Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

It might seem like everyone is thinking of moving to Portugal these days, and with a visa just for digital nomads, more and more people are looking to Portugal.

Ever since the financial crash of 2008, Portugal has taken a much more pragmatic stance on immigration, and the government has introduced a range of residency visas aimed at enticing skilled foreigners to Portugal.

The Portuguese government has had a clear plan for making Portugal more attractive for immigration for many years and they have had great success.

With their Golden Visa they have attracted high value foreigners from all over the world, and now it is the digital Nomads turn. 

The Portugal digital nomad visa has been discussed for many years and if there is one good thing to come out of the holde COVID pandemic, it is the fact that working remotely has really come into fashion.

Working remotely is the new normal and more and more companies all over the world have realised that they don't need every single employee to come to the office every day.

After all, what is the point? You are just sitting at your computer anyway, so why not be a digital nomad and pick your own office?

You are happier, the company saves money on rent, insurance, office cost etc. and the work is still being done.

A digital nomad solution is a win-win situation for all parties and Portugal wants in! Their Portugal Digital Nomad Visa was introduced in October 2022 and has so far been a huge success.

When the Portuguese parliament approved the amendments proposed for Law 23/2007, (Known as The Law on Foreign Nationals) in July 2022, the Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and for Parliamentary Affairs, Ana Catarina Mendes, had this to say 

"Portugal is a country for immigration. Every year, we receive thousands of immigrants, seeking opportunities in our country. Portugal is a country that wishes to welcome immigrants as it wishes its emigrants to feel welcomed, too".

What is a digital nomad visa to Portugal? 

Portugal has several different visa options for people that want to move to Portugal for work, studie or simply enjoy the weather and culture. The best known visa for Portugal is the Golden visa, which can be applied for if you can invest a minimum of €250.000 in Portugal. 

The other big Portuguese visa is the D7 visa that most people apply for when they want to move to Portugal. Both visas offer great opportunities for moving to Portugal but the process of applying for a D7- or golden- visa can be both costly and time consuming. 

This is where the digital nomad visa comes in
The Portugal digital nomad visa, officially called “Residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory” - is designed for working professionals.

The digital nomad visa for Portugal is meant as an alternative to the existing D7 visa, a very popular visa for Portugal to obtain residency permit.

But the D7 visa was always aimed more at the retirees or those that could prove a passive income from outside of Portugal. 

As such Portugal needs a new visa to better accommodate for the new standard of remote workers and digital nomads. 

What is a digital nomad? 

Digital nomad is a fairly new phrase and it can be somewhat confusing for many. Remote worker is a more widely used phrase and in many ways the two are the same. It is just that we need to be able to separate two groups of workers. 

When talking about remote workers, most mean workers that don't come into the office or place of business everyday.

A remote worker might be a content writer, a webmaster, data input worker, IT, or even customer support worker.

All these jobs can be done from anywhere as long as the worker has access to a PC and internett. A remote worker will however often be living in the country of the company they work for and it is quite common that they also go to the place of business from time to time. 

Some people might choose to be a remote worker whilst others are offered various bonuses from the company to accept being a remote worker. 

The digital nomad on the other hand is a person that works solely online and often from another country than where the business they work for is located.

The digital nomad will often move from country to country, town to town and has the freedom to largely set own working hours. 

Being a digital nomad is not for everyone, but we are living in a new world and the COVID pandemic has taught us that it is OK to think in untraditional ways when it comes to work and hiring. 

If you think about it, remote workers and digital nomads are just another way of outsourcing work and companies have been outsourcing since the 1980’s.

In other words this is nothing new. With more and more of us working online and spending hours at the computer every day at work, it only makes sense that the worker should have a choice as to where they work. 

If you work best in an office that is fine, but don't knock those that prefer to work on a sunny beach or a quiet corner cafe. We are all different and as long as the job in the end gets done, who is to say what is the right way? 

