The Complete Guide to Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa and Remote Life

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa launched in late 2022, offering remote workers a legal way to live in the country while earning income from abroad. Unlike other European visas, this one is designed specifically for freelancers and remote employees, not investors or retirees.

With solid internet, a growing international community, and lower living costs than most of Western Europe, Portugal quickly became one of the most in-demand bases for digital nomads. Thousands have already applied, and this guide breaks down exactly how you can do the same.

Overview of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa is separate from Portugal’s D7 Visa, which is geared toward passive income earners. Here, you need active remote work income, whether you're a full-time employee working abroad or a self-employed freelancer.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how it works:

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements for Portugal

To qualify for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need to meet several key criteria. These are designed to ensure applicants are financially stable, legally compliant, and genuinely working remotely for non-Portuguese clients or employers.

Income Requirements

You must earn at least €3,480 per month, which is 4x Portugal’s minimum monthly wage. This threshold is calculated based on gross income and may be updated annually. You'll need to prove this through bank statements, recent pay slips, or tax returns.

Employment Verification

You must show you're either:

• Employed by a foreign company, or
• Self-employed with foreign clients

A work contract, letter from your employer, or service agreements will be required. The key point: your income must originate outside Portugal.

Health Insurance Requirements

You’ll need private health insurance with coverage in Portugal. Public healthcare access is possible after residency registration, but insurance is required at the application stage.

Accommodation Proof

Applicants must show a rental contract, hotel booking, or invitation letter proving you have a place to stay upon arrival. There’s no minimum lease term but longer stays (6+ months) strengthen your case.

Clean Criminal Record

A criminal background check from your home country (and any country where you’ve lived recently) is mandatory. This document must be issued within the last 90 days and, in most cases, legalized or apostilled.

How to Apply for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the visa involves a few steps, but it’s manageable if your documents are in order. You can apply at the Portuguese consulate in your country or directly at SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) if you’re already in Portugal legally.

Application Process Step-by-Step

• Gather your documents
• Book an appointment at your nearest Portuguese consulate
• Submit your application and attend a short interview
• Wait for visa approval
• Travel to Portugal and register your residence locally

Required Documentation

• Valid passport
• Proof of income
• Employment or freelance contracts
• Health insurance policy
• Accommodation proof
• Criminal record certificate
• Completed visa application form

Processing Times

• Typically, 4 to 8 weeks, depending on consulate workload
• Faster for Temporary Stay visa; longer for Residence visa

Application Fees

• Around €90–120 for most consulates (check locally)
• Additional residency processing fee once in Portugal

Visa Renewal Process

If you’re on a Residence Visa, it’s renewable annually and can lead to permanent residency after 5 years. You’ll need to show updated income, ongoing accommodation, and continued remote work activity.

Benefits of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

Schengen Access
You can base yourself in Portugal while moving freely across the Schengen Zone, visiting countries like Spain, Italy, and Germany for up to 90 days every 180.

Long-Term Residency Path
This visa lets you legally stay in Portugal for up to five years, with the option to apply for permanent residency or even citizenship later on.

Favorable Tax Options
If eligible, you may benefit from the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme, which offers reduced rates on foreign income for up to a decade.

Read more about Portugal’s NHR tax regime and how it benefits remote workers in our blog NHR Tax Regime in Portugal – Benefits and Requirements.

Affordable European Lifestyle
You can live comfortably in Portugal without the high costs seen in places like Paris or Amsterdam, especially when it comes to rent, food, and healthcare.

Keep Your Existing Work
There’s no need to find local clients or set up a Portuguese company. As long as your income comes from abroad, you’re good.

Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Portugal

Lisbon

Lisbon’s energy is nonstop. If you want a city where you can work from a sleek coworking space by day and hit a rooftop mixer by night, this is it.

• Rent: Expect around €1,200–€1,500 for a central one-bedroom
• Vibe: Fast, international, always something happening
• Best spots to work: IDEA Spaces (Saldanha), Avila Spaces, Outsite Lisbon
• Downside: It's getting pricey and crowded, especially post-pandemic

You’ll meet developers, marketers, crypto bros, and startup people at every café with outlets. It’s perfect if you thrive in motion, but not the best for deep focus or quiet.

