Application for Digital Nomad Visa (D8) in Portugal

Application for Digital Nomad Visa (D8) in Portugal

In the autumn of 2022, Portugal introduced a new type of visa known as the Digital Nomad (D8) visa. It is designed for professionals who work remotely and earn an amount exceeding 4 times the minimum wage each month (currently €3280). This visa provides an official opportunity to reside and work in the country while remaining a tax resident of their home country.

Eligibility for the D8 visa extends to individuals who are not citizens of the EU and reside in countries that are not part of it. To qualify, one must have remote employment or be a self-employed professional. To obtain a positive decision, it is necessary to confirm the existence of an official place of residence in Portugal, which can be either owned or rented accommodation. Additionally, one must prove their reliability by demonstrating a lack of criminal records in their country of origin or in the country of long-term residency.

This program was developed considering the increasing popularity of digital nomadism against the backdrop of growing employer flexibility towards remote work. Primarily, it aims to attract highly skilled IT professionals.

Advantages of the Digital Nomad (D8) Visa

The Digital Nomad visa allows remote workers or freelancers to live and work in Portugal for up to one year and apply for a residence permit to stay in the country for a longer period.

They can actively travel, explore interesting places, and gain new experiences.

Overall, the Digital Nomad Visa program is beneficial for both the country and freelancers as it stimulates economic, tourism, or technological development, and promotes cultural exchange. The program indirectly contributes to improving the standard of living of the local population by increasing the number of employed in service sectors.

Rights and Obligations Provided by the D8 (Digital Nomad) Visa

Participants in the visa program have the right to work in Portugal under the conditions provided by its laws. They may have remote jobs for foreign companies or run their own businesses. Depending on the terms of the insurance policy, they are entitled to medical services in Portugal. Additionally, all participants in the visa program have the right to enter and exit the country without any restrictions during the visa's validity period.

In addition to rights, individuals who have obtained the D8 visa have obligations. They must comply with all migration laws and rules of Portugal, including the obligation to register with local migration authorities and update their documents as needed. Participants in the visa program must have valid health insurance for the entire period of their stay in the country. They must also inform migration authorities of any changes in their place of residence. Compliance with these rules is key to a successful and trouble-free stay in Portugal under the Digital Nomad Visa program.

Reasons for Visa Popularity

Currently, the Digital Nomad (D8) visa is in demand among remote workers and freelancers seeking stable and attractive working and living conditions. Portugal has a reputation as a friendly and hospitable country with favorable living conditions for people of all ages and professions. It offers flexible visa requirements and attracts with consistently high levels of security. For freelancers in Portugal, a special system of coworking spaces and shared offices has been created, allowing them to work in comfortable conditions and find a community of colleagues.

Importantly, the country's government actively promotes the Digital Nomad Visa as part of its strategic development and economic diversification plan, providing support and facilitating the attraction of remote workers. Picturesque beaches, rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and sunny climate all make Portugal an attractive place to live and work. It can be confidently stated that the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is not just a visa program but an opportunity to open up new horizons, meet interesting people, and feel part of the global freelance community.

Main Requirements for Obtaining the D8 Visa

To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, one must confirm the following:

• Official remote employment;
• Income of at least €3280 per month;
• A balance on the bank account of at least €9840.

It should be noted that the applicant's family can also obtain a Digital Nomad (D8) visa together with them. For this, the family income must additionally include €410 per month for another spouse and €246 per month for each minor child.

Required Documents

To obtain a Digital Nomad (D8) visa in Portugal, the following documents must be provided:

• Application form;
• Valid foreign passports and their copies;
• Two color photos;
• Valid medical insurance policy;
• Documents confirming ownership of property in Portugal or its lease;
• Documents confirming income level;
• Official confirmation of tax residency in the country of origin;
• Round-trip tickets.

This list may vary depending on the location of document submission, so it is advisable to verify the information at the time of document collection and preparation.

Where and How to Obtain a Digital Nomad (D8) Visa: Comprehensive Services from First Legal Portugal

Our company provides full support on the path to obtaining a Portuguese D8 visa. The cost is EUR 1650, and the service takes from 60 working days. It should be noted that this amount includes consultation, support of a qualified lawyer for obtaining the Digital Nomad (D8) visa. The client submits the documents for the residence permit independently. Payment of state fees is not included in the cost of our services.

First Legal Portugal specialists also provide an extended "turnkey" service - full support on the path to obtaining a Digital Nomad D8 visa and a temporary residence permit on its basis. Our experts provide qualified assistance to clients during the preparation of all necessary documents. The cost of this service is EUR 1950, and it includes:

• Preparation and submission of all documentation;
• Full legal support at every stage of visa and residence permit processing.

The term of provision of the "turnkey" service is from 90 days. State fees are also paid separately.

Application Methods

In Portugal, there are two ways to apply:

• Pre-online submission through the SAPA portal;
• In paper form through the office or branch of AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum).

After the application is approved, the person is invited for an additional interview, which takes place at the office or branch of AIMA.

To obtain the certificate, you need to prepare:

• Applicant's passport;
• Documents confirming the availability of means of subsistence;
• Valid D8 visa;
• Current medical insurance policy;
• Documents confirming the lease or ownership of real estate for residence in Portugal;
• Certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin and a certificate of criminal record check in Portugal;
• Documents confirming the availability of remote work, namely - an employment contract or a service contract.

The residence permit is issued for one year. After the expiration of this period, the certificate can be renewed twice - each time for two years.

In which cases can permission for residence / obtaining the Digital Nomad (D8) visa be denied?

An applicant may be denied if they:

• Intentionally provided false information;
• Have a conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year;
• Are prohibited from entering Portuguese territory after a previous deportation;
• Have a ban in the AIMA database or the Schengen Information System.

First Legal Portugal also offers additional services that may be needed during the process of obtaining a Digital Nomad D8 visa and a temporary residence permit on its basis. Among them are opening a bank account, obtaining a tax number in Portugal. We also provide accounting support to private entrepreneurs in Portugal and can be helpful in countless other cases. Contact us for consultation using the contacts provided on the website.