I keep getting questions about all the hate locals have against “expats” and “digital nomads”. While the hate is pointed our way, the complexities of why Portuguese can’t live in their own country is a lot more complicated than NHR tax breaks and AirBnB. I am a big proponent of a big push for the Interior of Portugal for Digital Nomads and “Expats” (Immigrants). It looks like this is starting to happen. Several city councils in the interior of the country have decided to focus on attracting people like us to their low-density areas. Cities in the interior of Portugal are building co-working spaces and revamping their housing markets to make it easier for us to settle in. And here’s the cherry on top: the government may offer additional tax benefits for digital nomads who decide to call the interior of Portugal home. Sounds like a win-win to me!
Why The Interior Of Portugal For Digital Nomads?
What are these areas offering? Let’s take a look at a few examples of cities in the interior of Portugal who are trying to lure DMs:
Evora
- Located in the Alentejo
- UNESCO site, has some incredible Roman Ruins
- See the chapel of bones.
- 1:30 min from Lisbon by Train
Perks For Nomads
- Home to PACT, an incubator whose goal is to position the Alentejo as a center of innovation of global reference.
Celorico de Basto
- Located in Braga in the North
Perks For Nomads
- Home to PACT, an incubator whose goal is to position the Alentejo as a center of innovation of global reference.
Vila Pouca de Aguiar
- Located in the Vila Real Area in the North
What Issues Should I Expect
There will be issues anywhere you go. From the examples I put up above, PACT is the best for digital nomads and people looking to start a company in Portugal. I have visited and their grounds are incredible. Lots of office space, auditoriums, and a bus back and for to the city (it’s a few minutes away from Evora by car). There is also a real city for you to dine out in and have a blast.
Transportation could be an issue in the more isolated areas, I can’t imagine that Uber will be that popular in secluded areas of the north, so you may have to rent a car to get around.
Internet connection may be an issue, but I would assume that those cities publicly pushing for this will also push for fiber, etc.
Remote areas won’t have as many English-speaking people, but I see it as an opportunity to learn Portuguese incredibly well 😉
What Else Is In Store for Digital Nomads in the Interior of Portugal?
The Intermunicipal Community of Tâmega e Sousa, along with the municipal councils of Baião, Celorico de Basto, and Cinfães, have teamed up with the Coordination and Regional Development Commission of the North, the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training, and the Directorate-General for Administration and Public Employment to set up telework or coworking spaces in the interior territories. This cooperation agreement was signed on June 30th, so the plans are definitely in motion!
So, if you want to live somewhere that won’t impact the Portuguese community, pay fair rents, enjoy nature, all while working, you may want to consider Portugal’s interior.
I will be updating this post with more communities looking to do the same. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.