Geographically somewhat isolated from the rest of Europe, Portugal is a space of unique culture, traditions and architecture and home to some of Europe's most spectacular natural sights. Moreover, the country's illustrious history, welcoming people, and delicious food leave nobody indifferent.
Why move to Portugal?
No matter how special your requirements may be as a location-independent professional, it's hard to beat the combo of relatively affordable living (compared to other destinations in Western and Southern Europe), beach life and great food that Portugal offers. With the temperatures rarely dropping below 10掳C, Portugal is an all-year-round holiday destination and one of Europe's best surfing spots.
Cleverly mixing the quiet pace of rural life with urban amenities and a contemporary vibe, Portugal is a very attractive destination for digital nomads, offering a balanced environment for work and life. A good selection of coworking spaces, widespread use of English, and a convenient location on the southwestern tip of Europe make the country an easy destination to stay in for the long term.
Visa requirements for digital nomads in Portugal
If you are a citizen of an EU country, moving to Portugal as a digital nomad is very easy. All you will need to do is apply for a within 6 months of arriving in the country. To do so, you'll have to . The Ag锚ncia para a Integra莽茫o, Migra莽玫es e Asilo (AIMA) was created in late 2023 as the entity responsible for managing migration processes in Portugal.
To apply for this permit, you will need:
- 2 passport-sized photos;
- Valid ID;
- Written declaration of commitment in which one of the applicant's clients (based outside Portugal) states their working relationship;
- Leasing contract or property deed as proof of accommodation. If the applicant is being hosted by someone, they will need to sign a written declaration of commitment stating that this is their place of residence.
Non-EU residents will need to apply for a digital nomad residence permit (called a D8 visa) in their home countries via a Portuguese consulate or embassy. Depending on the instructions provided by their consulate/embassy, applications may also be submitted in the or through third-party .
At the start of the application process, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Employment or freelance contract with a company that is NOT based in Portugal;
- Proof that your average income over the 3 previous months reaches the threshold of 鈧�3,480 (4x the minimum wage in Portugal);
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
There is currently an application fee of 鈧�90. Once you submit your request, you'll receive feedback from official authorities within 60 days. If your application is approved, you may then travel to Portugal to obtain a residency permit. Usually, the consulate will set up a time and date for your appointment with AIMA in Portugal, but sometimes you'll have to book it yourself. At the appointment, you'll have to provide these in order to submit your residency permit request:
- Portuguese Tax Number (NIF);
- Portuguese Social Security Number (NISS);
- Proof that your average income over the 3 previous months reaches the threshold of 鈧�3480 (4x the minimum wage in Portugal);
- Proof of accommodation;
- Employment or freelance contract with a company that is NOT based in Portugal;
- Proof that you have officially registered with the Portuguese Tax Office (through ) as an independent worker.
The application costs 鈧�170.08, and AIMA will have to review your request and issue your residency card within 90 days. The permit is valid for 2 years, and can be renewed for another 3 years. After spending 5 years in the country, you can apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, it is possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
After you get your residency permit, you can request that your immediate family members join you, and you are eligible to use the national healthcare system (SNS). Plus, you are free to travel in the Schengen Zone.
On the other hand, if you're looking into starting your own business in Portugal, you may be eligible for a Startup Visa. This program welcomes foreign entrepreneurs looking to develop projects and grow them into innovative startups while attracting highly skilled professionals. In order to apply for the visa, entrepreneurs need to show proof of their intention to invest and create a business in Portugal.
The best cities to work remotely from in Portugal
Lisbon
Sitting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is set along seven hills and offers breathtaking sea views from almost any point in the city. With its white buildings and narrow alleyways, the city creates an intimate environment paired with the laid-back, easy-going charm of the locals' relaxed lifestyle.
Those working remotely will appreciate the city's flavorful foodie scene, complemented by a signature strong 'uma bica' (a cup of espresso), easy Wi-Fi access, and a nice selection of coworking spaces frequented by fellow nomads.
On the downside, renting listings may be quite limited in popular areas. Plus, rent prices are high! In fact, according to the , average rent prices for an apartment in the city in the first quarter of 2025 hover at around 鈧�1,750, while a small studio will set you back 鈧�1056/month. Although rent prices went down by 2% compared to 2024, these figures are still higher than the likes of Paris, Berlin, Madrid or Milan. Unfortunately, things aren't looking any better outside the downtown area, where prices for renting a modest bedroom in a shared apartment can currently set you back 490鈧�/month (a 6.6% drop from 2023). Furthermore, new leasing contracts signed in May 2025 have shown that rent prices have gone up 4% compared to May 2024, reaching an average of 鈧�22,40/month per square meter.
Regarding property prices, according to Portuguese real estate listing platform , Lisbon's average price per square meter in the city center was sitting at 5,720鈧� in May 2025, showing a 1.8% spike compared to last year. Because of the effect of tourism and mass immigration on property prices and the arrival of digital nomads in the tens of thousands over the past couple of years, public opinion stands largely against them, constantly regarding them as scapegoats for the capital's unprecedented housing crisis.
Porto
As an alternative, Porto, Portugal's second city, is a busy commercial center that has done (so far) a slightly better job preserving its slow-paced lifestyle through hidden street markets, retro cafes and old bohemian spirit. You can sit down for a working session at any of the city's many coffee shops, and the only danger to watch out for is the famous Port Wine 鈥� the city's signature export. Be that as it may, rent prices in Porto are also the highest they've ever been, and you'll rarely find any locals living anywhere near the downtown area. Still, for visitors coming from Western Europe, North America or Scandinavia, chances are they will still find the city affordable compared to what they're used to back at home.
