Living in Lisbon: The 2026 Guide for Foreigners

Lisbon Cheat Sheet

Why is everyone moving to Lisbon?

Lisbon is a popular choice for retirees, investors, digital nomads, young professionals, and families. But why are so many expats moving to Lisbon, Portugal?

Here are some of the key reasons to consider life in Lisbon, Portugal:

• Outstanding business and start-up hub: Lisbon is the best place in Portugal to do business. Based on the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Lisbon has 498 active startup companies, three of which are valued at over €930 million. The annual ecosystem growth rate showed a 12.3 percent increase from April 2024 to April 2025.
• Good weather, stunning architecture, and gorgeous beaches: The incredible people, large coastline, and various parks make everyday life in Lisbon feel pleasant and relaxing. This major capital city often ranks among the favorite cities for expats because of the mild winter and welcoming local community.
• Flexible immigration process: Portugal makes it quite easy for foreigners to move to the country, with a range of visa options on the table.
• Affordable cost of living with high quality of life: Lisbon offers a great quality of life without the painful price tag of other European capitals.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

The cost of living in Lisbon is significantly more affordable than in some other European capitals such as Paris, Madrid, and London. A couple can live a comfortable life on €2,500 to €3,200 per month, which covers groceries, rent, and eating out.

If you are considering living in Lisbon as an American, the monthly rent in the Portuguese capital is 45.3 percent lower than in Washington DC, 65 percent cheaper than in New York, and 53.6 percent more affordable than in San Francisco.

Overall, the expenses of living in Portugal are lower than in many other countries, such as the USA, UK, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and neighboring Spain. However, the cost of living significantly varies based on the area you choose.

For example, prices in the interior regions are more affordable compared to city centers and neighborhoods close to local tourist attractions. Although Lisbon is an expensive city in Portugal, living here is worth it because of its high quality of life.

In the Global Citizen Solutions’ Quality of Life Index, Portugal ranks in sixth position. This means that the country is one of the best places to live in for those looking for affordable costs, quality healthcare, education, vibrant culture, and a safe city to settle in.

How much do I need to live in Lisbon?

In Lisbon, the estimated cost for a family of four is about €2,625 per month, excluding rent, while, for a single person, you could get by with €728 per month in Lisbon, also not including rent. This is according to the latest figures from Numbeo.

Food in Lisbon

Lisbon offers high-quality, affordable food options. While prices have been increasing recently, they remain affordable compared to prices in other European capital cities.  

Here’s an example of the average grocery prices for popular products:

Source: Numbeo

Eating out in Lisbon

Portugal is renowned for its exceptional food and wine, especially fresh seafood. You can enjoy fine dining without the high price tag of other countries, such as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.

You can purchase a quality meal in Portugal for under €20 and easily eat out a couple of times a week or a month, depending on your budget.

The average costs for dining out in Lisbon include:

• A meal in an inexpensive restaurant: €13.75
• A meal in a mid-level restaurant (two people, three courses): €50
• Cappuccino: €2.29
• A bottle of mid-range wine: €5
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter): €3

Transportation in Lisbon

In Lisbon, you can buy a monthly transportation pass that will cost you €40. This is a really good deal because you will be able to use all the means of transportation in the city, such as a bus, train, or metro. A one-way ticket with local transport costs €2.

Lisbon International Airport also has flights across the world. If you are looking for a weekend getaway, you will find many cheap flights available, particularly if you book well in advance.

Finding Accommodation in Lisbon

Real estate in Lisbon is booming, and although property prices have increased rapidly over the past years, there are many parts of the city where you can still get a good deal. If you are considering buying property in Lisbon, it can be a smart move, as your property will likely increase in value over time.

Buying a house in Lisbon

It’s easy to buy a house in Lisbon. Lisbon real estate prices will vary considerably depending on the neighborhood you choose. There are many property types for different budgets, from modern apartments to spacious waterfront houses.

However, this is the most expensive city in the country, so expect to pay premium prices for real estate investments in Lisbon. The average asking price for property in Lisbon is €6,934 per square meter, while if you look at the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, this falls to €4,935.

