What Is the Digital Nomads Association Portugal?
The Digital Nomads Association Portugal, or DNA Portugal for short, is all about shaping and promoting Portugal as a top spot for digital nomads. The association focuses on creating hubs, hosting events, building communities, and spotlighting destinations that offer the perfect setup for remote work. They’re teaming up with the Portuguese government, local municipalities, and various partners to roll out these hubs across the country. The goal? To showcase Portugal as a whole and attract digital nomads from all over the globe.
The Main Benefit of DNA Portugal
So, why does this matter? Well, here are some key figures and facts that highlight the impact:
- Portugal ranks as one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads worldwide.
- Currently, most of the economic and social benefits are concentrated in Lisbon and Porto.
- Remote work opens the door to creating hubs in smaller towns and villages, spreading the benefits more evenly.
- In Ponta do Sol, a small village in Madeira with just 8,000 residents, over 6,000 digital nomads visited in the first year.
- This influx generated an estimated economic impact of 30 million euros in that same period.
Mission: Decentralizing the Digital Nomad Impact
Portugal is already a hotspot for digital nomads, but the real opportunity lies beyond the big cities. DNA Portugal’s mission is to leverage remote work to repopulate and revitalize smaller towns and villages. Instead of having all the action in Lisbon and Porto, the idea is to spread the love — creating vibrant hubs all over the country. This decentralization not only boosts local economies but also brings fresh social dynamics to areas that might otherwise be overlooked.
Vision: A New Way of Living and Working
Digital nomadism and remote work aren’t just trends — they’re game-changers. Around 30% of people in Portugal and Europe can now work remotely, and that number keeps growing as more companies jump on board. This shift means people and families can live wherever they want, choosing places that offer the best quality of life. DNA Portugal envisions smaller cities, towns, and villages becoming magnets for these remote workers, attracting residents with good salaries who contribute to a more dynamic local economy and greater social mobility.
Partners: Joining Forces for a Common Goal
DNA Portugal invites organizations and entities that share the vision to come on board as partners. Collaboration is key to building these hubs and promoting Portugal as the ultimate destination for digital nomads. Whether it’s government bodies, local municipalities, or private companies, everyone’s role is crucial in making this vision a reality.
Project Impact: Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — by creating new economic opportunities in smaller communities.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — through the development of remote work hubs and digital infrastructure.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — by decentralizing economic benefits beyond major cities.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — fostering vibrant, livable towns and villages.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — encouraging collaboration between government, private sector, and communities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Remote Work in Portugal
As remote work continues to reshape how and where people live, DNA Portugal is positioning the country to be at the forefront of this movement. With the right hubs, communities, and support, Portugal could become the go-to place for digital nomads seeking not just a workspace, but a lifestyle. It’s about more than just work — it’s about creating places where people want to live, thrive, and connect. And that’s a future worth building.