Finally, there is a new wave of digital nomads and expats choosing to live in the countryside. This is especially relevant in the Alentejo or in the Centro region, which, as the name suggests, is smack right in the middle of the country. On the one side, you'll be perfectly able to mingle with the locals and enjoy a lower cost of living in a more authentic setting. However, there's not much going on in smaller towns, so you'll probably find yourself bored quite easily. Plus, since Portugal is a highly concentrated country, all economic, cultural or financial opportunities can be found in either Lisbon or Porto, so most young people live there. Unfortunately, this can also lead to a shortage of essential services, such as medical or childcare, in more isolated villages.
Internet speeds in Portugal
Portugal has a modern and solid telecommunications infrastructure that is supported by many internet service providers. In general, these offer high-speed internet.
According to the , Portugal boasts the 22nd fastest internet speed in the world, with an average Wi-Fi download speed of 214.20 Mbps. As for mobile data, average speeds stand at 135.11 Mbps, ranking 28th worldwide. Wi-Fi is available in most of the typical locations, such as restaurants and coffee shops, hotels, and public areas. If you want to work from more remote locations, a good option is to get a prepaid 4G or 5G SIM card to have a Wi-Fi hotspot with you at all times.
It's also worth noting that providers usually offer discounts if you take out more than one service with them (TV, Wi-Fi, internet, and mobile phone). If you end up subscribing to a package, keep in mind that prices in Portugal are lower the longer you commit to a contract. For example, if you sign a 24-month contract with a provider, your monthly fee will be much smaller than it would be if you had signed an agreement on a month-by-month basis. Furthermore, by signing a long-term deal, providers also waive installation fees and usually offer other perks, like streaming subscriptions or premium sports channels, for a couple of months.
Although this may sound good on paper, the truth is telecom companies in Portugal are unfortunately known for engaging in price gouging and price fixing, as well as many other predatory practices. Luckily, 2024 saw a new industry player, DIGI entering the telecom market, helping customers break away from decades of an unofficial monopoly from traditional companies. Besides offering prices that, depending on the service, can be up to 5x lower than competition (the companies have matched those rates in the meantime), DIGI also offers services without the need to sign a 24-month contract, meaning customers are free to negotiate and find better alternatives whenever they want (for mobile services) or after only 3 months (tv service and broadband). For now, though, DIGI, still isn't able to provide a reliable service in most rural areas.
Working remotely in Portugal is easy, especially in Lisbon and other bigger cities. There are hundreds of friendly coffee houses and comfy lounges with stable Wi-Fi connectivity and accessible electrical sockets. You will have a choice between familiar international chains and local Portuguese cafes.
Coworking spaces in Portugal
Lisbon
聽- Pra莽a Duque de Saldanha 1 2潞andar, 1050-094 Lisboa
聽- Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo 16, 1050-121 Lisboa
聽- R. Filipe Folque 2, 1050-210 Lisboa
聽- R. Saraiva de Carvalho 1C, 1250-240 Lisboa
聽- Doca Jardim do Tabaco, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa - Edif铆cio NE 1st floor, 1100-651 Lisboa
Porto
聽- Via do Castelo do Queijo 395 Piso 2, Loja 22 e 23, 4100-429 Porto
聽- Rua do Almada 544, 4050-034 Porto
聽- Campo dos M谩rtires da P谩tria 144 A, 4050-368 Porto
聽- Rua do Ros谩rio 211, 4050-524 Porto
Leisure in Portugal
Located in the southwestern corner of Europe, Portugal stands as not only a digital nomad's dream but also a paradise for leisure seekers. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere, there's plenty to see and do in the country.
For starters, Portugal is famous for its stunning beaches that stretch along the Atlantic Ocean. (The Algarve, in particular, boasts some of the most breathtaking coastlines in Europe). From the dramatic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade to the golden sands of Praia da Rocha, you'll find a wide variety of coastal landscapes to explore.
Along with the fantastic coastline, Portugal's historic cities are a must for history buffs. In Lisbon, you can stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Alfama, visit the historic Bel茅m Tower and explore the Bairro Alto district, known for its nightlife and Fado music. Also, don't forget to explore the enchanting town of Sintra, with its fairytale palaces and lush gardens 鈥� the perfect day trip from the capital! As for Porto, nothing beats a stroll through the colorful Ribeira district and the famous wine cellars on the opposite banks of the Douro River.
However, many would argue that some of Portugal's most beautiful places are hardly ever visited by the hordes of tourists that pack Lisbon every single day. Places such as the wonderful walled city of 脱产颈诲辞蝉, the sleepy village of Monsanto or the hidden town of 笔颈贸诲茫辞, where pretty much every single building is made of shale stone. As you can see, there are lots of different places to visit to keep you busy鈥� and we have barely scratched the surface!
For nature enthusiasts, Portugal offers an abundance of natural beauty. Known for their lush landscapes, the Azores and Madeira archipelagos stand out as bucket-list destinations for thrill seekers, while the Peneda-Ger锚s National Park in mainland Portugal leaves visitors in awe with its pristine lakes and mountain trails. As a seaside alternative, the Rota Vicentina along the southwestern coast offers a long-distance hiking route with stunning ocean views.
Last but certainly not least, one must sing the Portuguese cuisine its praises. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with dishes like grilled sardines and bacalhau (salted codfish) among local favorites. Sample past茅is de nata (egg custard tarts) with a bica (espresso) at a local caf茅, and indulge in hearty stews like 鈥渃ozido 脿 portuguesa鈥�. Pair your meals with Portuguese wines 鈥� including the renowned Port wine and Vinho Verde 鈥� and you can call it a meal!
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
