Answer:

If you wish to move to Portugal without already having a job in place, you’ll first have to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself. This means that you’ll need the equivalent of a year’s salary in Portugal, approximately €9,120, in a Portuguese bank account.

This is visa dependent, however, as in 2023, the Portuguese Government introduced a new ‘worker visa’, which grants access to the country for job hunting purposes.

The visa is valid for 120 days and can be extended for another 60 days if needed, but you cannot undertake any work in Portugal whilst there on this type of visa. If you find a job whilst residing in Portugal on a worker visa, you will then be able apply for a residence permit. Be mindful, however, that this visa only grants access into the country. If you aren’t successful in your job hunt before the via expires, you will have to leave.

To apply for the Portugal job seeker visa, you’ll need a filled and signed National Visa application form, a passport valid for at least 3 months (plus a photocopy), recent and clear photos, a criminal record inquiry, a statement of purpose, a criminal record certificate, valid travel insurance, a copy of a return ticket (just in case), and proof of financial resources to sustain yourself during your stay.

Answer supplied by Sonia Rola, a Chamber Member who is a Senior Associate Solicitor and Accredited Family Mediator at Buckles Solicitors LLP.

To contact and find more information about Sonia Rola, please click here 

Answer:

Portugal has actively sought to attract remote workers and digital nomads. To cater to this growing trend, Portugal has introduced a new visa, called the D8, for digital nomads.

The D8 visa serves as both a temporary stay and residence visa. With the temporary stay option, you can live in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. The residence visa option, however, allows you to stay in Portugal for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal or even obtaining permanent residency.

Both offer you the freedom to work as a freelancer or online business owner, as well as travel in and out of Portugal.

The key requirement for obtaining  a digital nomad visa is your salary. You must have earned at least four times Portugal’s minimum wage, which is €2,800 per month, within the three months prior to your application.

Only individuals travelling from, and working for a company outside the EU and EEA are eligible to apply for this visa. These requirements will be officially verified through tax residency documents, proof of employment, and proof of income.

To apply for the digital nomad visa, you can visit a Portuguese Consulate in your home country or go to the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF).

When it comes to taxes, the general rule in the EU is that you become a tax resident after spending more than 183 days in a country. Therefore, if you meet this criterion, you are required to file a tax return and pay taxes in Portugal, including on your worldwide income.

However, if you stay in Portugal for less than 183 days in a year and work remotely for a UK company, you will only be taxed on the income generated in Portugal, which should be zero.

Keep in mind that if you are an employee of a UK company residing in Portugal, you will need to pay local income taxes in Portugal. Fortunately, the double taxation agreement between the countries ensures that you do not pay taxes twice. If necessary, you can also claim back any extra tax paid.

However, there may be complexity if your UK company becomes liable to pay Portuguese Social Security for you, as the rates are higher than in the UK. In order to fulfil this requirement, the UK organisation would need to register in Portugal, which involves opening a subsidiary. The UK company would also need to ensure compliance with Portuguese employment laws.

Answer supplied by Sonia Rola, a Chamber Member who is a Senior Associate Solicitor and Accredited Family Mediator at Buckles Solicitors LLP.

To contact and find more information about Sonia Rola, please click here 

Answer:

Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, has a great deal of help available for foreign entrepreneurs. In the first place, have a look at startuplisboa.com.

Startup Lisboa is an incubator for start-up companies, based in Lisbon’s downtown (Baixa), that currently has one historical building with workspaces to welcome entrepreneurs and start-up companies in the Tech, Commerce and Tourism areas, and also a residence for entrepreneurs (Casa Startup Lisboa). It was born out of the will of local citizens, who voted for it in droves as part of the Lisbon Participative Budget, an initiative of the Municipality of Lisbon. Opened in 2012, it is a private non-profit association, which has three founding entities: Lisbon Municipality, IAPMEI and Montepio.

Startup Lisboa supports the development and growth of the incubated start-ups, helping them attract customers and investors, to scale up, and to become global. Its incubation model includes the provision of workspaces at below market value. Also, Startup Lisboa establishes links to mentors (founders, CEO, experts) to help entrepreneurs develop their business, provides access to partners that offer specialized services for free or at a reduced cost, connects entrepreneurs to business angels, venture capital investors and other top financing sources, promotes knowledge sharing between the entrepreneurs, and networking events, like workshops and mentoring sessions.
They run regular online orientation courses and the next one is from 16-18th June 2021.

Answer supplied by Start Up Lisboa on 28th April 2021