. After its expiration, foreigners can extend the card for 3 years, and after 5 years from the date of obtaining the status of resident, apply for a passport of Portugal. Their children, born in the republic, automatically receive citizenship, if the residence permit was issued at least 1 year ago.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements
In order to participate in the programme, the main candidate must:
- Be of legal age;
- Have no criminal record;
- Not hold a passport in an EU or EEA state;
- Have a remote job with a monthly income from €3,280;
- Have housing on the territory of the Republic.
Together with the applicant, a spouse with no criminal record, minor children, financially dependent children under 30 years of age who are not married, and parents under 65 years of age, as well as parents over 65 years of age, can apply for Portugal digital nomad visa.
Documents to obtain a Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa
The following documents must be submitted to the migration office:
- Completed application forms;
- Motivation letter;
- Passport;
- 2 photographs;
- Employment contract or service contract;
- A statement proving an income of €3,280 or more per month;
- A statement from a local bank, which must have at least €9,840 in the account;
- Tax declaration;
- Criminal record certificate;
- Documentation proving kinship with dependent applicants;
- Contract of sale of real estate in the country or a rental contract;
- Health insurance;
- A document confirming the receipt of a local tax number.
Costs of a digital nomad in Portugal
Expenses will vary depending on the number of applicants and the cost of housing or rent. Foreigners participating in the programme may face the following expenses:
| Type of costs | Amount |
|---|
| Cost of the property |
There is no minimum threshold for investment |
| Stamp duty |
0.8% of the property value (on purchase) |
| Annual council tax |
0,3–0,8% of the value of the property |
| Rent |
No minimum threshold |
| Visa travel insurance |
From €14 a month |
| Application fee |
€90 per person |
| Application processing fee |
€85 |
| Production of residence permit card in Portugal |
€73 |
| Health insurance |
From €20 |
| Minimum deposit in a local bank account |
€9,840 |
