How We Became Digital Nomads in Portugal: Our Journey and Process
Victor and Kris in Montreal, Canada in 2023
When Kris and I decided to become digital nomads, we knew the transition wouldn’t be easy. Moving abroad meant letting go of much of what was familiar and comfortable—our home in Miami, most of our belongings, and a lifestyle we had built over many years. But it also meant gaining the freedom to explore the world in a way we had always dreamed of.
Portugal became the destination of choice for us. Its warm climate, rich culture, and welcoming communities made it the ideal place to begin this new chapter. After much research, we decided the Digital Nomad Visa was the best fit for our circumstances. There are several paths to obtaining Portuguese residency, but this option catered perfectly to our situation as remote workers.
The process itself is fairly structured but does require careful preparation. To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must be from a country outside the EU or EEA, prove they are self-employed or employed by companies headquartered outside Portugal, and meet a minimum income requirement of four times the Portuguese minimum wage—approximately €3,040 per month.
We began by submitting our visa application to the Portuguese consulate in the U.S. This step is essential, as the visa allows you to stay in Portugal for more than the standard 90-day tourist period. Once the visa is approved, you receive an appointment with Portugal’s Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), where you finalize the paperwork for residency.
Residency in Portugal comes with its own set of requirements. To maintain your status, you must live in the country for at least six consecutive months or a total of eight months each year. The initial residency permit is valid for two years, after which it can be renewed. After five years, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship—a much shorter path compared to Spain, where citizenship requires 10 years of residency.
Navigating the logistics of this process can be overwhelming, which is why we chose to hire an attorney based in Lisbon. Our attorney, became an invaluable resource. She guided us through every step, from completing the application to translating legal documents. One of the more complex requirements was securing an address in Portugal before we even arrived. She helped us navigate this challenge, though we later discovered websites like Uniplaces that offer affordable rental options and provide certification letters for lease agreements.
Opening a Portuguese bank account was another hurdle, as it’s required for residency. We worked with Banco Atlantico which has a process for opening a bank account in Portugal without being physically present. Our attorney helped us find the bank and facilitated this process as well, serving as a liaison with the bank and ensuring everything was in order. She also helped us apply for a resident tax ID and file for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax status. This tax status exempts residents from paying income tax in Portugal for 10 years on any income generated outside the country—an incredible benefit for digital nomads.
One of the most helpful aspects of working with our attorney was her presence during our residency appointment at SEF. Bureaucratic processes in a foreign country can be intimidating, but having someone knowledgeable by our side made all the difference. Her expertise, combined with her reasonable rates, made her an easy choice. I’ve since referred several friends and family members to her who have also successfully navigated the process.
While hiring a professional was invaluable, there were still aspects of the journey we had to manage ourselves. The most time-consuming part was gathering, legalizing, and translating the necessary documents. Our federal background checks and marriage license required apostille certification and translation into Portuguese. This step took longer than anticipated, but we were fortunate to work with Miami Beach Live Scan Fingerprinting, a professional and communicative company that even traveled to us for fingerprinting.
In hindsight, these logistical challenges were a small price to pay for the life we now lead. The freedom to live and work in a country as beautiful as Portugal has been transformative. The experience has taught us to embrace the unknown and find joy in the process of creating a new life abroad.
For those considering this path, here are a few resources we found particularly helpful:
The Visa Application Checklist outlines all required documents and includes a link to the application form.
Uniplaces is a great tool for securing housing and obtaining a lease certification letter.
Becoming a digital nomad isn’t just about logistics—it’s about mindset. The process requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. But for those willing to take the leap, the rewards are immeasurable.
Looking back, I’m grateful we took this chance. Portugal has not only become our home but also the starting point for a life filled with adventure, growth, and connection. If you’re considering a similar move, my advice is simple: start planning, trust the process, and don’t be afraid to seek help along the way.
This journey has reminded us that life is too short to stay in one place—physically or metaphorically. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and for us, it all started with one decision: to go for it
Victor and Kris in Milan, Italy 2024