Finding information on how to apply for Portugal's new Digital Nomad visa has been a challenge. For starters, the Digital Nomad Visa and the Temporary Stay Visa are one in the same. Applying for the new Digital Nomad Visa is not unlike applying for the D7 visa.
You can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa 1 of 2 ways:
Temporary Stay Visa (less than 1 year)
Residence Visa (more than 1 year)
The main differences is:
The Temporary Visa is valid your entire stay so you will not need to make a SEF appointment for a residence permit
You are not a resident of Portugal
Your visa is only for 1 year, with the ability to extend
The Residence Visa/Permit is for an initial 2 years
A Temporary Visa holder can enter the country multiple times
Challenges in the process
The funny thing about the the VFS Global Website is there is no Digital Nomad information.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list “Remote Work/Digital Nomad” under Temporary Stay as a visa option.
"Long-stay visas, in compliance with existing domestic law, can be either temporary or for residency authorization purposes."
The Application Process
Note:
Make sure to keep a copy of everything for yourself! The Embassy will not return these documents to you.
Make sure to double check the required documents. VFS Global updates their site as needed.
Pre-Paid Labels: You will need to email portugalpostalusa@vfsglobal.com in order to receive pre-paid labels. You will need to provide them with:
Applicant’s full name
Full address in the USA with Zip code and Phone number
Your date of birth
Application for national visa (residence and temporary stay): The application is straight forward. However, Schegenvisa has an article on how to fill out the application.
Travel Insurance: You can find the specific requirements listed on the VFS site. Fellow expats have shared that the following qualify:
Notarized Passport: You can submit a notarized copy of your passport, instead of your actual passport. If you are in the US you can notarize your passport at
Your Bank: Some banks offer this service for free or offer a reimbursement for the cost.
UPS: Double check your locals UPS’s website in case this service isn't offered, as different locations can offer different services.
Passport Photos: Your photos need to be EU measurements. If you are in the US, UPS prints passport photos in the EU size.
Proof and copy of residency status in the United States: Applicable to you, if you are not a US citizen.
A Personal Statement: Portugal wants to know why you want to move there! Some topic areas you could cover are:
Accommodations
Financial Situation
Connections to Portugal
“Criminal Record Certificate '' A.K.A An FBI Background Check: You will be fingerprinted and then your certificate/record will be mailed to you. DO NOT OPEN THE FILE MAILED. You can do a FBI background check at:
UPS: They use a third party site named Print Scan.
USPS: The postal service works directly with the FBI. You will need to register with the FBI and then register with USPS.
Permission to the Department of Borders and Customs to obtain a criminal record from Portugal: You need to give permission to the Portuguese government to look at your US criminal record.
Proof of Accommodation: As a Digital Nomad this can be tricky. You will need to secure “long term accommodation”. I would recommend reaching out to VFS about this to make sure you have the up to date requirements on what they will accept for accommodations.
Proof of Means of Subsistence: You will need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself. It is common to provide VFS with:
3 months of bank statements
3 months of investment account statements
3 months of retirement account statements
3 months of pay stubs
Signed Work Contract: Make sure that the name on your contract matches your passport exactly.
Not required, but recommended:
NIF: An amazing service named Bordr.io can help you secure a NIF remotely. Border.io only services certain countries so make sure to review their list.
Portuguese Bank Account: Border.io also helps expats open bank accounts in Portugal.
Marriage License: If you are applying for the visa as a married couple. It is common to submit a notarized copy or apostilled copy of your marriage license.
Flight Information: Provide your flight information
Estimated Upfront cost of the Digital Nomad visa
VFS Global updates the fees on their website every month and advises that you check their fees at the top of the month. But, this is a general list of what things may cost.
Application Fee: $77.75
VFS Service Fee: $39.39
Courier Fee: $35
Travel Insurance: Varies
Notarize documents: $32
FBI Background Check: $68
Passport Photos: $32
PT Bank Account and NIF: 470 Euros
Secure accommodation: Varies
Flight: Varies
During this process you will need to convert funds from USD to Euros. Wise is a great option because they charge minimal conversion and transaction fees.
Additional Resources
Expats Everywhere: Americans Moving to Portugal 🇵🇹 First Steps on the Checklist | Expats Everywhere
Our Black Utopia: Reasons not to Move to Lisbon | Move to Portugal | Black Expat
Our Black Utopia: Thriving in Portugal | Being Black in Portugal | African Lisbon
Expats Everywhere: Health Insurance in Portugal | Everything you need to know and how to search for the best
MeetCarolas: Find Homes in Portugal | How to Search Properties Online | Top 3 sites | Moving to Portugal
MeetCarolas: Renting in Portugal ? Top 7 things to pay attention to | Moving to Portugal
Honeymoon Always: Taxes in Portugal | Asking a Tax EXPERT all your questions
I hope this article helps you as you navigate applying for Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa! To follow my expat journey follow me on IG and Tik Tok.
The information provided is to the best of my knowledge.
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