More and more countries are now offering visas for digital nomads, and the Portuguese digital nomad visa is quickly becoming one of the most popular of all!
Portugal is simply great, offering a high quality of life when you consider its warm climate and low cost of living. The unique charm of Portugal’s cities and towns are now attracting a growing digital nomad community.
Self-employed people and entrepreneurs from all over the world can benefit from the Portuguese digital nomad visa. Today, I will tell you everything you need to know about it. But first, a brief summary:
- The duration of the visa is 1 year, with the possibility to renew for a further 4 years.
- There are two types of Portugal digital nomad visa, the Temporary Stay visa, and the D2 Residency visa.
- There is no limitation on nationality or activity.
- Monthly earnings as a digital nomad, freelancer or self-employed person should be at least 2800€, four times the minimum wage in Portugal.
- A criminal record certificate is required.
How to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa?
- Check that the requirements for obtaining a Portugal digital nomad visa are met.
- Fill in an official form at the following link on the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Submit the requested information at your nearest Portuguese Consulate by appointment.
- Pay the application fee.
Visa delivery time
There is no official information on how long it takes to process the Portugal digital nomad visa. However, for the temporary stay visa, the estimated wait time is 30 days, and for the D2 Residence visa, this may take a few weeks longer.
How does the Portugal digital nomad visa work?
The way the Portugal digital nomad visa works is similar to most other visas of this type. In this case, the Portuguese Government actually offers several different visas for non-EU citizens who want to live and work in the country.
Among them, include the passive income and golden visas, which are for people with sufficient means to make meaningful contributions to the Portuguese economy. Today, I’ll be focusing on the Portugal digital nomad visa, known as the Temporary Stay visa.
Remember that European citizens can live and work in Portugal without such a visa, but will have to register with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF).
1. Temporary Stay visa for digital nomads or freelancers
This visa is designed for those workers who earn money through freelance work, without being tied to any specific contract. The most obvious examples are translators, photographers, copywriters and graphic designers.
The initial duration of this visa is 1 year, but you can extend it up to 4 times.
The processing fee for this Portuguese digital nomad visa is 75€.
2. D2 Residence visa for digital nomad entrepreneurs or business owners
The D2 Entrepreneur visa is for businesspeople or entrepreneurs who want to open a business in Portugal, and have the means to do so. Naturally, it is necessary to comply with the regulations set by the immigration authority in the running of your business.
As for the duration, the Portugal digital nomad visa has a duration of 1 year and is extendable to 5 years, with the possibility to opt for a permanent residence permit. This is the best feature of your visa!
The processing fee for the D2 Residence visa is 90€.
Advantages of the Portugal digital nomad visa
Here are the main benefits of opting for the Portugal digital nomad visa:
- Travel insurance is not compulsory if you are a national of any EU or Schengen country.
- There are no nationality or activity limits for the approval of this visa.
- There are several options for foreigners in different capacities wanting to move to Portugal.
Disadvantages of the Portugal digital nomad visa
The Portugal digital nomad visa also has some drawbacks – here’s a brief summary:
- The visa processing fees cost 75€ and 90€ respectively.
- A criminal record certificate from the country of origin is required.
- Proof of means of subsistence in the country and a minimum of 2800€ per month as a self-employed person are compulsory.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Portugal?
Travel insurance is mandatory for all non-EU citizens, and is therefore a requirement for the Portugal digital nomad visa. All EU citizens will only need to have their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access the country’s healthcare system.
However, you should be aware that not all medical expenses are covered! For this reason, it is always advisable to take out long-stay travel insurance to cover any mishaps you may experience during your stay in Portugal.
There is a wide variety of travel insurance policies available on the market, and again, you want to do your research to ensure you get the right policy for your trip. Take a look at our guide to travel insurance for digital nomads.
Time and time again throughout my travels, I’ve been reminded of the importance of taking out insurance. That’s why I strongly recommend you to do so, even if you are a European citizen.
What’s the best travel insurance to Portugal?
To really benefit from your time on your Portugal digital nomad visa, taking out long stay insurance is essential. Luckily, there is a great deal on offer for a limited time only, providing all the coverage you need as a digital nomad.
Get a 5% discount on Heymondo until the end of September 2023!
- Activate Discount Here
- Fill in your trip info
(Country of residence, regions covered, dates, and number of travellers). - Click on “Calculate Price”.
- All done! The discount will be applied automatically.
Some of the most useful benefits of Heymondo travel insurance for digital nomads include:
- 24/7 assistance platform.
- Repatriation and early return.
- Travel expenses for a family member if you are hospitalised for over a week.
Comparative table of travel insurance to Portugal
Here’s a comparative table of the best travel insurance policies to Portugal in September 2023, so you can find the most suitable option to accompany you on your Portugal digital nomad visa.
