Digital Nomads

Digital Nomads in Lisbon: A Complete Guide

The complete guide for you as a digital nomad in Lisbon to find the best options to live and experience this adventure.

A guide is needed so that as a digital nomad in Lisbon, you can connect with the relevant information to find the best accommodation options and know what visa is necessary to fulfil this adventure. As well as learning about co-working spaces, activities for leisure and fun in this city and of course more important topics such as health and medical insurance for digital nomads in Lisbon.

In this article

Why choose Lisbon to live as a digital nomad?

Lisbon is a city that stands out among the top choices for digital nomads in Europe for its perfect balance between tradition and modernity. These are some of the reasons why many consider it ideal:

Quality of life: Lisbon is known for its pleasant climate all year round, with mild winters and sunny summers. Its cobbled streets, viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River and a gastronomy rich in flavours make it a city that invites you to enjoy. Moreover, living costs in Lisbon tend to be lower compared to other European capitals such as Paris or London.
Digital nomad communities: In Lisbon, you’ll find active communities that organise networking events, workshops and social activities. Neighbourhoods such as Cais do Sodré or Bairro Alto concentrate both locals and foreigners looking to collaborate and create meaningful connections.
Co-working spaces in Lisbon: The city has a wide range of spaces designed for remote professionals. Places like Second Home or LACS offer modern environments, fast internet and socialising areas, perfect for those looking for a comfortable and productive place. You can complement your connectivity with our eSIM.
International connectivity: Lisbon is strategically located for travel within Europe and beyond. Humberto Delgado Airport has frequent flights to cities such as Madrid, London and New York, facilitating mobility.
Culture and security: Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world, and Lisbon is no exception. The city has a rich cultural offer, including museums, festivals and an active night-life, perfect for unwinding after work.

These advantages make Lisbon a destination that perfectly combines the professional with the personal, providing opportunities for both professional development and well-being.

Visas allowing legal residence in Lisbon

If you plan to settle as a digital nomad in Lisbon, it’s important to be aware of the visa options available to legally reside in Portugal. Here’s an overview of the main alternatives:

Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal: Portugal offers a specific visa for digital nomads, known as the “remote work residence visa” residence visa for remote work. This permit allows independent professionals or remote employees to live in the country while working for foreign companies. Requirements include proof of a minimum monthly income, usually around €2,800 ($2,920.18) and a work contract or proof of self-employment.
D7 visa: Initially designed for pensioners and passive income earners, this visa is also a popular choice among digital nomads. It allows those who can prove regular income from abroad to reside in Portugal. The advantage of this visa is that it isn’t limited to a specific work activity, which makes it flexible for different profiles.
Tourist visa: Although not designed for long stays, many digital nomads begin their experience in Lisbon with a tourist visa. This permit allows a stay of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. However, it isn’t renewable from within the country, so it isn’t a long-term solution.

Visa renewals and extensions in Portugal

The digital nomad visa in Portugal and the D7 visa can be renewed from within the country, and after five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible for permanent residence or even Portuguese citizenship. It’s also possible to switch from one visa to another if you meet specific requirements, e.g. from a tourist visa to a D7 visa or a digital nomad visa.

Where to live and work as a digital nomad in Lisbon?

Lisbon stands out for its diverse neighbourhoods full of personality, ideal for different lifestyles. Here you’ll find a mix of historic, modern and quiet areas that perfectly suit the needs of digital nomads in Lisbon.

Recommended neighbourhoods for digital nomads in Lisbon

Chiado and Bairro Alto: The cultural and social heart of Lisbon. These neighbourhoods offer access to cafés with good internet, quality restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. It’s ideal for those seeking a balance work and entertainment.
Alfama: This historic district is famous for its cobbled streets and bohemian atmosphere. Although quieter, it’s well connected to the rest of the city, making it perfect for those who prefer a relaxed environment.
Parque das Nações: If you prefer a modern atmosphere, this neighbourhood is ideal. Here you’ll find contemporary buildings, views of the Tagus River and first class services. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for accommodation in Lisbon with all the comforts.

