Portugal Digital Nomad Visa in 2026: Portuguese visa for remote workers and freelancers

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a national type D visa that allows its holder to reside in the country for at least a year. It is intended for freelancers and remote workers with a monthly income of at least €3,480. This visa suits professionals looking to move to a nomad-friendly place, live by the ocean and meet like‑minded people.

The Digital Nomad Visa has two options:

1. Temporary stay visa — without the right to obtain a residence permit.
2. Residence visa — with the right to obtain a residence permit and then citizenship.

As of 2024, over 2,600 visas have been issued to digital nomads moving to Portugal. American digital nomads have received the most visas, followed by Brazilian and British remote workers. The most popular destinations are Lisbon, Madeira, and Porto.

Portugal has frequently appeared in digital nomad ratings and was recently ranked sixth in the Global Remote Work Index of the top 10 remote work destinations.

A long-term visa is a two-entry residency visa valid for four months that allows obtaining a residence permit upon arrival in Portugal. This type of Portugal D8 visa enables the holder to secure a residence permit for two years, renewable for successive periods of three years. After five years, the residence permit can be converted into permanent residence or citizenship.

A temporary stay visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries into the country. However, it does not grant the right to claim a residence permit and cannot be extended.

The procedure for obtaining both visas is similar and requires the same documents. The main difference is that long-term visa holders must visit the Immigration and Borders Service upon arrival in Portugal to apply for a residence permit before the visa expires, while temporary visa holders do not need to take this step.

1. Right to reside in Portugal. The Digital Nomad Visa allows its holder to live in Portugal for at least a year. In comparison, a tourist visa allows a person to stay in the country for up to 90 days every six months.

2. Travel across Europe. Portugal is a part of the Schengen Area, meaning the country’s residents can freely travel to other member states. This applies to short visits of up to 90 days every six months.

3. Relatively low-cost and low-effort. Unlike most national visas to Portugal, the Digital Nomad Visa requires the applicant only to show sufficient income and the ability to work remotely. The applicant does not need to find an employer in Portugal, enrol in a study programme or start a business.

4. Family inclusion. The Portugal Nomad Visa allows family members to apply for a visa. Spouses, children and parents can join the main applicant in Portugal, making it easier to move as a family unit.

5. Citizenship for newborns. If a child is born in Portugal to parents who hold Portuguese residence permits, the newborn automatically becomes a Portuguese citizen, provided that the parents have held their residence permits for at least one year prior to the child's birth.

6. Prospect of EU citizenship. Digital nomads can obtain a Portugal passport if they spend more than five years in the country and integrate with the local culture. Before applying for citizenship, they must take a Portuguese proficiency exam and prove they know the language at the A2 level or higher.

7. Access to quality healthcare and education. As residents of Portugal, digital nomads and their families can benefit from the country's high-quality healthcare and education systems. Public healthcare is affordable and comprehensive. Portugal's educational institutions, including universities, are well-regarded and accessible to residents.

The main requirements for Portugal Freelance Visa applicants include the following:

• age over 18 years old;
• citizenship in non-EU and non‑EEA countries;
• fully remote work on a permanent contract or freelance basis;
• total income from all sources of at least €3,680 per month;
• arranged accommodation in Portugal with at least a 1-year extended agreement for rented properties.

A digital nomad obtaining the visa can invite their close family members to Portugal. This applies to the applicant’s spouse, children under 18, and parents over 65, or younger if they are financially dependent on the main applicant. It is also possible to include children from 18 to 30 years old, provided they are unmarried and financially dependent on the applicant parent.

Each adult family member must fill in their application form for an accompanying visa and arrange an appointment at the consulate.

To obtain a Digital Nomad Visa, an applicant must prove their monthly income exceeds €3,480. They must also provide a bank statement showing a balance of at least 12 times Portugal's minimum salary, which in 2026 equals €11,040.

If digital nomads want to add family members to their visa application, they must show sufficient savings: an extra €3,132 per child and an additional €5,520 per adult. For example, the demonstrated savings of an applicant including a spouse and a ten-year-old child in the application should be at least €19,872.

When submitting the documents for the visa and then the residence permit, the candidate pays the following fees:

• €75 — for a temporary stay visa;
• €90 — for a long-term visa that provides residency;
• €80+ — for processing the residency application; 
• €70+ — for issuing a residence card.

Other expenses associated with the Digital Nomad Visa include medical insurance payments and rent. Private health insurance costs €20—100 monthly, depending on the package. Those who apply for a long-term visa can switch to Portugal’s public healthcare package once they obtain their permit.

On average, rent for a one‑bedroom flat in the city centre is around €800 per month. Typically, in large cities like Porto, tenants pay 10% more, while in Lisbon, the rent is almost double the country’s average.

