365 Days of Living and Working in Portugal on a D7 Visa
Hey, fellow wanderers! Grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let me take you on a whirlwind tour of my year living the dream in Portugal on a D7 visa.
Spoiler alert: It’s been nothing short of transformative!
Related: “Ultimate Travel Guide to Vietnam”
Day 1: Touchdown in Lisbon – The Adventure Begins!
As I stepped off the plane, the warm Lisbon air hit me like a welcoming hug. Armed with my D7 visa (more on that later!) and a heart full of excitement, I was ready to start my new life as a digital nomad in Portugal.
Pro Tip: The Portuguese D7 visa isn’t just for retirees! If you’ve got a steady passive income (think rental properties, investments, or even a stable remote job), you might just qualify. Time to dust off that side hustle, folks!
Week 1-4: Finding the Perfect Home Base
First things first: finding a place to call home. After a week of Airbnb-hopping (and one particularly memorable night in a converted windmill), I found my dream apartment in the charming Graça neighborhood.
D7 Visa Hack: Your visa application requires proof of accommodation. I used a short-term rental contract for the application, then found my long-term dream pad after arriving. Flexibility for the win!
Navigating Bureaucracy with a Smile
Oh, bureaucracy. The necessary evil of expat life. But here’s the thing: with the right attitude (and a lot of patience), it can actually be… fun? Okay, maybe that’s stretching it. But it’s definitely manageable.
D7 Drama: Remember, folks, your D7 visa is just the beginning. Once you’re in Portugal, you need to apply for your residence permit within 4 months. Mark those calendars!
Building a Remote Work Routine
As a digital nomad, finding your groove is crucial. For me, that meant alternating between my sunny balcony and the cozy coffee shop down the street. The stable internet that comes with most Portuguese rentals? A godsend for those client calls.
Money Matters: The D7 visa requires you to have a passive income of at least €9,840 per year (or €820 per month) for a single applicant. That’s the minimum wage in Portugal, but trust me, you’ll want a bit more to truly enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer.
Month 2-3: Immersion and Exploration
Weekend Wanderings
One of the best things about the D7 visa? The freedom to explore. From the wind-swept beaches of the Algarve to the rolling hills of the Douro Valley, every weekend became a new adventure.
Language Learning Victories (and Blunders)
“Obrigada” was easy. “Eu gostaria de um pastel de nata, por favor” took a bit more practice. But oh, the doors that open when you make an effort to speak the local language!
Coworking and Community
Lisbon’s coworking scene is off the charts. Whether you’re into sleek, modern spaces or quirky converted warehouses, there’s something for everyone. And the community? Instant family.
Month 4-6: The Digital Nomad Life in Full Swing
Balancing Work and Play
The beauty of the D7 visa is that it allows you to work remotely while enjoying all Portugal has to offer. I found my rhythm: mornings for deep work, afternoons for exploring, and evenings for soaking in the vibrant Portuguese culture.
Tax Talk: Look into the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. It could save you a bundle, especially if you’re earning from foreign sources.
Unexpected Challenges and How to Overcome Them
From navigating the healthcare system (which, by the way, is excellent and accessible to D7 visa holders) to figuring out how to pay bills at the Multibanco, every challenge was a chance to grow.
Making Friends and Building a Network
Expat groups, language exchanges, meetups – the opportunities to connect are endless. And the Portuguese? Some of the warmest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet.
Month 7-9: Seasonal Shifts and New Discoveries
Autumn in Portugal: A Digital Nomad’s Perspective
Crisp air, fewer tourists, and the streets lined with golden leaves. Fall in Portugal is pure magic. Plus, it’s the perfect weather for cozying up in a café with your laptop.
Exploring Beyond the Big Cities
Rented a car and took a road trip through the Alentejo region. Whitewashed villages, cork forests, and some of the best wine you’ll ever taste. The D7 visa gives you the freedom to really dig deep into Portuguese life.
Holiday Season Away from Home
Christmas markets in Porto, New Year’s Eve on the beach in the Algarve. Who says you can’t create new traditions?
Month 10-12: Reflecting and Looking Ahead
Personal and Professional Growth
A year in, and I barely recognize the person who stepped off that plane 12 months ago. My business has grown, my Portuguese is (somewhat) passable, and my heart? Full to bursting.
The Future: Extending the Stay or Moving On?
The beauty of the D7 visa is its flexibility. After a year, I’m eligible to renew for another two years. And after five years? The option for permanent residency or even citizenship. The world truly is my oyster.
Tips for Aspiring D7 Visa Digital Nomads
- Start the application process early. It typically takes 4-6 months from start to finish.
- Make sure your passive income is stable and well-documented. The Portuguese authorities will want to see it!
- Learn some Portuguese. It’s not required for the visa, but it will make your life so much richer.
- Embrace the slower pace of life. “Devagar” (slowly) isn’t just a word here, it’s a way of life.
- Stay open to new experiences. You never know where they might lead you.
- lead you.
So, there you have it, folks! My year as a digital nomad in Portugal on a D7 visa. It’s been a wild ride, full of growth, challenges, and more pastéis de nata than I care to admit. Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat.
Thinking of making the leap yourself? Remember, the D7 visa isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s a ticket to a new life, a new you. So what are you waiting for? Portugal’s calling!
Até logo!
