Best Overseas Property Locations for Remote Workers – 2024 Guide for Irish Expats
Introduction
Remote work has turned the world into a giant office, and Irish professionals are increasingly looking beyond the Emerald Isle for a better quality of life, lower living costs and a change of scenery. Buying a home abroad can provide stability, a solid investment and a base for exploring new cultures.
This guide reviews five of the most attractive overseas property markets for remote workers in 2024 – Lisbon, Barcelona, Bangkok, Mexico City and Dubrovnik – and offers practical advice on prices, connectivity, visa routes and the steps Irish buyers should follow.
1. Lisbon, Portugal – Sun‑kissed Capital with a Golden Visa
Why Lisbon appeals to remote workers
- Climate & lifestyle – Mediterranean winters, over 300 sunny days a year, vibrant food scene and a strong expat community.
- English proficiency – Portugal ranks among the highest non‑native English‑speaking countries in Europe.
- Tax incentives – The Non‑Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme offers a 20 % flat tax on foreign‑sourced employment income for ten years, a major draw for Irish freelancers.
Property market snapshot (2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median price (all types) | €4,000 / m² |
| Prime neighbourhoods (e.g. Chiado, Principe Real) | €7,800‑€10,000 / m² |
| Gross rental yield (city centre) | 4.9 % |
| Average monthly net salary (Portugal) | €1,300 – €1,500 |
Lisbon’s price growth has slowed compared with the 2010‑2020 boom, making it a relatively affordable entry point for Irish investors.
Visa & residency options
| Programme | Key points |
|---|---|
| D7 Visa (Passive Income) | Requires proof of €7,200 annual income (≈€600 monthly). Perfect for remote workers with Irish earnings. |
| Golden Visa | €280,000 minimum investment in low‑density areas (including Lisbon suburbs). Grants residence for the investor and family. |
| Digital Nomad Visa (2023 rollout) | Allows stays up to 12 months, extendable, with minimal capital requirement. |
Practical buying tips
- Engage a local solicitor – Irish law does not apply; a Portuguese lawyer will verify title deeds and ensure compliance with the Registo Predial.
- Use a reputable agent – Look for members of the Associação dos Profissionais e Empresas de Mediação Imobiliária (APEMI).
- Consider a property hunter – They filter listings based on budget, internet speed (most cafés >50 Mbps) and co‑working proximity.
- Budget for taxes – IMT (property transfer tax) ranges 1‑6 % depending on price; stamp duty 0.8 %; annual Municipal Property Tax (IMI) averages 0.3 % of cadastral value.
2. Barcelona, Spain – Urban Pulse with Strong Rental Demand
Why Barcelona is a remote‑work hotspot
- Excellent connectivity – 45 min high‑speed train to Paris, direct flights to Dublin.
- Thriving tech scene – Numerous start‑ups and co‑working spaces (e.g., Pier 01).
- Lifestyle blend – Beach, Catalan cuisine, cultural festivals and a walkable city centre.
Property market snapshot (2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price per m² (city centre) | €5,637 |
| Price per m² (outside centre) | €4,253 |
| Gross rental yield (city centre) | 4.95 % |
| Average monthly net salary (Spain) | €1,940 |
Barcelona’s price‑to‑income ratio sits at 12.75, indicating a relatively high cost of entry, but the strong demand from tourists and students sustains robust yields.
Visa & residency options
| Programme | Key points |
|---|---|
| Non‑Lucrative Residence Visa | Requires €27,115 annual savings (≈€2,260 monthly). No work allowed, but remote work for an Irish employer is permitted. |
| Spain Digital Nomad Visa (2023) | Minimum income €2,400 monthly; up to 1 year, renewable. |
| Golden Visa | €500,000 minimum property investment; fast‑track residence for investors and families. |
Practical buying tips
- Check the Nota Simple (property register extract) – Confirms ownership, debts and building permits.
- Hire a Gestor (tax adviser) – Handles Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) – 6‑10 % of purchase price.
- Inspect internet infrastructure – Barcelona’s fibre coverage exceeds 80 % of the city; verify speeds at the specific address.
- Consider co‑ownership – Many apartments are sold as comunidad de propietarios; understand monthly community fees (often €30‑€80 / m²).