How does the Portugal digital nomad visa work? 

There are generally two types of digital nomads. Those who like to stay in one place for a longer period of time, and those that prefer shorter stays before they move on to a new country.

The Portugal digital nomad visa that Portugal introduced in October 2022 works for both types of digital nomads looking to work in Portugal. 

If you are a digital nomad looking to Portugal you can apply for a temporary stay visa for digital nomads and remote workers that will be valid for one year, or you may apply for a digital nomad residency permit that you can renew for every year up to five years.

Once in Portugal you will find it easy to meet other digital nomads. Some of them will be staying in Portugal full time, whilst others will have Portugal as their base but still travel to other countries from time to time, like a true digital nomad. 

The digital nomad visa for Portugal is meant to accommodate digital nomads and remote workers that enjoy travelling the world whilst still working.

To apply for a Portugal digital nomad visa you must prove a monthly income of no less than €2.820, about four times the national minimum wage in Portugal. 

You can apply for a digital nomad visa at any Portuguese Consulate in your home country or at Portugal's immigration agency, Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras.

As well as proving income of at least €2.820 per month for the past three months, applicants must submit tax-residency documents, contract of employment, or proof of self-employment.

Contract of employment can be from several companies if that is what it takes to meet the €2.820 proof of income. 

Requirements for applying for a Portugal digital nomad visa:

• Applicant must be over 18 years of age
• Applicant must provide proof of a minimum monthly income of €2.820 for the past 3 months
• Applicant must have a clean criminal record
• Applicant must be a Non-EU citizen
• Applicant must have health insurance 
• Applicant must have a NIF number and Portuguese bank account
• Applicant must have a rental agreement for where you are staying in Portugal. Contract must me registered with the tax authority
• Applicant must have an employment contract from an employer based outside of Portugal
• For freelancers, you’ll need a contract that proves you’re working with clients

Once you have been granted a Portugal nomad visa, it is important that you know that it is not just Portugal you can visit and work in with the digital visa.

One of the biggest selling points of Portugal's visa for digital nomads and remote workers is that the visa allows you travel visa free throughout the whole Schengen Area, a region containing 26 European Union member countries including:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Why become a digital nomad in Portugal? 

There are a lot of reasons why digital nomads choose to apply for a Portugal nomad visa.

Not only will the whole Schengen area be open to you, which is fantastic for anyone wanting to discover Europe, and many digital nomads and remote workers find that Portugal is the perfect place to start a European adventure. 

Once in Portugal, you will find it easy to meet other digital nomads and remote workers that are spending weeks, months or even years in Portugal.

There are numerous groups on Facebook for digital nomads and remote workers in Portugal, and you will easily be able to connect with other nomads working online in Lisbon, Porto and all over the Algarve. 

Many digital nomads and remote workers end up staying in Portugal permanently but still travel Europe and the world as they are free to do so under both the D7 Visa and the digital nomad visa. 

Top 10 reasons for picking Portugal as a digital nomad

1: The climate
It is no secret that the weather has attracted people from all over the world to Portugal. With around 300 days of sunshine and some of the best beaches in the world, Portugal is the perfect spot both for work and play. In summertime the temperatures can easily hit 38-45 celsius, whilst the winter months December to April normally stays in the 12-18 celsius area. 

In the north of Portugal in cities like Lisbon and Porto the winter months can become quite cold, but head down to the region of the Algarve and you will have a much milder winter with plenty of days where the temperature in the sun will hit 24 celsius and above. 

2: Affordable prices 
Being able to enjoy a paradise like Portugal becomes even easier when we add the affordable cost of living. Portugal is the only country in Europe included in the top 10 best expat destinations according to the InterNations rating. Portugal does this while it still remains one of the cheapest countries in the EU to live. 

Consumer prices in Portugal are, on average, 46.15% lower than in the United States. (2021 numbers)

Although the prices of living in Portugal are a lot lower than they are in America, prices do vary depending on the region, just like they do in the US.

