Are you a digital nomad looking to explore new European countries while you work?
While one is on the Adriatic coast and the other is near the Atlantic Ocean — Montenegro and Portugal both offer visa programs that are perfect for digital nomads.
If you're interested in learning more about these programs, keep reading to discover the visa requirements of both countries.
Montenegro: Nomad Visa Information
Temporary Residence Permit for Digital Nomads Under Foreigners’ Act
- The fee for issuing a permit for temporary residence and work is EUR 67
- The monthly income should amount to at least 3 minimum wages in Montenegro, which is about EUR1,350
- As per the Personal Income Tax, a foreigner with temporary residence earning as a freelancer serving abroad and earning in Montenegro above three times of average gross salary in country is exempt to pay personal income tax in Montenegro
- The applicants are required to have a clean criminal record. Submission of police clearance or non-conviction proof from native country is a requirement for the applicant
- The permit is valid for 2 years, renewable for another 2 years
- He must reside in Montenegro in accordance with the basis for which he was granted temporary residence (digital nomad). A digital nomad cannot work on another basis (e.g. local employment)
- Passport or travel document with validity 3 months more than the visa’s validity
- Proof of purpose of stay, proof of payment of consular fee
- Income earned in the previous year by the applicant is required to be equivalent to at least three minimum wages monthly (EUR1,350)
- Valid medical insurance
- Applicant is required to have a proof of accommodation, which can be any of the following:
- Proof of ownership of a real estate in Montenegro for residing
- Notarized lease agreement
- Confirmation from registered accommodation provider
- Other corresponding documents
Curtis Duggan
Portugal: Nomad Visa Information
Residency Nomad Visa and Temporary Nomad Visa
- Processing Fees: • Temporary Nomad Visa: EUR 75 • Residency Nomad Visa: EUR 90
- The applicant is required to have a monthly income equivalent to at least four times the Portuguese minimum wages monthly, which is around EUR 2,820 or US$2,750 per month
- If the applicant stays in the country for more than 183 days in a year, then he might be considered as a tax resident of the country
- Required criminal record from the country of residence and every country the applicant has resided in for over a year. Minors under 16 years are exempt from providing any document related to a criminal record
- Residency Nomad Visa: issued for an initial period of 120 days and is converted to a residence permit after entry. Temporary Nomad Visa: issued for 91 to 356 days (cannot be extended or converted to a residence permit)
- The applicant must continue to remain employed abroad
- Application form, proof of average required monthly income for the past three months, proof of employment or self-employment, passport valid for 3 months beyond the intended duration of stay, proof of immigration status if not a citizen of the country of residence, return ticket/ transport document, two passport-sized photos, a form which would authorize the access for Portuguese criminal record maintained by SEF
Conclusion
Both Montenegro and Portugal offer attractive digital nomad visa programs. While Montenegro requires a lower income and a shorter stay, Portugal offers a longer stay and more flexibility. The decision ultimately depends on the digital nomad's personal preferences and work requirements.
Regardless of the country you choose, always ensure that you comply with the visa requirements and have all the necessary documents before applying. Happy travels!