Accommodation options in Lisbon

Lisbon offers a wide range of accommodation options:

Co-livings: Spaces such as Outsite and Selina combine accommodation with co-working areas, creating vibrant communities of digital nomads. Prices per room usually range between €800 ($834.34) and €1,200 ($1,251.51) per month.
Home exchanges: Platforms such as HomeExchange allow digital nomads to save on accommodation while experiencing local life.
Airbnb and temporary rentals: These options are ideal for stays of several weeks or months. Costs can vary from €700 ($730.05) per month for basic studies to more than €1,500 ($1,564.38) in central areas.

Co-working spaces for digital nomads in Lisbon.

Working in Lisbon is convenient thanks to the large number of co-working spaces available. Some of the most outstanding spaces include:

Second Home: Located in the Mercado da Ribeira, it combines innovative design with a creative atmosphere. Prices start from €200 ($208.58) per month.
Heden: With several locations in the city, it offers versatile spaces and networking events. Day passes are available from €20 ($20.86).
Cowork Central: Located in Cais do Sodré, this space is known for its international community and friendly atmosphere.

Public spaces to work in Lisbon

Lisbon also has several public spaces suitable for digital nomads:

Ler Devagar: A bookshop located in the LX Factory that offers a quiet atmosphere and good internet connection.
Jardim da Estrela: A park with shaded areas where you can work outdoors, although internet connection may be limited.
Fast internet cafes: Places like Fabrica Coffee Roasters and Copenhagen Coffee Lab are popular with remote workers.

Taxes to be aware of as a digital nomad in Lisbon

If you plan to reside as a digital nomad in Lisbon, it’s essential to understand the tax implications of your stay.

Tax obligations according to residence in Lisbon

In Portugal, taxes depend on whether you are considered a tax resident. You become a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in the country or if you register your main residence there. In that case, you would be subject to income tax (IT), which can vary between 14.5% and 48%, depending on your income.

Digital nomads in Portugal can benefit from the Non-Habitual Resident Regime (NHR), which offers reduced rates for certain income earned abroad during the first ten years of residence.

Double taxation treaties in Lisbon

Portugal has double taxation agreements with numerous countries, which prevents you from paying tax on the same income in both your country of origin and in Portugal. For example, if you work for a foreign company and pay taxes in your home country, you could be exempt in Portugal under these treaties.

Lisbon is an ideal city for digital nomads who find its modernity and connectivity interesting @unsplash

Health insurance and quality of health service in Lisbon

Accessing quality medical services is a priority for digital nomads in Lisbon, and the Portuguese healthcare system offers both public and private options.

Public health system in Lisbon

Portugal has a public health system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS) that provides free or low-cost care for residents. To access these services, you must be registered as a legal resident in the country. However, consultations may involve waiting times.

Health insurance for digital nomads in Lisbon

For those who prefer immediate care or who aren’t legal residents, taking out private insurance is a recommended option. Some companies, such as Cigna and SafetyWing, offer health insurance for digital nomads, including coverage in Portugal and other countries. Prices can vary between €50 ($52.15) and €150 ($156.44) per month, depending on the level of coverage.

Quality of health care in Lisbon

Lisbon has modern clinics and hospitals offering high quality care. Many doctors and health personnel speak English, which facilitates communication for those who are not fluent in Portuguese. Among the most renowned hospitals are the Hospital da Luz and the CUF Descobertas Hospital, both of which have excellent private services.

Daily life for a digital nomad in Lisbon

Lisbon is a dynamic and welcoming city, ideal for digital nomads thanks to its combination of culture, connectivity and quality of life. Here we’ll explore key aspects of living and enjoying the city.

Transport and mobility for digital nomads in Lisbon

Getting around Lisbon is easy and affordable, with an efficient transport system and options for those who prefer to drive.

Driving in Lisbon

If you plan to drive, it’s possible to use a foreign licence within the first six months of your residency. European Union (EU) citizens can use their licence without restrictions, while those from outside the EU must validate their licence or apply for a Portuguese one after this period. For car rental, platforms such as Sixt or Europcar are popular, with prices starting from €25 ($26.07) per day.

Public transport in Lisbon

Public transport in Lisbon is one of the most comprehensive in Europe, and includes:

Metro: With four lines, it connects most of the main districts. A single ticket costs €1.65 ($1.72), while a monthly pass costs around €40 ($41.72). It’s a very affordable option for people who like to use public transport.
Buses and trams: Operated by Carris, they’re ideal for getting around the city centre and outlying areas. Ideal as a complement to the metro.
Taxis and car sharing: Apps such as Uber and Bolt offer fast and cheap services. Journeys within the city tend to cost between €6 ($6.26) and €10 ($10.43).

