Working Remotely in Portugal: Your 2025 Guide

Remote work in Portugal has become a go-to choice for digital nomads and freelancers who seek to live in a European country with a lower cost of living, enhanced safety, great connectivity, and tons of things to do.

In Portugal, you could start your workday with a freshly brewed espresso in a charming café overlooking Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, break for lunch on Porto’s scenic Douro River, or wrap up a productive afternoon with a sunset stroll along the Algarve’s golden beaches.

Working remotely is made even easier with Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, a year-long visa enabling remote workers who earn €3,480 per month to live and work in the country.

If you’re considering working remotely in Portugal, this article will give you all the information you need to know about how to get your visa, the best places to stay, and how to get plugged in to the workspaces in the country.

Why work remotely in Portugal?

According to the Work from Wherever Index released by Kayak, the world’s leading travel search engine, Portugal ranked first as the best country in the world for remote work, ahead of Spain, Romania, Mauritius, and Japan.

According to the index, the country leads the rankings thanks to its accessibility for remote workers, Portugal’s quality of life, great weather, safety, and high English proficiency.

Portugal remote work is a great choice for freelancers and digital nomads, considering the affordable cost of living, internet connectivity, and wide range of activities to enjoy once the laptop closes at the end of the day.

In the next sections of this article, we will dive into more details about everything related to remote working in Portugal, including the legal issues, what to expect, and what the best places are in Portugal for digital nomads and expats to settle.

Moving to Portugal as a Remote Worker

The path to remote working in Portugal will differ depending on your home country. If you are relocating from a country within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), the process is slightly more relaxed compared to other countries.

EU/EEA Citizens

Given the freedom of movement among the member countries, EU and EEA nationals can relocate to Portugal and work remotely without the need for a visa.

If you are from one of these countries and plan to live and work in Portugal for longer than 90 days, you’ll simply need to apply for a Certificate of Registration at a local City Hall.

Non-EU Citizens

If your home country is not within the EU or EEA, you will need to get a visa or residency permit. Fortunately, the Portuguese government has made several options available for expats looking to live and work remotely in Portugal, allowing for an easier process.

For digital nomads in Portugal, the best visa option will most likely be the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, or D8 Visa, was launched in 2022 and is designed for individuals who work remotely, freelance, or own a business, and wish to combine work and travel in a foreign country.

With the D8 Visa, remote workers have the option to reside and work remotely in Portugal for a duration of either up to 12 months or up to five years, depending on the pathway chosen.

There are two pathways for the Digital Nomad Visa. Remote workers have the option to seek either a short stay visa, allowing for a temporary stay of up to one year, or a renewable residency permit that can be extended for a maximum of five years.

Both categories hold significant appeal, catering to those seeking a short-term temporary stay visa as well as those interested in obtaining a residency visa for a potentially longer-term living arrangement in the country. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa also allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

In the first two and half months after the Digital Nomad Visa was launched, Portugal granted more than 200 Digital Nomad Visas. As of December 2024, Portugal has issued over 2,600 Digital Nomad Visas since the program began. The Ministry of Affairs has reported that the majority of Digital Nomad Visa holders have been from Brazil, the UK, and the USA.

Digital Nomad Visa eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Originate from a country outside of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)
• Either be self-employed or work for a business based outside of Portugal
• Earn a monthly income that is at least four times the current Portuguese minimum salary, which is approximately €3,480 per month
• You will also need savings of at least €10,440 in a Portuguese bank account to show you can sustain yourself in the country. If you are moving to Portugal with family members, the income requirement increases by 50 percent for a spouse or parent and/or 25 percent per child (minor).

How to apply to work remotely in Portugal

To apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for remote work in Portugal, see the steps outlined below:

1. Complete the Application for National Visa form and gather the required documents outlined on the form.
2. Submit your application form and required documents, along with your application fee, at your local Portuguese Consulate.
3. Once submitted, you should receive feedback within 60 days (you should be able to track the progress of your application online).
4. Once your visa application is approved, your passport and Digital Nomad Visa may be collected from the place where you applied, or it could be sent to you. This allows you to enter Portugal for up to 120 days.

