A Digital Nomad Guide to Lisbon (Portugal)

Here is all the essential information for digital nomads who are considering Lisbon as their next work stop. From accommodation to co-working spaces, you will find everything in one place. 

More than half a million digital nomads made a trip to Lisbon last year. In fact, Portugal’s sun-soaked capital is home to well over 16,000 of them, as noted by Euronews.

As a digital nomad, you can make a pit stop in Lisbon. Better yet, obtain Portugal’s famous D8 Visa and enjoy residency for up to 5 years.

This has become one of the top choices for digital nomads in Europe for all the right reasons.

There’s plenty to think about, and this guide will help you start on the right foot.

First up – Why Lisbon?

Lisbon’s rise as a digital nomad hotspot is no accident. The city offers a unique combo of factors.

You won’t break the bank

The cost of living in Lisbon remains relatively affordable compared to other major European cities. As a digital nomad here, you will enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Seaside beauty at its best

The city’s natural beauty is a winner. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Lisbon offers breathtaking ocean views, picturesque beaches, and seven hillsides with stunning city vistas.

Soak up the Mediterranean sun

Say hello to the Mediterranean climate. Its mild winters and warm summers mean year-round outdoor fun and activities.

Digital nomads meet Silicon Valley

Lisbon has a fast-expanding tech scene. No wonder it has been nicknamed Silicon Valley on the Tagus River. Major tech companies like Google have set up shop here.

Do you need a visa or work permit?

Portugal has made it easier for remote workers to set up shop in Lisbon. EU citizens can live and work in Portugal without a visa for over three months.

Non-EU citizens typically enter on a tourist visa, with stays of up to 90 days. For extended periods, digital nomads have a few options:

The D7 Visa: The Passive Income Visa is popular among digital nomads. It requires proof of passive income or remote work income.

The Digital Nomad Visa: The so-called D8 visa is specifically designed for remote workers. A temporary stay visa allows stays of up to 1 year. With a residency D8 visa, you can stay up to 5 years. Both need proof of income (€3,280+ in 2024) from sources outside Portugal.

The Startup Visa: This can apply to startup-based nomads.

Accommodation options: Finding your perfect Lisbon home

Lisbon has plenty of accommodation options for digital nomads. Short-term visitors often opt for Airbnb rentals. For longer stays, many nomads prefer to rent apartments.

Popular neighbourhoods for digital nomads include:

• Bairro Alto: Known for its vibrant nightlife and central location
• Chiado: A chic, upscale area with excellent shopping and dining options
• Alfama: The oldest district in Lisbon
• Santos: An up-and-coming area popular with young professionals

If you’re after community-oriented living, co-living spaces are more your speed. These spaces offer furnished rooms, shared common areas, and many amenities.

Staying connected: Internet speeds in Lisbon

Lisbon’s internet infrastructure is a digital nomad’s dream.

Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere in the city, including in most hotels and cafes. With widespread 4G mobile coverage and expanding 5G networks, staying connected is rarely an issue.

Most neighbourhoods average download speeds well over 110 Mbps.

With these speeds, most digital nomads say the internet connection in Lisbon is snappy and strong enough for getting on Zoom, streaming Amazon Prime/Netflix, or loading high-res video games and online blackjack.

Lisbon’s top coworking spaces

Lisbon’s coworking scene offers digital nomads an array of options, including:

• Second Home Lisboa: Located in the trendy Mercado da Ribeira, this space sports a stunning design and a vibrant community.
• Heden: It has flexible plans across multiple city locations.
• WorkHub Lisboa: Housed in a converted wine warehouse, this space combines industrial chic with modern amenities.
• Impact Hub Lisbon: Part of a global network with everything you need.
• IDEA Spaces: With locations in Chiado and Santos, IDEA offers both co-working and private offices.

Work-life balance: Things to do and experience in Lisbon

When you’re not working, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. First, the ocean is right there. Cascais and Estoril offer pristine shores perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or trying your hand at surfing.

Check out Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods. The narrow, winding streets of Alfama, the oldest district in the city, are perfect for getting lost in and finding hidden gems. Don’t miss the São Jorge Castle, with panoramic views of the city.

Lisbon’s food scene is a delight. Be sure to try local specialties like bacalhau (salted cod), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and vinho verde (young wine).

For art and culture enthusiasts, Lisbon’s Gulbenkian Museum and the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) are must-visits.

Practical matters

Banking

Opening a local bank account can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re planning a long stay in Lisbon. Millennium BCP and Novo Banco are good and often have English-speaking staff. For online banks, try N26 or Revolut.

Transportation

Lisbon’s Metro covers most of the city, while buses and trams can get you to areas the Metro doesn’t reach. Take a ride on the famous Tram 28, which winds through some of Lisbon’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.

Climate

Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The city experiences around 290 days of sunshine per year.

Cost of living

Despite rising prices, Lisbon remains relatively affordable. A monthly budget of €1000-€1500 can provide a comfortable lifestyle, including rent, food, and entertainment.

I am sure you will love Lisbon and the freedom and flexibility this city offers to digital nomads. So, when are you flying to this lovely city?