Managing your finances as a digital nomad in Lisbon

Lisbon facilitates financial management for foreigners, with traditional and digital options.

Recommended banks for digital nomads in Lisbon

Banks such as Millennium BCP and Caixa Geral de Depósitos offer accounts for non-residents, although documentation such as passport and proof of address is required. For more flexibility, digital banks such as Revolut and N26 are ideal, as they allow you to manage your finances without high fees.

Cash withdrawals and ATMs in Lisbon

ATMs (Multibanco) are available throughout the city and accept international cards. However, some transactions may include fees of up to 3%, depending on your bank. Using services such as Wise or Monzo for international transfers can reduce these costs.

Food in Lisbon

In Lisbon, enjoying the local gastronomy and shopping is easy and inexpensive. Here are some of the options available to residents and digital nomads.

Where to shop in Lisbon?

Supermarkets such as Pingo Doce, Continente and Lidl are the most popular and offer products at affordable prices. Local markets, such as the Mercado da Ribeira, are ideal for buying fresh fruit and traditional produce, ideal for a properly proportioned food basket.

Average cost of meals in Lisbon

Inexpensive restaurants: A daily menu costs between €8 ($8.31) and €12 ($12.52).
Mid-range restaurants: Dinners can cost around €20 ($20.86) per person.
Coffee shops and snacks: Enjoying a cream cake and a coffee will cost you less than €3 ($3.13).

For a local experience, visit traditional restaurants where you can try dishes such as bacalao a brás or caldo verde. To connect with local gastronomy.

Leisure and free time in Lisbon

Lisbon offers many options to enjoy your free time:

Sport and outdoor activities in Lisbon

Hiking: Areas such as the Parque Florestal de Monsanto are perfect for exploring nature.
Nearby beaches: Cascais and Costa da Caparica are less than 30 minutes from the city.
Gyms: Fitness Hut and Holmes Place chains offer memberships from €30 ($31.29) per month.

Culture and festivals in the Lisbon

Lisbon hosts annual festivals such as the NOS Alive and the Fado Festival, ideal for enjoying Portuguese music and culture. The city also has outstanding museums such as the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT).

Best seasons to be in Lisbon

Lisbon’s climate is temperate all year round, but certain seasons are more recommended:

Spring (April to June) for a digital nomad in Lisbon

This is the best time to explore the city, with pleasant temperatures and events such as the Santo António Festival in June.

Autumn (September and October) for a digital nomad in Lisbon

The weather is still warm, but with fewer tourists. It’s ideal for outdoor activities. Summer can be hot, with temperatures in excess of 30°C, while winter, although mild, can include rain.

Find out the best seasons to be a digital nomad in Lisbon @unsplash

Cost of living as a digital nomad in Lisbon

Lisbon is known to be one of the most affordable European capitals, although costs may vary depending on your lifestyle.

Accommodation options for digital nomads in Lisbon

Prices range from €800 ($834.34) and €1,200 ($1,251.51) per month, including services such as internet and common areas.
Flat rentals: Studios in central areas cost between €700 ($730.05) and €1,200 ($1,251.51), while in peripheral neighbourhoods they can be as low as €500 ($521.46).

Transport for digital nomads in Lisbon

As mentioned above, the monthly public transport pass costs around €40 ($41.72), making it an economical and efficient option.

Food for digital nomads in Lisbon

Monthly food expenditure depends on your habits:

Supermarket shopping: An average budget is €150-300 ($156.64-312.88)per month.
Restaurants: Eating out twice a week can add between €80 ($83.43) and €120 ($125.15) per month. These amounts will depend on frequency, but are an approximate average.

Co-working spaces in Lisbon

A co-working space in Lisbon costs around €200 ($208.58) to €300 ($312.88) per month, depending on the location and services offered.

Leisure and activities in Lisbon

Enjoying cultural and leisure activities can cost between €50 ($52.15) and €100 ($104.29) per month, including entrance fees to museums and events. With these costs in mind, the monthly budget for a digital nomad in Lisbon can vary between €1,200 ($1,251.51) and €2,000 ($2,085.84), depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Lisbon is undoubtedly a fascinating destination for those seeking to combine remote work with an exceptional quality of life.