Digital nomads: Working remotely from Portugal
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and following lock-downs, working from home has increasingly become the new normal. From one moment to the next, millions were forced to dramatically change their lives by working from home full time.
However, what was initially an urgent necessity quickly shifted into a lifestyle and an opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life... But why stay in your own country? Why not go on a new adventure and enjoy what the world has to offer?
Many who have asked these questions have moved to Portugal, a top destination in Europe for those who enjoy the advantages of working from home.
A new age of "digital nomads"
In the last year, teleworking has become an option for many professionals who never considered this lifestyle before. Both employers and employees have learned from this experience and today the world shares a more positive view on working from home.
One of the reasons behind the rising popularity of working from home is that you’re not tied to one place. With more flexibility to choose where you can live and less commuting, the improvement in work-life balance became obvious.
Working from home while travelling or living abroad is now seen as an option to explore the world and follow our dreams! And the best part: we only need a laptop and a decent Internet connection to make this dream a reality.
Although some digital nomads continuously travel while working in hotel rooms, Airbnb apartments, or at Internet cafés and co-working spaces, others prefer to be a little less "nomadic" and stay longer in each place. In some situations, this option has additional benefits, such as tax incentives, a lower cost of living as well as investment opportunities where it is possible to generate a good return on your money.
Why is Portugal so popular for digital nomads?
Among the most sought-after countries by digital nomads is Portugal, and this huge interest was there long before the changes brought about by Covid-19.
Portugal has been hugely popular for many years due to several factors:
Affordable cost of life: Portugal is inexpensive compared to other Western European countries with similar quality of life. From restaurants to healthcare and housing costs...
How much does it cost to live in Portugal?
There are many reasons why Portugal is considered one of the best countries in the world to live in. The extremely affordable cost of living is just one of them…
Central location: Living in Portugal makes it possible to travel between European countries quickly and cheaply, and several international flights every day also make travelling to the world's major capitals easy.
Delicious traditional food: Made with old-fashioned flavours and the freshest produce, cuisine is also one of the country's strongest points! The food scene in Portugal is amazing, both for five-star dining or a simple "prato do dia" at a local "tasca".
Fantastic climate: With more than 300 days of sunshine per year and mild temperatures in practically all seasons, Portugal is perfect for anyone who loves to be outdoors.
Beautiful natural landscape: Whether you prefer the green of the inland mountains or the intense blue of the coastline, Portugal has plenty of fresh air and breathtaking scenery for all tastes and lifestyles.
History, culture and traditions: From North to South you will also find an endless amount of things to see and do! There is an enormous variety of museums, monuments, events and leisure activities to discover all year long.
Welcoming atmosphere: Considered one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world, Portugal embraces everyone with open arms. And even if you don't know the language, most of the population speaks English and is very accepting of different cultures and nationalities.
Tax incentives for foreign residents: Special tax schemes such as the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident status) allow residents of specific professional areas to qualify for very attractive tax benefits.
Finding a home in Portugal for teleworking
One of the biggest advantages of living in Portugal to work remotely is that there are options for every budget!
Lisbon and Porto are probably the first places that pop into your mind when you first think of living in Portugal. Although both are great options for living and working remotely, they are also the most expensive cities to live in Portugal due to their huge popularity. Fortunately, there are many other options and, in some cases, probably better suited to your needs and lifestyle.
One region you should consider is the west coast of Portugal, known as the Silver Coast. Centrally located between Lisbon and Porto, this region is less touristy, although it has a lot to offer. In addition to beautiful beaches, quaint fishing towns, a beautiful natural landscape and a vibrant cultural scene, the Silver Coast is also extremely affordable. If you're looking for a laid-back lifestyle in Portugal, with excellent infra-structures and quality of life, this is the ideal place to find it!
If for you the most important thing is warm weather all year round and kilometres of sandy beaches to relax after a day's work, then the Algarve could also be an excellent option. To avoid busier towns such as Albufeira, places such as Tavira, also known as the ‘Venice of the Algarve’, are a wonderful place to buy a home in Portugal.
Must-haves in your Portuguese home-office
When choosing a home in Portugal to work remotely, some characteristics that your home should include are:
Excellent Internet access - This is probably the most important thing when working from home. Luckily, it isn’t a problem in Portugal except for very remote rural areas. Before buying an apartment or villa in Portugal, make sure that the Internet connection where the property is located meets your needs.
Natural light - Since natural light has a major impact on your mental and physical health, choosing a home with large windows is also a wise decision. Natural light increases your energy and will give you more positive feelings. This is very important when you’re working from home. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Portugal is an ideal place to enjoy working with your laptop outside in the garden or on your terrace.
Proximity to nature - A close connection with nature will also have a huge impact on your mental health and physical well-being. Imagine jogging on the beach, or enjoying a private pool and garden whenever you want to? Being in contact with nature will reduce your stress levels, so choose a home where you can open your window or step outside whenever you need a break from work.
An ideal space to work - When buying a home in Portugal for teleworking, it is also wise to decide beforehand what living space you need to make your home-office work for you. Ask yourself whether you need a separate room to work in, or whether you’re keen to have more flexibility and be able to move around the house.
Regardless of your job, age, family or the time you intend to spend in Portugal, one thing we can promise you: here, you will find all the conditions to benefit from a better quality of life.
Want to know more about living in Portugal?
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