The Digital Nomad Visa – Residency Route: Steps to Take
Background
The new visa for digital nomads became available on October 30th 2022, allowing any remote worker or self-employed individual to pursue their profession in Portugal, enjoying all of the quality of life that Portugal has to offer.
The Digital Nomad Visa offers good residency options for non- EU digital nomads who either want to work remotely while living in Portugal for one year, or wish to make Portugal a permanent residency. It is also relevant for individuals applying for a residency permit and following the 5-year path for Portuguese citizenship or, alternatively, applying for the Portuguese permanent resident permit.
The Visa outlined in this article, leads to residency in Portugal, while a different Digital Nomad Visa does not. For more information, please speak to us: advice.portugal@dixcart.com.
Overview
With the last amendment of the relevant law, the Portuguese Government implemented the digital nomad visa, specifically allowing foreign professionals to provide their services remotely, either as a subordinate worker or as an independent worker from Portugal, and to apply for residency in Portugal.
Step 1: Hire a Legal Adviser
As the digital nomad visa is relatively recent, it requires an expert with sufficient experience and knowledge of Portuguese immigration law, to take you smoothly through the process. Things to consider when hiring a legal adviser, are experience in the market, specifically in this area, and the track history of the firm.
Once a legal adviser is appointed, they will assist you with the documents that you need to collect to apply for the visa and schedule the relevant appointment at the Portuguese Consulate, for the area where you reside, helping you through every step of the process.
Step 2: Portuguese Tax number and Opening a Portuguese Bank Account
To apply for the visa, you will need to prove that you have sufficient means of subsistence in Portugal for the period of your stay (a minimum of one year). This means that a Portuguese bank account, and consequently a Portuguese tax number, are required.
A deposit of the minimum monthly Portuguese salary of €820 in 2024, multiplied by twelve (the minimum stay period) is mandatory, to present to the Portuguese Immigration Authorities (i.e., €9,840).
Step 3: Collect Documentation
You will need to assemble a number of documents for the appointment at the Portuguese Consulate:
General documentation required to request a visa:
- Proof of legal residency in the country from where you are applying
- Travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, valid for 12 months
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal for, at least, 12 months
- Proof of means of subsistence in Portugal
Specific documentation for the digital nomad visa
- Working for an employer – one of the following documents:
- Work contract; or,
- Promise of work contract; or,
- Declaration by employer confirming the labour link.
- Independent professional activity – one of the following documents:
- Proof of company incorporation; or,
- Contract of service provision; or,
- Written proposal of services provision contract; or,
- Document attesting the services provided to one or more entities.
- Proof of average monthly income for the last three months with a minimum value equivalent to four times the Portuguese minimum wage: €3,040 (in 2024 the minimum wage is expected to be €820 , which means that the minimum relevant wage for this Visa will be €3,280).
- A document confirming tax residence.
Step 3: Legal Formalities
Make an appointment at the Portuguese Consulate, where a meeting must take place to deliver the documentation and for biometrics for the visa to be taken.
Step 4: Final Steps
After analysis of the application is complete, the digital nomad visa is issued for a period of four months and allows two legal entries into Portugal. When in Portugal, an appointment needs to be made with the Portuguese Immigration Authorities to complete the process. Once the digital nomad visa for residency is issued, it will be valid for two years and there is an option to then renew it.
Advantages
Work remotely and legally from Portugal Mainland or either of the Islands of Madeira or the Azores, and enjoying the amazing weather and food.
In Madeira, the “Digital Nomads Madeira” has already been created, which is a village for digital nomads, where they can enjoy workspaces, places of activity and community, with updated technology.
After 5 years, you can apply for citizenship or a Portuguese permanent residency permit that may be valid up to a period of 10 years.
Finally, permanent Visa Free entry and movement in the Schengen Area, for up to 90 days out of any 180 days.
Additional Information
If you require any additional information regarding the Digital Nomad visa, the processes involved and the advantages it offers, please contact the Dixcart office in Portugal: advice.portugal@dixcart.com.
We will be delighted to help you.
