How Remote Workers Can Legally Live in Portugal for 12 Months

Find out about the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and learn how remote workers can legally live and work in Portugal for a period of 12 months. Understand visa eligibility, application procedure, minimum financial requirements, best cities for digital nomads and useful information for succeeding in Portugal. Furthermore, find out all the requirements for working remotely in Portugal.

Do you want to change your home office in favor of a warmer place like Portugal? Well, there is some good news. The Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa enables you to legally stay and work on the island for up to one year. So how can you achieve this? Let’s find out.

What Is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

The purpose of applying for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa was to bring workers from all over the world. This visa is issued to third country nationals who can move to Portugal and work remotely for overseas companies and clients. So regardless of working, you can also absorb Portugal’s wonderful tradition, splendid scenery and great weather. Do you need information on 12-month visa for remote workers and the requirements for working remotely in Portugal? Read this article.

Eligibility Criteria

Before packing your bags, ensure you meet the following requirements:

Age: You have to be at least eighteen or older.
Income: Demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least €3,280. This guarantees that you will be able to sustain yourself while visiting.
Employment Status: Be employed by a company outside Portugal or have clients based abroad.
Clean Criminal Record: Present a certificate of police clearance from your nation of origin.
Health Insurance: Obtain valid health insurance coverage for your entire stay in Portugal.

Application Process

Are you ready to apply for the portugal remote work (Nomad) visa? If yes, below are steps you should consider:

Obtain a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)

The NIF is extremely important for certain transactions in Portugal including the opening of a bank account or signing a lease. One can file for a NIF while still outside the country. Continue reading this article to discover the 12-month visa for remote workers and the requirements for working remotely in Portugal.

Gather the Necessary Documentation

Here are the required documents you should prepare:

Valid passport
Two recent passport-sized photos
Evidence of income, such as job contracts or bank statements
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Clean criminal record certificate
Health insurance policy
Completed visa application form
Cover letter explaining your reasons for moving to Portugal

Submit Your Application

To secure an appointment at the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate in order to submit your biometric data and application.

Application Fee

As per estimates, the amount is around €180, but it can change based on an individual’s location.

Wait for Approval

It can take anywhere between 60 to 120 days, it is advisable to keep calm and expect accordingly.

Plan your Travel to Portugal

With the application being approved the individual will receive a visa correct for 4 months. Within these 4 months an individual has to apply for a residence visa. Also, read this article to learn about 12-month visa for remote workers and the requirements for working remotely in Portugal.

Apply for Residence Permit

To apply for a residence visa in Portugal one has to apply for an appointment with the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), generally this visa is valid for 12 months and can be extended.

Financial Requirements

You will need to show an income that is equal to or more than €3280, additionally, you will need a savings that is greater than or equal to €9840, which is estimated from the minimum wage in Portugal. Do you want to know How to live in Portugal as a remote worker? Read this article.

Finding Accommodation

In choosing a country to settle in, it is important to consider the factors that will enhance your healthcare. Take note of the following recommendations which you can use in Portugal.

Short-Term Rentals: Ideal for initial stays while you search for something long-term.
Long-Term Leases: More cost-effective if you plan to stay the full year.
Co-Living Spaces: Great for networking with other digital nomads.

Furthermore, websites like Idealista and OLX are popular for finding rentals in Portugal. Also, read this article to learn How to live in Portugal as a remote worker.

Healthcare in Portugal

For permanent residents of Portugal, the public healthcare system is accessible so no one goes without basic health insurance. To avoid embarrassment, it’s best to have private health insurance in the first few months of living there. If you do not have such a policy, then make sure that the insurance you buy covers international risks. Continue reading this article to discover How to live in Portugal as a remote worker.

Cost of Living

Portugal is recognized for having a low standard of living when compared with the rest of Western Europe. Most especially for people planning to relocate there. Aspects allocated in average monthly expenses includes:

Accommodation: €700 – €1,200 (depending on location and type)
Utilities: €100 – €150
Groceries: €200 – €300
Transportation: €40 – €60 (public transport pass)
Leisure and Dining Out: €150 – €300

However, all this comes with the reality that there are couples of cities that are quite expensive to live in. Some of them include Porto and Lisbon. As such, these cities are more expensive compared to other small towns and villages.

Integrating into Portuguese Life

Expanding on the local culture will help you get a better overall experience, such as:

Familiarizing yourself with the Language

English may be widely spoken in Portugal, but it is still good to learn a few Portuguese phrases to make some locals comfortable.

Engage in Communities

Make friends with the locals or with expatriates through social gatherings, language exchange gatherings and coworking.

Know the Country

With its vast variety of beaches and mountains alongside Portugal’s rich history, one can easily visit multiple regions in the country and grow their knowledge.

Tax Implications

Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Scheme

New taxes for new residents under the NHR scheme regulations is a flat rate of 20%. This fee is on foreign sourced income for 10 years and is favorable for many new residents in Portugal.

Double Taxation Agreements

Furthermore, double taxation is avoided by Portugal stating treaties with several countries. It is advised that cut a tax appointment that is specialized in your case.

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to stay longer than 12 months, you might need the following:

1. Renew Your Residence Permit

If one wishes to reside beyond twelve months, one can apply for extension. Also, it is important to do it before the expiration date.

2. Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible for permanent residency or citizenship. This is provided that you meet the necessary criteria, including language proficiency.

Challenges to Consider

While the prospect is exciting, take note of the challenges that lie ahead.

Bureaucracy: Dealing with the administration may take some time. It requires being patient and doing proper groundwork.

Cultural differences: Moving to a new culture is not easy; it needs some adjustment.

Language Barrier: Not everyone is fluent in English, more so in the remote areas. It will help if you can speak Portuguese.

Conclusion

Remote work in Portugal is an achievable and satisfying opportunity. To be able to experience Portugal for a year or more all you have to do is follow the steps provided and make sufficient arrangements. So why the wait? Start looking forward to adapting to the digital nomad lifestyle in Portugal!