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

With the rise of digital nomadism, Brazilians have been expanding their borders beyond traditional remote work destinations, such as Portugal and the United States. According to a survey by TechFX, an exchange platform specializing in Brazilian professionals receiving salaries from abroad, Brazilian developers already work in several countries around the world, including places little associated with the technology sector, such as Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, Hong Kong, North Macedonia and Singapore.

The search for new markets is paralleling the growth of the remote work model itself. According to a study published by DemandSage, there are approximately 40 million digital nomads worldwide, an increase of 1,471 3TW compared to 2019. Although Brazil represents a relatively small portion of this group (only 21 3TW), a survey by the ADP Research Institute shows that 351 3TW of Brazilian professionals are willing to work remotely from anywhere.

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

Personal experiences

Lucas Müller now works remotely for a company in Estonia. He discovered the opening through the Trampar de Casa newsletter and, after a failed first attempt, secured the position through a challenging selection process.

"Even before being hired, I spent a week working with the team, which gave me a real sense of the environment. There's no micromanagement here: trust is the core value. I deliver on my deliverables, and after that, I can simply enjoy the day," he reports.

Vitório Costa works at a consulting firm in North Macedonia, serving clients in several European countries, primarily Greece. He got the job through LinkedIn and says cultural adaptation was the main hurdle.

"They're very direct: short meetings, strictly followed planning, and almost no overtime, which increases productivity without compromising personal life. Colleagues are friendly and helpful, but not as informal as Brazilians. They help when needed, but without much openness," he explains.

Expanding markets

Beyond the cultural aspect, understanding each country's context is essential to choosing the destination that best aligns with your professional goals. For Garay, this is one of the keys to the future of work:

“The future lies not only in large hubs, but in the ability to adapt and grow in unexpected contexts,” says the CEO of TechFX.

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

• Cyprus: A European Union member country with a simplified tax regime and a regulatory environment favorable to foreign companies. It has become a hub for financial operations and digital services, attracting remote talent.
• Lithuania: The capital, 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 its tradition of international services make the city strategic for digital businesses.
• Singapore: Asian technology and innovation hub, home to the operations of major global companies. The country invests in digitalization, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, opening up opportunities for foreign experts.

Brazilians are proving that remote work knows no boundaries. More than seeking a better quality of life, they're discovering new markets, cultures, and ways of working, proving that Brazilian talent can flourish anywhere.