Portugal, a nation with the oldest boundaries in Europe, is an incredibly popular destination because it is so easy to get to from the rest of the world. Like the mainland, the Azores and Madeira archipelagos are independent territories of Portugal and provide wonderful weather, a laid-back culture, scrumptious food, top-notch wines, and breathtaking scenery.
Many visitors and entrepreneurs desiring a European lifestyle and affordable housing are drawn to Portugal due to the country's rich history and modern conveniences. Portugal has a modest population compared to several other European countries since people have been moving away due to its weak economy over the past few years. There is enough accommodation and a developed infrastructure to use, making this a fantastic possibility for digital nomads. Portugal’s main cities, like Lisbon and Porto, have excellent internet access, making it simple to connect with the worldwide market.
The country enjoys some of the finest weather in the EU, with southern regions enjoying top-notch beaches and a climate that never gets chilly. The country is said to have over 300 days of sunshine a year. Portugal also provides programs for remote workers, and obtaining residence there is not too difficult.
Algarve, Portugal
Digital nomads have a few alternatives if they wish to live and work in Portugal since the country has launched various initiatives to attract investment and new citizens. The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa or Passive Income Visa, is a decent residency option for non-EU residents who wish to live in Portugal, including digital nomads, even though there is no special program that has been developed for them in Portugal.
For retirees who have enough passive foreign income to sustain themselves, the D7 Visa is a fantastic alternative. This revenue may come from, among other sources, real estate leasing, financial assets, corporate earnings and dividends, wages, pensions, etc.
Once you have a D7 or entrepreneur visa in Portugal, there is no minimum period of time that you must stay; nevertheless, this program is actually intended for persons who desire to reside in the country for at least a year. Once you get one of these visas, you will be able to do many things, including open a bank account and rent a house, and the income criteria for this visa is also quite low compared to that of other EU countries. Digital nomads who desire to travel the continent while maintaining a residency in Portugal will appreciate the extra benefit that the Portuguese D7 and entrepreneur visas grant you visa-free entry to the rest of the Schengen region for up to 90 days out of any 180 days.
To be able to get the Portuguese passive income visa, you must provide documentation of a passive income that is at least the Portuguese minimum salary. The Portuguese minimum salary was set at €9,870 per year in 2022. If you want your family to join you as dependents, you need to obtain a Portuguese NIF Number (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) from the Tax and Customs Authority and pay an extra 50% of the minimum wage. All residents of Portugal must have a Portuguese bank account and the NIF Number in order for their money to be valid, you can create a Portuguese bank account and conduct any type of commercial or financial transaction using your NIF number. Additionally, you are required to stay in Portugal for a continuous period of 16 months during the first two years.
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Ria de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
You should apply for the D7 visa application procedure through the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your nation. The issuance of D7 visas is under the purview of Portuguese diplomatic posts. So you need to schedule an appointment to submit the visa application by contacting the embassy. You are also required to provide some documents in person or by mail, depending on the diplomatic mission, and you must pay an application cost of €180 (S191 USD).
These documents are;
The D7 passive income visa application usually takes three to four months to process. The waiting period will be extended if the requested information is incorrect or the required documents are not provided. In most cases, due to the changes to the travel restrictions, the D7 passive income visa application procedure might even take up to six months. You can enter Portugal as a remote worker if your visa application is approved. When you finally arrive in Portugal, make sure to go to the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or Foreigners and Borders Service) to register as a resident. You should register within three business days and pay the initial residence permit fee of €320. You will undergo an interview which takes approximately two weeks before receiving the residency permit, and after receiving your D7 residence permit, you are now qualified for all advantages that the passive income visa offers.
Lisbon City in Portugal
With a Portugal D7 Visa, you will have the opportunity to obtain Non-Habitual Resident Status (NHR) for ten years – this includes exemption from tax on certain foreign income if specific requirements are met, and you will be able to share the beauty of Portugal together with your family.
Living in Portugal will enable you to attend their schooling system (including those taught in English, French and German), and you also be granted access to the Portuguese Health care system (SNS).
When you live in Portugal for a specific period of time, you will be eligible for a permanent residence permit which will then open the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Street Cafe in Lisbon City, Portugal
The Golden Visa requires a significant investment when compared to the D7 Passive Visa. Furthermore, there are also significant differences in the minimum stay requirements between the two types of visas. While a D7 Passive Visa does not permit you to stay outside of Portugal for more than six consecutive months or eight intermittent months in a year, the Golden Visa requires you to be there for an average of seven days.
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Traditional historic facade in Porto
With a superb location inside the EU, Portugal offers a lot to digital nomads worldwide regarding lifestyle alternatives. Although getting a long-stay visa in Portugal won't be as easy as it is in some other countries with programs specifically designed for digital nomads, the Portuguese visa options are very attractive to people who want to live and work in Portugal for a medium period of time or relocate there permanently.
The country's top cities, such as Lisbon, boast many must-see attractions. Every city will thrill you, from the Oceanarium to the Jerónimos Monastery, and throughout Portugal, there are a variety of things to look forward to, ranging from hiking in Serra do Gerês to kayaking along the Lisbon Coast. In addition to its stunning beaches, Portugal is also famed for its exquisite architecture, and there are countless castles, palaces, and towers abound, just waiting for your creative soul to explore them.