1) Job Market and Salaries — 5/10
Madeira’s IT market is small, similar to the Azores. Most opportunities are in local startups, small service companies or remote roles with EU/US teams. Funchal, the main city, concentrates the few available tech positions.
Up-to-date IT job listings by stack and seniority are on devs.com.pt:
Pros
- Remote-friendly environment for EU/US jobs
- Low local competition
Cons
- Limited on-site IT roles
- Local salaries tend to be modest
Key questions answered
Is it realistic to find a local job? Only in niche startups or local companies
Local market or remote work? Mostly remote
2) IT Ecosystem and Companies — 5/10
Madeira’s ecosystem is very small but slowly growing. Some startups, tech hubs and university projects exist.
👉 Tech companies & ecosystem news
Pros
- Small, close-knit tech community
- Opportunities for niche projects
Cons
- Few product-focused companies
- Limited international presence
3) Startup World and Investment — 4/10
Startup activity is modest, mostly bootstrapped projects and small local initiatives. Few investors are based here; serious scaling often requires moving to Lisbon or Porto.
Pros
- Low operating costs
- Small teams can work closely and efficiently
Cons
- Limited VC and accelerator presence
- International visibility is minimal
4) Community, Meetups, Conferences — 4/10
Tech events are occasional and small-scale. Most networking happens through university or coworking spaces.
Pros
- Supportive, tight-knit groups
- Opportunities for mentorship
Cons
- Few large events
- Limited networking beyond local peers
5) Cost of Living for IT Professionals — 7/10
Madeira is affordable compared to Lisbon and Porto. Housing, food and daily expenses are manageable.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Comfortable lifestyle on mid-level IT salary
Cons
- Imported goods can be expensive
- Fewer premium lifestyle options
6) Housing and Rental Availability — 7/10
Housing is generally available and easier to secure than in mainland capitals.
Reality
- Modern apartments are affordable
- Choice is limited in Funchal center
7) Internet and Remote-Work Infrastructure — 6/10
Fiber is available in urban areas, but speeds may vary on smaller islands. Mobile coverage is reliable but not always high-capacity.
8) Coworkings — 5/10
Limited options for coworking; most remote professionals rely on home offices.
9) English and Expat Friendliness — 7/10
English is fairly common in tech and tourist sectors, but Portuguese is needed for most local services.
10) Bureaucracy and Services — 5/10
Processes can be slow and less digitized than mainland Portugal. Some English-speaking support exists but is limited.
11) Transport and Connectivity — 6/10
Connectivity is moderate:
- Funchal has an international airport with flights to Lisbon, Porto and Europe
- Inter-island transport is limited; car ownership is recommended
12) Work–Life Balance — 9/10
Madeira’s strongest feature is lifestyle. Stunning nature, calm communities and a slow pace make it perfect for focus and remote work.
13) Climate and Productivity — 9/10
Subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers. Great for year-round outdoor activities and focus. Some humidity can affect older housing.
Final Take: Is Madeira a Good City for IT?
Madeira is ideal for remote IT professionals who want nature, calm and lifestyle over career networking or local opportunities.
Best suited for
- Remote engineers and freelancers
- Developers who prioritize focus and quality of life
- Small project teams
Less ideal for
- Professionals seeking local jobs or rapid career growth
- Those who need frequent tech events or large networking opportunities
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