Lisbon land for sale is more affordable than buying a property, and, although it will take time to build your dream home, you’ll be able to customize it to your personal tastes. As there is no one ultimate property listing site, it can be a good idea to work with a buyer’s agent, such as Goldcrest.

With €3 billion being invested into Marvila in the next ten years, a Marvila real estate investment can be an excellent strategy as the area transforms into one of the prime Lisbon neighborhoods.

Renting a house in Lisbon

Lisbon’s rental market is highly competitive due to strong demand from expats. So, it is highly recommended to find rental apartments before you move there. A buyer’s agent can provide property search services in any neighborhood you select and compare the rental prices.

The average prices for renting a property in Lisbon include:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,375.93
• One-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €1,039.58
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €2,469.05
• Three-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €1,676.19

You can find short-term rentals on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. However, if you decide to move to Lisbon and rent long-term, you can use local sources such as Facebook groups and rental listing websites.

How to Live in Lisbon as an Expat: Residence Permits and Visas

Planning to relocate to Lisbon? If you are moving to Portugal, you will need to get a Portuguese NIF number (tax identification number) as soon as possible, as you will need it for any major financial transactions.

You can apply for a NIF number at a local tax office (Finanças) or citizen service hubs (Loja do Cidadão). We also recommend that you set up a Portuguese bank account to mitigate international fees or pay property taxes.

Here are the different pathways for securing residency in Portugal.

Living in Lisbon as an EU citizen

If you are an EU citizen hoping to join the many Lisbon expats, the country has a smooth immigration process. As part of the European Union, you can freely move between member countries, including Portugal. To move to Lisbon and stay longer than three months, simply apply for the registration certificate, also known as Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (CRUE), at your local council office.

Living in Lisbon as a non-EU citizen

If you’re a non-EU citizen considering living in Lisbon, there are various visa options you can apply for to enter and live in Portugal.

Once you obtain a visa to travel to Portugal, you will need to apply for a residence permit to settle in Lisbon, Portugal, and enjoy the benefits of being a resident.

Below are some popular pathways for non-EU nationals to secure residency in Portugal. Note that this list is not exhaustive; several other visa types are available to non-EU citizens.

If you are considering relocating to Portugal, our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, would be delighted to assist you in discussing which option is best for your needs.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most common visa programs for non-EU citizens who invest in Portugal through fund investments, donations, or company formation. The Portugal Golden Visa program provides a pathway for non-EU investors to obtain a Portuguese residence permit by making a qualifying investment in the country (a minimum investment of €250,000 is required). However, the program no longer provides real estate investments as a pathway to residency.

D2 Visa Portugal

The D2 Visa Portugal is perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to set up shop in Portugal. Whether you’re opening a café, launching a startup, or investing in a local company, this visa allows you to obtain residency while growing your venture. It applies anywhere in Portugal, including Lisbon, and requires a viable business plan and investment in the Portuguese economy.

D3 Visa Portugal

The Portugal D3 Visa is a work visa for highly skilled professionals who already have a job offer or employment contract in a qualified field in Portugal. You can use it to move to Portugal and get a residence permit based on your job. Many applicants who qualify under the D3 category may also be eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card, which provides broader rights to live and work in other EU countries.

D7 Visa

The Portugal D7 Visa is for non‑EU citizens with stable passive income who want to live in Portugal. It’s a popular option for retirees, pensioners, and individuals with regular income from sources like rental properties, investment dividends, pensions, or intellectual property.

To qualify, you must demonstrate consistent passive income that is over the Portuguese minimum wage, which for 2026 is €920 per month. You can apply for a residence permit after the immigration authorities approve your visa.

Digital Nomad Visa

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) was launched in late 2022 to allow non‑EU remote workers to live in Portugal while working for clients or employers outside the country.

To qualify, applicants must show a stable remote income that is at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (at least €3,680 per month in 2026) and the income must come from outside Portugal. In Lisbon, there are many coworking spaces for working remotely in Portugal that cater to digital nomads.

Finding a Job in Lisbon

Wondering if you can find a job as an expat in Lisbon? Foreigners can find work in large industries, such as technology, tourism, and customer service.

