Lisbon is becoming a top spot for digital nomads and remote workers in Europe. I’ve been living and working online in Lisbon since 2016, so I have some insider tips on where to stay and work. Many people choose Lisbon for remote work because of its great climate, friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and reasonable costs. The city offers a lot to do, both in Lisbon and throughout Portugal, making it a wonderful place to live. Lisbon also has a vibrant international community that can help you settle in quickly.
Pros of living in Lisbon include a large nomad community, outdoor lifestyle activities like surfing and hiking, plenty of co-working spaces, a great climate, and the ease of getting by using English. On the downside, you might encounter relatively high rental costs, cold old houses in winter, crowds of tourists in July/August, Portuguese bureaucracy for long-term stays, and some complaints about gentrification.
If you’re wondering how to meet people in Lisbon, the active digital nomad community makes it easier. Check out the Lisbon Digital Nomads meetup page for events like bar meetups, co-working sessions, presentations, and more. You can also join the Lisbon Nomads & Expats Facebook Group for advice and recommendations, or connect on the Lisbon Digital Nomad Slack channel.
In terms of co-working spaces, Lisbon has a variety of options catering to different preferences. Some popular co-working offices include Selina Secret Garden Lisbon, Outsite, Heden, Unobvious Lab, and Resvés. Each space has its own vibe, so it’s worth trying a few out to see which one suits you best.
For those who prefer working from cafes, Lisbon has a range of options from traditional spots to specialty coffee places. Some recommended cafes for working include Copenhagen Coffee Lab, Comoba, DeBru, Coffee in Brew, Bowls&Bar, Jeronymo in Campo de Ourique, and The Block Cafe.
When it comes to finding accommodation in Lisbon, you can explore options like Airbnb, hostels, co-living packages at places like Selina and Outsite, or long-term rentals through platforms like SAPO, IMO Virtual, Bquarto, or OLX. The best areas to live in Lisbon include Lapa/Estrela, Principe Real, Arroios, Chiado, Santos, Graça, Alcântara, Alfama, and Barrio Alto.
In terms of cost of living, Lisbon is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. You can expect to spend around €900 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. While rent can be pricey, other expenses like meals, transportation, and coffee are more budget-friendly.
Lisbon’s climate is pleasant year-round, with mild winters and sunny weather for most of the year. Each season has its advantages, whether you prefer fewer tourists in winter or mild sunny days in spring and autumn.
If you’re considering moving to Lisbon, it’s a fantastic city for digital nomads. EU citizens can easily get a residency permit, while non-EU citizens may need a long-term visa to stay beyond 90 days. Portugal also offers tax advantages, such as the NHR program for certain tax benefits and untaxed capital gains on cryptocurrency for Portuguese tax residents.
Overall, Lisbon offers a mix of great work opportunities, a vibrant community, and a high quality of life, making it a popular choice for digital nomads and remote workers.
