Estônia, Lituânia e Singapura ganham espaço no mapa dos nômades digitais brasileiros

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 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 typically associated with the tech sector, such as Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, Hong Kong, North Macedonia, and Singapore.

The search for new markets is occurring 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 1471% increase compared to 2019. Even though Brazil represents a relatively small portion of this group (only 21%), research from the ADP Research Institute shows that 35% of Brazilian professionals are willing to work remotely from anywhere.

For Eduardo Garay, CEO of TechFX, choosing countries outside the traditional tech hubs reflects a new mindset among professionals. “Opting for 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, landed the position through a challenging selection process.

“Even before being hired, I worked with the team for a week, which gave me a real insight into the environment. Here, there's no micromanagement: trust is the core value. I meet my deadlines, and after that, I can simply enjoy my day,” she reports.

Vitório Costa now works for a consultancy in North Macedonia, serving clients in several European countries, mainly Greece. He secured the position through LinkedIn and says that cultural adaptation was the main hurdle.

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

Expanding Markets

Beyond the cultural aspect, understanding the context of each country is essential to 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 big hubs, but in the ability to adapt and grow in unexpected contexts," affirms the CEO of TechFX.

See some particular conditions of the destinations highlighted by the study:

• Cyprus: a European Union member state, 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.
• LithuaniaThe capital Vilnius has consolidated itself as a hub for startups and digital innovation. The government incentivizes technology companies, and the local community excels in areas such as fintech and cybersecurity.
• Hong KongGlobal financial center with strong connectivity infrastructure. Proximity to mainland China and a tradition of international services make the city strategic for digital business.
• Singapore: An Asian hub for technology and innovation, concentrating operations of large global companies. The country invests in digitalization, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, opening opportunities for foreign specialists.

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