In October 2022, the new law that allows foreigners to work remotely from Portugal for one year came into force. The so-called digital nomad visa has since then been attracting workers from all over the world with around 200 visas issued so far.

Since October 30, 2022, around 200 visas have already been issued, according to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) and reported by Público.

Among the most popular Portuguese destinations for digital nomads are Lisbon, Madeira, Porto and Lagos (Algarve), shows the Nomadlist website, a platform that measures the movements of digital nomads around the world.

How do you get a digital nomad visa?

The visa for digital nomads issued in Portugal is intended for citizens outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area. In other words, citizens of the EU and countries in the Schengen area do not need visas to telework from Portugal.

It should also be noted that “it is only mandatory to obtain a digital nomad visa if the period of stay is longer than the tourist visa, which in most cases allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days”, explains VisitPortugal, from Turismo de Portugal.

To obtain the digital nomad visa, foreign citizens must follow the legal procedures in accordance with the indications of the Portuguese entities, namely the MNE and the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF).

They must submit the following documents:

  • Employment or service contract;
  • Proof of average monthly income in the last 3 months, and with a minimum value equivalent to four minimum monthly wages in Portugal. That is, since January 1, a salary of around 3,040 euros (gross). “The objective is to provide a guarantee that you have income to live in Portugal during the proposed period”, highlights the same medium.
  • Proof of tax residence.

"It is also possible that the remote worker's family members also request a temporary stay or residence visa, which will allow the family to be reunited in the national territory", says VisitPortugal. Anyone interested in staying in the country after their visa has expired can do so by simply applying for a residence permit, which can last for up to five years”.