For example, prices in Lisbon, the capital, are mostly higher than they are in Porto. Another region where the prices might be higher is the Algarve in the south of Portugal. 

The Algarve is the second biggest tourist area in Portugal only after Lisboa, the capital. Prices in the Algarve fluctuate a lot depending on if you find yourself in high traffic tourist areas such as Albufeira, Lagos and Tavira. That being said, there are always great offers to find if you move just a short distance from the main areas. 

 3: Access to the Schengen area 
Portugal is one of the first and so far very few countries in the EU to offer a visa for digital nomads and remote workers, but even if you were to decide that Portugal is not the right country for you, applying for a digital nomad visa to Portugal will open the door the every other Schengen country such as:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

After travelling visa-free through large parts of Europe you can return to Portugal and start the process of applying for a visa for the country of your choice. 
 
4: Good infrastructure
It is easy to get around in Portugal be it in bigger cities like Porto and Lisbon or the region of the Algarve. All bigger cities and towns offer a good bus route network and you can get from Lisbon to the Algarve by train everyday of the week in just 4 hours. 

Portugal has several airports serving several international destinations on a daily basis. If you need a bigger airport, you can also get to Seville, Spain by bus everyday of the week.

From Lisbon to Seville it's just a five hour drive. The bus also offers free WI-FI the whole way to accommodate digital nomads and remote workers looking to utilise the travel time. 

5: Safety
Portugal is a very safe country and over the last decade the country has maintained a top five ranking as one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is generally very low and the access to firearms for the public is strictly regulated. 

6. Easy access to great healthcare services
When you apply for a visa to Portugal you must show proof of health insurance, if you are not to work for a Portuguese company. 

According to the WHO, Portugal's healthcare system ranks 12th in terms of overall healthcare efficiency.

The quality of Portuguese healthcare is also confirmed by the high life expectancy in Portugal. According to the World Population Review, Portugal's average life expectancy is 82 years.
 
Private healthcare is also widely available in Portugal and there are several clinics and hospitals where staff speak English and other languages.

Private healthcare in Portugal is fairly affordable and a family of 4 can find full cover health insurance from €2.000 a year.

Holders of Golden Visa have full coverage insurance — this is a prerequisite for a residence permit. It is however recommended that one also have private insurance as the public system can have long waiting times.

Portugal's national healthcare system, known as Serviço Nacional de Saude (SNS), typically covers certain treatment costs for those who legally reside and work in Portugal.

This option is available for all who pay Portuguese social security (segurança social) and their dependent family members.

People who work or have worked in both the US and Portugal may also benefit from the Agreement Between the United States and Portugal that helps to avoid paying social security taxes to both countries on the same earnings.

7. Excellent food
One of the real upsides of being a digital nomad, is the option to try out local food, cooked by locals. Portugal is renowned around the world for their local cuisine and whether you are a lover of seafood or meat, Portugal will not disappoint.

According to the locals, digital nomads and remote workers will find the best meat in the north of Portugal, whilst some of the best seafood in the world can be found in the region of the Algarve. 

That being said, you can find the best of both worlds all over Portugal. If you prefer a more international kitchen you will have no problem finding restaurants from all corners of the world in all bigger towns and cities.

You will also find American fast food chains such as Burger King, McDonalds, Domino's Pizza, Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC and Starbucks all over Portugal. 

8. Welcoming locals
One thing that digital nomads seek, besides travelling and getting to know the world, is contact with local communities, into which they blend in a way that typical tourists cannot, since they are only here for short periods.

People in Portugal are friendly and welcoming and generally speak very good English. You will find that they live up to their reputation as explorers, always eager to meet new people and cultures.

As far as meeting other digital nomads and remote workers in Portugal, you will find that very easy.

There are big communities of immigrants from America, Canada, Germany, Italy, Franch, UK and Scandinavia both in the north of Portugal, and in the Algarve. 

