Move to Lisbon

Portugal · Expat Guide for Tech Workers

Rent (1BR)

$1,200

Rent (2BR)

$1,700

Transport

$40/mo

Expat Community

5/5

🌟 Why Lisbon?

  • ✓ Europe's sunniest capital with affordable cost of living
  • ✓ Thriving digital nomad and startup community
  • ✓ Excellent food (pasteis de nata, seafood) and cafe culture
  • ✓ Growing tech scene with Web Summit host city status

🏠 Best Neighborhoods

Alfama map

Alfama

Historic, fado music, narrow streets, river views

$1,300/mo
Santos/Cais do Sodre map

Santos/Cais do Sodre

Riverside, nightlife, Time Out Market, creative

$1,400/mo
Campo de Ourique map

Campo de Ourique

Residential, local market, family-friendly, village feel

$1,100/mo
Benfica/Carnide map

Benfica/Carnide

Affordable, metro access, local neighborhood, parks

$900/mo

✈ Airport

LIS (Lisbon Humberto Delgado)

☔ Weather

Mediterranean: warm summers (28C), mild winters (10C). 300+ sunny days. Europe's sunniest capital.

🎓 Schools

Several options (St. Julian's, CAISL, others)

💻 Coworking

Many (Second Home, Heden, Factory, Outsite)

✅ First Week Checklist

  1. Get a NIF (tax number) at a local Financas office
  2. Get a Viva Viagem card or Lisboa Card for metro/tram/bus
  3. Open a bank account with NIF (ActivoBank has no fees)
  4. Register at local health center (Centro de Saude) for SNS
  5. Try a pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belem

🏗 Top Industries

Tech/Startups Tourism Energy Creative