Digital workers: Why do they choose Europe to settle in?
Most labor experts worldwide agree that the world of work has changed forever in the last four years. The latest figures on migrant workers, or digital workers, reflect data that supports these theories, such as the more than 15.200 digital nomads who chose Lisbon as their home. This trend, which was already developing before 2020, became particularly relevant when many people were forced to work in a specific location.
It's understandable that many remote employees, like most digital workers, find it very tempting to obtain the coveted European passport and, at the same time, a welcoming place to live. This is especially true given that some tech giants, such as the giant and now philanthropist Bill Gates, have declared that we must be better prepared for what he described as the "new pandemics of the future."
In this sense, a large part of the tech worker community, who tend to be aligned with the creator of the Windows operating system, decided to start looking for programs that would allow them to live in more relaxing places than large cities. Furthermore, visas like the "Digital Nomad" visa offered by Portugal, as well as a similar program in Spain, allow them to work remotely for years in the country, while also obtaining European residency.
The advantages of working in Europe
Undoubtedly, the main attraction that many people consider when applying for this type of visa is the possibility of choosing where they will work. For example, in order to obtain the visa Digital NomadAlso known as DR, you need to have a job with a contract or be self-employed, earning a minimum of €3040. That, and being able to prove residency, will allow you, among many other things, to choose where to live in Portugal.
Thus, Portugal managed to attract more than 15.200 digital nomads to work in its country.This has created a stampede in the country's real estate market. According to Portuguese specialists, such as Rita Silva, "the market is out of touch and no longer focuses on people who live and work in Portugal, but rather on foreign investment."
This factor, coupled with the potential implementation of the new housing law in the country known as “Mais Habitação” in the coming months, has put a market known for its preference for foreign investment on alert. Given that the minimum income for the Digital Nomad visa is €3.040, most rental properties are targeting those income levels, rather than those affordable to the average Portuguese citizen, whose salary is around a third of that amount.
Other work visas for digital workers
In the case of Spain, the requirements are slightly more stringent, requiring proof of savings exceeding €25.000 to apply for the visa. The main benefit is a tax reduction, with a fixed percentage of income taxed at up to 24%, compared to the 48% paid by other workers in Spain.
Another very important option for digital workers is the Portuguese D3 visa, also known as HQA, which stands for "Highly Qualified Worker." It allows university professors, cultural workers, and other high-quality technical jobs to develop in the country.
As always, the main advantage of obtaining these visas is the speed of the process. With simple requirements and guidance from companies like AIM Global, you can be working in your dream location within just a few months. These visas, which include a European passport, also allow for quick and secure travel within the Schengen Area.
More options
In addition to these visas, Portugal, for example, has other very attractive programs for digital workers. One such example is the D2 visa, known as the "Startup Visa," which allows you to establish a technology company in the country. This provides a range of tax benefits, as well as residency.
This type of visa also allows company employees to enroll in and obtain a European passport, provided they meet the requirements. It's a highly attractive program, leading many companies of this type to establish themselves in Portugal, not only because of the tax benefits, but also because of the stunning landscapes of regions like the southern Algarve.
Finally, there are other similar visas, such as the E6.1, also known as the "Working Holiday" visa. Among the requirements for this visa, which allows you to live in Portugal for 12 months, are having a passport valid for that period, sufficient financial means to support yourself during that time in the country, and a return ticket to Portugal with the means to purchase one. Undoubtedly, all these options are very attractive to any digital worker, so We invite you to contact us If you have any questions or want to start the process of working and living in paradise.