9: Established digital nomad and expat communities
Like other foreigners to Portugal, digital nomads also tend to look for other nomad workers and remote workers. Meeting others in a similar situation is a great way to share experiences, exchange tips and take comfort in the friendships of those who share your lifestyle.

Many digital nomads and remote workers pick Lisboa when moving to Portugal as it is the capital and offers a busy city feeling with all that a capital has to offer. Lisbon is also a great location for digital nomads as the city has a rapidly increasing IT community that could open the doors for new job opportunities. 

If you are looking for a bit more quiet and relaxing everyday life, then the Algarve region is for you.

With good access to Lisbon and Spain, the Algarve offers a more laidback way of life, but it is also a place of opportunity for digital nomads and remote workers looking to expand into other fields. 

Whether you prefer the busy city scene or Lisboa and Porto, or the laid back style of the Algarve, you will have no problem meeting other digital nomads and expats from all over the world. 

10: A land of opportunity 
Up until 1974 Portugal was led by the authoritarian Estado Novo regime. The Carnation Revolution (Revolução dos Cravos), also known as the 25 April, was a military coup by left-leaning military officers that took place in Lisbon.

The revolution resulted in major social, economic, territorial, demographic, and political changes in Portugal and its overseas colonies through the Processo Revolucionário Em Curso.

The revolution resulted in the Portuguese transition to democracy, making Portugal one of the youngest democracies in Europe.

Many of the older generation will argue that Portugal was better off before the revolution and in many ways Portugal still has a way to go before they can be considered a modern democracy with all that that consists of.

The people are free to do what they want and the political system is one of democracy, but Portugal still has a lot of work to do in regards to digitalization, changing the mindset of the older generation and creating new opportunities for the younger population.

At the same time more and more foreigners are looking to move to Portugal and if you are an entrepreneur at heart, Portugal is still a land of great opportunities.

The tourist industry is one of the biggest sectors in Portugal, but with more and more digital nomads and expats in general moving to Portugal, it opens up for numerous businesses and services accommodating the new arrivals.

What cities are best for digital nomads in Portugal

Portugal has something to offer for all kinds of remote workers and digital nomads. It all depends on what kind of lifestyle it is that you are seeking.

Portugal has it all, from bigger, hustling cities like Lisbon and Porto, to a bit quieter towns such as Faro, Tavira and Albufeira. 

You also have the option to leave more rural areas, where it could seem like time has stood still for the last 50 years. As far as internet goes, the bigger cities and towns normally offer fibre, but in the rural areas you will have to accept ADSL or look into high speed satellite internet.

Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the best place to get connecting flights to anywhere in Europe. Lisbon is like a big city with a small colonial town feel; if that small town was packed with cultural venues and lively night spots. Internet connections are excellent, coworking facilities are plentiful, and there are many other digital nomads to share your experience.

Porto
If you prefer a slower pace of life but don’t want to sacrifice creature comforts or work essentials, Porto is a great option. The city centres around the Ribeiro riverside, where you can drink Port made just metres away. Alongside Baroque churches, you’ll find some nice coworking spaces.

Braga
If you are keen to explore historic Portugal between conference calls and creative sessions, Braga is a nice city in the north. You will find plenty of historic castles and cathedrals, plus you are close to beaches and the famous Peneda Geres National Park. Day trips to Spain will also be on your list.

Faro
The capital of the stunning Algarve region, this beach paradise is a bit more affordable than nearby Lagos (also a great destination). The sun shines most of the year on a city with lazy days, but which comes alive at night.

Madeira
If you are keen on the idea of living at the edge of the world, consider the idyllic Portuguese island of Madeira, though it is closer to Morocco than it is to Portugal. This village supports a close-knit community of digital nomads that fosters creative connections.

