Living in Lisbon as a foreigner: What is it really like?

If you’re looking for a nearby European destination by the sea with pleasant weather and a relaxed atmosphere to live in for a while, this Portuguese city might be just right for you. Living in Lisbon is an increasingly popular choice among expats, students, and digital nomads who are drawn to a high quality of life at a more affordable cost. According to recent studies, the city ranks well globally for its safety, healthcare, and quality of life.

In this article, we’ll go over some key things that can affect your daily life. We’ll talk about the education system, healthcare quality, safety, and the economy. We’ll also look at internet access and connectivity across the city. Stay with us to weigh up everything Lisbon has to offer, both the pros and the cons.

Quality of life in Lisbon

A recent Mercer study ranks Portugal’s capital 39th worldwide in terms of quality of life, highlighting its strengths in safety, healthcare, and environmental quality, along with relatively low pollution levels. The report also takes into account factors such as political stability, education, transport, leisure, and housing. Here are some of the main things to consider before moving to Lisbon.

The education system in Lisbon

The city has a solid education system and is open to international students, with many universities offering courses in English. It follows the European Higher Education system (the Bologna Process), which makes it easier to have degrees recognized and to study in other European countries. If you want to study there as a foreign student, you can apply for a student visa and may also be eligible for government scholarships. Some of the main universities are:

• University of Lisbon: Ranked among the top 300 universities in the world according to the Shanghai Ranking and is the country’s leading institution.
• Nova University of Lisbon: Renowned for its programs in economics, business, and international relations.
• ISCTE – Lisbon University Institute: Excels in the fields of business administration, technology, sociology, and economics.

Security in the Portuguese capital

One of the things most appreciated by expats who choose to live in Lisbon is its safety. Compared to other European capitals, it’s a calm city with relatively low crime rates, according to the Global Peace Index, which ranks Portugal among the top 10 countries worldwide. A big plus is that you can get around the city safely both day and night, with a noticeable police presence, especially in tourist areas. If you’re looking for the best neighbourhoods to live in Lisbon, here are some good options:

• Parque das Nações: Modern, family-friendly, and very safe
• Príncipe Real: Quiet and popular with expats
• Campo de Ourique: A safe, residential neighborhood
• Alvalade: Ideal for families and students

Healthcare in Lisbon

Living in Lisbon means you’ll have access to a high-quality healthcare system that combines both public and private care. The public system, the National Health Service (SNS), is state-funded and gives residents access to affordable medical care, while private healthcare offers faster access and more specialized services. That said, one of the main drawbacks of the public system is the long waiting times.

If you work and pay social security as a foreigner, you can get an SNS number and use public healthcare, including doctor visits, emergencies, prescriptions, and hospital care. If you’re from an EU country, you can also apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you travel, which lets you access healthcare like a local. Another option is private health insurance, which usually gives you faster access and more personalized treatment. Some of the best hospitals are:

• Santa María Hospital (public, national referral hospital)
• São José Hospital (public, specializing in complex cases)
• Lusíadas Hospital Lisbon (private)

Economy in Lisbon

The capital’s economy has grown in recent years thanks to tourism, foreign investment, and the rise of sectors like tech and services. At the same time, this growth has also pushed up the cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. Compared to cities like Paris or London, Lisbon is still more affordable, although not as much as it was a couple of years ago.

If you’re planning to work in the capital, keep in mind that salaries are much lower than in many other European countries, with an average of around $1,200 to $1,500 (€1,100–1,380) per month. The main issue is the gap between income and rent, since an apartment in the city centre can easily cost as much as a full month’s salary. That’s one reason why many foreigners living in Lisbon long term work remotely for international companies or clients.

Internet access in Lisbon

Connectivity is one of the key factors for anyone planning to live in Lisbon, especially remote workers and international students. In this sense, the capital has a modern and constantly improving digital infrastructure, with fibre-optic speeds often ranging from 100 to 500 Mbps or more. The main providers are MEO, NOS, and Vodafone, all offering a range of internet, mobile, and TV packages.

If you’re someone who does most of your shopping online, Lisbon is fully part of the European digital ecosystem, with access to Amazon, local and European online stores, food delivery services, and a growing use of smart home devices.

If your job requires a fast and reliable connection across the city, the Holafly eSIM for Lisbon is a great option for short stays, since you can get unlimited data for just the days you need, starting at $3.90 per day. For longer stays, Holafly’s monthly plans are a better choice, offering stable 5G coverage throughout the city. You can connect multiple devices at the same time with the unlimited plan, starting at $49.90 per month, with no long-term commitment. Plus, you can travel to over 160 destinations without having to change your eSIM.

7 benefits of living in Lisbon

By now, you probably have a better idea of what daily life in Lisbon is like. Beyond the beaches, food, and historic neighbourhoods, it’s also important to weigh the practical benefits the city offers. Here’s a quick summary of the seven main points:

1. Pleasant weather all year round: Over 300 days of sunshine a year, with mild winters and warm summers that make it easy to spend time outdoors in most seasons.
2. Close to nature and beaches: Quick access to places where you can unwind, such as Cascais, Costa da Caparica, or the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
3. Great local food: Enjoy traditional dishes like bacalhau à brás, pastéis de nata, and grilled sardines, along with plenty of international restaurants and cafés.
4. Spaces for digital nomads: In addition to reliable internet access, Lisbon has plenty of coworking and coliving spaces, as well as an active international community of remote workers.
5. Relaxed lifestyle: Compared to larger capitals like Madrid or Paris, Lisbon generally feels slower and less hectic. Life here moves at a slower, more relaxed pace, with a strong café and terrace culture and a good balance between work and personal life.
6. Good public transportation: There’s an efficient network of metro, trams, and buses that makes it easy to get around, whether you’re heading to work or university, without needing a car.
7. High quality of life: A combination of safety, climate, services, and cultural offerings that make Lisbon a very attractive place to live.

Disadvantages of living in Lisbon as a foreigner

We’ve already looked at many of the advantages of living in Lisbon, but like any major European city, it also comes with challenges for newcomers. Things like high housing costs, the language barrier, and heavy tourism in certain areas can all have an impact on everyday life. Knowing about these challenges in advance can make the transition much easier:

• High cost of housing: Rent prices in Lisbon have gone up in recent years, especially in central areas like Chiado or Príncipe Real. If you’re earning a local salary, you’ll likely need to share accommodation.
• Low wages: Although living in Lisbon is cheaper than in other European capitals, salaries in Portugal are also much lower, which makes it difficult for many residents to keep up with housing costs.
• Slow bureaucracy: If you need to handle things like getting a tax number (NIF), residency paperwork, or signing up for public services, the process can be slow and a bit tricky, especially if you don’t speak Portuguese.
• Language (Portuguese): Although many people in Lisbon speak English, learning some Portuguese will make daily life and work much easier.
• Mass tourism: Lisbon is a very popular tourist destination during the high season, which leads to higher prices and crowded areas in the city center.
• Damp winters in older homes: Many houses are not well insulated, which can lead to dampness and a chilly feeling in the winter.

Frequently asked questions about living in Lisbon

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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