Portugal for nomads

Are there any benefits in Portugal for digital nomads? Find out what it's like to work at a distance from sunny southern Europe.

article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree.

21 06 2023, 2022

Read the full article here

You’d be surprised to know Portugal won Best Country To Work Remotely in 2022. Discover the best places in Portugal for digital nomads, how you can get a residence permit, and the pros and cons of moving here!

There’s a lot to unpack. The growing interest from digital nomads wanting to live in Portugal has led to the introduction of a New Visa just for them. That’s how powerful this movement is in Portugal.

In this article, our focus will be to help you explore your options for working remotely and making big savings while earning online. Let’s dive into the details and be your guide for the best trip of your life! 

How is Portugal for digital nomads?

There is definitely something magical about Portugal. 

Well, not just something; A lot of things. 

From Lisbon’s booming entrepreneurial tech hub and Porto’s innovative coworking spaces to Algarve’s exquisite beaches and Madeira’s stunning landscapes. There are plenty of reasons why ex-pats like you have relocated to Portugal – and haven’t looked back since! 

Portugal is ranked #1 on a CNN-endorsed travel website, proving it the best remote work destination. There is no doubt that Portugal has an incredible quality of life and a community that feels like family. Digital nomads explore the beautiful country while working remotely, and there’s nothing better than living their dream. 

The pandemic has ascertained that working remotely and having flexible hours are viable options without affecting work quality. 

Even recruiters have started to prefer employees who can quickly adapt to changes amidst uncertain global conditions.

Of course, we know you want to know more about Portugal than just working; we’ve got you covered. There’s plenty to do within the country, and we’ll tell you all about it. 

Keep reading to know where digital nomads reside, what they do in different cities, and the pros and cons. Finally, read about how you can start your life-changing journey.

Where do digital nomads live in Portugal? 

The best thing about being a digital nomad is that you have the liberty to choose where to stay! You can also keep experiencing new destinations if one doesn’t work out for you. Every part of Portugal has its charm, and it’s okay if you prefer one place to another.

Some parts of the country will help you immensely in networking, while others will allow you to recharge by the beach. Get to know the top 4 places in Portugal for digital nomads!

Lisbon

A tech hub and an entrepreneur’s favourite – the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. 

With a vibrant culture, a thriving startup scene, and a moderate climate, Lisbon has plenty to offer those who are looking to live and work remotely. 

The city has developed tremendously in the last decade and has become a favourite for digital nomads to reside. 

It’s divided into various neighbourhoods, each with a unique atmospheric energy that you’ll eagerly explore. Living in Lisbon will also allow you to generate more intellectual leads in the many different coworking spaces in the city.

In addition to its affordability, Lisbon is full of rich history and culture with a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained on the weekends. 

Algarve 

Algarve is the perfect place for a relaxed lifestyle in a region with fantastic weather and stunning beaches.

You’ll always find a cafe with a good Wi-Fi connection where you can work while looking over at utopia. Thanks to Algarve’s brilliant bus and train systems, commuting between towns is also pretty easy. 

The region is known for its stunning beaches, rocky cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages. If connecting with nature boosts your productivity, this is undoubtedly the place for you!

The Algarve region is also a great destination for digital nomads thanks to the several coworking spaces and digital nomad communities. Although the cost of living in the Algarve is slightly higher, it’s still affordable compared to other European destinations. 

We have a detailed article on Living in the Algarve, which will help you gain more perspective on the lifestyle.

Porto

Porto – A city that never sleeps because it’s always buzzing with creative digital nomads. It’s a smaller city than Lisbon, but it is still a bustling municipality with plenty of conveniences for digital nomads.

While Porto doesn’t have as many coworking spaces as Lisbon, it has its own charm. Digital nomads prefer Porto since it’s a calmer and more affordable place with most of Lisbon’s perks. 

It allows illustrators, graphic designers, and writers to connect with their creative personas while avoiding the hustling of Lisbon. Porto is a beautiful city with rich culture and historical values that people never get tired of. 

To know more about the fantastic nightlife and leisure, read our article on Living in Porto.

Madeira

If you’ve ever fantasized about living on an island and working remotely according to your schedule – Madeira is your jackpot! 

In 2021, the regional government launched a tester project named “Digital Nomads Madeira Islands” to form a digital nomad village. Following its success, many young professionals from different countries have started developing communities within the region. 

Since its inauguration, the Digital Nomad Village in Madeira has received over 8,000 digital nomads and 15,00 registrations. It’s a safe space for entrepreneurs and freelancers to connect and work with all the necessary amenities. 

Madeira has everything you need for a harmonious quality of life with an excellent social experience. 

Is there a digital nomad visa in Portugal? Read the full article here to find out.