Living in Madeira, Portugal. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Planning to work remotely from Madeira, Portugal? This in-depth guide covers neighborhoods, coworking spaces, cost of living, and local culture, with monthly cost of living around $1,126 and average internet speeds of 196 Mbps. Everything you need to know about living and working in Madeira as a digital nomad.
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Madeira, Portugal, my home for several months. This autonomous region in the Atlantic Ocean has stolen my heart with its lush green landscapes, mild climate, and rich cultural heritage. Madeira is a haven for remote workers, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a thriving expat community. With an impressive Nomad Score of 85/100, it’s no wonder why Madeira has become a hotspot for digital nomads.
The island’s capital, Funchal, is a charming city with a population of around 112,000 people. The locals are warm and welcoming, and many speak English, making it easy for foreigners to navigate and integrate. As a digital nomad, you’ll find that Madeira offers a great balance between work and play, with plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty, enjoy water sports, or simply relax on the beach.
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Madeira, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
The cost of living in Madeira is relatively low compared to other European destinations. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad:
Overall, the cost of living in Madeira is around €1,500-€2,500 (approximately $1,650-$2,750 USD) per month for a digital nomad, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Madeira has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 45 Mbps. You’ll find many cafes and coworking spaces with reliable Wi-Fi, including:
Madeira has a thriving digital nomad community, with many meetups and events throughout the year. Some popular groups include:
Madeira is a culturally rich and vibrant island, with a unique blend of Portuguese and African influences. The local cuisine is delicious, with popular dishes like espetada (skewered beef) and bolo do caco (a type of bread). The island is also famous for its wine, with many vineyards and wine tastings available.
The nightlife in Madeira is lively, with many bars and clubs in Funchal and other towns. The island is also a popular destination for water sports, with surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding available.
Dating in Madeira can be a bit challenging, as the island is relatively small and the expat community is not as large as in other destinations. However, the local people are friendly and welcoming, and you’ll find many opportunities to meet new people through social events and meetups.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to stay in Madeira for an extended period. The most common visa for remote workers is the D7 visa, which is designed for retirees and remote workers. To apply for the D7 visa, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including:
You can apply for the D7 visa at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country, or through a lawyer or relocation agency in Portugal.
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads in Madeira:
More cities like Madeira for remote work.
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