The job market in Lisbon is stable with a 6.3 percent unemployment rate, based on the latest 2025 reports from Statistics Portugal (INE).

Although average salaries are often lower than in other Western European countries, the lower cost of living can offset this. If you speak one or multiple foreign languages, you can find plenty of job opportunities in international companies, especially in Lisbon’s booming startup scene.

On that note, the job market in Lisbon is growing, especially in tech, tourism, and customer service. Overall, people earning local salaries often choose to live in interior areas, rather than the city center, to accommodate the rising costs.

As for remote workers, Lisbon has everything you could need: affordable living, a strong expat network, and plenty of coworking spaces and cafés with excellent Wi-Fi. Plus, with beaches just a short train ride away, it’s easy to enjoy your day while balancing work time.

Taxes in Lisbon 

If you live in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal for more than 183 days a year, the Portuguese government considers you a tax resident. You must register as a taxpayer and get your NIF at your local tax office.

Resident income tax rates range from 12.5 percent to 48 percent, while non-residents pay a flat 25 percent on income earned in Portugal. Property owners also pay local taxes, such as IMI (municipal property tax) and IMT (property transfer tax). To find out more about the IRS (income tax), check our ultimate guide about taxes in Portugal.

Portugal used to offer the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime for foreign residents, but it no longer accepts new applications. It will be replaced by the Portugal NHR 2.0 (Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation).

Opening a Bank Account in Lisbon

Opening a Portuguese bank account is generally straightforward once you have a NIF (Portuguese tax identification number). Most banks require a passport (or ID), proof of address, and an initial deposit of between €250 and €300, depending on the bank and account type.

The Central Bank of Portugal regulates the country’s banking system based on strict EU standards. The Multibanco network connects thousands of ATMs nationwide, which you can use to pay your bills, transfer or withdraw money, and perform other everyday banking services.

To open a bank account in Lisbon, you need to:

• Choose an international bank and a local branch
• Gather required documents
• Visit the branch or begin the process online
• Select a current or savings account
• Make an initial deposit if required

Some banks, such as Novo Banco, ActivoBank, and Millennium BCP, may allow the process to start online, but may require a video call or follow-up verification. You can read more about these financial institutions in our article about banking in Portugal.

Schools in Lisbon

As an expat parent, there is no need to worry about your child’s education while considering moving to Portugal.

According to the International School Database, there are a total of 36 different international schools in Lisbon, all offering high-quality education and extracurricular activities. The average annual budget for an international primary school is €13,655.

Here are some of the most popular ones:

• British School of Lisbon
• Oeiras International School
• Astoria International School
• Redbridge School
• Lycée Français Charles Lepierre

As a legal resident of Lisbon, you can also enroll your children in a public school, which is free, but you should know that Portuguese is the main language used in public schools.

Also, if you are moving to the capital and are looking for schools, you can consult our article on international schools in Lisbon.

Getting Around in Lisbon

In Lisbon, you can easily explore the city by walking. Public transportation is quite affordable, with a one-way ticket for a bus, tram, or a metro line costing about €2. If you plan to travel regularly across the wider metropolitan area, you can spend about €40 on a regular monthly ticket pass with local transport.

Taxi rides are particularly cheap with a €3.50 standard tariff or €0.90 for a kilometer ride. You can also book an Uber or Bolt to move between parts of the city, which is even more affordable given the average gasoline price of €1.78 per liter.

Healthcare in Lisbon

Portugal’s healthcare system has public and private networks. The public SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) is available to legal residents and expats with residency. It covers family doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, maternity care, and specialist treatment. Public medical services are quite affordable with low co-payments.

However, due to the long waiting times and limited choice of English-speaking doctors, many expats choose to combine both public and private healthcare. Private medical insurance is significantly cheaper than in the United States and can cost anywhere from €400 to €1,000 yearly, based on the coverage. CUF, Luz Saúde, and Lusíadas Saúde all have private healthcare facilities in Lisbon, and they are among the main private hospital networks used in the city.

Language in Lisbon

Although the official language in Portugal is Portuguese, you will usually find someone who speaks English in the capital, especially near Lisbon tourist attractions, hospitals, bars, and restaurants.