Once in Portugal, you will need to schedule and attend an in-person appointment with Portugal’s Agency for Immigration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) to get your residency permit.

Other Visas to Work Remotely in Portugal

If you don’t quite meet the requirements of the Digital Nomad Visa, there are other options to consider, including the D7 Visa for passive income earners and the D2 Visa for entrepreneurs.

For a personalized look at the best visa option for you, get in touch with our partner, Global Citizen Solutions. The team at Global Citizen Solutions can accurately assess your goals and give you expert guidance on the best visa option to choose.

Portugal D2 Visa

This residence visa is designed for entrepreneurs who wish to contribute to Portugal’s economy by buying an existing business or presenting a business plan for a new business venture in the country.

There is no minimum income requirement for this visa option, but you must be able to show that you have enough financial resources to sustain your business and yourself in the country for at least one year.

Portugal D7 Visa

The D7 Visa, or Portugal Passive Income Visa, allows you to work remotely while living in Portugal, as long as you can provide proof of your passive income (which is not obtained from within Portugal). You can work as a freelancer or do remote work, but you must not work for a Portuguese employer.

To qualify for this option, you will need to provide proof of a passive income of at least the Portuguese minimum wage and have €10,440 in a Portuguese bank account. In 2025, Portugal’s minimum wage is €870 per month. This passive income can be from multiple passive sources, such as:

• A pension
• Rental income
• Dividends
• Transferable equity
• Intellectual property

Remote Work Portugal: Key Things to Consider

Before moving to Portugal to work remotely, it’s important to understand some of the basic logistics like taxes and healthcare to avoid confusion down the line.

Taxes for digital nomads in Portugal

Your taxes in Portugal are determined based on whether you are a tax resident or not.

If you stay in Portugal for more than 183 days per year, you are considered a tax resident, and your taxes will be calculated based on your worldwide income. If you are not a tax resident, you will only be taxed on your Portuguese-sourced income.

Fortunately, Portugal has Double Taxation Agreements with many countries, so it’s worth looking into whether your home country is included to avoid being taxed twice on the same income.

Freelancers and entrepreneurs operating a business in Portugal may also need to register for IVA (VAT) and issue invoices according to local regulations.

Health insurance for remote workers in Portugal

If you become a resident in Portugal and register with the social security system, you can make use of Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS).

Although the public health system offers high-quality service, many remote workers tend to opt for private health insurance to avoid longer wait times and access better facilities. Also, more health professionals tend to speak English in private healthcare.

Non-EU nationals will need to have private health insurance to meet visa requirements, too.

Private health insurance plans range from €40-€100 per month, depending on how comprehensive the coverage is.

Getting a NIF number in Portugal

The Portugal NIF number enables you to do any activity regarding business or financial transactions, such as opening a Portuguese bank account, paying taxes, or purchasing property.

You will need to apply for a NIF Number at a Finanças (tax office) service point in Portugal with a valid passport and proof of address. Non-EU citizens will need the help of a fiscal representative.

Life in Portugal for Digital Nomads

Life in Portugal is a mix of over 300 days of sunshine a year, 830 km of coastline, and affordable prices. What else can anyone ask for when seeking a good quality of life?

You will enjoy living in a safe country with friendly people and high-quality services.One of the good things about moving and living in Portugal is the Portuguese people are nice and friendly, and you will be able to make many friends quickly with a large number of expat groups.

The official language in Portugal is Portuguese, but no need to worry, your English will do. As most Portuguese people can speak a little English, you will always find someone to help, especially in hotels and hospitals in big cities. Portugal ranked number six in the Global Ranking of English Proficiency, above countries such as Denmark, Germany, and South Africa.

If you’re into languages, you can enjoy learning some Portuguese words, and Portuguese locals will really appreciate you as a beginner and try to help you master the Portuguese language.

To truly experience the culture through food, you should try local dishes like the salt cod (Bacalhau), tomato stews packed with prawns and mussels, and grilled sardines. There are also 39 Michelin-star restaurants in Portugal to choose from, for the very best the culinary scene has to offer.

Accommodation for Digital Nomads in Portugal

While considering working remotely in Portugal, you should know that the country has a lot to offer, and you will find many different available options for your accommodation.

