With the rise of remote working, choosing the right destination has become crucial for digital nomads. A new ranking by Travel+ Leisure Asia reveals the 10 best countries for those wishing to live and work remotely in 2025, taking into account aspects such as cost of living, internet quality and tax incentives.
Among the countries at the top of this list are Spain, Argentina, Japan, Thailand, Greece, Panama, Germany, Canada and Malaysia. However, Portugal stands out as one of the three best destinations in the world for digital nomads.
Portugal: a prime destination for digital nomads
Portugal continues to attract digital nomads from all over the world, offering a unique combination of digital infrastructure, quality of life and tax benefits.
- Growth of the digital nomad community – In 2021, it was estimated that around 100,000 digital nomads lived in Portugal, reflecting the country’s growing popularity among remote professionals.
- Competitive average income – The average digital nomad in Portugal earns approximately 3,000 dollars a month, demonstrating the financial viability of those who want to establish themselves in the country.
- Favorite destinations within Portugal – Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region are the most popular areas for digital nomads, offering a mix culture, infrastructure and natural beauty.
- Communities and networking – Portugal has active communities such as Lisbon Digital Nomads Meetup and Lisbon Digital Nomads Slack, facilitating integration and networking between remote professionals
Digital Nomadism in the World
To put Portugal’s position on the global stage into context, we share some relevant statistics:
- Global population of digital nomads – There are currently around 40 million digital nomads worldwide, with 18.1 million from the United States.
- Predominant age group – Almost half of digital nomads are aged between 30 and 39, indicating a trend among experienced professionals seeking flexibility.
- Gender – 56% of digital nomads are men, while 43% are women, showing a relatively even distribution.
- Annual income – More than a third of digital nomads earn between 50,000 and 100,000 dollars a year, demonstrating the financial sustainability of this lifestyle.
Being a Digital Nomad in Portugal
Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote professionals to live and work legally in the country as long as they can prove a minimum monthly income of €3,548. This visa is ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs and workers hired by foreign companies who want to enjoy the benefits of living in Portugal.
If you are considering Portugal as your next destination for remote work, it is essential to ensure that you comply with all legal requirements.
At LACA, we offer specialized advice to help you with the visa process and your transition to Portugal. Contact us for more information.
