Remote Work

Remote Work in Portugal

Portugal has embraced the digital nomad economy with dedicated visa options, excellent infrastructure, and a welcoming community of remote workers.

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

The official path for remote workers:

• Income requirement: €3,480/month (4x minimum wage)
• Must work for companies outside Portugal
• Can also work for Portuguese clients
• 1-year temporary or 2-year residence options

Internet & Connectivity

Quality:

• Fiber widely available in cities (100-1000 Mbps)
• 4G/5G coverage excellent in urban areas
• Rural areas may have limited options
• Average cost: €30-50/month for fiber

Providers:

• NOS
• MEO
• Vodafone

Portugal consistently ranks among Europe's best for internet quality.

Coworking Spaces

Lisbon:

• Second Home (beautiful spaces)
• Heden (multiple locations)
• Cowork Lisboa
• Factory Lisbon
• Resvés
• Prices: €150-350/month for dedicated desk

Porto:

• Porto i/o
• CRU Cowork
• Synergy
• Prices: €100-250/month

Other cities:

• Coworking growing in Braga, Coimbra, Algarve
• Generally cheaper than Lisbon/Porto

Coliving Options

Popular with digital nomads:

• Outsite (Lisbon, Ericeira)
• Selina (multiple locations)
• Sun and Co (various)
• Nine Coliving (Lisbon)

Typically €800-1,500/month including workspace, utilities, community.

Best Cities for Remote Workers

Lisbon:

• Pros: Best infrastructure, largest community, vibrant culture
• Cons: Most expensive, crowded, noisy in tourist areas

Porto:

• Pros: Cheaper than Lisbon, beautiful, good food scene
• Cons: Smaller community, rainier weather

Ericeira:

• Pros: Surf culture, laid-back, strong nomad community
• Cons: Limited nightlife, need car for some things

Madeira:

• Pros: Year-round warm weather, "digital nomad village" in Ponta do Sol
• Cons: Island logistics, limited direct flights

Algarve:

• Pros: Best weather, beach lifestyle, affordable inland
• Cons: Tourist-focused, quieter in off-season

Tax Considerations

If you become tax resident (183+ days/year):

• Portugal taxes worldwide income
• Standard rates: 14.5% to 48% progressive
• The NHR tax regime ended for new applicants (replaced by limited IFICI for specific professions)

Important: Consult a tax advisor - your specific situation matters. Many digital nomads structure their affairs carefully to manage tax obligations.

Practical Tips

1. Bring unlocked devices - Portuguese SIM cards are cheap
2. Cafes are laptop-friendly but buy something regularly
3. Time zone works well for US East Coast and all of Europe
4. Join Nomad List, Digital Nomads Portugal Facebook groups
5. Consider shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for best weather and lower prices