Can I become a digital nomad in Portugal

Yes, you can. Simply put, anyone who is not an EU citizen, over the age of 18 years and can prove a minimum monthly income of €2.820 the last three months can apply for a digital nomad visa for Portugal.

Before you can apply for a digital nomad visa for Portugal you must meet the following requirements:

• Your must be over 18 years of age
• You must have proof of a minimum monthly income of €2.820 for the past 3 months
• You must have a clean criminal record
• You can not be a EU citizen
• You must have health insurance worth €30.000
• You must have a NIF number and Portuguese bank account
• You must have a rental agreement that is registered with the tax authority
• You must have a contract from an employer based outside of Portugal
• Freelancers will need a contract that proves they are working with clients
• How can I become a digital nomad or remote worker in Portugal?
• If you already work for a company outside of Portugal and your everyday work involves working solely via a computer, you can talk to your manager about the option of you working remotely as a digital nomad in Portugal. As long as your monthly paycheck is minimum €2.820 and your employer is OK with it, there is no reason for you not to become a digital nomad. 

You could even agree to do it as a trial period of 6 to 12 months.

Other routes to becoming a digital nomad is to find work as a freelancer or by starting your own online company. There are literally thousands of freelance jobs open all over the world, so if you would like to become a digital nomad in Portugal the options are endless.

Good sources for freelance work for digital nomads:

If you are looking for a new career as a digital nomad or remote worker their are plenty of websites that can help.

• FlexJobs.com
• Remoteok.com
• Upwork.com
• Jobgether.com
• Powertofly.com
• Digitalnomads.world

How to find work as a digital nomad in Portugal?

If you want to become a remote worker og digital nomad in Portugal, you will need to prove that you are employed by, or work with clients based outside of Portugal.

If you are looking to work for Portuguese's companies, you will need to apply for a D7 visa instead of a digital nomad visa.

Portugal D7 visa VS Portugal Digital nomad visa

When the Portuguese government announced that they would be launching the digital nomad visa in October 2022, they opened for applicants to apply for two different visas for digital nomads and remote workers.

Foreigners and expats are welcome in Portugal for many reasons. Be it to set up and run a business, work remotely, or just live a peaceful life using their own sources of passive income, such as a pension, rental income or dividend. 

During the COVID 19 years of 2020-2022 pandemic, Portugal became a top choice for digital nomads from all over the world attracted by the country's natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, affordable cost of living, safe environment, and straightforward residency pathways. 

If you plan to become a digital nomad after 2023, then Portugal is a great choice for your first destination. As of now the digital nomad visa is all the rave as Portugal was one of the first countries to offer this kind of visa, but it is not the only visa you should consider if you are looking at making Portugal your new port of call. 

Many digital nomads and remote workers will find that the D7 visa might be a better choice, but what are the main differences between a digital nomad visa and a D7 visa to Portugal? 

Option 1: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa - Temporary Stay Visa

The Portugal temporary digital nomad visa is valid for stays of up to 1 year and can then be renewed. The temporary stay visa allows you to work as a self-employed freelancer or remote worker as long as your minimum monthly pay is €2.820 and you are getting paid by companies outside of Portugal. 

After you have been granted a temporary stay visa as a remote worker og digital nomad, you can travel freely in and out of Portugal for up to 1 year. 

The temporary stay visa is a great fit if you want to try out Portugal for a short time, but intend to stay longer than the 90 day Schengen tourist visa allowance. 

Option 2: Portugal Nomad Visa - Residence Visa

This option works best for remote workers and digital nomads that would prefer to stay longer in Portugal, with the goal of getting permanent residency. This visa is also suitable for those who want to start their journey towards Portuguese citizenship.

The Digital Nomad Visa - Residence Visa is given for 12 months at first, before you can apply to have it extended for 24 months and then for five years at a time.

Portugal D7 Visa

The Portugal D7 visa is designed for individuals that can prove a source of permanent passive income.

