Explore Europe with Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa

Curtis Duggan -

The Remotely Serious Guide to Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa

With a variety of landscapes, charming villages with cobblestone streets, delicious food, incredible wine, and heartwarming people – it is no wonder Portugal has become a loved travel destination and an attractive country for many. Mild winters with temperatures that never seem to go below 5 degrees, and refreshing summers with the longest hours of sunshine – what is there not to love!

The Portugal D7 Visa: An Option for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

If you are a digital nomad or remote worker who is only staying for a short time, you may want to get a tourist visa at your discretion. However, if you wish to spend more time in this Iberian country, you may want to consider the Portugal D7 visa. This will allow you to stay and work in Portugal for longer than the tourist visa allows.

Take note that, with a Portugal D7 Visa, you are not allowed to work for a local company. You are only allowed to work independently and remotely, making all online generated revenue acceptable.

Also, if you are a member of the EU, congratulations! You can already work in Portugal by default, as you probably already know.

Requirements for Portugal D7 Visa

To apply for the visa, you must:

  • Have a Portuguese NIF (tax number). Conveniently, it is possible to get a NIF aremotely.
  • Get a Portuguese bank account. Otherwise, you won't be able to carry out any fiscal activities. You can open a Portuguese bank account remotely with a service like bordr.
  • Purchase comprehensive EU-wide health insurance. Keep in mind that it should be valid for 12 months, and the minimum medical insurance coverage level should be €30,000.
  • Have proof of income of at least €600 per month
  • Pay an €83 fee for the visa and a €72 fee for the resident permit.
  • You will need to have a clean criminal record
  • You need to meet the minimum stay requirements of 183 days per year (in other words to not be absent for more than 6 months) to maintain your status

The beauty of Portugal is undeniable, but it is not the only reason one should consider relocating to the country. In fact, working in Portugal has its benefits. For example:

  • You will have easy access to other countries in the European Union. The temporary Stay Visa or Residency Permit allows its holders to travel between different countries within the Schengen Area with no hassle or visas.
  • Compared to other countries in the region, Portugal has a low cost of living. The average monthly living costs about $1100 to $1300. The country's affordability is one of the main reasons, so many digital nomads head to Portugal.
  • Enjoy the great culture and get to know its rich history. Whether you decide to live in Lisbon, Porto, or anywhere else, you will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of Portugal's architecture and its wondrous culture. Every year, thousands of concerts, exhibitions, plays, and other fun activities take place in the country.

As soon as you step into Portugal, you will fall in love with the beautiful country. Apply for the independent workers' and entrepreneurs' visa and see the magic for yourself! If Portugal grows to you (which it will), you may always apply for a permanent residency after five years.

Enjoy the gorgeous beaches of the Algarve or have the time of your life in Lisbon – either way, you are guaranteed to have a marvelous experience!

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining the Portugal D7 Visa

Step 1: Get your Documents together

Gather all your documents in a digital and/or physical folder to make the process as easy as possible.

The Required Documents For A Portugal D7 Visa

  • Portugal D7 Visa Application Form
  • Your Passport, with a valid expiry date after the intended length of stay
  • Two passport photographs of the correct size
  • Proof of accommodation (lease, AirBnB, etc.)
  • Proof of income for earned income or passive income ("Sufficient Funds")
  • Proof of your residency at home (in the US or otherwise)
  • The FBI Criminal Record Certificate
  • Request for Criminal Record Enquiry by the Immigration And Border Services (SEF)
  • Proof of valid health coverage for the length of the stay
  • A cover letter that explains your motivations for the request to long-stay in Portugal

Step 2 - Fill Out The Temporary Stay Application Form

For the Temporary Stay Visa, you will need to fill out the visa application form.

Once you have completed the form, you can submit it online. Be sure that all the information is correct and the same as your passport.

Step 3 - Submit Your Documents

Once you have everything together, you'll want to submit your application along with all of your supporting documentation. You can either submit your documents in person at a local consulate or mail the documents.

During this step, you will need to pay associated visa fees.

Step 4 - Collect Your Residency Visa

Once you submit your application, the embassy will process your visa and ensure that you meet the requirements. If your visa is approved, you need to travel to the embassy and collect your passport. Stamped within your passport will be your Residency Visa which can be used to travel to Portugal and attend your SEF appointment.

Step 5 - Schedule An Appointment At SEF

Once you have your new visa, you will need to book an appointment with SEF. This can be done by contacting SEF directly, or by scheduling an appointment online.

This is the step where you apply for your Portugal Residency Permit. Make sure you schedule as far ahead of time as you can!

Step 6 - Attend Your Appointment With SEF

You will need to fly to Portugal and attend your appointment in person. Here you will have an interview with the relevant Portuguese authorities. During the interview, Portugal will collect your biometics, and you will be required to re-submit all supporting documents once again.

Here are the supporting documents you'll need to submit at your SEF appointment:

  • The Residency Permit application form
  • Two passport-style photographs
  • Your valid, current Residency Visa
  • Proof of accommodation (lease, etc.)
  • Criminal record check documentation
  • Your passport
  • A Social Security Document
  • Proof of earned income or passive income ("sufficient funds")

Step 7 - Obtain your Portuguese Residency Permit

After completing your interview, the Portuguese immigration authorities will process your application — and we assume this will go successfully! Your Residency permit usually takes around two weeks to get processed, in our experience. Once this is all done, Portuguese authorities will contact you and let you know you can come to collect your permit!

You are legally allowed to live in Portugal and enjoy all the benefits that come along with your new Residency Permit.