Lisbon for Digital Nomads: a city with open doors to the future

The best city in the world for remote working

According to the Savills Executive Nomad Index report, published in 2022, Lisbon is the best city in the world for an executive nomad. This ranking includes 15 attractive destinations to work remotely in the long term. Behind Lisbon, we can find places such as Miami, Dubai, Barcelona, Barbados, Tuscany, Bahamas, and the Algarve (which ranked fourth).

This list was based on criteria that are considered essential for any digital nomad. That includes weather conditions throughout the year, the standard of living and the dynamics of the real estate market. Other factors were also taken into account, such as:

• Internet speed;
• The quality of life;
• The weather;
• The standard of airlines;
• The pressure of ‘prime’ rents.

After analysing Lisbon’s characteristics as a destination for digital nomads, the conclusion was that the city offers the perfect conditions for remote work. This opinion was shared among other entities specialised in the field: Lisbon also led the ranking of the 80 best cities in 2022 for digital nomads, and was featured in the top locations voted on by the global Nomad List community.

What makes this city so attractive?

Often portrayed as a “Silicon Valley on the Tagus River”, Lisbon features a number of meaningful attractions for the new generation of digital nomads. It’s no wonder that, in recent years, several big players, including Google and Web Summit, were won over by this European capital.

From among the multiple factors that contributed to the success of Lisbon for digital nomads, we can highlight:

• It is one of the cities in Europe with the highest number of hours of sun exposure per year (about 2,800). In addition, the average annual temperature is around 17 °C — which allows you to make the most of the many beaches in the district;
• It has good technological infrastructures. It is very easy to get wi-fi (almost all cafes have it, for example). Likewise, it’s easy to get 4G mobile network coverage — or, more recently, 5G;
• This European capital is also known for being calm and human-friendly. In fact, the Global Peace Index 2022 rated Portugal as the sixth safest country in the world;
• There are strong community bonds between digital nomads living in Lisbon. Therefore, coworking spaces (which are increasingly common and accessible) are pleasantly shared;
• The city fosters a vibrant cultural life. In addition to cultural shows, there are several events in Lisbon for digital nomads: these are ideal contexts to make friends and enjoy some leisure time after work;
• This European metropolis is full of historic monuments, irresistible delicacies, and corners of unparalleled beauty. To discover some of its most iconic spots, check out this two-day touristic guide or set out to discover the best places in Lisbon to take pictures, for example.

Visa for digital nomads

During a conference at Web Summit 2021, the Minister of Labour, Ana Mendes Godinho, highlighted that promoting remote work creates important opportunities for the country. “We consider Portugal one of the best places in the world for these digital nomads and remote workers to choose to live,” she pointed out.

Taking into account the attractiveness of Lisbon for digital nomads, which also exists in other regions, the Portuguese government recently decided to create a temporary stay visa and residence permit for remote workers. This document was created for citizens from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area.

To gain access, self-employed workers must provide proof of tax residency and confirm that their average monthly income, in the last three months, was greater than four Portuguese minimum wages (approximately 2,820 euros, gross).

These conditions also apply to those who work remotely on behalf of others. However, in these cases, they can present their employment contract, the promise of a contract or a statement from the employer that proves the employment relationship.

Houses in Lisbon for digital nomads

With such an extensive offer of apartments in the most central and charming areas of the city, Lisbon Serviced Apartments grants great conditions for individual digital nomads or families, for both short or long stays.

Stationed in prime locations and offering different types of apartments (from studios to two-bedroom apartments), the accommodations are modern and fully equipped, providing comfort, as well as privacy and all necessary amenities for the management of everyday life by remote workers.

All apartments are equipped (with air conditioning, TV and kitchen appliances) and include several services, such as:

• Access to free wi-fi;
• Virtual reception available 24/7;
• Daily cleaning service.

If you are looking for the ideal apartment in Lisbon for digital nomads, we have the perfect home for you, tailored to your particular needs.