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  • Writer's pictureJoana Wheeler

Portugal has given out 200 visas to digital nomads since October.

Since October, Brazilians, Americans, and Brits have made the most visa applications for digital nomads.


Portugal is attracting digital nomads from all around the world. The new regulation allowing foreigners to work remotely from our country for a year went into effect in October 2022.


Around 200 visas have been granted in Portugal since the so-called visas for digital nomads began, luring employees from all over the world.


With changes to the Ex-Pat Law, the visa for digital nomads became an issue in our nation. Additionally, it permits the bearer to live and work in Portugal for a company that has its headquarters elsewhere. Digital nomad visas are issued for a time frame of less than a year and are good for repeated visits into the country.


Portugal started offering visas for digital nomads on October 30, 2022. A total of 200 visas have been issued in just two and a half months, according to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) that have been made public.

According to them, the majority of people who sought for these temporary residency permits for remote workers were residents of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.


Lisbon, Madeira, Porto, and Lagos (Algarve) are among the most well-liked Portuguese locations for digital nomads, according to the website Nomadlist, a platform that tracks their moves globally.


What is the procedure for obtaining a visa for digital nomads?

The European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) do not grant the digital nomad visa that Portugal does. In other words, visas are not required to remote work from Portugal to EU or Schengen nations.


Additionally, it should be noted that according to VisitPortugal, Portugal's tourism organisation, "it is only necessary to obtain a digital nomadic visa if the term of stay is greater than the tourist visa, which in most cases enables to stay in the country for up to 180 days."


Foreign nationals must adhere to the legal requirements as outlined by the Portuguese authorities, specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Borders, in order to obtain a digital nomadvisa (SEF). Additionally, they must submit the following paperwork:


  • Proof of average monthly income for the previous three months, with a minimum amount equal to four minimum monthly salaries in Portugal.

  • Employment contract or service provision. Specifically, a salary of around 3,040€ starting on January 1. (gross). The same medium emphasises that "the objective is to give a guarantee that you have money to live in Portugal during the term to which it is recommended."

  • Evidence of tax residency


According to VisitPortugal, it is still feasible for the remote worker's family members to apply for a temporary stay or resident visa, which would enable them to reunite in the country. After the visa has expired, those who choose to remain in the nation may do so by requesting a residence permit, which may be up to five years.

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