From Egypt
DevOps Engineer
Ahmed's D8 Journey: Egypt to Portugal
Could you tell us about your professional background in Egypt and your work? What kind of remote work do you do?
In Egypt, I began my career as a DevOps Engineer, working with local companies while actively seeking remote opportunities to gain greater flexibility. After extensive searching, I successfully secured a position with a UK-based company, where I am currently employed.
What drew you to Portugal as a destination for digital nomads? How did you first learn about the D8 visa opportunity?
Portugal stood out as the best choice for me among other countries, offering the benefits of being part of Europe, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life. It's a popular destination for digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, with the added advantage of being able to apply for citizenship after five years of residence.
After securing my remote job in late 2023, I began researching the best visas for digital nomads and came across a YouTube video that explained the D7 and D8 Visas for Portugal.
Can you walk us through your D8 visa application experience? What was the timeline from application to approval in September?
I submitted my application on July 18, 2024, at the VFS Global Office in Cairo, Egypt, The process was simple as everything was prepared beforehand thanks to AnchorLess, and here are the steps:
a. In May and June I started to prepare everything by getting a Portuguese NIF, opening a bank account, and renting an apartment through Uniplaces website.
b. Prepared all the documents required.
c. Booked an appointment on the VFS Global Website.
d. Submitted my application and booked an appointment to legalize the Criminal Record Certificate at the Portuguese Embassy
e. Submitted the Criminal Record Certificate on July 24
f. Received my Passport with D8 Visa Stamped on September 12
Were there any specific challenges you faced in proving your remote work status or meeting the visa requirements?
For remote work status, I asked my Employer to provide me with a signed declaration document to prove the labor link and that I can practice my job remotely from any location.
My biggest challenge was to get a 12-month rental lease in Portugal, which was managed by Uniplaces website and they provided me with a certificate to prove my accommodation in Portugal.
Which region of Portugal did you choose to settle in, and what factors influenced this decision? (Tech scene, cost of living, community, etc.)
I chose Lisbon as my destination because it offers everything I need: comprehensive services, plenty of nomad workspaces, an excellent transportation network, and a vibrant lifestyle. and the city's beauty and fantastic weather make it an ideal place to live. Plus, a friend of mine lives there.
How has the transition been from working in Egypt to maintaining your remote work schedule in Portugal? Any adjustments in managing time zones or work culture?
Relocating to Portugal has optimized my work schedule. With the new time zone, I now work from 8:00 to 16:00 instead of 10:00 to 18:00, giving me extra free time in the evenings for leisure or personal projects.
Tell us about your experience with the Portuguese community. Have you connected with other digital nomads or local tech professionals?
Although I haven't had the chance to meet other tech professionals in Lisbon yet because of my recent move, I did get to connect with my colleagues in Rome, which was a meaningful experience.
What's your typical day like in Portugal?
My typical day starts early in the morning at 7:00 with a cup of coffee and breakfast, then start working at 8:00 with a fresh mind. At lunch I usually prefer to cook healthy meals at home, then after work, I go out to the Gym, shopping or visiting a new place. Sometimes I spend the night working on some freelance projects.
What aspects of Portuguese culture have you found most interesting or different from Egyptian culture?
Portuguese culture stands out for its relaxed pace. People here enjoy outdoor activities like spending time at the beach or hiking. Dining is also a more social and leisurely experience, with an appreciation for fresh, local food. Overall, there’s a genuine sense of community and an appreciation for simple pleasures that make the culture unique and enjoyable.
One notable difference is that Portugal generally has less traffic and crowding compared to Egypt. The streets are calmer, making commuting and daily activities more relaxed and enjoyable. This adds to the overall sense of ease and slower pace of life that Portugal offers.
What advice would you give to other tech professionals from the Middle East who are considering the D8 visa route to Portugal?
For Middle Eastern tech professionals, the D8 visa to Portugal is a great opportunity, offering a high quality of life, a supportive expat community, and a growing tech scene. Portugal provides an affordable living compared to other Western countries. Freedom to travel to other Schengen countries and the possibility to apply for citizenship after 5 years.
How has this move impacted your career growth and professional opportunities?
Moving to Portugal gave me more recognition in Europe, especially on Linkedin, and has opened many opportunities to meet with tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and rising startups.
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