Unfortunately Bad News
You are not eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa for the following reason(s):
You need to be a non-EU citizens.
The Portuguese D8 Visa is for non-EU citizens because EU citizens already have the right to live and work in Portugal without needing a visa, thanks to freedom of movement within the EU.
Resided illegally in Portugal.
If someone has previously resided illegally in Portugal, they may face difficulties in obtaining a digital nomad visa due to potential issues with their immigration history. Portugal, like many countries, considers previous immigration violations when assessing visa applications. An illegal stay can result in a record of non-compliance with immigration laws, which might lead to the rejection of future visa applications. This is because the authorities may view the applicant as a risk for not adhering to visa regulations again. Thus, a history of illegal residency can significantly impact one’s eligibility for a digital nomad visa.
No remote work
If someone has previously resided illegally in Portugal, they may face difficulties in obtaining a digital nomad visa due to potential issues with their immigration history. Portugal, like many countries, considers previous immigration violations when assessing visa applications. An illegal stay can result in a record of non-compliance with immigration laws, which might lead to the rejection of future visa applications. This is because the authorities may view the applicant as a risk for not adhering to visa regulations again. Thus, a history of illegal residency can significantly impact one’s eligibility for a digital nomad visa.
No sufficient income.
To obtain a digital nomad visa in Portugal, you must meet a minimum income requirement to prove financial stability and the ability to support themselves without relying on the Spanish social welfare system. If don’t meet this income threshold, you are considered unable to maintain sufficient financial independence during their stay, leading to visa denial. This criterion ensures that digital nomads contribute economically without burdening local resources.
Spanish income sources percentage to high.
To qualify for a digital nomad visa in Portugal, the majority of an applicant’s income must come from non-Spanish sources. This requirement is in place to ensure that visa holders contribute to the local economy without competing for jobs with local residents. If more than 20% of your income comes from Spanish companies, it suggests they are significantly engaged in the local labor market, which contradicts the purpose of the digital nomad visa. This visa is designed for individuals who primarily work remotely for clients or companies based outside of Portugal.
No work contract/letter of approval for remote work.
For the digital nomad visa in Portugal, remote employees must provide an official contract from their employer confirming that their job can be performed remotely. This document proves to Spanish authorities that the applicant’s employment situation complies with the visa’s remote work requirement and that their presence in Portugal will not impact the local job market. Similarly, freelancers need to present a letter of approval from one of their clients to verify that their freelance work can be conducted remotely. Failure to provide these documents results in the inability to substantiate that the work arrangement meets the criteria of the digital nomad visa, leading to potential denial. These requirements ensure that the applicants have stable and legitimate remote work arrangements before being granted residency.
Insufficient work stability.
To obtain a digital nomad visa in Portugal, you must demonstrate stable and ongoing remote employment. If someone has been working for their employer or clients for less than three months, it may be seen as insufficient to prove the stability and reliability of their income. The Spanish authorities use the duration of employment to assess whether the applicant has a sustained source of income that will support them throughout their stay in Portugal. This longer-term employment history helps ensure that the applicant is not a financial risk and is capable of living in Portugal without needing public funds or local employment.
Not enough professional credibility.
For a digital nomad visa in Portugal, having either a degree in your field or at least three years of experience working remotely or as a freelancer is crucial to establish professional credibility and capability. This requirement ensures that applicants are highly skilled and likely to continue successfully engaging in their profession while in Portugal. A degree demonstrates formal education and expertise, while extensive experience shows practical knowledge and adaptability in remote work environments. If applicants cannot meet these criteria, they may be viewed as less likely to sustain long-term, stable employment remotely, which is a key factor for the approval of the digital nomad visa. This helps assure the authorities that the visa holders will be economically self-sufficient and not a burden on the country’s resources.
Criminal record.
Portugal’s digital nomad visa requires applicants to have a clean criminal record for the past two years to ensure the safety and security of the country. A recent criminal record can raise concerns about an applicant’s conduct and reliability. Authorities evaluate criminal histories to assess potential risks associated with granting someone residency. If an applicant has a criminal record from the past two years, it could indicate a higher risk of unlawful behavior, leading to the denial of the visa.
Schengen Visa.
If someone is from a country subject to EU sanctions or restrictions, they may face challenges in obtaining a digital nomad visa in Portugal because these sanctions often include travel bans and restrictions on issuing visas.