The most popular options for short term accommodation for digital nomads and expats in Portugal are Airbnb stays or hotels. However, if you are planning to stay for longer than a few months, this can get pricey. Try to be specific in your search and add some filters for the places that have desks and work chairs.

If you’re considering moving to Lisbon or any other city in Portugal in the long term, purchasing property is a sound investment that could save you money in the long run. At Goldcrest, we offer expert support to help you find a place to stay in Portugal, whether you would like to buy to relocate or if you need help to find a place to rent.

You can also consider co-living spaces, which are hostels for freelancers and remote workers who can live and work together. This option is a great option for you to socialize and expand your network in the country. Check out Coliving.com.

Best Locations to Work Remotely in Portugal

In the coming section, you will gain some ideas about the big cities and locations in Portugal that may be of interest to you if you’re considering working remotely in Portugal.

Lisbon

Let’s start with the capital. Lisbon is one of the most vibrant and cultural capitals in Europe and is a perfect destination for remote workers and digital nomads since the city offers everything that you may need.

In Lisbon, you will find a good transportation network, lovely restaurants to try different things, a good internet connection, and many English speakers. Lisbon is also home to expat groups in Portugal which offer great ways for newcomers to meet and expand their network with people from different nationalities. Check Meetup and InterNations.

Being the capital, Lisbon provides everything you might need in your first days in Portugal, and keep in mind that there you will find all the main governmental offices where you will deal with your paperwork, visa issues, and any legal problems.

Porto

Just like Lisbon, Porto has excellent facilities for you to start working and connecting with the whole world. The city’s infrastructure is continuously growing, and this will reflect on your quality of life there and make your day-to-day life easier.

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, and it offers great vibes for people who are considering living there. Like much of Portugal, Porto offers a lot to lovers of history and food. It’s even home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ribeira riverside.

The Algarve

The Algarve is the perfect setting for remote workers who are looking for year-round pleasant weather. The region is known for its warm winter temperatures and stunning ocean views. No matter where you go in the Algarve, you can find restaurants and cafés that match your unique needs.

Since many tourists in the Algarve hail from the UK, English is widely spoken among the local population, so you won’t need to worry about the language barrier. Try to target some of the amazing coastal towns like Tavira, Albufeira, Lagos, or Olhão.

Peniche

Peniche is one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal and a major Atlantic hub for maritime-tourist activities. The city is very rich in its cultural traditions and has many stunning natural wonders where you can fully immerse yourself in the region. You will also find Peniche Portugal real estate to be quite affordable compared to other coastal areas, such as the Algarve.

The Baleal village in the north also offers sea-view cafés and fishing taverns. For a livelier environment, think about Supertubos Beach for surfing and Peniche city. Nightlife, excellent working spaces, and coastal apartments are more readily available there.

Co-working Spaces for Working Remotely in Portugal

A co-working space is a kind of shared office where you pay to use the facilities. Co-working places give you the option to book your spot daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the availability.

Since expats and digital nomads have been flocking to Portugal recently, the country has a lot of co-working places and qualified offices for this category of workers, and things keep growing. Major areas like Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve offer various options for remote workers to help people focus and provide a suitable atmosphere for work.

While spending your working hours at one of those working places, you will enjoy having your own desk to work on, a good internet connection, and some fresh food and drinks included in the price. Some even have workshops and social events on offer, and you can find like-minded people to get to know and socialize with.

The good thing about Portugal as well is that you can easily work in cafés in many places in Portugal, particularly in the bigger cities, that will give you free Wi-Fi access and a comfy desk to work while ordering something to drink or eat.

You can always use Google Maps to categorize your search while trying to find the right place to work in. Also, you can use some apps like Croissant to find a proper co-working space nearby, in which you find the real-time availability in the place you are about to book. It also allows you to buy credit that you can use at multiple co-working spaces.

Final Thoughts for Remote Workers in Portugal

Considering working remotely in Portugal is a wise decision and you will definitely experience the high quality of life and the major changes in your lifestyle after spending some time in the country.

In Portugal, you will get a good amount of everything: Beautiful sightseeing opportunities, charming weather that will boost your mood, delicious food that will satisfy you, and welcoming people who will make you feel at home.