D8 Visa To Portugal From Nepal
Nepalese citizens who are remote workers, digital nomads, or freelancers can legally establish themselves in Portugal. The D8 Visa allows an initial residence in Portugal for up to 1 year, potentially extending your stay for up to 5 years.
Additionally, you have the option to bring your dependents with you to Portugal and exchange the visa for permanent residency. To understand the qualifications, meet the requirements, and apply, Total Law can assist you. Get in touch with one of our immigration experts today at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or chat with us online.
Overview of the D8 Visa to Portugal from Nepal
The D8 Visa, officially known as the ‘residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory’, is a newly designed visa specifically tailored for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, including Nepalese citizens engaged in digital nomadism, freelancing, and remote work.
There are two types of this visa: the Temporary Stay Visa, which allows residency in Portugal for up to 12 months with the possibility of renewal, and the Long-Term Residence Visa, which provides a two-year temporary residence permit extendable for an additional 3 years.
It is important to differentiate the D8 Visa from other types of Portugal digital nomad visas as it is intended for individuals with actively earned income, such as salaries or remote jobs, requiring a minimum income threshold to be met before the visa can be granted.
Page Contents
- Overview of the D8 Visa to Portugal from Nepal
- Benefits of the D8 Visa for Nepalese Citizens
- Tax Benefits for Nepalese Citizens Holding the D8 Visa Portugal
- Portugal D8 Visa Requirements for Nepalese Citizens
- Bringing Your Family to Portugal: Guidelines and Procedures
- D8 Visa Types and Validity for Nepalese Citizens
- Portugal D8 Visa Application Process for Nepalese Citizens
- How Can Total Law Help?
- FAQs
Benefits of the D8 Visa for Nepalese Citizens
Nepalese citizens holding the Portugal D8 Visa are entitled to the following:
- Access to the Portuguese National Health System
- Access to Portuguese National Education
- Ability to work independently
- Access to the Non-Habitual Tax Residence (NHR) scheme with significant tax benefits
- Family reunification, allowing spouses, dependents, and parents to reside in Portugal
- Access to the Portuguese National Education Service and schools
- Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
- Access to Portuguese vocational schooling, initial and advanced professional training, and retraining
- Access to and protection under Portuguese law and the legal system
- Eligibility to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years of residency
Tax Benefits for Nepalese Citizens Holding the D8 Visa Portugal
Overview
Typically, even with a Temporary Stay Visa under the D8 category, you may still be subject to a tax rate of approximately 20% or less. However, the exact rate depends on various factors, such as income, the extent of salary tax paid in other countries, and employment status (whether self-employed or not).
Furthermore, as a freelancer holding a Digital Nomad Visa, you have access to the NHR status, which offers the following advantages:
- No taxes are imposed on foreign income
- A 20% tax rate is applied to income earned in Portugal (compared to the country’s standard rate of up to 48%)
- A reduced 10% social contribution rate compared to the standard rate
How to Obtain NHR Tax Status
To qualify for NHR tax status, you must have resided in Portugal for at least 183 days within the last year and either own or rent a property in Portugal. The steps to acquire NHR status are as follows:
- Register as a taxpayer in the Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) system.
- Apply for NHR by March 31 of the year following the year in which you change your residence.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility for the NHR tax, confused about the application process, or seeking more information regarding NHR taxes, consult with one of Total Law’s immigration attorneys at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or chat with us online. We’ll help clarify all you need to know about the NHR tax and assist you in submitting your application.
Portugal D8 Visa Requirements for Nepalese Citizens
Overview
Regardless of the type of Portugal Digital Nomad Visa you are applying for, the required set of documents remains the same. Here’s a standard list:
- Passport Validity: Your passport must remain valid throughout the application process.
- Remote Work: You are required to earn an income remotely as a freelancer, employee, or business owner of a company based outside Portugal.
- Annual Income of €41,760: Fulfil the minimum income requirement, amounting to at least 4 times Portugal’s national minimum wage.
- Health Insurance Coverage: Obtain and maintain health insurance throughout your stay.
- Clean Criminal Record: Submit a certified criminal record without any infractions.
- Proof of accommodation: A tenancy agreement for a minimum of 12 months is required. Ensure your landlord registers this agreement with the tax authorities. Alternatively, if you have purchased a property, you can present the deed.
It is important to note that translation into Portuguese and certification with an apostille for these documents may be necessary, although the decision rests with the embassy or consulate handling your application.
Furthermore, additional documentation might be requested at the Embassy’s discretion.
Required Evidence of Remote Work
You must submit one of the following documents as evidence of your average monthly income from the last three months of work:
Salaried work:
Any of the following can be provided:
- Employment contract
- Anticipated employment contract
- Confirmation of employment by employer statement
Self-employed work:
You may submit one of the following:
- Company contract (partnership agreement)
- Service contract
- A written proposal for a service provision contract
- Document illustrating services provided to one or more entities
Bringing Your Family to Portugal: Guidelines and Procedures
You can bring your family members with you to Portugal as accompanying dependents on your D8 Visa. If your family members are not earning, you’ll need to demonstrate sufficient income to support all of them during your stay.
