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The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Faro

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A sunny town square in Faro, Portugal features a white and red striped gazebo with a decorative metal roof. The square is adorned with patterned cobblestone paths, lined with trees and surrounded by colorful old-style buildings, some with shutters. A few people are scattered around.
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Last updated on June 4, 2024 | Est. Reading Time: 4 minutes

Faro, the capital city of the Algarve region in Portugal, is an emerging destination for digital nomads. Despite being the economic and administrative centre of the region, Faro has often been overlooked in favour of more popular towns like Lagos, Portimão, and Albufeira, partly due to its easy lack of access to a beach. However, this is beginning to change as more digital nomads discover what Faro has to offer—namely historical attractions, a small city vibe, and easy access to nearby Spain.

The city itself has plenty to offer digital nomads, with a growing number of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants catering to the needs of remote workers. Faro’s historic city centre, with its charming cobblestone streets and ancient buildings, provides a beautiful backdrop for work and leisure activities.

As more digital nomads discover the benefits of living and working in Faro, the city is poised to become a major hub for the remote work community in the Algarve. With its convenient location, excellent transportation links, and growing amenities, Faro is an attractive option for those seeking a balance between work and lifestyle in this stunning region of Portugal.

Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal has recently introduced a digital nomad visa, known as the D8 or digital nomad visa visa, which has opened up new opportunities for those from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland to relocate to Portugal and gain residency. This visa allows digital nomads to live and work remotely from anywhere in the country, including Faro and the remainder of the stunning Algarve region.

Obtaining residency in Portugal through the digital nomad visa comes with a host of benefits. Residents gain access to Portugal’s public healthcare system. Additionally, those with residency can attend Portuguese educational institutions, whether for personal enrichment or to further their professional development.

One of the most attractive aspects of Portuguese residency is the ability to apply for citizenship after just five years of legal residency. This is a shorter timeline compared to many other European countries, making Portugal an appealing option for digital nomads looking to establish a long-term base in Europe.

For those who already hold a passport from an EU/EEA/Swiss country, moving to Portugal is a relatively straightforward process. These individuals can enjoy the same benefits as those on the digital nomad visa, without needing to go through the visa application process.

Accommodation

For those looking for medium-term accommodation (i.e., a few weeks to a few months), Flatio, Airbnb, and Booking.com are all worth exploring.

When it comes to longer-term accommodation (i.e., six months or more), classifieds websites like Idealista and Custo Justo are great resources. Idealista is a popular property portal in Portugal, listing a variety of apartments, houses, and rooms for rent. You can filter your search by location, price, and other criteria to find the perfect long-term home in Faro.

Another effective way to find long-term accommodation in Faro is through local Facebook groups. Many expats and digital nomads in the area use these groups to share information about available rentals, sublets, and room shares.

Coworking Spaces

  • Alandra Square Coworking: A dynamic community hub in the heart of Faro, offering a secure, well-equipped space with 24/7 access, a lounge area, and flexible pricing from €8/day and €70/month. Located at Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque Loja 17C Praça de Alandra, 8000-397, Portugal.
  • Faro Avenida Business Centre: A versatile coworking space catering to diverse professionals, providing natural light-filled workspaces, high-speed internet, a lounge, dining area, private booths, and secure lockers. Suitable for reduced mobility users, with prices from €10/day and €70/month. Located at Av. 5 de Outubro 82A, 8000-075 Faro, Portugal.

Meetups & Community

Faro doesn’t have as big a digital nomad community as other parts of the Algarve (like Lagos, Portimão, or Albufeira especially) and so the community is smaller. You may even need to travel to other parts of the Algarve in order to meet up with people.

However, there is a small but growing Facebook group that covers Faro and nearby Olhão. It’s also worth looking at Meetup.com as there are often meetups for expats and those that work in tech.