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Are you a digital nomad looking for a new adventure? Portugal has recently launched a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to a year. But what exactly is the Portugal digital nomad visa, and how can you apply for it?
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Portugal visa, from eligibility requirements to the application process. Get ready to make Portugal your new home away from home!
The Portugal digital nomad visa program is targeted at remote workers and digital nomads who want to work and live in Portugal. Since citizens from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland don’t exactly need a visa to work in Portugal, it’s majorly for professionals outside these regions.
Unlike other programs like the Mauritius digital nomad visa, you get two visa options in Portugal. Both of these options grant you temporary residency in the country. However, they vary slightly based on their benefits and duration.
As a remote worker or digital nomad, you can choose to either apply for the temporary stay visa or the permanent residency visa, also known as the D7 passive income visa.
This is the visa that primarily targets digital nomads. With this visa, you can live and work in Portugal for up to one year. Afterward, you can choose to renew it or extend your stay.
You can extend this visa for a maximum of four times. This means that you can live in Portugal for up to five years. However, no matter how long you live there, you cannot qualify for citizenship under this visa type.
The benefit of choosing this route is that you’ll only be charged a 15% tax instead of 25%. You also get the flexibility of relocating to another country and access to the full Schengen area.
Finally, you can bring in dependents as long as you can prove that you have sufficient income to cater to them during your stay.
To qualify for the temporary stay visa, you need the following;
Also known as the D7 visa, this visa type allows digital nomads entry into Portugal for 120 days, after which you’ll apply for a residency permit.
Get the permit at the SEF (servico de Estangerios e Fronteiras) when you arrive in Portugal. Your Portugal residency permit is valid for two years, and you get full access to the Schengen area. You can also bring in your dependents as long as you prove you can afford to care for them in the country.
Now, unlike the temporary stay visa, you’ll be charged 25% tax, and there are conditions to meet if you want to get the residency visa. For example, you have to stay at least 183 days every year and not be out of the country for more than six months in Portugal.
What makes it different from the temporary stay is that after obtaining your residency visa, ‘you can apply for a permanent residency or even citizenship. So it’s ideal if you’re looking to relocate full-time or stay longer in the country.
While this option grants you a route toward citizenship, be aware that it is a lengthy and more complicated process.
If you’re applying for a residency visa, you’ll need to meet the following criteria.
The visa application fees for both the D7 and temporary stay visa is pretty much the same. While it varies depending on your originating country, expect to pay anywhere between EUR 180 for the application and EUR 320 for your residence permit when you arrive.
We also recommend keeping extra because you’d have to pay to translate your documents when you arrive.
Whether you’re applying for the temporary stay or residency visa program, the steps are pretty similar. Here’s what you need to do;
As a digital nomad in Portugal, you can access the Schengen area, meet new friends, forge new connections, and enjoy an affordable European city. We absolutely recommend staying in cities like Lisbon, Algarve, and Porto, as these are the top destinations for digital nomads.
You’d definitely be needing a EUR account during this process to save and show your proof of funds. Get a Grey EUR account to easily save, spend, and receive EUR.
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