3. Bangkok, Thailand – Affordable Urban Living with a Tropical Edge
Why Bangkok attracts remote workers
- Low cost of living – Rent, food and transport are among the cheapest in major Asian capitals.
- Modern infrastructure – Expanding metro (BTS/MRT) and 5G coverage throughout the city centre.
- Vibrant expat scene – Numerous English‑speaking co‑working hubs (e.g., The Hive).
Property market snapshot (2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price per m² (city centre) | €192,882 |
| Price per m² (outside centre) | €90,000 |
| Gross rental yield (city centre) | 3.18 % |
| Average monthly net salary (Thailand) | ฿26,896 (~€710) |
Bangkok’s high price per square metre reflects a premium for new high‑rise condos with amenities, yet the overall cost remains lower than most European capitals. Rental yields are modest, but capital appreciation has been steady at 5‑7 % annually.
Visa & residency options
| Programme | Key points |
|---|---|
| Smart Visa – Remote Worker | Allows stays up to 4 years; requires proof of remote employment with a minimum monthly salary of THB 100,000 (€2,600). |
| Thailand Elite Visa | Long‑term (5‑20 years) membership, costs from €2,000 / year, includes airport lounge access and concierge services. |
| Tourist Visa Extension | 60‑day visa extendable by 30 days; suitable for short‑term trials. |
Practical buying tips
- Foreign ownership restrictions – Non‑Thais may own condominiums up to 49 % of the building; freehold land ownership is not permitted.
- Use a reputable agency – Look for Thai Real Estate Association members; they can arrange a Power of Attorney for the purchase.
- Legal due diligence – Verify the Chanote (title deed) and that the building has a Certificate of Occupancy.
- Tax considerations – Transfer fee 2 % of the appraised value, plus a 1 % stamp duty; annual property tax is negligible (<0.1 %).
4. Mexico City, Mexico – Cultural Richness with Growing Tech Hub
Why Mexico City is compelling for Irish remote workers
- Emerging tech ecosystem – Numerous start‑ups, accelerators (e.g., Startup Mexico) and a growing pool of bilingual developers.
- Affordable urban lifestyle – Dining, transport and entertainment are considerably cheaper than European counterparts.
- Time‑zone advantage – Only 5‑6 hours behind Dublin, facilitating real‑time collaboration with EU clients.
Property market snapshot (2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price per m² (city centre) | MXN 65,933 (~€2,800) |
| Price per m² (outside centre) | MXN 45,679 (~€1,940) |
| Gross rental yield (city centre) | 7.36 % |
| Average monthly net salary (Mexico) | MXN 16,229 (~€690) |
Mexico City offers the highest rental yields among the five locations, making it attractive for investors seeking cash flow while living locally.
Visa & residency options
| Programme | Key points |
|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Visa | Requires proof of monthly income ≥ MXN 30,000 (€1,280) or a bank balance of MXN 400,000 (€17,000). Valid for 1‑4 years, renewable. |
| Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2023) | Minimum monthly income €2,000 (≈ MXN 50,000). Allows 1‑year stay, extendable. |
| Permanent Resident Visa | After 4 years of temporary residence, or a one‑time investment of USD 200,000 in property. |
Practical buying tips
- Engage a Notario Público – Mexican law requires a notary to formalise the deed; they also handle registration and tax payments.
- Check the Registro Público de la Propiedad – Confirms clear title and any liens.
- Budget for taxes – Acquisition tax (ISAI) ranges 2‑4 % of purchase price; annual Predial property tax is modest (~0.1 %).
- Consider security – Some neighbourhoods have higher crime rates; choose well‑established districts such as Polanco, Condesa or Roma Norte.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Adriatic Charm with Growing Remote‑Work Infrastructure
Why Dubrovnik is a remote‑work gem
- Stunning coastal setting – UNESCO World Heritage old town, crystal‑clear sea, and a relaxed Mediterranean pace.
- Improving digital infrastructure – 5G rollout completed in 2023; many cafés provide reliable Wi‑Fi.
- EU member state – Simplifies legal processes for Irish citizens (EU freedom of movement).