Firstly, you’ll need to demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,480. Additionally, proof of savings is required, equivalent to a minimum of 12 times your monthly salary, Bringing in dependents will require 50% of the salary for a partner and 30% for each child.
Each of your family members must have private medical insurance for the initial 6–12 months in Portugal. Upon receiving your residence card, you become eligible to enrol in Portugal’s state health care system.
If you need more clarification on calculating proof of income requirements for your dependents, contact one of Total Law’s immigration lawyers at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or reach us online.
D8 Visa Types and Validity for Nepalese Citizens
There are two types of D8 Digital Nomad Visa: the Temporary Stay Visa and the Residence Visa.
Temporary Stay Visa
It allows residency in Portugal for up to 12 months, which can be renewed. You’re able to enter Portugal multiple times using it, but it doesn’t result in obtaining a residence permit.
In other words, the Temporary Stay Visa is ideal for nomads accustomed to short stays in various countries, exploring different parts of the world in search of new experiences. It is suitable for those wishing to try Portugal for a short duration (beyond the 90-day Schengen tourist allowance) without committing to long-term residency.
Residence Visa
This visa provides a two-year temporary residence permit, extendable for an additional 3 years. After residing in Portugal for a cumulative total of 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency and live in Portugal indefinitely.
Initially, the visa is valid for four months after you arrive in Portugal, which requires converting into a residence permit after your arrival. The Residence Visa is for those whose long-term goal is to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Overall, both visa types share the same income and document requirements. The primary difference lies in the long-term residency, which necessitates applying for a residence permit upon arrival in Portugal.
This permit remains valid for two years before requiring renewal. In contrast, the Temporary Stay Visa does not entail this additional step.
It is, however, important to note that as a holder of a residency permit, you are restricted from staying outside Portugal for over 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months within the validity of each permit.
Portugal D8 Visa Application Process for Nepalese Citizens
When applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, you can submit your visa application either to a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country, Nepal, or directly to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Police (SEF) in Portugal, depending on the circumstances. Here are the steps involved in the D8 Visa application process:
Step 1: Gather documents
Starting the application process for the Portugal D8 Visa begins with collecting the necessary documents.
Step 2: Submit the application
To start your application submission, it is necessary to arrange an appointment either at a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of residence, Nepal, or SEF in Portugal.
It is important to indicate whether you’re applying for a 12-month or two-year residence permit when filling out the application form. You are also required to pay a 75€ or 90€ application processing fee, depending on the visa type.
Step 3: Await approval
The processing time for the Digital Nomad Visa typically ranges from two to three months. However, this duration may vary based on the location of the embassy or consulate where you submit your application and their current workload.
Step 4: Obtain a Residency Permit
Once your application is successful and you obtain your Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, the embassy will issue a 120-day valid double-entry visa. The visa will allow you to enter Portugal and begin the second stage.
The second stage involves applying for a residency permit at SEF within four months of your arrival in Portugal. You are mandated to bring your visa and all the documents previously submitted to the consulate.
During this process, your fingerprints will be taken, and you’ll receive your residence permit, which is eligible for renewal for up to five years.
Uncertain about the application process? Total Law is here to assist. We’re just a phone call away, committed to making your application seamless and ensuring a successful submission. Contact us today on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or chat with us online.
How Can Total Law Help?
The Portugal D8 Visa offers Nepalese citizens a great opportunity to live and work remotely in the country. However, navigating the visa application process can be overwhelming, especially due to frequent changes in requirements.
At Total Law, specialising in immigration law and advisory services, we have extensive knowledge of the Portuguese immigration system. Our team offers personalised assistance, expert advice, and support to streamline your Portugal Digital Nomad Visa application.
We’ll help you gather the necessary documents, navigate the complex process, and guide you at every step.
Schedule a consultation today by calling +44 (0)333 305 9375 or chat with us online for assistance.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
While the NIF number is no longer mandatory for the D8 Visa, obtaining it is advisable, especially as it’s necessary to open a Portuguese bank account. The Portuguese Embassy prefers to view proof of savings from a Portuguese bank account rather than from your home country’s bank account.
No, applying for the Portugal D8 Visa must be done at a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of residence, Nepal.
Upon obtaining a residence permit in Portugal, there is a minimum stay requirement. This requires not leaving the country for more than six months consecutively, along with maintaining a physical presence in Portugal for at least 183 days annually.
During the renewal process for your residence permit, the immigration officer will scrutinise your physical presence in the country. Failure to meet the minimum stay requirement might result in the rejection of your renewal application.
