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20 Nov 2023
Do you love explorative lifestyles and work in IT, creative industries, online education, or digital marketing?
This article is for you.
In the evolving landscape of work culture, the term ‘digital nomad’ has emerged as a significant phenomenon. Digital nomads are professionals who leverage technology to work remotely and lead a location-independent lifestyle. This concept, gaining momentum since the early 2000s, aligns with the growing emphasis on work-life balance and technological advancements enabling remote work.
Typically, digital nomads hail from countries with strong digital infrastructures, such as the United States, Canada, and various European nations. They often choose destinations that offer a blend of cultural richness, affordable living, and robust internet connectivity. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and recently Portugal have become hotspots for this demographic.
Portugal, with its mild climate, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture, has become a sought-after destination for digital nomads. What attracts them the most are factors like affordable living costs, a friendly expat community, and a well-established digital infrastructure. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a perfect mix of historical charm and modern amenities, making them ideal for a nomadic lifestyle.
Portugal has emerged as a highly attractive destination for digital nomads for several reasons:
In summary, Portugal combines the practical aspects necessary for remote work (like good internet connectivity and affordable living costs) with the enriching experiences of its culture, safety, and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for digital nomads.
When it comes to real estate, digital nomads prioritize flexibility, affordability, and connectivity. Properties that offer short-term leases, furnished accommodations, and high-speed internet are highly preferred and Portugal’s real estate market has adapted to these needs, offering a variety of options from urban apartments to serene countryside homes.
Digital nomads often work in sectors like IT, creative industries, online education, and digital marketing. They tend to be professionals who can perform their job roles entirely online, such as web developers, graphic designers, and content creators. This flexibility allows them to seamlessly blend work with their explorative lifestyles.
The typical digital nomad is often portrayed as a young professional in their late 20s to mid-30s, although the demographic is diversifying. Both men and women are equally represented, with a common denominator being their pursuit of a non-traditional work setting and a culturally enriching life experience.
The demographic profile of digital nomads in 2023 illustrates a group that is predominantly from the United States, with a significant representation of Millennials in their 30s. There is a diverse gender distribution, with a slightly higher proportion of males.
Digital nomads generally possess a high level of education and work predominantly in professions that allow remote work.
Their economic impact is notable, with considerable incomes and contributions to the economies of their host countries through various forms of spending and taxation.
The majority of digital nomads, about 52%, are from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom (8%), Russia (5%), Canada (4%), Germany (3%), and France (3%).
Approximately 47% of digital nomads are in their 30s, with Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) making up 47% of the population. Gen Z (aged 18-26) constitutes about 17%, Gen X (aged 43-58) around 23%, and Baby Boomers (aged 59-77) approximately 13%. The average age of a digital nomad is 32 years, with many beginning their nomadic lifestyle around the age of 29.
About 58% of digital nomads are men, 41% are women, and 1% identify as transgender.
Digital nomads work in a variety of fields, predominantly in IT, creative industries, online education, and digital marketing. A significant portion, about 90%, have completed higher education.
The majority of digital nomads earn an average of $123,500 a year. However, the median income ranges between $50,000 and $99,999, indicating a broad spectrum of earning levels. Approximately 70% of digital nomads work for 40 hours a week, while 33% report working more than 40 hours weekly.
The influx of digital nomads has a multifaceted economic impact. Locally, they contribute to the economy through spending on housing, dining, and entertainment. Nationally, Portugal benefits from the international exposure and the potential attraction of long-term foreign investment and talent. This phenomenon has prompted Portugal to consider policies and infrastructure that further support remote workers.
For those who wish to work remotely from Portugal, it is possible to obtain a temporary stay visa and residence permit to work for an employer based outside of Portugal.
The digital nomad visa is granted for a maximum period of one year and is valid for multiple entries into the national territory.
It is only mandatory to obtain a digital nomad visa if the period of stay is longer than a tourist visa, which in most cases allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days. It is also possible for the family members of the nomadic worker to also request a temporary stay or residence visa, which will allow the family to join together on national territory.
There is currently support for remote workers who choose to settle within the country. The measure covers digital nomads. Anyone who is in Portugal on a temporary stay visa or residence visa and decides to move to the interior of the country will benefit from “Emprego Interior Mais” support, as long as they work remotely, regardless of whether the employer is Portuguese or foreign.
The Portuguese authorities request the following documents to issue a residence visa to carry out professional activities provided remotely outside the national territory / Digital Nomad:
In subordinate work situations, one of the following documents:
The trend of digital nomadism, particularly in Portugal, underscores a shift towards a more flexible, technology-driven work culture. Portugal’s rise as a preferred destination for digital nomads is not only reshaping its urban landscapes but also its economic and cultural fabric. As the world continues to embrace remote work, Portugal stands out as a prime example of how countries can adapt to and benefit from this global movement.
Sources:
https://www.demandsage.com/digital-nomads-statistics/
https://www.projectuntethered.com/digital-nomad-statistics/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1298857/digital-nomads-by-gender-worldwide/
https://info.mbopartners.com/rs/mbo/images/2023_Digital_Nomads_Report.pdf
https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/flexjobs-digital-nomad-survey-insights-remote-lifestyle/
https://remote.co/remote-companies-have-more-women-leaders-these-are-hiring/
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