Property market snapshot (2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price per m² (city centre) | €5,375 |
| Price per m² (outside centre) | €4,625 |
| Gross rental yield (city centre) | 3.93 % |
| Average monthly net salary (Croatia) | HRK 1,247 (~€166) |
While salaries are low, the relatively modest property prices and high tourism demand keep rental yields respectable. Seasonal short‑term rentals can boost returns, especially in summer months.
Visa & residency options
| Programme | Key points |
|---|---|
| Temporary Residence Permit (for remote workers) | Requires proof of €2,200 monthly income or a bank balance of €30,000. Valid for up to 1 year, renewable. |
| Digital Nomad Visa (2022) | Minimum income €2,200 monthly; allows stay for up to 12 months, extendable. |
| EU Long‑Term Residence | After 5 years of continuous legal residence, grants permanent status. |
Practical buying tips
- Hire a Javni Bilježnik (public notary) – Handles the deed, verifies cadastral data and registers the transaction.
- Understand PDV (VAT) – New residential properties are subject to 25 % VAT; resale properties are exempt.
- Check the Zemljišna knjiga (land register) – Confirms ownership and any encumbrances.
- Plan for seasonal rentals – Register with the local tourist board and obtain a licenca za iznajmljivanje if you intend to rent short‑term.
How to Choose the Right Destination for You
| Factor | Lisbon | Barcelona | Bangkok | Mexico City | Dubrovnik |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of entry | €200k‑€400k (1‑2 bedroom) | €250k‑€500k | €150k‑€300k (condo) | €180k‑€350k | €150k‑€250k |
| Internet speed | 100‑200 Mbps | 100‑150 Mbps | 50‑100 Mbps | 50‑120 Mbps | 50‑150 Mbps |
| Time‑zone offset (vs Dublin) | +0 h | +0 h | +6 h | +6 h | +1 h |
| Rental yield | 4.9 % | 4.95 % | 3.2 % | 7.4 % | 3.9 % |
| Visa ease for Irish citizens | D7 (easy) | Non‑Lucrative (moderate) | Smart Visa (straightforward) | Temporary Resident (moderate) | Digital Nomad (easy) |
| Cultural fit for Irish expats | High (EU, English) | High (EU, English) | Moderate (English in co‑working) | Moderate (Spanish, English in business) | Moderate (English in tourism) |
Tip: If your priority is a low‑cost entry and tropical lifestyle, Bangkok shines. For higher rental yields and a vibrant cultural scene, Mexico City leads. When EU residency and a familiar legal framework matter most, Lisbon or Barcelona are the safest bets.
Step‑by‑Step Checklist for Irish Buyers
- Define your budget – Include purchase price, taxes, legal fees (≈ 5‑7 % of price) and a contingency fund for renovations.
- Research visa requirements – Ensure your income or savings meet the minimum thresholds.
- Select a reputable local agent – Verify membership in the country’s professional real‑estate association.
- Conduct due diligence – Title search, building permits, zoning, and internet infrastructure.
- Arrange financing – Some banks in Portugal, Spain and Croatia offer mortgages to EU citizens; in Thailand and Mexico you may need a local lender or a foreign‑currency loan.
- Hire a solicitor/notary – Essential for contract review, tax advice and registration.
- Plan for ongoing costs – Property tax, community fees, insurance, and possible homeowner association contributions.
- Set up utilities & internet – Register for electricity, water, and broadband before moving in.
- Consider rental management – If you plan to rent part‑time, engage a local management company to handle bookings, cleaning and compliance.
- Register with the Irish Revenue – Declare foreign property income and capital gains; take advantage of the Foreign Income Tax Credit to avoid double taxation.
Conclusion
Remote work gives Irish professionals the freedom to choose a home that matches their lifestyle, budget and long‑term goals. Lisbon, Barcelona, Bangkok, Mexico City and Dubrovnik each offer a unique mix of affordable property, reliable connectivity, favourable visa routes and attractive rental yields.
By understanding the local market data, complying with visa and tax regulations, and using trusted local professionals, you can turn a dream of living abroad into a solid investment that supports both work and leisure.
Start researching, reach out to a specialist, and make 2024 the year you secure your overseas haven – the world is waiting.