Lisbon leads the way in the new era of the Digital Nomad
Spurred on by the pandemic, more people are choosing to embrace a location-independent, technology-enabled lifestyle that allows them to travel and work remotely around the world. With its low cost of living, mild weather, abundant co-working spaces, connections to major European cities and the country’s fluency in English, there’s little surprise that Lisbon continues to be one of the most attractive places for the growing digital nomad community.
And its popularity it expected to grow further with Portugal’s highly anticipated Digital Nomad Visa which launched on October 30, 2022. The visa permits remote workers from non-EU countries to apply for a temporary-stay visa of up to one year or a residency permit that can be renewed for up to five years. To qualify, applicants must earn at least €2,800 per month – (4x Portugal’s minimum wage).
Our analysis of the most compelling pillars of attraction for digital nomads across cities in Europe also pointed higher levels of personal safety when compared with cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona and Berlin. The cost of living in Lisbon where a single nomad can get by on around €1,300 per month, is also lower than 63% of cities across Western Europe (Global Citizen Solutions), including Norway and Germany—also popular with digital nomads.
Study: Best Cities for Digital Nomads
The ecosystem for both start-ups and scale-ups continues to flourish with Portugal outstripping its Iberian neighbour with a total of 7 unicorns in total. A raft of new government initiatives in 2023 and a strong forecasted investment market will further strengthen appeal to international entrepreneurs in the year ahead.
According to Nomadific, some 26% of digital nomads have children of which 41% say their children travel with them. Another standout feature for Lisbon is the availability of exceptional international schools all within easy reach of the metropolitan centre such as the United Lisbon International School in the Park of Nations.
“What this deep dive has demonstrated is that not only did Lisbon successfully triumph through the past few years from its successful measures to navigate the pandemic but also through a consistent popular set of start-up initiatives– Lisbon stands head and shoulders above the rest as THE place in the new era of digital entrepreneurs,” said Chitra Stern, Founder and CEO behind the award-winning luxury family hotel and residential resorts brand, Martinhal.
For those seeking what The Future Laboratory referred to as regenerative remote working, Martinhal Residences synthesise the elements needed for the optimal work from anywhere experience providing the perfect model for work and play. High speed fibre internet as standard, on-site technical support, 24hr concierge, dedicated office spaces, proximity to transport links and a 10-minute drive to the airport are balanced with wellness amenities, the United Lisbon International School, childcare and the wealth of cultural and sporting options close by.