Porto

Porto is calmer, cheaper, and seriously beautiful. Think tiled buildings, riverside walks, and less hustle. The remote work scene is smaller but close-knit.

• Rent: Around €800–€1,000 for a nice one-bedroom
• Vibe: Artsy, relaxed, slower pace than Lisbon
• Best spots to work: Porto i/o, Selina, Synergy Coworking

Great for solo freelancers and creatives. You’ll still find solid Wi-Fi, friendly locals, and a few digital nomad events, but no pressure to attend five a week.

Madeira

Want to work with an ocean view, hike after lunch, and still have a reliable internet connection? Madeira makes that possible. The government-backed “Digital Nomad Village” in Ponta do Sol created a small, built-in community for remote workers.

• Rent: Starts around €700–€900/month
• Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, self-paced
• Who it’s for: Long-stay nomads who like routine and nature

Not ideal if you need to travel a lot for work. But if you want a tropical base that doesn’t feel temporary, Madeira delivers.

Algarve

This one’s for you if your ideal workday ends with a swim. The Algarve (especially Lagos and Faro) combines reliable infrastructure with a beach lifestyle. It’s sunny most of the year, and the pace is just right, not too sleepy, not too fast.

• Rent: €900–€1,200 depending on season and town
• Vibe: Outdoorsy, relaxed, lots of expats
• Popular coworking spaces: Lagos Digital Nomads, LACS Loulé

It’s great for freelancers, writers, developers, anyone who doesn’t need constant buzz but still wants good Wi-Fi, decent coffee, and a surf break nearby.

Discover how you can relocate, settle in, and truly live the expat life in Portugal in our full guide Living in Portugal – The Expat Guide.

Cost of Living for Digital Nomads in Portugal

Housing and Accommodation

Housing costs vary significantly across Portugal:

• Lisbon: In central areas, a one-bedroom apartment averages between €1,200 and €1,500 per month. Short-term rentals during peak tourist seasons can exceed €2,500.
• Porto: More affordable than Lisbon, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from €800 to €1,000 monthly.
• Smaller towns and rural areas: Options like Braga or Aveiro offer rentals between €600 and €800, providing a budget-friendly alternative.

Shared accommodations or co-living spaces can further reduce costs, with rooms available for €400 to €600 per month.

Daily Expenses

Dining out remains relatively affordable:

• Meals: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs between €6 and €15, while a mid-range three-course meal for two averages around €40.
• Groceries: Monthly grocery bills for a single person range from €200 to €400, depending on dietary habits and shopping preferences.

Utilities and Internet

Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a standard apartment average between €100 and €150. High-speed internet is widely available, with monthly costs around €30 to €40.

Healthcare Costs

Portugal offers a public healthcare system, but digital nomads typically rely on private health insurance:

• Private Insurance: Basic plans start at approximately €50 per month, with more comprehensive coverage costing upwards of €100 monthly.
• Out-of-Pocket: Consultation fees in private clinics range from €40 to €100, depending on the specialty and location.

Transportation

Public transportation is efficient and affordable:

• Urban Areas: Monthly public transport passes cost between €36 and €45.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Short rides within cities like Lisbon or Porto typically cost €5 to €10.

Overall Monthly Budget

Depending on lifestyle and location, digital nomads can expect the following monthly expenses:

• Lisbon: €2,000 to €2,500
• Porto: €1,500 to €2,000
• Smaller Cities/Rural Areas: €1,200 to €1,500

These estimates include rent, utilities, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

Working as a Digital Nomad in Portugal

Portugal is one of the few countries in Europe where remote work doesn’t feel like a side activity, it’s built into the culture of many cities. Whether you're taking Zoom calls from a coworking space in Lisbon or writing code in a beach café in the Algarve, the infrastructure is already there.

Coworking Spaces

Coworking culture is strong in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and even smaller towns like Ericeira or Braga. Most spaces offer flexible passes, high-speed fiber internet, and a community of other nomads and entrepreneurs.