The income should at least be equal to the minimum monthly wage in Portugal. In 2022, this is €705 per month.
Be aware that the minimum monthly wage in Portugal is expected to increase in the years to come.

The passive income needed for an American to apply for a D7 Visa to Portugal must come from outside of Portugal. The residence permit will then allow you to love and work in Portugal.

The source of passive income can be almost anything as long as it is legal and documented.

Examples of passive income for Portugal D7 Visa are:

• Pension
• Dividends
• Interest
• Royalties
• Salaries from remote work
• Income from renting out a property

The minimum required passive income also depends on the number of applicants that are included in the original application:

• Main applicant: 100% of the minimum wage;
• Spouse or parents of the main applicant: 50% of the minimum wage per person
• Dependent children: 30% of the minimum wage per person

Another requirement to obtain a D7 visa for Portugal is that the applicant must rent or buy housing in Portugal for themselves and the family members that are included in the application.

In other words you must be able to show ownership of Portuguese property og a legal rental contract before the application will be processed.

There are a number of companies and Real Estate agents that can help you require a rental property in Portugal without you visiting Portugal yourself.

Applicants get a residence permit after the D7 visa. The first permit is valid for two years, and every consequent one is issued for three years. To retain the residency you must spend at least 183 days a year in Portugal.

Do digital nomads pay tax in Portugal?

If you apply for a digital nomad visa to Portugal and the application is approved you are ready to set sail for the golden coast of Portugal, but what about taxes?

Well, as a digital nomad or freelancer working in Portugal you can apply for NHR status (Non-Habitual Resident). If NHR status is granted you will pay 0% tax on all your income that you make outside of Portugal.

Any income you generate in Portugal under the NHR status will be taxed at a flat rate of 20%, compared to up to 48% income tax which is the standard in Portugal.

You will also have to pay 10% social contribution on your Portuguese income, but also that is well below the standard rate.

NHR status is issued for 10 years, it will have to be confirmed every year.

Checklist for applying for a digital nomad visa to Portugal

• Main applicant must be over the age of 18 years
• Applicant must be a Non-EU citizen
• Applicant must have a minimum monthly income of at least €2.820 from one or more sources outside of Portugal
• Applicant must prove that they have rented a home in Portugal
• Applicant must have health insurance worth €30,000
• Applicant must have a NIF Number Portugal 

Cost of applying for a Portugal nomad Visa:

Exactly how much a Portugal digital nomad visa will cost you fluctuates some depending on the country where you are applying from and the local currency. But you can expect to pay around €180 for your initial visa application and a further €320 for your residence permit once you are in Portugal.

Application time for digital nomad visa to Portugal:

The application time may vary, but you should normally be able to get your application for a nomad visa to Portugal processed in around 4 months.

Digital nomad visa application denied!

Even if you feel confident that you meet all the specifications for a digital nomad visa to Portugal, there is no guarantee your visa application will be approved.

There are various reasons for why a visa application may be denied, but it usually relates to not meeting one of the specific requirements for the nomad visa.

This is why it is essential to gather, translate, and notarize relevant documentation carefully before you pay for the visa application to be processed.

If your application is not approved, you will receive a letter stating why your visa was denied. However, you may appeal the decision if the reasons given for the denial is insufficient justification for the application or insufficient proof of income.

If you need to appeal the denial for a digital nomad visa you will have 30 days to do so. It is better to do this than just submit a new application, as you risk your application being automatically denied based on your previous refusal. You can expect the appeal process to take 4-8 weeks.

Other visa options to Portugal

If you find that a digital nomad visa is not the best visa for you to enter Portugal, you may consider a D7 Visa og the Golden visa which can be obtained via investing in Portugal. You can read more about the D7 Visa here, and the Golden visa here.

Frequently asked questions about digital nomad visa for Portugal:

Can I move to Portugal from the US or Canada without a visa?

