Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal: what are the requirements and how to apply 

If there is one thing that is here to stay, it is the home office. Besides being practical and functional, it can be run in different places – as long as there is an internet connection.

One of the countries chosen by many to run the home office is Portugal, since it offers an easy way to obtain a special visa known as Digital Nomad. In addition, Portugal has been one of the best countries to visit, which makes it an even more interesting place to explore while working. In the European edition of the World Travel Awards 2022, for example, Portugal was considered the “Best Tourist Destination in Europe”. Below we will explain what a Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal is, how to apply for it, and what the requirements are. Follow along!

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Digital Nomads are remote workers who travel and work from different countries. They usually live a nomadic lifestyle, that is, without a fixed residence, and use technology to fulfill their work responsibilities.

Thus, the Digital Nomad Visa (which is officially called a residence visa for the exercise of professional activity done remotely outside the national territory – article 61- B) is a special type of visa that allows foreigners to legally stay in Portugal, and reside in the country, while doing remote work.

What are the types of Digital Nomad visas?

Currently, there are two types of digital nomad visas: a temporary one, which can be used for up to 12 months; and a long-term one, more suitable for those who intend to stay longer than 12 months – and which can be renewed for up to 5 years.

It is worth remembering that in Portugal, after 5 years, it is possible to request Portuguese nationality and, with it, live in different European Union countries.

And what is the difference for the D2 and D7 Visas?

The Digital Nomad visa is different from these. While the D2 is for entrepreneurial immigrants, who must be in Portugal and work as freelancers for Portuguese companies and/or clients, the D7 is for retirees and passive income holders.

What are the general requirements for the Digital Nomad visa?

Unlike the other visas – which were used until now for remote workers – the new Digital Nomad visa does not require that the applicant already has in a Portuguese account the minimum amount necessary for the visa, besides not needing to demonstrate that he has an address and/or residence in Portugal, which solves the search for real estate without being personally in Portugal and the payment of rents while still abroad waiting for the visa processing.

For those with European citizenship

Those who have European citizenship will not have many problems, since they have the right to live in any of the countries of the European Union. In this case, you only need to register when you arrive in the country.

For those without European citizenship

If you are not a citizen of a European country, you must apply for a visa that allows you to live in the country as a remote worker.

An important remark: if you intend to spend less than 90 days in Portugal, you do not need to apply for a visa, since a tourist stay is allowed for this period. However, if you want to stay longer, you must apply for a Digital Nomad visa in your original country of residence before moving to Portugal.

So, the requirements requested by the Portuguese government to get a Digital Nomad visa are:

Long-term (more than 12 months):

• National visa application form (fully completed and signed by the applicant including field 37);

• 2 identical photographs, size 3X4, updated and in good identification conditions of the applicant (1 glued on the form)

• Passport or other travel document, valid for more than three months after the expected return date.

• Proof of regular status if you are a nationality other than that of the country where you are applying for a visa (National Registry of Foreigners – RNE) valid for 3 months after the expected return date;

• Valid travel insurance to cover necessary expenses for medical reasons, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation or PB4 (issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Health);

• Certificate of criminal record issued by the Federal Police of the applicant’s country of nationality or the country where he/she has been residing for more than one year (not applicable to minors under 16), with The Hague Apostille, issued within the last 30 days.

• Application for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by the Foreigners and Borders Service (not applicable to minors under 16).

The complete, up-to-date list is available here.

Temporary stay (up to 12 months):

• National visa application form (filled out in full and signed by the applicant as per passport in fields 37 and last page in the “signature” field);
• 2 identical photographs, size 3×4, updated and in good identification conditions of the applicant (1 pasted on the form);
• Passport or other travel document, valid for more than three months after the expected return date;
• Proof of regular status if you are a national of a country other than the one where you are applying for a visa, valid for 3 months after the expected date of return;

• PB4 issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Health or valid travel insurance for the duration of the stay in Portugal, which allows coverage of necessary expenses for medical reasons, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation in case of death;
• Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Brazilian Federal Police within the last 30 days with The Hague Apostille;
• Request for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by the Foreigners and Borders Service (not applicable to minors under 16);
• Copy of the return transportation ticket.

The complete, up-to-date list is available here.

Where to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal?

The Digital Nomad visa can be requested at Portugal’s diplomatic representations. The visa takes about 30 days to be reviewed and is available for issuance starting October 30, 2022.

Can a self-employed worker apply for a Digital Nomad visa?

The answer is yes, freelance workers can also apply for the Digital Nomad visa in Portugal.

For this, the foreigner must present proof of tax residence abroad and an average monthly income of at least 2,820€ in the last three months, in addition to other required documents.

Conclusion

The Digital Nomad Visa came to make life easier for many workers, but it is still important to follow all the legalizations and regularities required by the Portuguese government to apply this process. It is also worth understanding that the rules for family reunification apply to the digital nomad visa. If you have questions or need support for this visa application, our team is ready to help you !

Moreira & Perfeito is your reliable partner for all bureaucratic and legal aspects in Portugal – as getting a TIN, opening a bank account and real estate services in addition, of course, to support for all visa requests .