Portugal is an amazing country with gorgeous views, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. It’s not a surprise that many want to move there, whether for work or education. Remote workers can benefit from relocating even more – they can stay anywhere in the world and travel from country to country if they want.
Migrun is a company that is ready to support any remote worker planning to move abroad. It can help you receive a digital nomad Portugal Visa and stay in the country legally. They help collect documents, set up appointments, and move smoothly.
About the Digital Nomad Visa
The official name of the Visa is the “Temporary Residence Visa for the Exercise of Professional Activity Provided Remotely Outside the National Territory”.
Remote workers outside the EU or the EEA should apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, as they can legally live and work in Portugal for a year with this document. Each year, they can apply for renewal. This is possible for five years in total. After that period, they can apply for permanent residency and continue living there.
The Digital Nomad rule became eligible in October 2022 in Portugal and continues giving freelancers and those who work from home a chance to live abroad once they meet the requirements. We will talk about those next.
Eligibility Requirements
You have to abide by certain rules to legally stay in Portugal with the Digital Nomad Visa. Unfortunately, the European Union or the European Economic Area nationals can’t apply for this certification. Moreover, you should be able to prove that you work remotely and your clients/employers are not from Portugal.
You have to earn at least €3,280 per month so you can become a registered Digital Nomad. An additional sum of €36,480 in savings should be present when you apply, preferably in a local bank account. All residents have to maintain private health insurance from the local institution, including digital nomads.
Visa Types Available
When applying, you have two different registrations you can pick from. Those who want to move there permanently and get citizenship can apply for the long-term residency type. For the first four months, you will be able to settle and receive essential documentation. It is crucial to know that a residence permit is the next step, and you can’t skip it.
If you want to test the waters, but 90 days for tourists is not enough, you can try the temporary stay Visa. This allows you to stay in Portugal for a year with future renewals, but doesn’t require any residence permit applications. You have to collect the same documents for both types and have the same income level.
How to Apply
Now, you have to collect the documents, such as proof of income, employment contracts, and so on. We will explain what you need to gather in the next portion of the article. After everything is ready, you can either apply online through the SEF portal or visit the consulate in person.
Pay the application fee next – €50 fee for the Visa. Another €72 fee has to be paid for the residence permit, if applicable. You might be asked to attend an interview in person.
Afterward, all you have to do is wait. Your Visa will be approved, or you will be notified about the denial. At least 3 to 6 months is needed to process the document and come to a decision.
Bringing Your Family Along
Your whole family can come along with you under certain circumstances. Under the Digital Nomad Visa, these family members can follow you to Portugal:
- spouse or partner;
- dependent children under 18;
- dependent and unmarried children from 18 to 35;
- parents over 65;
- dependent parents under 65.
If your family members are not generating their own income, you will have to prove that your income and savings are enough to support everyone accompanying you abroad.
Documents You Need
Regardless of the Visa type you choose, you will have to bring an array of documentation to your application appointment. A valid passport copy is crucial, and it should be valid for at least six months, along with two passport-size photos. Contracts from employers and agreements with clients will prove that you are a remote worker. Next, bring proof of income in bank statements for the past six months.
A clear criminal record for the past six months, proof that you have accommodation for the year ahead, and health insurance evidence should also be in your document folder. Last but not least, the government wants to know why you are moving. So, explain that in the letter of intention.
Becoming an Official Resident
Portugal is an impressive country that attracts numerous foreigners. Naturally, some of them want to become permanent citizens. Thankfully, the process is straightforward. Make sure you pay attention to the documents needed for the Nomad Visa application, and always consult the local Portuguese consulate on the latest Visa updates.
