Portuguese digital nomad visa: Reasons Why

Since becoming Digital Nomads, we’ve had our eye on the Portuguese D7 visa. This was a visa that was originally created for retired folk, but it’s equally as useful for anyone who is self-employed or freelance, or has a passive income. As Brits, no longer eligble to work on Europe automatically, we are considering how we can work in Europe long term and stay nomadic.

We’ve heard that Portugal are due to create a new visa option which will be targeted specifically at Nomads who work for foreign companies, but in the meantime, the D7 seems to be the best bet!

Here are 11 reasons why we are considering applying for the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa (D7):

Is Portugal welcoming to digital nomads?

Portugal and Britain have a long standing and reciprocal relationship, from early trade deals between Porto and London, to the numerous expat Brits living in the Algarve. It works. Portugal is overwhelmingly welcoming to Brits. For Brits still feeling hurt about Brexit, the UK only passport queue at airports in Portugal is a special touch!

Does Portugal have a thriving digital nomad community?

With the introduction of the visa, plus all the other reasons set out below, Portugal has become a super popular destination for Digital Nomads. It has everything a nomad could possibly want and subsequently is popular with American, British and European nomads. It’s really important to us to be able to be part of a community of fellow nomads.

Does Portugal have a great climate?

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate. But it varies around the country due to the Atlantic coast, which makes it much more appealing and liveable (in our opinion) than other Mediterranean countries which can feel too hot. Summer is glorious, with Spring and Autumn still warm enough to enjoy the outdoor life. Inland tends to be warmer than the coast, so head to the beach to cool off.

Does Portugal have a fitness culture?

Portuguese people seem to prioritise fitness. The cities and coast are filled with runners and walkers on a daily basis. We’ve also noted how many outdoor gyms are available for free. The sea and rivers provide excellent opportunities for water sports like Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking too.

Are there public spaces perfect for digital nomads?

The public spaces in Portugal are not only naturally beautiful but they’re also really well maintained. Whether its beaches, plazas, parks or outdoor workout spaces, the space is always clean and cared for. For us as nomads, public space is really important to us as we can work outdoors or enjoy it in our down time.

Is there a cafe culture for digital nomads in Portugal?

A good cafe culture is super important to us. Not only is coffee vital to keep the cogs turning, but we love sitting and working in cafes. They say that JK Rowling took inspiration for Harry Potter whilst on a trip to Porto, what could be a better advert for Portugal than this. Inspiration come to us!

Does Portugal have a low cost of living?

Comparative to other EU countries, even Italy and Spain, Portugal has a lower cost of living. A decent apartment for two in Lisbon on Airbnb is easily available for around 1,000 euros and in Porto around 800 euros, with properties in suburbs or towns even less.

Supermarkets are cheap as Portugal grows much if it’s own produce. Dinner out and drinks are also super reasonable with a bottle of wine frequently available in bars for less than 7 Euros. Transport is also cheap.

Does Portugal have good food and wine?

We love the food in Portugal. We could eat Pastel de Nata for days! But we also love how varied the other cuisine is, with salad and fresh produce being so plentiful. Portugal has a strong wine tradition, Vino Verde is difficult to beat on a summer’s day. We are even growing to like Port!

Are there vibrant cities for digital nomads in Portugal?

Lisbon is one of our favourite cities and Porto is up there too. Although Portugal is small, its cities pack a massive punch. Spanish and Italian cities are of course amazing, but there’s something so special about the vibrancy and spark of Portuguese cities. The architecture is so unique, with colourful tiles filling the city scape and creating romantic scenes wherever you look.

What are the minimal eligibility requirements to apply for digital nomad visa in Portugal?

A number of other European visas have quite challenging eligibility requirements, or in some cases higher expectations on monthly income. For the D7 visa, the main requirement is a passive income of 705 Euros per month. Additionally many visas require you to commit to spending a certain number of days in the country. The D7 visa requires only a 12 month rental contract, but you’re free to leave Portugal as you wish. This makes the Portuguese Digital Nomad visa one of the easiest to apply for.

What are the long term citizenship prospects in Portugal?

Based on our research, we think that the Portuguese Visa offers the best long term prospects. After 5 years of being a visa holder, you can apply for a passport and full citizenship. As Britain has exited the EU, we no longer have EU access for work, study and life! So any chance to get hold of a European passport is one we are totally tempted to take!

We would love to hear from you. Have you found a better visa option?

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