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

With the rise of digital nomadism, Brazilians are expanding their horizons beyond traditional remote work destinations like Portugal and the United States. According to a survey by... TechFXA specialized forex platform catering to Brazilian professionals receiving funds from abroad, Brazilian developers are already active in various countries around the globe, including locations less commonly associated with the tech sector, such as Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, Hong Kong, North Macedonia, and Singapore.

The search for new markets is occurring in parallel with the growth of the remote work model. According to a study by DemandSage, there are approximately 40 million digital nomads worldwide, an increase of 147% compared to 2019. Although Brazil represents a relatively small portion of this group (only 2%), a survey by the ADP Research Institute shows that 35% of Brazilian professionals are willing to work remotely anywhere.

For Eduardo Garay, CEO of TechFX, choosing countries outside the bubble reflects a new mindset among professionals. "Opting for destinations beyond 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 now works remotely for a company in Estonia. He discovered the position through the Trampar de Casa newsletter and, after an initial unsuccessful attempt, secured the role through a challenging selection process.

"Before even being hired, I worked a week with the team, which gave me a real sense of the environment. Here, there's no micromanagement: trust is the core value. I complete my tasks, and after that, I can simply enjoy the day," he/she reports.

Vitório Costa is working as a consultant in North Macedonia, serving clients across several European countries, primarily in Greece. He secured the position through LinkedIn and notes that cultural adaptation was the main hurdle.

"They're very direct: short meetings, strict planning, and almost no overtime, which boosts productivity without compromising personal life. Colleagues are friendly and helpful, but lack the same Brazilian informality; they assist when needed, but aren't overly open," he explains.

Expanding markets

Beyond 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 isn't just in the major hubs, but in the ability to adapt and grow in unexpected contexts," says TechFX CEO.

Check out some specific conditions for the destinations highlighted in the study:

• CyprusA 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 solidified its position as a hub for startups and digital innovation. The government fosters technology companies, and the local community excels in areas such as fintech and cybersecurity.
• Hong KongA global financial center with strong connectivity infrastructure. Proximity to mainland China and a tradition of international services make the city a strategic location for digital businesses.
• SingaporeAsian technology and innovation hub, concentrating operations of major global companies. The country invests in digitization, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, opening opportunities for foreign specialists.

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