Moving to Portugal as a remote worker happens in stages. Find the stage you're at, follow the guides that apply to you, and come back when you reach the next one.
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Before you move
Can I come, and what do I need?
- D8 vs D7 visa: which one is right for you?Remote work income or passive income: choose the right route.
- The complete D7/D8 visa processEvery step, from documents to your consulate appointment.
- The real cost of moving to PortugalHow much money to plan for, before and after you land.
- Health insurance for the D8 and D7 visaThe cover your application needs.
- Proof of accommodation for your visaWhat counts as an address when you don't live here yet.
- How to get your NIF before you moveThe tax number you'll need for almost everything.
- Moving money to Portugal: transfers, banks and documentationTransfers, bank checks and the paperwork to keep.
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Arriving
I've landed. What do I need first?
- Best bank accounts for digital nomadsPortuguese banks and fintechs, and what each one asks for.
- Phone plans and eSIMs in PortugalGet a local number: prepaid, contracts and eSIMs.
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Setting up
How do I build my life here?
- How to book and prepare for your AIMA appointmentHow to book it and what to bring.
- Finding a rental as a foreignerGuarantors, deposits and what landlords ask.Guide coming soon. Subscribe to get notified
- How to rent a home: contracts and tenant rightsLeases, your rights and what to check before you sign.
- Home internet for remote workersFibre, mobile backup and what to check before you sign.Guide coming soon. Subscribe to get notified
- Registering with Social Security as a freelancerWhen you need to register and how contributions work.
- Healthcare: SNS and your número de utenteHow to register at your local health centre.Guide coming soon. Subscribe to get notified
- Using a foreign driver's licenseHow long it's valid and when you need to exchange it.
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Living in Portugal
How do I actually live and work here?
- Freelancing in Portugal: registration, invoicing and taxRegistering, invoicing and paying tax as a freelancer.
- Foreign company owner vs ENIKeep your company abroad or work as a Portuguese sole trader.
- Best invoicing and business tools for freelancers in PortugalInvoicing software and the tools that keep you compliant.
- The real cost of living in LisbonRent, food and everyday costs for remote workers.
- Portuguese culture and etiquetteThe small things that help you fit in.
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Staying long term
Can I stay permanently?
- Renewing your residence permitWhen to apply and how the renewal portal works.
- The Portuguese A2 test (CIPLE)The language certificate for permanent residency and citizenship.
- The path to permanent residency and citizenshipThe timeline, year by year.
- Permanent residency vs citizenshipWhich one you actually need.
Immigration and tax rules in Portugal change often. Each guide links to the official sources, and we update them when the rules change.
This page shows you what to read at each stage. The checklist helps you keep track of what to do.
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