We are living through the rise of remote work, so millions of professionals now find themselves free to move anywhere in the world. If they can get pretty good WiFi, they can work and earn money as they hop around the globe. This group of people—called digital nomads—are now being actively courted by countries.

The Iberian nation of Portugal in particular is trying to draw digital nomads to it.

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa was launched in late 2022. It allows non-EU remote workers to legally reside in the country while working for foreign employers.

This visa comes in two options: a one-year Temporary Stay visa or a Residency Permit, renewable for up to five years. Visa holders also gain visa-free access to the Schengen Area, letting them move freely throughout Europe. After five years of continuous residency, they may become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship.

For all these reasons and more, digital nomads want to get their hands on Portugal’s visa. So, read on to find out how you can do just that.

Eligibility

Portugal has rapidly become one of the top destinations for digital nomads. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a thriving remote work scene, with high-speed internet, numerous coworking spaces, and an English-speaking population.

You get all of this for an affordable cost of living and an enjoyable culture.

So, are you eligible?

To qualify for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, you must:

  • Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen over 18
  • Work remotely for a foreign employer or clients outside Portugal (self-employed or employed by a company abroad)
  • Meet the minimum income requirement of four times the Portuguese minimum wage (€3,280 per month, or about $3,434)
  • Have a valid passport valid for at least one year
  • Provide proof of income (pay slips, bank statements, tax returns for the last three months)
  • Show proof of employment (letter from an employer, business registration, or client contracts)
  • Get a tax residency certificate proving you are registered as a taxpayer outside Portugal
  • Submit a clean criminal record certificate from your home country
  • Have private health insurance covering your stay
  • Have a long-term living situation in Portugal (like a 12-month lease)

Application Process

So, you’re eligible. Now it’s time to apply.

1. Documents

The following documents are necessary:

  • A completed visa application form
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Financial documents proving your income meets the threshold
  • Health insurance valid in Portugal
  • A criminal background check (apostilled and translated if necessary)
  • A cover letter explaining why you want to reside in Portugal

2. Application

Applications must be filed at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Some locations use VFS Global centers for processing. A biometric appointment is required, and fees range from €75 to €100.

3. Processing

Processing times typically range from 8 to 12 weeks. Applicants can track their status online.

4. Collect

Once approved, the visa (valid for four months) must be collected from the consulate. Upon arrival in Portugal, applicants must schedule a residence permit appointment with AIMA.

5. Residence Permit

At the appointment, applicants provide original documents and undergo biometric registration. The residence permit is typically issued for two years, with the next renewal extending it to three years. After five years, applicants can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Tax Implications

Tax residents will generally need to report their earnings to Portugal, even if they don’t earn the money from Portuguese sources.

If you reside in Portugal for 183+ days per year, you become a tax resident and must report worldwide income.

Non-residents are taxed only on Portugal-sourced income.

Learn more about Portuguese tax liability as a dual citizen.

Cost of Living

Portugal remains relatively affordable compared to Western Europe. Estimated monthly expenses:

  • Rent: Lisbon (€900–€1,500), Porto (€600–€1,000), smaller cities (€400–€600)
  • Utilities & Internet: €100–€150
  • Groceries: €150–€250
  • Dining Out: €8–€25 per meal
  • Public Transport: €40 monthly pass
  • Private Health Insurance: €30–€100 per month

Recent Changes & Updates

Like many of these programs, Portugal makes adjustments all the time to fine tune the impact the Digital Nomad Visa has on its society. Below are some adjustments to keep an eye on as you start the application process.

  • Minimum income requirement increase every year to keep up with inflation and other changes to the cost of living.
  • The popular NHR tax regime ended in 2023—giving newcomes massive tax breaks for up to 10 years. But that was replaced by the Incentive for International Competitiveness and Innovation (IFICI), which fewer nomads qualify. It’s a flat 20% tax for 10 years on professionals from sectors with chronic shortages in Portugal—namely in tech, science, IT, and research.
  • AIMA replaced the SEF in 2024. If you read guides referring to the SEF, beware of outdated information.

Joining the Ranks of the World’s Digital Nomads

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa remains one of the most attractive remote work visas in Europe. And unlike some similar programs on the continent, this is a great pathway to full citizenship.

So once your renewal date approaches, you can read our page here on how you can get Portuguese citizenship status.