Rio de Janeiro wants to become more enticing for “digital nomads”

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On July 1 the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, in partnership with Riotur, launched an incentive program for remote workers, so-called digital nomads. They are to enjoy benefits during their temporary stays in the capital.

One of the project’s measures is the Rio Digital Nomads seal, a seal for accommodations such as hotels and hostels that offer lower prices to travelers who sign long-term packages. “Coworking spaces can also acquire this authentication, offered by Riotur,” the city government published in a statement.

Accelerated by the pandemic, telecommuting has reached some 7.3 million Brazilians, according to November 2020 Pnad data published by IBGE. “Already, the Nomad List website, the main portal on digital nomadism, estimates that there will be one billion digital nomads in the world by 2035,” Rio de Janeiro City Hall reported.

“Digital nomadism is a global behavioral trend, there is no turning back,” said Riotur President Daniela Maia. “People’s relationship with work has changed all over the world, so that many decide which city they want to live in, regardless of their company’s location. These modern times allow for the experience of living where you want to live. We offer this amazing city that is Rio to anyone who wants to live like a Carioca, whether for a month or several months,” he added.

To attract travelers, the city encourages establishments to offer basic infrastructure with good value for money. “In addition, the City Council has already asked the National Immigration Council to regulate the entry of digital nomads into Brazil, possibly with the creation of a specific visa that covers the activity,” a City Hall statement said.

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“The request to regulate the entry of this public into the country with a specific visa for this purpose is a success. With this measure, Brazil is now on par with Germany, Norway, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, and the Bahamas. It is the city of Rio that is at the forefront, innovating once again,” said Mayor Eduardo Paes.

So far, the project has 56 registered hotels, 14 hostels, and 18 coworking spaces, which can be checked on the website http://www.nomadesdigitais.rio/.