No. If you are an American Citizen wanting to move to Portugal, you must apply for a visa. You can apply for a D7 visa, Golden Visa, Digital nomad visa, D2 visa or student visa. The process takes about 4 to 8 months for D7 and Golden Visa, whilst a student visa takes anywhere from a few weeks to 4 months. Without a visa someone from the US can spend up to 90 days in Portugal.

Can I bring pets on a digital nomad visa to Portugal?

Yes. If you are applying for a digital nomad visa to Portugal, you can bring up to five pets, depending on your country of origin, but there are several rules you must comply with before bringing pets to Portugal.

The rules are fairly simple, but be aware that several breeds of dogs are considered dangerous and may not be allowed entry to Portugal.

Can I keep my driving licence as a digital nomad in Portugal?

Yes. After a new law came into effect in 2022, most citizens from outside the EU may keep their driving licence when moving to Portugal. US citizens may keep their US driving licence, as long as the holder is between 18 and 60 years old and the licence is no more than 15 years old.

How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa to Portugal?

If you apply for a digital nomad visa to Portugal you must expect the process to take between 4 and 8 months from start to finish.

What is a Golden visa for Portugal?

Golden visa is a way to gain permanent residency in Portugal via investing in the country. There are several ways you can invest in Portugal to gain a Golden Visa, but the most popular for people moving to Portugal is to buy property or by transferring capital.

Is it hard for Americans to live in Portugal as a digital nomad?

Over the last few years the number of Americans living in Portugal has more than doubled. Americans can easily get residency in Portugal and as large parts of Portugal speak English, most Americans find settling into everyday life in Portugal very easy.

Can Americans move to Portugal as a digital nomad?

Yes. Americans can move from the US to Portugal as a digital nomad. You must however apply for a visa and prove that you have a minimum income of €2.820 a month for the past 3 months.

How much income do I need to live comfortably as a digital nomad in Portugal?

How much you need to live comfortably in Portugal depends on where in the country you want to live and your personnel expenses. As a single person you will be able to live comfortably in Portugal with a monthly budget of €1.200. You might find you need a higher budget if you are to live in Lisbon and parts of the Algarve.

Is healthcare in Portugal free for digital nomads?

Digital nomads in Portugal will receive free public healthcare as soon as they start paying social security, but you must have proof of private insurance when you apply for the digital nomad visa.

Is Portugal a safe country for nomads?

Portugal has consistently been voted in the top 5 safest countries in the world over the last decade. Portugal generally has little crime and the access to private guns and firearms are strictly regulated.

Do they speak English in Portugal?

Yes. Portugal is considered a dual speaking country, with Portuguese and English being the leading languages spoken. You will generally find the most English speaking Portuguese in

Where do most digital nomads live in Portugal?

The number of digital nomads in Portugal has increased rapidly over the last few years. The biggest concentration of nomads in Portugal in 2022 can be found on the island of Madeira and in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region.

Can Americans visit Portugal without a visa?

Yes. Americans may visit Portugal and stay for as much as 90 days without applying for a visa.

What documents do I need to apply for a digital nomad visa to Portugal?

Moving to Portugal as a remote worker or digital nomad from outside the EU, requires a lot of paperwork, but the basics are proof of income, proof of housing (rented og owned) in Portugal, NIF number, Portuguese bank account and a clean police record.&

Are digital nomads welcome in Portugal?

The Portuguese people are considered some of the friendliest in Europe. A survey among locals in Lisbon found that 80% were positive to tourism, expats and digital nomads a like.

Can I work remotely in Portugal for a US company?

Yes. Americans can apply for either a D7 Visa, Golden Visa or digital nomad to live and work in Portugal. The US and Portugal also have a treaty securing that you don't pay double social security.

Do they have fast food restaurants in Portugal?

Yes. Portugal is well known all over the world for their cuisine, but they also offer great local fast food options. You will also find American fast food chains such as Burger King, McDonalds, Domino's Pizza, Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC and Starbucks all over Portugal.