Moving to Portugal as a Remote Worker in 2026

Remote work has changed everything. It’s now perfectly possible to keep your job in New York, Toronto, or London while living in a sunny European country with beaches, pastelarias, and a slower pace of life. And for many people, that dream destination is Portugal.

Portugal is warm without being extreme, safe without being sleepy, and modern without being overwhelming. It has excellent healthcare, a thriving expat and digital nomad community, and some of the best weather in Europe. And yes — you can live here legally while working remotely for a non-Portuguese employer.

But the process isn’t the same for everyone.

• If you’re from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you’ll need a residency visa.
• If you’re an EU citizen, you can move freely.
• And if you just want to come for a short stint (<90 days), you may not need a visa at all.

However, regardless of whether you’re an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen, the big question isn’t visas: as a remote worker, the big issue is will your employer (in Germany, the US, wherever) allow you to continue working from Portugal.

This guide explains exactly how moving to Portugal works for remote workers — including the questions that only remote employees face (permission from employers, tax implications for foreign companies, time zones, legal compliance) as well as all the practicalities of life here.

Can Remote Workers Move to Portugal? Yes — and Here’s How

Portugal officially opened the door to remote workers in 2022 when it introduced the Digital Nomad Visa (also called the D8 or, at some consulates, the D9). It’s designed for:

• Remote employees with a foreign employer (e.g. an employer in the US, UK, or Canada)
• Freelancers with foreign clients

If you meet the income requirements — €3,680 per month + €11,040 in savings — you may qualify. Note: these figures are for an individual. Couples and families require more.

This visa lets you live long-term in Portugal while continuing to work for a company located outside Portugal. It means that you can move to an EU country and enjoy use of the public healthcare system and the safety that comes from living in one of the safest countries in the world.

And, after five years of residency you can apply for permanent residency. Then, after 10 years of living here, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Remote Workers vs Freelancers: What’s Different?

Most information online lumps “remote workers” and “digital nomads” together — but your situation can be very different if you’re a remote employee with a boss, because you have obstacles freelancers don’t.

Namely: You need employer permission

Some companies are fine with remote work within your home country, but not remote work abroad.
Why? Because:

• It may create corporate tax obligations for the company
• It may require them to register you in Portugal
• It may complicate benefits, payroll, health insurance, and HR rules
• Some companies prohibit international work for compliance reasons

Solutions if your employer says no

There are three main workarounds:

Option A — Become a contractor

Many people switch from employee status to contractor status.

Pros:

• Company avoids legal complications
• You keep the job
• You can apply under the Digital Nomad Visa as a freelancer

Cons:

• You lose employee protections
• No paid sick leave, pension contributions, or workplace benefits
• You typically need three months of earnings before you can apply

Option B — Employer uses a global payroll service

Companies can hire “Employer of Record” services like:

• Remote.com
• Deel
• Oyster

These allow your employer to legally employ you in Portugal without creating a Portuguese entity. Downside: It costs money (often €400–€600 per month), which your employer may not want to pay.

Option C — Don’t tell them (short stays only)

For stays shorter than 90 days, some people simply don’t inform their employer — but anything longer becomes difficult to hide and may cause legal issues for both you and the employer.

While some employers will be okay with you working from abroad for short periods of time, others won’t.

How Non-EU Remote Workers Move to Portugal Long-Term

✔️ 1. The Digital Nomad (D8/D9) Visa

While previously many remote workers moved to Portugal on the D7 visa, Portugal has now introduced the “Digital Nomad Visa” which provides a clear path for remote workers to move here.

Income requirement:
At least 4× the Portuguese minimum wage, currently:

• €3,680 per month

Savings requirement:

• At least €11,040 in a Portuguese bank account

Family members:

• Add 50% (€1,840) for a partner
• Add 30% (€1,104) per child

✔️ The Visa Comes in Two Versions

Depending on your needs and goals, the visa comes in two versions: a one-year option and a longer-term option that’s valid for two years initially and then renewable for another three.

A. Temporary Stay (up to 1 year)

Ideal for:

• Trying out Portugal
• Staying longer than 90 days
• Not ready to commit long-term

B. Long-Term Residence Visa (2 years + 3 years)

Ideal for:

• Permanent relocation
• Those wanting EU citizenship
• Those planning to stay most of the year in Portugal

This is the version most remote workers choose.

The Digital Nomad Visa isn’t the only visa: you could move on another visa like the D7 or Golden Visa, for example. However, it is the only visa specifically aimed at remote workers and freelancers.

