Estonia, Lithuania, and Singapore are gaining ground on the map of Brazilian digital nomads

With the advancement of digital nomadism, Brazilians have been expanding their borders beyond traditional remote work destinations like Portugal and the United States. According to a survey by TechFX, an exchange platform specializing in Brazilian professionals who receive payments from abroad, Brazilian developers are already working in various countries around the world, including locations not commonly associated with the tech sector, such as Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, Hong Kong, North Macedonia, and Singapore.

The search for new markets runs parallel to the growth of the remote work model itself. According to a study published by DemandSage, there are approximately 40 million digital nomads worldwide, a 147% increase compared to 2019. Even though Brazil represents a relatively small portion of this group (only 2%), a survey by the ADP Research Institute shows that 35% of national professionals are willing to work remotely from anywhere.

For Eduardo Garay, CEO of TechFX, the choice of countries outside the usual circuit reflects a new mindset among professionals. "Choosing destinations outside the traditional circuit goes beyond the search for quality of life or financial gains. It's also about finding a work culture that values results and respect for the individual," he emphasizes.

Personal experiences

Lucas Müller currently works remotely for a company in Estonia. He found the job opening through the Trampar de Casa newsletter and, after an initial unsuccessful attempt, he secured the position through a challenging selection process.

"Even before being hired, I worked with the team for a week, which gave me a real feel for the environment. There's no micromanagement here: trust is the core value. I meet my deadlines, and after that, I can simply enjoy the day," he reports.

Vitorio Costa, on the other hand, works at a consulting firm in North Macedonia, serving clients in several European countries, mainly Greece. He got the job through LinkedIn and says that cultural adaptation was the main barrier.

"They are very direct: short meetings, planning followed to the letter, and almost no overtime, which increases productivity without compromising personal life. Colleagues are friendly and helpful, but don't have the same informality as Brazilians; they help when needed, but without much openness," she explains.

Expanding markets

In addition to the cultural aspect, understanding the context of each country is essential for choosing the destination most aligned with professional goals. For Garay, this is one of the keys to the future of work:

“The future is not just in major hubs, but in the ability to adapt and grow in unexpected contexts,” states the CEO of TechFX.

Check out some particular conditions of the destinations highlighted by the study:

• Cyprus: a member country of the European Union, with a simplified tax regime and a regulatory environment favorable to foreign companies. It has become a center for financial operations and digital services, attracting remote talent.
• LithuaniaThe capital city of Vilnius has established itself as a hub for startups and digital innovation. The government encourages technology companies, and the local community excels in areas such as fintech and cybersecurity.
• Hong Kong: a global financial center with strong connectivity infrastructure. Its proximity to mainland China and tradition in international services make the city strategic for digital businesses.
• Singapore: an Asian technology and innovation hub, concentrating the operations of large global companies. The country invests in digitalization, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, creating opportunities for foreign specialists.

Brazilians are showing that remote work has no borders. More than just seeking quality of life, they are finding new markets, cultures, and ways of working, proving that national talent can flourish anywhere.