Digital Nomad Visa - 2 types
Portugal offers two pathways for digital nomads seeking to live and work remotely in the country:
D8-short (Temporary Stay Visa): This visa is valid for one year and permits multiple entries into Portugal. However, it does not grant the right to obtain a residence permit - as far as I can tell. But it also doesn’t have the stay requirements. This can be renewed up to 5 times - I have also seen 4 times.
D8-long (Residence Visa): This visa is valid for four months and allows two entries into Portugal. It enables the holder to secure a residence permit upon arrival, which is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for successive periods of three years. After five years, the residence permit can be converted into permanent residence or citizenship. This requires a stay of 6 months - consecutive or 8 months non-consecutive -> it is unclear if this is actually enforced. There appear to be exemptions for family or work.
Both visa types require applicants to demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,280 from sources outside Portugal. Both allow the additional 90/180 days worth of stays in the Schengen zone - though how they would really measure that is unknown since there aren’t visa checkpoints for travel.
My current plan is to apply for the D8 short stay visa - largely due to the currently unknown status of the tax system. The old tax scheme has been phased out for those not already there, but the new one isn’t approved quite yet. It DOES look quite beneficial - IF it passes. Would be zero percent on non-Portuguese income for 10 years
