
What Is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?
What’s the Best Time to Visit Portugal? You’ve heard me rave before about the gem that is Portugal. Great food, richer history than typical textbooks,
As I write this article, sitting in a cozy café in Lisbon’s Chiado district and sipping a perfectly crafted galão, I’m just about to finish up today’s remote work.
Three years ago, this was just a dream. But now? It’s my daily reality, thanks to Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re wondering if you could do the same (which you probably can!).
Now, the thing is, navigating visa applications can only feel about as fun as doing your taxes while solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.
But here’s the good news: I’ve been through the process and made all the rookie mistakes, and I’m here to break it down for you in a way that actually makes sense.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Portugal? You’ve heard me rave before about the gem that is Portugal. Great food, richer history than typical textbooks,
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a special type D visa (officially known as the D8 visa) that lets freelancers and remote workers call Portugal home for at least a year.
Think of it as your golden ticket to living in la vida portuguesa while keeping your remote job or freelance gigs.
But to make it work, you must have a monthly income of at least €3,280.
Besides, there are actually two flavors of this visa:
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Let’s now talk benefits because there are plenty:
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Before you start planning your Portuguese adventure, let’s check if you tick all the right boxes:
✓ Over 18
✓ Non-EU and non-EEA citizen
✓ Remote work setup (either employed or freelance)
✓ Monthly income of at least €3,280 from non-Portuguese sources
Now, here’s where it gets a bit more detailed:
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Remember that Rubik’s cube comparison? Here’s where we solve it, one side at a time.
First things first, you’ll need to gather more documents than you probably knew existed:
Pro tip: Start collecting these documents early. Like, really early. Getting an apostille on documents can take longer than waiting for your favorite show’s next season to drop.
Now comes the part where you actually submit everything to the Portuguese consulate in your country. But wait! There’s more:
Processing typically takes up to 3 months. During this time, you might want to:
Once your application is approved, your passport gets a shiny new visa stamp, and you’re all set to head to Portugal!
If you’re on a long-term visa, make sure to apply for a residence permit soon after you arrive—before your visa expires.
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Once you get your dream approval, you’ll likely want to relax down the coasts of one of those fascinating Portuguese beaches. While you sure can do that, here are a couple of things you can’t afford to ignore:
Here’s where things get interesting. Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program is like finding an extra cookie in the package when you thought you’d eaten the last one.
The basics:
But here’s the thing – tax matters are complex enough to make your head spin. Get a professional advisor. It’s worth every euro.
Alongside your Portugal digital nomad visa, you’ll also need a Portuguese bank account. Here’s how to get one:
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Let’s now look at what you’ll be paying for the actual visa:
Type | Costs in Euros | Validity |
Temporary Stay Visa | €75 | 1 year, multiple entries, but it doesn’t lead to a residency permit. |
Long-Term Visa | €90 | 4 months, allows two entries, and leads to a 2-year residence permit upon arrival. |
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There sure are lots of worthy places to live once you land in Portugal. Here, I break down the popular options:
Pros:
Cons:
Think of it as Lisbon’s cooler, slightly more laid-back cousin:
Perfect if you want:
The hidden gem:
When searching online for a digital nomad visa for Portugal, you must have come across the terms D7, D8, or D2, right? If they still confuse you, let me clear things up:
For financially independent people with passive income (at least €820/month from things like rent, pensions, or royalties). You’ll need to show proof of accommodation in Portugal and set up a local bank account.
D7 holders can bring their spouse, kids, and even dependent parents. Originally popular with remote workers, but now mostly for retirees and passive-income earners.
Aimed at entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. You’ll need to join a licensed incubator, have a business plan, and get approval from Portugal’s IAPMEI.
It requires no minimum investment, but you do need to show €6,200 in savings plus a motivational letter.
For those wanting to start or buy a business in Portugal—doesn’t need to be groundbreaking. Just bring a business plan, founding documents, and a lease agreement for a place in Portugal.
And as I discussed throughout this write-up, the D8 stands out for remote workers and digital nomads specifically. It’s like the visa equivalent of “working from home,” but “home” is Portugal.
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa isn’t just about changing your location but your lifestyle.
Sure, the process might seem daunting (and at times, it is), but break it down into smaller steps, and suddenly it becomes manageable. Kind of like eating a whole Francesinha – one bite at a time!
Start by:
And remember, thousands of digital nomads have done this before you. The path is well-trodden, even if it sometimes feels like you’re blazing your own trail.
Who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll be the one writing about your experience from a sunny Portuguese café, sipping your own galão, and living your best digital nomad life.
Boa sorte! (That’s “good luck” in Portuguese – see, you’re learning already!)