The benefits and coverage in this table have been chosen specifically to meet the needs of digital nomads and businesspeople travelling. So, whether you’re travelling on the Temporary Stay visa or D2 visa, you’ll find comprehensive coverage.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | |
Long Stay Premium | Cap Adventure | IATI Insurance | Nomad | Explorer | |
Price for 3 months | 210€ | 174€ | 338€ | 126€ | 195€ |
Discount in September 2023 | – 5% | – 15% for families | – 5% | ❌ | ❌ |
Activate Discount | Activate Discount | Activate Discount | Get a Free Quote | Get a Free Quote | |
Legal assistance | 12.000€ | 13.000€ | 3.000€ | ❌ | ❌ |
Medical expenses | 500.000 € | 1.000.000€ | 200.000€ | 222.600€ | £10,000,000 |
Hospitalization | 200.000€ | Actual costs | 500.000€ | 250.000€ | £10,000,000 |
Theft or loss of luggage | Optional | 2.500€ | 2.000€ | 2.670€ | £2000 |
Repatriation | Actual costs | Actual costs | Actual costs | 17.800€ | Actual costs |
Sports activities | Optional | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Phone theft | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Camera or drone theft | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Recommended | All types of stays | All types of stays | All types of stays | Digital nomad | All types of stays |
Review | HeyMondo insurance | Chapka insurance | IATI travel insurance | SafetyWing insurance | Word Nomads Insurance |
Discounts | Promo Code HeyMondo | Promo Code Chapka | Promo Code IATI |
Requirements to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa in 2023
The requirements to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa will vary depending on the type of visa you need. Below, I will highlight what they are:
1. Temporary Stay visa for digital nomads, freelancers and self-employed
- You must have an original and valid passport. This must be valid for at least 6 months before the time of application.
- Earn more than 2800€ per month.
- Have travel insurance or health insurance for the Schengen area if you are not part of the European Union or Schengen area.
- Submit a criminal record certificate.
- Have a statement from a competent authority demonstrating professional competence in the specialised activity.
2. D2 Residence visa for nomad entrepreneurs or business owners
- Have travel insurance if you are not part of the European Union or the Schengen area.
- You must have a valid passport.
- Obtain a signed contract with a startup incubator company in Portugal.
- Submit a criminal record certificate.
- Have proof of sufficient means or financial resources to start a business in the country.
I have to remind you that all these documents and requirements are mandatory, but you may be asked to submit additional supporting documents at the consular office where you submit the documents.
What activities are permitted and prohibited?
The Portuguese digital nomad visa allows the pursuit of any type of self-employed activity. In this sense, it grants total freedom to develop your online career or work in your sector — this is a real advantage when compared with other visas!
What nationalities are permitted and prohibited?
In terms of nationality, Portugal has no restrictions, so anyone in the world can travel to the country as a digital nomad. Remember, if you are a national of a Schengen country, you will not need to apply for this type of visa to enter the country.
However, if you intend to stay for 3 months or more, you will have to go to your local town hall to apply for a Certificate of Registration for EU Citizens.
Does the Portugal digital nomad visa allow me to bring my partner and children?
Yes, you can bring your immediate family to Portugal! You will simply need to provide family documents showing your relationship.
Can I apply for the Portuguese digital nomad visa if I’m already in the country?
The Portuguese Government states that applicants should apply at least 30 days before their entry into the country.
How to travel to Portugal at the best price in 2023
Portugal is a great destination for digital nomads because of its low cost of living and vibrant culture. But just because Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Europe doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to save where you can!
Choosing insurance that is tailored to your needs is vital, but remember that the following factors play a crucial role as well:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- The card you use
- How you book your activities
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years, they’ll help you save money on your travels, so you can focus on the things you enjoy about travelling.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have more money left over to enjoy your time in Portugal and explore the country!
Fly to Portugal at reduced prices!
You know, flights don’t cost the same from all countries! To pay for my cheapest flights, I use NordVPN.
Basically, it’s a private network that allows you to access Internet sites from locations other than your own, and this can have some serious benefits:
In September 2023, enjoy a 59% discount on NordVPN.
Click here to activate your discount
Flights from Barcelona to Buenos Aires don’t cost the same if you buy them from Spain as from India, for example. So, once you’ve installed NordVPN, simply access websites like Skyscanner and compare prices by entering as if you were browsing from different countries.
The 8 countries from which it is cheapest to buy flights are: Malaysia, Bulgaria, India, Turkey, Romania, Indonesia, Portugal, and Thailand. Once you have NordVPN, head over to Skyscanner and start paying reduced prices for flights all over the world!
Stay at a discount in Portugal all year round
Access Booking.com now and get discounts of up to 15% in September 2023 by becoming a Genius user.