To apply for a national visa to Portugal, foreigners collect a standard package of documents proving their identity, financial means and the grounds to get the visa. The consulate may request additional records.

The standard package includes the following papers:

1. A valid passport.
2. Two passport photos, 4.5 × 3.5 cm in size.
3. Documents proving the remote employment status: a contract or partnership agreement.
4. A bank statement confirming the applicant’s monthly income of at least €3,480.
5. A bank statement with at least €11,040 on balance.
6. Tax return ticket or tax receipt.
7. A letter explaining the candidate’s motivation to move to Portugal, written in English.
8. Tickets to Portugal.
9. A certificate of no criminal record with apostille, translated to Portuguese.
10. A rental agreement in Portugal or a certificate of real estate ownership.
11. Health insurance valid in Portugal.

The type of visa a digital nomad uses to enter Portugal does not determine their tax obligations in the country. Instead, tax obligations are determined by the individual's tax residency status.

A person becomes a tax resident of Portugal if they spend more than 183 days a year within the country. As a tax resident, they are subject to Portuguese income tax on their worldwide income. The income tax rates in Portugal range from 14% to 48%, depending on the amount of income earned.

Digital nomads must ensure they comply with Portuguese tax regulations. This includes registering with the local tax authority, filing annual tax returns, and paying any taxes due. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties and interest charges.

Around 7% of Portugal’s population are expats, and since 2015, the number of foreign residents in the country has been consistently growing. Furthermore, Lisbon is recognized as the best city for digital nomads in the ranking by Instant Offices. There are many reasons people from all over the world choose Portugal as their new place of residence.

Relatively low cost of living. According to a Eurostat study, the average cost of living in Portugal is lower than in much of Europe. Life in Portugal is more affordable than in Spain, Italy, and Estonia. Prices on consumer goods, such as groceries and clothing, are comparable to those in Slovenia, Greece, and Cyprus.

Universal healthcare. Residents in Portugal, including expats, can take advantage of public healthcare. Depending on the type of medical service, it is either free or available at a low cost of around €5—10.  State-provided healthcare is free for pregnant women, children and pensioners.

Perfect climate. With sunny days and a fresh breeze from the Atlantic, Portugal boasts pleasant weather year-round. Summers are hot and dry, with peak temperatures around 29°C in Lisbon and 26°C in the northern regions. Winters are rainy and warm, with average temperatures around 15—16°C.

Strong community and developed infrastructure for digital nomads. Portugal is the first country in Europe to have a Digital Nomad Village — a unique community where location-independent professionals can find like-minded people, network and organise events.

Big cities in Portugal, such as Lisbon and Porto, provide fast, accessible Wi-Fi in public spaces and an extensive selection of modern coworking spaces.

Most popular coworking spaces for digital nomads in Portugal

1. Second Home, Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon: unique design with lots of plants, strong community vibe, networking events, and wellness programs.
2. LACS, multiple locations in Lisbon: art-focused coworking space, event spaces, rooftop terrace, and community events.
3. CRU Cowork, Rua do Rosário, Porto: creative and collaborative space, focus on design and arts, and regular events.
4. Cowork Algarve, multiple locations in the Algarve region: flexible memberships, beautiful settings, and great for those who want to combine work with beach life.

Laid back lifestyle. Portuguese prefer to have a relaxed pace of life with short working hours and midday siestas. Such an environment makes it much easier for digital nomads to balance work and leisure.

Plenty of options for active leisure. Portugal is ideal for those seeking new experiences and wishing to try exciting sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and sailing. The country also offers world-class leisure complexes providing places and equipment for golf, tennis, and other sports.

There are aspects of life in Portugal that many expats find challenging to adapt to, primarily, bureaucracy, the necessity to always carry cash, and the lack of central heating.

Bureaucracy and long waiting times. Paperwork in Portugal can be frustrating, with people often complaining that tasks like renewing a residence permit take longer than expected. It can also be unclear what documents are required for a particular procedure, as different departments may have different requirements for the same operation.

Limited card payments. It is not always possible to pay with a card, especially in small shops and bars. Moreover, even some big supermarket chains don’t accept cards for totals less than €20.

No central heating. Even though winters in Portugal are relatively warm, it can get cold enough in December and January for people to need heating in their homes. Since there is no central heating in the country, residents use electric radiators, which leads to substantial utility bills.

Lisbon is recognised as the most convenient city for digital nomads worldwide. As the capital of Portugal, it offers the most developed infrastructure in the country, vibrant cultural life, accessible Wi-Fi almost anywhere, and plenty of coworking spaces to choose from. However, rental prices are high compared to other cities, and it does not have a beach nearby.

