This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Portugal long-term residence process for remote workers.
What is Portuguese residence for a remote worker?
The Portuguese residence for remote workers, commonly known as digital nomad residence, is typically granted to remote workers, from outside the Schengen Space and European Economic Area, who have an employment or freelancer agreement with a company or individual outside Portugal and receive four times the national minimum wage (which currently is 820 EUR) as salary / recurrent income.
Resident permits for remote workers are initially issued for a two-years period, renewable twice for three-years periods as long as you still comply with requirements that lead to the issuance of your first resident permit.
What are the necessary documents to apply for Portuguese residence for remote workers?
Here's a general overview of commonly required documents for the Portuguese residence for remote workers processes:
Application Form completed and signed by the applicant
Passport Photos
Passport or Travel Document
Proof of Legal Status
Travel Insurance
Criminal Record Certificate
Proof of Means of Subsistence
Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
Proof of accommodation
Work agreement or Service agreement
Salary/income of four times the Portuguese national minimum wage per month
The last three payslips/invoices
Proof of tax residence
What is our fee?
Our service Fee: €500 EUR + VAT.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a Portuguese residence for remote workers. Can I leave the country indefinitely?
I have a Portuguese residence for remote workers. Can I leave the country indefinitely?
No. Despite its common name (digital nomad residence), the Portuguese residence for remote workers is like any other residence permit. As such, the holder of a temporary residence permit can only be absent for a period of 6 consecutive months or 8 interpolated months within the full period of validity of the residence permit (two years initially).
I receive 1.750 EUR from my employment agreement and 1.750 EUR from my freelance work. Can I apply for Portuguese residence for remote workers, since the total sum is 3.500 EUR?
I receive 1.750 EUR from my employment agreement and 1.750 EUR from my freelance work. Can I apply for Portuguese residence for remote workers, since the total sum is 3.500 EUR?
No, you must receive 3.500 EUR (four times the current Portuguese national minimum wage) per month, either from an employment agreement or from a freelance agreement. Nonetheless, in the case of freelancing, it could be the sum of payments from several clients, but the total must come from one type of employment.
Can I apply for Portuguese residence for remote workers if I am already living in Portugal?
Can I apply for Portuguese residence for remote workers if I am already living in Portugal?
No, the Portuguese residence for remote workers must be applied from a Portuguese diplomatic representation in your country of citizenship or residency.
Sources: Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, VFS and AIMA.