For those wanting a high quality of life as well as access to all of the amenities needed for remote working, Lisbon seems to be ticking all the boxes. We explore why Libson is becoming the city of choice for so many of the world’s remote workers.
A tech hub
The city is home to a thriving startup scene and hosts numerous tech events throughout the year, such as Web Summit, which attracts entrepreneurs and innovators from all over the world.
Tech is an industry where remote and hybrid is making up a huge amount of the workforce. According to Morning Consult, 48% of tech workers said they are now fully remote, and 85% were either fully remote or following a hybrid model.
Additionally the Portuguese government is stimulating the tech ecosystem in the country with new initiatives, such as Startup Portugal and the 200M Fund, all of which are designed to support startups in the country.
A remote work infrastructure
Lisbon has a remote work infrastructure that caters to the needs of digital nomads. There are numerous co-working spaces and cafes that offer high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces, and networking opportunities. These spaces provide an excellent alternative to traditional office environments and allow remote workers to connect with other professionals in their field. Some notable coworking spaces include Second Home Lisbon, IDEA spaces and Impact Hub, all of which bring together some of the country’s top talent.
A helpful time zone
Lisbon’s time zone is favourable for remote workers who work with clients or colleagues in Europe, the USA or Canada. The time difference is only a few hours, making it easy to schedule meetings and collaborate effectively across different time zones.
Affordable cost of living
The cost of living in Lisbon is very affordable compared to other major European cities. This makes it an attractive destination for remote workers who want to enjoy a good quality of life without breaking the bank.
Accommodation, food, and entertainment are all reasonably priced, meaning the budgets of remote workers stretch further than in other cities. For example, Numbeo calculates that you would need only £3,358 to maintain the same standard of living that would cost you £,5500 in London (assuming property is rented).
Visa programmes
Lisbon offers visa programmes that make it easy for remote workers to stay in the city for an extended period of time. One such visa programme was devised specifically for digital nomads, called the “D7 Visa for Self-Employment“. This visa allows self-employed individuals who work remotely to live and work in Portugal for up to one year.
And while it now may be coming to a close, Portugal’s Golden visa program also offers those who invest in property the opportunity to obtain residency too.
With it’s welcoming atmosphere, affordable living costs and thriving startup scene, there’s no doubt that Lisbon will continue to see remote workers choose to make the city their home.
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