Remote Work Visa D8 Portugal

REMOTE WORK VISA D8 GUIDE

(Updated July, 2024)

A remote work visa is a type of visa for individuals to work remotely from a location outside of the country where their employer or client is based. The specific requirements for obtaining a remote work visa can vary depending on the country in which the individual is seeking to work and the country from which they are employed.

Here are some of the things you may want to know about remote worker visas worldwide, before making a decision:

• Eligibility: Remote worker visas are typically available to individuals who work for companies based outside the country they wish to work from, or who are self-employed and can work remotely from anywhere. Some remote worker visas may have specific eligibility requirements, such as minimum income levels or job qualifications.

• Duration: Remote worker visas usually allow individuals to stay in the country for a longer period of time than a typical tourist visa, often up to a year or more. Some remote worker visas may also allow for renewals or extensions.

• Restrictions: While remote worker visas may allow individuals to work remotely from another country, they may still have restrictions on other activities, such as starting a business or taking a job with a local company. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the visa to ensure compliance.

• Tax implications: As a remote worker, you may still be subject to taxes in your home country, as well as in the country where you are working. It’s important to understand your tax obligations and to seek professional advice to ensure compliance with tax laws in both countries.

• Visa requirements: The specific requirements for remote worker visas can vary widely depending on the country and the type of visa. It’s important to carefully review the eligibility criteria, application process, and any supporting documentation required, and to seek professional advice.

In Portugal a remote work visa is available to individuals who are self-employed or who work for a company based in another country. Remote workers or digital nomads can apply for a temporary stay visa or a residence visa to exercise a professional activity from Portugal.

Find out all relevant information about Remote Workers visa relocate to Portugal and specially what you should pay attention to with your REMOTE WORK VISA PORTUGAL GUIDE:

Requirements:

• Being employed or self-employed;
• Employment contract or services agreement in place with a natural or legal person domiciled or headquartered outside abroad;
• Average monthly professional income in the minimum of four times the minimum guaranteed monthly remuneration, which corresponds to € 3,040.00.

Visa options:

There are two types of Digital Nomad Visas in Portugal: Temporary Stay Visa or Residence Visa. The Digital Nomad Temporary Stay Visa it is valid for up to one year, allowing you to stay in Portugal, with the possibility of extension for the same period.

Below you can find a comparative map of both visa options available in Portugal.

If you are looking for a longer stay in Portugal, you should apply for the Digital Nomad Residence Visa and afterwards a Residence Permit.

The residence visa allows a foreigner to enter Portugal for a period of 4 months (equivalent to 120 days) and subsequently apply for a residence permit valid for a period of 2 years, renewable for subsequent periods of 3 years.

Residence permit holders may apply for a permanent residence or citizenship after 5 years of legal residence in Portugal.

Benefits for residents under a Residence Permit:

The residence permit allows third country (non-EU/EEA) nationals to obtain a temporary residence permit with the following benefits:

• The opportunity to live and work in Portugal;
• Visa waiver for travel within the Schengen Area;
• Family reunification;
• The opportunity to obtain permanent residency after 5 years, valid for 5 years;
• To opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship, by naturalisation, after 5 years;
• The opportunity to apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime.

Minimum stay requirements:

Under the residence permit in Portugal, periods of absence from the national territory cannot exceed 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months (during the validity of the residence card), except in special circumstances as determined by law.

Tax implications:

Before deciding to relocate and work remotely from another country, it is crucial to address the tax implications.

You can read our Article related to the Tax Challenges of remote work here:

“Activities performed online from Portugal, even though the result is effective abroad, result in income subject to taxation in Portugal (where the NHR tax regime may lead to a reduced tax rate).

A significant impact can result also from Social Security contributions, due in principle, in the country where a considerable part of the professional activity is carried out. Digital nomads may easily fall into a complex array of rules, that must be properly assessed before any relocation decision, not only from a Portuguese perspective but also considering the rules in force at the country of origin. 

Additionally, after a concrete analyses of the tax applicable regime, we face the constrains of the practical bureaucratic steps related to payroll on a remote employment situation, which will imply a pragmatic approach. We are available to assist you with determine the best path to follow in the right direction to Portugal.”

Digital Nomads – Tax Challenges

“What is the diference between the Remote Work visa and the D7 visa”?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions.

Prior to this visa, there was no visa directed to remote workers wanting to reside in Portugal, so the main alternative for these professionals was the so-called “D7 visa”, aimed at foreigners with stable passive income (from, for example, property rental, pensions, social security, investments, etc.) who intended to move to or retire in Portugal. The D7 visa was not designed to remote workers, as we have written before (here), and we understand it will no longer be an option for those how plan to relocate based on their remote work income/condition only or mainly.

Questions about our remote work visa guide?

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