Portugal Launches A New One-Year Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal is all set to introduce a new digital nomad visa which can be perfect for individuals who are currently working remotely. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a huge number of people have stopped going to the office and the new visa can be the perfect choice for such individuals.
According to the notification released by the Portuguese government, the visa will go into effect on October 30, and it will allow holders to stay in the country for up to twelve months. They can apply for an extension at the end of the period, but it will be judged according to normal visa regulations.
To qualify for the digital nomad visa, applicants must earn at least €2,800 per month - four times the country’s minimum wage. It may be recalled that the Portugal’s Golden Visa Program is a “pathway to European citizenship” and according to Reuters, several Americans have moved to Portugal in recent years due to lax tax rules. “Portugal is a country for immigration",” said Ana Catarina Mendes, a Portuguese Cabinet minister, “Every year, we receive thousands of immigrants, seeking opportunities in our country.”
Speaking to Bloomberg, Patricia Casaburi, managing director of Global Citizen Solutions said, “Digital nomadism is a trend that has been gaining traction since the early 2020s and with the Covid-19 pandemic, remote working became a reality for many workers.”
The visa will go into effect on October 30 and will empower holders to stay in the country for 12 months.
So if you’re looking for a change of scene - and fancy exploring Lisbon or Porto in between Zoom meetings - here’s everything you need to know.
What is Portugal’s digital nomad visa?
The new visa - officially called the “residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory” - is designed for working professionals. It’s an alternative to the existing ‘D7’ visa - a popular residency permit mostly aimed at retirees and ‘passive income’ earners.
The new visa was created after the Portuguese government amended immigration law earlier this year in July. To qualify, applicants must:
Come from a country not in the EU or EEA.
Be self-employed or employed by a company based outside Portugal.
Earned at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month - roughly €2,800, in the last three months.
In the meantime, the Portuguese government has made it clear that applicants will have to submit proof of tax residency along with employment contracts or documents which officially prove that they are self-employed. Industry experts have predicted that the latest move by the government will gain traction.
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