Digital Nomads
Why do globally-renowned travel websites say Portugal is a digital-nomad paradise? Read our article to discover everything remote workers love!
Article by Viv Europe - Official legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree
22 02 2023
We’ve known it for quite a while, but remote workers all over the world now realise that Portugal is a digital-nomad paradise for sure. The country has proved to be a strong-forced magnet for individuals tired of working their fingers to the bone. The statistics speak for themselves, and we’re here to tell you why people love it here!
Out of the innumerable options that remote workers have, especially since the global pandemic, thousands of individuals have found Portugal to be the best destination. We’ve identified the top things digital nomads look for when deciding to relocate and found that Portugal has many characteristics in common with that list.
Keep reading the article to understand why this country is chosen as the #1 destination for digital nomads by a CNN-endorsed travel website. Get inspired to start a new life in one of the coolest destinations in Europe!
Why is digital nomadism on the rise?
Digital nomadism is the lifestyle that makes it possible for people to live their dream life while working for a living. Using the countless advantages of digital telecommunications and the ability to start over, remote workers are powering their way through independence and growth.
The concept of digital nomadism has always been a part of many cultures; it allows people to earn a living through the internet. In 2020, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the world realised it was possible to shift from physical workplaces to virtual ones. If anything good was derived from the pandemic, it’s the fact that people stopped putting their dreams away in a box for the “perfect time“.
With the rise in remote working and global inflation simultaneously, people sought alternatives to the country they were residing in. Amidst this search, many came across the beauty of Portugal, Europe’s best-kept secret.
What do digital nomads think of Portugal?
If you’ve ever come across social media threads talking about the best countries for digital nomadism, you’d know that Portugal is an extremely digital-nomad-friendly country. But what makes people say Portugal is a digital-nomad paradise?
Even though their title suggests that they often move from one place to another, most digital nomads have ended up staying in Portugal for more than just a few years! While others have set up their life here and chosen their new forever home.
A combination of reasons has made this possible; better quality of life, lower taxes and cost of living compared to other European countries, easy mobility, great people, and fantastic food. There are expected to be nearly 35 million digital nomads worldwide, and this number is proliferating. Lisbon, Madeira, and the Algarve are some popular reasons why this number keeps increasing.
Let’s talk more in detail about what makes Portugal such a digital-nomad-friendly country.
How Portugal is a digital-nomad paradise
You might think we are being a little biased, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know we’re just stating facts. Of course, everything isn’t perfect, but it’s very, very close.
Check out 10 ways Portugal is turning into a digital-nomad paradise and why people from all over the world have relocated here to work while experiencing pure bliss.
Rent is low
A huge chunk of every digital nomad’s income can go towards accommodation. But, things are different here, which is why people say Portugal is a digital-nomad paradise.
The country is well-known for its low cost of living, including rent. Even the most expensive cities of Portugal can be very affordable, especially for people working remotely for a US or UK-based company.
Additionally, some digital nomads don’t like to live in one accommodation for an extended period, so they opt for Airbnbs wherever they stay. The views are immaculate despite the region or city; there’s privacy, good internet, and of course, it doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
What does an average person spend while living in the country’s capital? Discover the Cost of Living in Lisbon and find out how much you’ll need to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Digital-nomad Visa
Portugal has quickly gone from being a holiday destination to one loved by retirees and adults who want to start over. The country has many incentives for foreigners relocating to the country but also offers visas that ease entry for Non-EU citizens as well.
Not every country allows remote workers to live there, and very few have a structured document allowing individuals to work remotely with the option of becoming a permanent resident later on. Portugal has two visas that enable digital nomads to work in the country on their terms while relaxing near the beautiful beaches.
The D2 Visa (Business Visa) is for entrepreneurial digital nomads who are looking to set up their operations within Portugal. The other option is the D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa) for people with a stable stream of passive income looking to freelance.
Amazing co-working spaces
In recent years, Lisbon’s infrastructural developments have progressed massively. With this change, you’ll find many remote workers in coworking spaces. The capital city is famous for being a central start-up hub, with an ideal location and excellent infrastructure. However, other cities also have equally impressive co-working spaces.
They’re well-equipped, have comfortable chairs, air-conditioning, plenty of meeting rooms, reliable and fast internet, and snack stations. Some coworking spaces also have 24/7 access, making it incredibly easy to work according to your preferred schedule. No wonder people are starting to trust that Portugal is a digital-nomad paradise.
Here’s a list of some of the best co-working spaces across Portugal:
Avila Spaces – Lisbon
WorkHub – Lisbon
Second Home – Lisbon
WOW Coworking – Porto
Synergy Porto – Porto
CRU Creative Hub – Porto
Typographia Co-work – Porto
Ocupa Co-work Aveiro – Aveiro
Co-work Cascais – Cascais
Co-work Funchal – Funchal
Nomad Village – Madeira
To know more about Digital Nomad villages in Portugal, read the full article here and discover how helpful they are for remote workers!
