Digital Nomads - A how to.

29 May 2024 min de leitura

Gone are the days of monotonous ways, chained to a desk in the same old town. Since time began, humans have been drawn to a nomadic way of living. From hunter gatherers to explorers and more recently as a digital nomad; but contrary to popular belief, digital nomadism is no new concept. Although it’s taken on many forms over the past twenty plus years, thanks to the pandemic and modern technology, recently there has been a notable rise in those wanting to ditch their 9 to 5’s and buy a one way ticket to a better work life balance.

The pandemic forced a lot of change, but arguably the cultural shift in the way we work and what we value in life has been significant. Somehow, having to stay at home brought an unexpected sense of freedom as workplaces and organisations were forced to reevaluate what really needs to be done in the office or from one location. With this change and more people seeking to break free from the ‘traditional path’, digital nomadism has propelled itself into today´s society, with no plans to slow down. Interestingly, it´s estimated that a whopping one billion people will be classed as digital nomads by 2035.

So what exactly is a Digital Nomad? Chances are, you’ve already seen a stereotypical nomad on Instagram laid next to their laptop, sipping cocktails on the beach without a care in the world. While this may be a reality for some, the modern-day digital nomad is just an umbrella term for a much wider variety of people. Surprisingly, the term was actually coined a few decades back in the 1990s and the proper definition is ‘a person who travels freely while working remotely using technology and the internet’. Some choose to do it alone, some with families, some people travel in a van and some people just do a few weeks at a time, and there is no age limit. The possibilities and opportunities are endless. So, before you pack up your life and hand in your notice, there are a number of factors to consider…

Life on the road, discovering the most beautiful corners of the world, all whilst making a living sounds pretty perfect. But what else draws so many to this way of life? One of the biggest benefits of being a digital nomad is financial. Remote workers can escape expensive big cities and live in much more affordable climates to suit their wage. Another obvious benefit is the freedom to work from literally anywhere in the world. Digital nomads can skip seasons, discover new places and embrace new cultures for short stays or extended periods. Also, remote workers can say goodbye to that dreaded daily commute.

In a study by MBO partners, results show that digital nomads are among the happiest and satisfied workers. A staggering 80% of digital nomads reported being highly satisfied with their work/ life balance whilst only 59% of workers who are non-digital nomads report being highly satisfied with their work. Another interesting statistic was the percentage of digital nomads who reported travelling with their children. 24% reported travelling with their kids and 14% even reported travelling with their pets!

However, it´s not all cocktails and sunsets and with great freedom comes a certain amount of risk. Moving from country to country is a bit of a logistical nightmare. At each new destination, workers have to find accommodation, set up sim cards, find their way around, and even sometimes have to pick up new lingo which can become extremely challenging. For some, the lack of stability can become unsettling. Often, nomads are thousands of miles away from their friends and families and feelings of loneliness are common. Moreover, whilst some embrace new cultures, others find it tough to be without their home comforts. Thus, it’s hugely important to do your own research before you decide on your destination.

Last year, Portugal became the most popular country for digital nomads according to the ‘Nomad Report 2023 Survey’ with over 16,000 digital nomads flocking to the Algarvian paradise. The cost of living is one of the most attractive attributes for modern day nomads, especially for those wanting an authentic Western European experience without the higher rent and travel costs. Portugal is best known for its award-winning beaches and surf, fresh seafood, friendly locals and laid back way of life. It’s also consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.

The Algarve in particular, attracts people to the area with its impressive 300 days of sunshine per year. Lagos now has some of the most prolific digital nomad communities that are growing day by day. With an abundance of trendy coworking spaces and meetups which are arranged regularly, there are lots of opportunities to meet other like-minded individuals. Although Portuguese is the first language, English is widely spoken due to the high amount of tourism in the area, making it a great place to settle into. That being said, a top tip if you are considering relocating to Portugal (even for a short stint) - it´s best to get at least a few phrases under your belt as the locals will really appreciate it!

Not only has Portugal got so much to offer, gaining residency for these nomads and remote workers got a lot easier back in October 2022 when the government announced its new digital nomad visa, (AKA the D8 visa). The national type D visa allows remote workers and freelancers to stay and enjoy the country and all its benefits for longer than a holiday. It also allows non-EU members to gain residency through this visa if they choose to do so.

So, how can you make your Portuguese working dream a reality and qualify for a Digital Nomad D8 visa?

You should be over eighteen years of age
Hold citizenship in non-EU or non-EEA countries
Have fully remote work on a permanent contract or freelance
Have proof of total income from all sources that would be at least €3,040 per month
Prove your accommodation arranged in Portugal, at least a 1 year extended agreement for rented properties
Hold a clean criminal record

After securing the D8 visa, you will succumb to its many benefits. For example, It is possible to get a Portuguese citizenship application after five years which will then give the right to live, work, travel and study anywhere in the EU. There is also free access to quality health care and schooling and several tax benefits.

To cater for all types of nomads, Portugal offers two length digital nomad visas with different requirements, the Temporary Stay Visa and the Long-Term Visa.

The Temporary Stay Visa is perfect for those wanting to explore the Portuguese way of living without the commitment. It allows workers to stay in Portugal for a period of twelve months and it can be renewed four times. To qualify for this visa, applicants must show proof of their monthly wage being equal or exceeding 3,280 euros per month. They must also find a minimum lease agreement for accommodation and prove this also. A clean criminal record is also required as well as a Portuguese bank account (in some consulates). It is worth noting that this temporary stay visa does not allow for family reunification.

However, if you feel Portugal may be your long lost home, there is a Long-Term Visa available to make your dream a reality. Initially valid for four months, you can apply for a two-year residency permit upon entering Portugal and then the residency permit is renewable for another three years. Slightly lower than the Temporary Stay Visa, you must earn more than €3,040 per month. You’ll need a valid passport, evidence of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal background, among other things. The application fee ranges between €75 and €90. Unlike the Temporary stay visa, you are welcome to bring family members.