A Portugal Digital Nomad Visa would be ideal for people moving to Portugal for work. The Digital Visa allows foreign nationals to work remotely in Portugal as they roam the country and enjoy the scenery. Many foreigners prefer this temporary work visa when deciding where they would like to settle in Portugal.


We've put together our top tips for moving to Portugal:


Housing Budget:

You'll need to decide whether to rent a house or apartment or buy your own property. If you choose to purchase, there are several factors to consider:

  • How much can I afford?

  • Is my credit rating good enough for a mortgage?

  • How much do properties in Portugal cost?


Renting is simple and affordable in Portugal—you're unlikely to spend more than 600 euros per month on rent for an apartment. However, if you plan on staying longer than six months and don't have any ties back home that would make it difficult for you to return after your contract expires (like children or someone who relies on your income), then buying might be the way forward.


Learn The Language:

You should learn Portuguese before you move to Portugal. Portuguese is the official language, and it's also spoken in Brazil—a country with Portuguese as its primary language. As a Romance language, it's similar to Spanish and Italian, so if you've learned one of those languages before, learning Portuguese shouldn't be too difficult.


Portuguese is spoken by about 250 million people worldwide (half of whom live in Brazil), making it the 5th most spoken language in the world! If you're going to live in Portugal or Brazil, then learning some basic phrases will help make your life easier.


Get a NIF and an ATM card:

The next step is to get a NIF and an ATM card. Your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is the Portuguese equivalent of a tax number, and you will need it for many things, including signing up for internet and phone service. Your ATM card will be required when opening your bank account in Portugal. You can apply for these at any bank or post office in Portugal.


The next step is to open a bank account. This can be done at any bank in Portugal. However, it is recommended that you choose one with ATMs near your apartment or work. You will need this bank account when applying for the Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card), the Portuguese equivalent of a social security card.


Register at the Citizens Services Office:

You'll need to register as a resident at your local citizen's services office. Find out if you need to register, what documents you'll need to bring with you, and any fees that will be due.


This step is critical if you're moving from one town or city in Portugal to another. Citizens Services Offices often require documentation from the previous municipality where someone lived before moving on to confirm that the person was registered there—and didn't just disappear off the face of the earth (or something equally sinister).

Suppose you are moving from another country to Portugal, such as Germany or France. This step is optional because all residents must carry residency cards wherever they go within Europe's Schengen area (which includes 26 countries).


SNS Number:

If you're planning on getting a job in Portugal, you'll need an SNS number. Similar to the American Social Security number or the UK National Insurance number, this is a unique identifier that your employer and government agencies will use. Getting an SNS number is free and takes about a week to complete. You can apply online or at your local social security office (Serviço Nacional de Segurança Social). If you are self-employed (freelancer), it's also essential that you have one of these numbers—if not, then many businesses will choose not to hire you.


Be prepared for new challenges, but remember that Portugal depends on international labour and welcomes foreigners. Many expats have made Portugal their home and found it easy to find work in this country. So if you're looking for an exciting new life in Europe, Portugal might be the place for you!