Portugal's Minister of Labor, Ana Mendes Godinho, recently spoke about the essential role of digital nomads and their “fundamental” importance on the country's development. Indeed, it was specified that they could have an impact in particular on the development of several regions such as the Algarve, the main destination which welcomes many digital nomads.
The aim of attracting more digital nomads to Portugal
Attracting digital nomads to live in rural areas of the country has allowed “rediscoveries through new forms of work”, by this statement we mean that teleworking abroad or digital nomadism would have a main role for the universe tourism and therefore for the economy and the country's place in the world. It was specified that Portugal has already positioned itself with “the capacity to attract digital nomads”.
Today, 650,000 immigrants work in Portugal, six times more than in 2015. As for foreign teleworkers, more than 550 visas have been issued for digital nomads.
Why choose Portugal?
- Reasonable prices: the cost of living is reasonable and this is what attracts many digital nomads.
- Simplified procedures: logistics and administration are managed quite easily. In fact, there is no specific status for digital nomads to settle in the territory. You have several options for settling temporarily in the country. You can apply for a short-term visa (90 or 180 days), or a temporary stay visa (maximum 1 year of authorized length of stay). It is also possible to request a residence authorization, valid for two entries and for a period of 4 months. Health services are also of good quality.
- Quality infrastructure: Internet access is available in several places such as cafes, restaurants and coworking spaces. Hotel chains are adapting to the growing demand of digital nomads. Everything is focused on a calm and creative environment to adapt to foreign teleworkers. Terraces, private gardens as well as work spaces are available.
- A welcoming local community: it is very easy to integrate into the Portuguese way of life. Their gastronomy as well as their sympathy and kindness are points that will please you.
- The diversity of the country: great cultural and geographical diversity. The beaches are attractive as are the cultural and historical riches present in each city in Portugal. The Algarve region, and particularly the city of Lagos, is very popular with digital nomads. Coworking spaces have been created. The advantage for a digital nomad is being able to travel throughout the country and choose your accommodation according to tourist periods. The government wants to attract its foreign workers to the Algarve region to combat seasonality and make it live all year round thanks to digital nomads.
- Very present nomadic communities: it is important to create a network and a community on site in order to share your experiences. Coworking spaces and hotels allow you to meet people.