Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa for Non-EU Citizens 2024

Are you a non-EU freelancer or remote worker? Since October 2022 Portugal offers a freelance and remote work visa focused on those who can work remotely and meet a specific financial criteria. Whether it is for temporary stays in Portugal for up to 1 year or long-term residence visa with option to apply to the Portuguese citizenship, this visa opens the door to enjoying Portugal’s culture high-quality life.

In this blog, we will explore all you need to know about this visa from benefits to requirements and application process. The contents are covered as follow:

• Who is the visa for?
• Benefits
• Eligibility
• Required documents
• Application process
• Living in Portugal resources
• Frequently Asked Questions (e.g. Visa cost; Where to apply; How long it takes to obtain the visa; etc.)

Who is the Portugal’s Freelance and Remote Work Visa for?

Portugal’s Freelance and Remote Work Visa is for non-EU and non-EEA citizens who are over 18 years old, work remotely either as freelancers or on a permanent contract, and meet specific income and residency requirements.

Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa Benefits

Here are some benefits of the freelance or remote work visa in Portugal:

1. Travel within Europe visa-free.
2. Right to live and work in Portugal.
3. Moving to Europe (if you are not an European resident already) with family members such as spouse or dependent child.
4. Citizenship for newborns (if child is born in Portugal to holders of Portuguese residence permits).
5. Access to public services in Portugal including health, education and other social benefits.
6. Pathway to citizenship (after 5 years of residency).
7. Warm climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 15 degrees Celsius in some cities.
8. Tax advantages and quality of life.

Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa Requirements and Eligibility

Here are the requirements to get a remote work or freelance visa in Portugal:

• Over 18 years old.
• Non-EU and non-EEA citizen.
• Clean criminal record.
• Fully remote work on a permanent contract or be a freelancer.
• Earn more than €3,280 net per month.
• Proof of address in Portugal (for rentals, at least 1-year or 6 months).
• Health insurance.
• Portuguese NIF Number.

Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa Application Required Documents

Here are the required documents to apply for a freelance or remote work visa in Portugal:

1. Remote work contract.
2. Proof of income above €3,280 net per month (i.e. last 3 month payslips + bank statements with savings).
3. Proof of accommodation in Portugal (at least 6 months for rentals).
4. Passport.
5. Passport size photos.
6. NIF Registration Certificate (Portuguese tax identification number).
7. Clean criminal record (might ask to be translated in Portuguese).
8. Proof of health insurance covering your stay in Portugal.
9. Statement or cover letter in English explaining why you want to move to Portugal.
10. Tickets to Portugal on approximate date of arrival with the visa (not always required).
11. Completed visa application form (see Portugal Application for National Visa).
12. Marriage or birth certificates for dependants.

Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa Application Process

Here is the application process steps to apply to a freelance or remote work visa in Portugal:

1. Gather the required documents (see above).

2. Complete your visa application (see Portugal Application for National Visa) and cover letter including:

   1. your personal details;
   2. reason for moving to Portugal;
   3. connections you have in Portugal (if any);
   4. accommodation in Portugal;
   5. and how do you plan to sustain yourself and dependents.

3. Submit your visa application to your local Portuguese consulate or embassy (€180 fee per person).

4. Await for your visa (typically takes 60 days but can take up to 4 months). You can track progress online and collect at the place where you applied or via post.

5. Enter Portugal and register as resident. The visa will allow you to stay in Portugal for 120 days, during this period you should book an appointment with the SEF (Servico de Estangeiros e Fronteiras) to register as a resident. This is usually done on your behalf when apply for your visa, but if not you can make an appointment through the SEF portal (expect a €170 fee).

Living in Portugal Resources

If you plan on researching how living in Portugal is, here are a few resources for living in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital and very nomad-friendly city:

• Cost of living in Lisbon as an expat
• The best places to live in Lisbon
• Personal moving to Lisbon experience

FAQ

How long is the Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa Process?

Receiving the Portuguese freelance or remove work visa typically takes 60 days, but depending where you are applying from it can take up to 4 months. You can track the progress online and you will also receive a confirmation email.

How much does the Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa Cost?

Here is the cost to apply for a freelance or remote work visa in Portugal:

• Application fee: €93
• Residence permit: €170

Please note that the exact cost depends on the country you are applying from and currency fluctuations.

Where do I Apply for the Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa Process?

Apply online through the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) portal, with the Portuguese consulate in your home country, or appoint a lawyer to apply on your behalf.

What is the Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa also Known as?

The Portuguese Freelance and Remote Work Visa is also known as the Digital Nomad Visa or more officially the Portuguese D8 Visa.

Should I apply to the Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa separate or as a couple?

If you have a partner, you should apply to the Portugal Freelance and Remote Work Visa as a couple to reduce cost.

What happens if my D8 visa is rejected?

You have the right to present a case against. It is recommended that you work with a lawyer for best results.