In Lisbon, for instance, popular choices include IDEA Spaces, Avila Spaces, and Outsite. In Porto, you can try Porto i/o, Typographia Cowork, or Synergy. Or if you decide to base in Madeira, the Digital Nomad Village there has free coworking in Ponta do Sol, organized by the regional government.

Day passes range from €10 to €25, with monthly memberships typically around €150–€200.

Internet Infrastructure

Portugal ranks consistently high for internet reliability. Major cities and even rural areas have fast fiber connections, with speeds between 100 and 500 Mbps in most coworking spaces and rentals. 5G is also rolling out steadily across the country.

You can work from home, a café, or even a coastal Airbnb without worrying about lag or disconnections.

Business Environment

While the Digital Nomad Visa doesn’t require you to set up a local business, Portugal does have startup-friendly policies and incentives for entrepreneurs. If you decide to base part of your business locally, you’ll find strong legal frameworks, low-cost company formation options, and a growing investor community, especially in Lisbon.

Freelancers working with international clients typically invoice from abroad, but some eventually transition into local setups through sole proprietorships or LDA companies.

Networking Opportunities

Portugal hosts dozens of tech events, workshops, and nomad meetups throughout the year. Lisbon is home to Web Summit, Europe’s largest tech conference, and cities like Porto and Coimbra have their own startup ecosystems.

On a smaller scale, you’ll find weekly coffee meetups, pitch nights, and remote worker hangouts organized via Meetup, Slack groups, or digitalnomads.pt.

Living in Portugal as a Digital Nomad

Living in Portugal is all about building a lifestyle that balances productivity with well-being. And the Digital Nomad Visa is a direct pathway to reside legally in Portugal, work with peace of mind, and potentially transition to permanent residency or citizenship down the line.

If you’re ready to turn your remote work setup into a full-time European lifestyle, this visa is one of the most straightforward ways to do it.

Interested in starting the process? Contact Savory & Partners to get personalized support on your Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application and find out if it’s the right fit for your long-term plans.

FAQs on Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

1. What are the income requirements for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2025?

As of 2025, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income equivalent to four times the Portuguese minimum wage. Given the current minimum wage, this amounts to approximately €3,480 per month.

2. Can I apply for the Digital Nomad Visa while residing in Portugal?

Yes, eligible individuals can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa either from their home country through the Portuguese consulate or, if already in Portugal legally, directly through the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). It's essential to ensure all required documentation is prepared and submitted accurately.

3. Is it possible to renew the Digital Nomad Visa, and what is the process?

The Digital Nomad Visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for successive two-year periods, up to a maximum of five years. Renewal requires proof of continued remote work, sufficient income, valid health insurance, and accommodation in Portugal. Applications should be submitted before the current visa expires.

4. Does holding a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal subject me to local taxation?

Yes, residing in Portugal for more than 183 days in a 12-month period typically classifies you as a tax resident, making your global income subject to Portuguese taxation. However, Portugal offers the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which may provide tax benefits for certain foreign income sources.

5. Can family members accompany me under the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, immediate family members, such as spouses and dependent children, can apply for family reunification to join you in Portugal. They must provide necessary documentation, including proof of relationship and financial means to support dependents. Applications for family reunification are submitted through SEF.

References

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal. (2025). Residency visa for the exercise of a professional activity done remotely – “Digital Nomads”. Retrieved from https://toronto.consuladoportugal.mne.gov.pt/images/vistos/en/digital_nomadsdr_en.pdf

Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA). (2025).Retrieved from https://aima.gov.pt/pt/trabalhar/autorizacao-de-residencia-para-o-exercicio-de-atividade-profissional-prestada-de-forma-remota-com-visto-de-residencia-para-o-exe

Justiça.gov.pt. (2025). Renewal of residence permit. Retrieved from https://justica.gov.pt/en-gb/Servicos/Renewal-of-Residence-Permit

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal. (2025). Residency visa for family reunification. Retrieved from https://cairo.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt/images/vistos/d6_en_2025.pdf

Portal das Finanças. (2024). Non-habitual resident – Registration with the Tax and Customs Authority. Retrieved from https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/apoio_contribuinte/Folhetos_informativos/Documents/Non_regular_residents_Registration_for_tax_purposes.pdf