These days, many professions can be practiced remotely, primarily through the internet. Meetings can be held on Zoom and Skype, banking and accountancy managed through cloud-based systems and work delivered in digital formats. As a result of these workplace changes, many professionals find that location is no longer so important. They can work from anywhere with good connectivity.

Infrastructure

Portugal has a modern fibre-optic network spanning the country. Many residential areas have access to internet speeds of at least 100Mbit/s. In my own area (about 40 minutes outside Lisbon), speeds up to 1Gbit/s are available. There is a good choice of providers, with many areas serviced by NOS, Meo, Nowo and Vodaphone. Packages that include internet of 100Mbit/s, a landline, basic cable TV package and two mobile phones each with 2GB of data and a good quantity of texts and national call minutes can be obtained for around 50 EUR/month. 

Portugal has as an extensive mobile network which has very good coverage in most urban and suburban areas as well as most smaller towns. Mobile data packages are available from all providers which can appeal to those who wish to move around Portugal and therefore do not want to sign contracts for residential connections.

Portugal's communications infrastructure is well-integrated into the EU, and is a major worldwide hub as submarine cables between Latin America and Europe come ashore in Portugal.

Financials

The minimum wage and average salaries are relatively low by European standards in Portugal, so progressive taxation typically starts at a lower level. However, the NHR programme is available to all new residents which can make Portugal a very attractive location financially for many professionals. At present, cryptocurrencies are regarded similarly to other currencies, and Portugal does not tax the gains made on currency exchanges. So Bitcoin and other currencies can be traded tax free making Portugal a particularly attractive place to those holding or trading cryptocurrencies.

Healthcare

Residents are entitled to use the state run national health service, for both doctors consultations locally, and hospital treatment. High quality private medical cover is also available at a fraction of the cost of the US, and many other western nations.

Visas

I have obtained visas for both self-employed individuals and remote workers employed by overseas companies but wishing to move to Portugal and work remotely from here.

If you are interested in moving to Portugal, please contact me and I would be happy to set up a consultation.