The capital is a great place for digital nomads looking to live in a big city and enjoy an active social life, the convenience of developed infrastructure and a variety of vibrant bars and restaurants.

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is also an excellent choice for expats. There are beaches on the city outskirts, and prices here are lower. Meanwhile, public Wi-Fi is also widely available. Compared to Lisbon, Porto has a calmer cultural life and fewer coworking spaces.

Porto would suit those who want to live a 15-minute bus ride away from the ocean but are unwilling to move to a small coastal town.

Lagos is a cosy beach town in the south of Portugal that has recently gained popularity among digital nomads. Lagos offers comfortable conditions for remote workers with its newly opened coworking spaces. It also attracts expats with its serene atmosphere and beautiful beaches, making it perfect for those seeking a slower, more relaxed pace of life.

The island of Madeira is one of the hubs for digital nomads, where the local government actively invites expats to move. The town of Ponta Do Sol was transformed into a Digital Nomad Village with a free coworking space in the centre. The work of hotels, co-living spaces and car rentals has been optimised for long-term foreign residents. The town regularly organises networking events and parties for expats.

Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is also a great place for digital nomads. It provides more of a city-life experience while still having all the necessary infrastructure for remote workers. Any option to reside in Madeira would suit those looking to join a community of like-minded digital nomads.

The cost of living in Portugal is affordable compared to many other Western European countries. While major cities like Lisbon and Porto are more expensive, smaller towns and rural areas offer a lower cost of living. 

Rent and utilities are the most significant expenses, but affordable groceries, dining options, and public transportation help keep overall costs manageable.

Cost of living in Portugal

Opening a bank account in Portugal involves several steps.

1. Choosing a bank. Portugal's banking system is well-integrated into the European financial framework, offering modern banking services. The country has a mix of local and international banks that cater to needs of residents, expats, and businesses. The regulatory environment ensures stability and transparency.

Some popular banks in Portugal include:

• Millennium BCP,
• Caixa Geral de Depósitos,
• Santander Totta,
• Novo Banco,
• Banco BPI.

2. Gathering required documents. To open a bank account in Portugal, you will need the following documents:

• NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — the tax identification number. You can obtain a NIF by visiting a local tax office (Finanças) with your passport and proof of address;
• Proof of identity — a valid passport or national identity card;
• Proof of address — a utility bill, rental contract, or a residency certificate;
• Proof of income or employment;
• Bank reference.

3. Applying for the account. Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, visit the bank of your choice to submit them. The bank staff will assist you in filling out the required forms. Once your account is opened, you should set up online banking to manage your account conveniently. 

4. Activating the card. After your account is opened, you will receive a debit or credit card. Follow the bank's instructions to activate it, which is usually done through an ATM or online banking. Activation allows you to start using your card for transactions and other banking services.

D7 visa for financially independent individuals. The D7 visa enables foreigners with stable passive income to become residents in Portugal. The minimum income required for the visa is €920, which can come from rental income, pensions, royalties, or other types of legal passive income. Applicants must also show arranged accommodation in Portugal and open an account in a local bank.

D7 applicants can provide their close family members with residence permits as well. This applies to spouses, dependent children and parents.

Before Portugal started issuing the Digital Nomad Visa, the D7 visa was the go-to option for remote workers. However, now they are expected to apply for the special Digital Nomad Visa.

The Startup Visa is intended for foreign entrepreneurs willing to start an innovative business in Portugal. A candidate must have an innovative project idea to get such a visa. Applicants must enrol in a licensed business incubator, develop a business plan, and then submit their application to IAPMEI, the Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation.

Applicants for the Startup Visa are not required to invest any minimum amount in their project. But they do need to show sufficient funds for life in Portugal. Along with their application form, candidates submit a bank statement with at least €6,200, a motivational letter and a CV.

D2 Business Visa is for entrepreneurs looking to start a project in Portugal that does not necessarily need to be innovative.

Applicants for the D2 visa can either start a new business or purchase an existing one. Aside from the business documentation that includes the business plan and founding papers, candidates must show a lease agreement for a property in Portugal.

1. The Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign remote workers and freelancers who earn more than €3,680 per month to reside in Portugal. When submitting documents, applicants must show proof of income and a bank statement with at least €11,040 on balance.
2. The Digital Nomad Visa is a national visa available in two forms. The temporary stay visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries to Portugal, while the long-term visa is valid for four months and allows obtaining a two-year residency. The required documents and the obtainment process are similar for both visas.
3. It takes around 6 months to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa followed by a residence permit.
4. Digital nomads choose Portugal as a place of residence for its developed infrastructure for online work, laid-back lifestyle, picturesque scenery and a wide variety of leisure activities.
5. Portugal is the first European country to have a unique Digital Nomad Village with a strong community of remote working professionals. The Village is located on the island of Madeira.