There are also ways to save money when booking your accommodation with Booking. The first of which is becoming a Genius user, something you get from making 2 bookings (Genius level 1), and 5 bookings (Genius level 2).
As a Genius user in Booking.com, you can enjoy:
- Discounts on room rates.
- Free breakfast.
- Upgrades to superior room categories.
- Free parking.
- Late check-out.
- Welcome gifts.
In addition, there are hotels in Booking.com that directly offer you a 10 to 15% discount on your rate for being a Genius user.
Access to get discounts of up to 15% by becoming a Genius user.
Finally, Booking.com has a Minimum Price Guarantee program, so if you find a cheaper price for your hotel on any other website, they’ll match it!
Reserve your entertainment and sightseeing in advance
GetYourGuide is an indispensable tool for organising any trip to any destination. It’s a platform that helps you book tourism and leisure activities for your trip.
With GetYourGuide, you can book your activities online to avoid queues, and take advantage of a discount for online bookings. This way, you save time and money, so you can enjoy more activities during your trip!
Get the best travel card for Portugal
If you travel frequently, the Revolut Metal Card is another great way to save money. For starters, they offer you unlimited currency exchanges without paying any fees!
The Revolut Metal Card allows you to make unlimited domestic transfers free of charge, and withdraw up to £800 a month from international ATMs.
If you spent £650 abroad in a month using a standard card, and withdrew £350 at ATMs, you would have paid around £44 in fees.
With the Revolut Metal card, you would have paid £0 in fees.
Keep up to date with future digital nomads visas in 2023!
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Countries currently offering digital nomad visas
The number of countries now offering digital nomad visas is rapidly growing! Portugal is not the only country that offers visas for digital nomads to stay in the country. In fact, more and more countries are getting in on the action.
In fact, more and more countries are offering digital nomad visas designed to support entrepreneurial mobility for those working remotely, all to facilitate the digital nomad lifestyle.
Here’s a list of the countries currently offering digital nomad visas in September 2023:
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Planet-Nomad.com | |||||
41 / 195 | Trend in | Duration | Tax | Mandatory insurance | Proof |
COUNTRIES | September 2023 | in month | to pay | See recommanded | of income |
Anguila | 12 | $2000 | Yes | Yes | |
Antigua Barbuda | 24 | $1500 | Yes | Yes | |
Aruba | 3 | $75 | Yes | No | |
Barbados | 12 | $2000 | Yes | Yes | |
Bermuda | 12 | $260 | Yes | Yes | |
Brazil | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Cape Verde | 6 | $60 | Yes | Yes | |
Colombia | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Costa Rica | 24 | $550 | Yes | Yes | |
Croatia | 12 | $155 | Yes | Yes | |
Curaçao | 6 | $300 | Yes | No | |
Cyprus | 12 | $65 | Yes | Yes | |
Dominica | 18 | $900 | Yes | Yes | |
Ecuador | 24 | $450 | Yes | Yes | |
United Arab Emirates | 12 | $610 | Yes | Yes | |
Estonia | 12 | $100 | Yes | Yes | |
Georgia | 12 | $35 | Yes | Yes | |
Germany | 36 | $100 | Yes | Yes | |
Grenada | 12 | $1500 | Yes | Yes | |
Greece | 12 | $90 | Yes | Yes | |
Hungria | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Iceland | 6 | $60 | Yes | Yes | |
Indonesia | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Italy | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Latvia | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Cayman Islands | 24 | $1470 | Yes | Yes | |
Seychelles Islands | 12 | $50 | Yes | Yes | |
Malta | 6 | $315 | Yes | Yes | |
Malaysia | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Mauritius | 12 | $0 | Yes | Yes | |
Mexico | 12 | $45 | Yes | Yes | |
Montserrat | 12 | $500 | Yes | Yes | |
Norway | 48 | $630 | Yes | Yes | |
Panama | 9 | $300 | Yes | Yes | |
Portugal | 12 | $165 | Yes | Yes | |
Czech Republic | 12 | $165 | Yes | Yes | |
Romania | 12 | $125 | Yes | Yes | |
Saint Lucia | 12 | $70 | Yes | Yes | |
Spain | 🆕 | 🆕 | – | – | |
Sri Lanka | 12 | $500 | Yes | Yes | |
Thailand | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes |
Exciting, no? The Portugal digital nomad visa provides a unique opportunity for digital nomads to experience the warm culture, slow-paced lifestyle, and breathtaking coastline of Portugal while working remotely.
If you’re still curious, click the link to see an up-to-date map showing all the countries offering a digital nomad visa in 2023, and all the information you need to start your journey as a digital nomad!
Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck on your digital nomad journey to Portugal!