How EU Citizens Move to Portugal

If you’re from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you bypass the visa process completely.

The only requirements are:

• Register at the local town hall after 90 days
• Obtain a residency certificate (known as the CRUE)

From there, you can live and work freely. If you have non-EU family members, they can normally join you as well.

Key Requirements Remote Workers Must Meet

✔️ Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)

Needed for almost everything — renting a flat, opening a bank account, signing contracts.

✔️ Portuguese Bank Account

Most consulates require this, with sufficient funds for one year of living costs. Some lawyers recommend putting in two years. The exact amount depends on how many people are applying.

For an individual add €11,040. For a couple, add an additional 50%. For each dependent child, add 30%.

✔️ Accommodation

Usually a 12-month lease (though some consulates accept 4–6 months or an Airbnb). Requirements vary heavily.

✔️ Criminal Record Checks

For the country where you’re resident.

✔️ Health Insurance

Most people get travel insurance for the consulate stage and private health insurance for your AIMA appointment. However, as of October 2025, some consulates have begun asking for 12 months of travel insurance at the consular stage.

✔️ Motivation Letter

Explaining why you want to move to Portugal.

Taxes for Remote Workers

If you move to Portugal and spend most of the year here, you’ll almost certainly become a Portuguese tax resident, which means your worldwide income will be taxed at Portugal’s progressive rates of 14.5% to 48%, depending on how much you earn. The good news is that Portugal has double taxation treaties with countries like the US, UK, and Canada, so you won’t be taxed twice on the same income.

As tax treatment varies widely based on your home country, employer structure, and types of income, getting advice from a Portuguese tax professional is highly recommended.

How Long Do You Need to Stay in Portugal Each Year?

The Digital Nomad Visa is a residency visa — meaning Portugal expects you to actually live in the country rather than use it as a base while spending most of the year abroad. To maintain your residency status, you generally shouldn’t:

• Leave Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months, or
• Be absent for more than 8 months total during the initial 2-year permit (and again during the subsequent 3-year permit)

This requirement catches many people by surprise. While Portugal is flexible compared to some countries, your time outside the country is still counted — including travel for work. So if your remote job requires frequent international trips, or if you’re planning long periods of travel across Europe, you’ll need to factor those absences into your residency requirements. Short holidays or occasional business trips won’t be an issue, but extended stays abroad can put your residency at risk if you’re not careful.

After five years, once you qualify for permanent residency, the rules become much more relaxed. Permanent residents can:

• Spend up to 24 consecutive months outside Portugal, or
• A total of 30 months outside the country within any 3-year period

This is significantly more generous and is one reason many people aim to reach the five-year mark.

Finally, once you obtain Portuguese citizenship (which you can apply for after year ten), you’ll have full freedom of movement. You can live elsewhere in the EU/EEA or Switzerland without worrying about residency obligations in Portugal, and extended travel no longer affects your legal status.

In short:

• Life gets much more flexible once you reach permanent residency — and completely flexible once you’re a citizen.
• The Digital Nomad Visa requires Portugal to be your primary home.
• Business travel and long trips count toward your time abroad.

Time Zones: A Practical Consideration for Remote Workers

Time zones are one of the biggest factors remote workers need to think about before moving to Portugal — especially if you’re keeping a job based outside Europe. Portugal operates on Western European Time (WET), which aligns with the UK in winter and is one hour behind Spain, France, and most of mainland Europe. That makes life easy for anyone working with European clients or UK-based teams.

For those working North American hours, the reality is different:

• 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (New York, Toronto)
• 8 hours ahead of Pacific Time (Los Angeles, Vancouver)

This usually means late afternoons and evenings filled with meetings, and for West Coast companies, you may end up working well into the night. Many US and Canadian remote workers adapt easily, but it’s important to think about whether this schedule fits your lifestyle — especially if you plan to socialise, travel, or take part in local activities during the day.

If you’re coming from Australia or New Zealand, the time difference becomes extreme. Portugal is generally:

• 9–11 hours behind Sydney/Melbourne
• 12 hours behind Auckland

Working standard office hours for an employer based in Oceania typically means very early mornings in Portugal, often starting at midnight or 1 AM. Some Australian and Kiwi workers make it work if their role is flexible or asynchronous, but it’s not ideal for meeting-heavy jobs.

In short, your time zone alignment can dramatically shape your daily routine. UK and European workers will find the adjustment effortless, while North American employees should prepare for later working hours — and those with employers in Australia or New Zealand will need a job with a very flexible schedule.

Where to Live as a Remote Worker in Portugal

One of the best things about Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa is the freedom to live anywhere in the country. Whether you prefer buzzing cities, relaxed beach towns, or peaceful countryside villages, you’ll find a setting that fits your lifestyle. That said, most remote workers tend to cluster in a handful of well-known hubs where coworking spaces, café culture, and international communities are already established.

Lisbon remains the number-one choice — a lively capital packed with coworking spaces, English-friendly cafés, an active tech scene, and endless networking opportunities. The Algarve, particularly towns like Lagos and Portimão, attracts those who want a more relaxed, beach-first lifestyle. Ericeira is ideal for surf lovers, offering a laid-back coastal vibe within commuting distance of Lisbon, while Madeira has built a reputation as one of Europe’s top remote-work destinations thanks to its breathtaking scenery and dedicated digital nomad village.

However, popularity comes with a price. These hotspots have seen significant increases in rent and cost of living over the past few years. While still cheaper than many major cities in the US or UK, places like Lisbon, Cascais, Ericeira, and central Algarve aren’t the “budget nomad” destinations they once were. There’s also intense competition for properties here, particularly in Lisbon or the Algarve during the summer months.

If value for money is your priority, Portugal’s interior offers excellent options: the Alentejo, northern Portugal, or smaller cities like Braga, Guimarães, Viseu, and Coimbra all provide lower rents, quieter lifestyles, and deeply authentic Portuguese culture. The trade-off? You’re less likely to find large remote-worker communities, coworking spaces, or English everywhere you go. Many areas are dominated by older generations, and meeting other expats or nomads can take more effort.

In short:

• Choose the hotspots if community, convenience, and coworking matter most.
• Choose the interior if space, peace, and affordability are your priorities.

Portugal is diverse for such a small country — and wherever you choose, you can enjoy great weather, friendly locals, and a pace of life that makes remote work genuinely enjoyable.

Internet in Portugal: What Remote Workers Need to Know

For most remote workers, Portugal’s internet infrastructure is a pleasant surprise. The country consistently ranks among the best in Europe for broadband availability, and high-speed fibre-optic connections are widely accessible. In nearly all towns and cities, you can expect fast, stable home internet that easily supports Zoom calls, large file uploads, streaming, and day-to-day work.

In urban areas — including Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Coimbra, Faro, Lagos, and Cascais — 1 Gbps fibre is standard, and some neighbourhoods even offer up to 10 Gbps. For anyone working in photo, video, or design, or anyone frequently uploading large files, those higher-end speeds can make a noticeable difference to your workflow. Mobile data is also excellent, with Vodafone, MEO, and NOS offering reliable 4G and expanding 5G in many cities.

Even island regions like Madeira and the Azores have robust internet connections, with fibre widely available and speeds comparable to mainland Portugal. Many remote workers who move to Madeira specifically cite the island’s excellent connectivity as one of its major advantages.

That said, not every part of Portugal is equally well connected. Rural areas, especially in more remote regions and pockets of the Algarve, may still rely on 4G home internet. While 4G is usually fine for general browsing, emails, and even most video calls, it can struggle with:

• Heavy Zoom use
• Uploading large media files
• Cloud-based work with big datasets
• Multiple remote workers in the same household

If fast and stable fibre is essential for your job, you’ll want to double-check coverage before choosing a home in the countryside. Many remote workers ultimately decide to base themselves within or near towns, where fibre is guaranteed, and only venture into rural areas once they’ve confirmed the infrastructure meets their needs.

In short: Portugal has excellent internet for remote work — some of the best in Europe — but your exact location matters. If fibre is non-negotiable, stick to towns, cities, or areas confirmed to have full coverage.

Conclusion

Portugal remains one of the best destinations in the world for remote workers. It offers a dedicated visa pathway, reliable high-speed internet even on the islands, and a cost of living that, while rising, is still affordable compared to major cities in the US, UK, and Canada. Time zones are manageable for most North American workers and effortless for those in the UK and Europe, though Australians and New Zealanders will face a tougher adjustment.

But moving here as a remote employee isn’t just about visas and sunshine. You’ll need your employer’s permission, as working abroad can create legal and tax obligations for them. You’ll also need to understand the residency requirements: to keep your visa, Portugal expects you to spend most of your time in the country during the first five years. Things become much more flexible once you reach permanent residency, and citizenship—now available after ten years—offers complete freedom of movement within the EU.

If you can meet the income requirements, secure employer approval, and commit to living in Portugal long enough to maintain your residency, it’s hard to beat what the country offers: safety, community, culture, incredible weather, and a lifestyle that makes remote work truly enjoyable.