According to the new EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), which covers 100 countries and regions worldwide, Portugal ranks sixth among non-native speakers for English proficiency. You should know that English is extensively spoken in Lisbon compared to other Portuguese cities.

However, learning Portuguese will help you integrate into your new neighborhood and immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life. In government offices, you may find English is not so widely spoken, making it a good idea to learn Portuguese.

Weather in Lisbon

If you’re a nature lover dreaming of plenty of sun and warm weather, Portugal is a great choice. Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Compared with many Northern European cities, Lisbon still gets plenty of sunshine during the winter months, around five to six hours of bright sunshine per day in December and January.

The hottest month is August, with an average temperature of 29°C (84.2°F), and the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 14.3°C (57.7 °F). November is the wettest month, with a lot of rain. Overall, the comfortable, mild climate is a big part of why many expats choose to live in Lisbon.

Things To Do in Lisbon

There are plenty of things to do in Lisbon, from visiting the local beaches, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, to tasting the traditional Portuguese cuisine. The city also hosts a wide range of festivals throughout the year.

Visit the beautiful beaches 

One of the best things about Lisbon is the nearby beaches. Just a short train or car ride away, you can find yourself in Carcavelos for surfing, Guincho for dramatic coastal views, or Costa da Caparica for a laid-back beach day with fresh seafood restaurants nearby.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife 

Lisbon really comes alive at night, with a scene for every taste and friendly Portuguese people. Start with sunset drinks at one of the city’s stunning rooftop bars, then head to Bairro Alto for lively streets full of bars, clubs, and live music. This is an amazing country where you can easily meet new friends. You can find out more in our article on Portugal’s nightlife.

Explore the arts and culture 

Lisbon is a creative city filled with history and modern artistic energy. Wander through the MAAT for cutting-edge exhibitions, visit the Berardo Collection Museum for contemporary art, or explore the historic Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

Want to know where LGBTQ+ travelers go when they visit Portugal? Check our article on the best gay areas in Lisbon.

Try the local cuisine 

Portuguese food is all about bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Trying a pastel de nata (custard tart) is a non-negotiable while in the city. Then, once you’re feeling up for other traditional dishes, you could try bacalhau à brás (salt cod dish) or polvo à lagareiro (roasted octopus).

Don’t forget to try a glass of ginjinha, Lisbon’s famous cherry liqueur, best enjoyed in a tiny hole-in-the-wall bar. You’ll find many of these bars around Rossio Square.

Experience festivals and attractions in Lisbon 

While living in Lisbon, you will experience various live events around the year, such as art exhibitions, film and food festivals, concerts, and others. Some popular Lisbon live events are:

• New Year’s Concert: Like every big city in the world, Lisbon also welcomes the new year with grandeur. A grand concert is held on the evening of 1 January every year.
• Lisbon Carnival: The month of February sees excited party-goers crowding the streets of Lisbon.
• Santo António Festival: This festival lights up the city, with locals and visitors flocking to the streets to celebrate by eating grilled sardines and partying until dawn.
• Lisbon Pride: This is a must-experience event for the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters in Lisbon. Picture the streets filled with music, colorful floats, and an electric atmosphere, ending with parties across the city.
• Other festivals and events: You will also find countless festivals taking place throughout the year, from summer Jazz festivals to the latest stars frequenting festivals such as SuperBock SuperRock, and MEO Kalorama Lisboa.
• Golfing: The golf scene in and around Lisbon for keen golfers is incredible. Lisbon and the Lisbon Coast’s great golf courses are amongst the best in the world.

Is Lisbon safe?

Portugal is the seventh most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index and the crime rate in Lisbon is very low. Lisbon expats enjoy a calm, relaxed lifestyle, and Portuguese nationals are very friendly towards foreigners.

Pros and Cons of Living in Lisbon

Like every city in the world, Lisbon has its pros and cons. We’ve narrowed down some of Lisbon’s advantages and drawbacks so you will be able to see the whole picture clearly before deciding whether moving to Lisbon is for you.

Pros of living in Lisbon

• Affordable cost of living compared to other major European cities
• Pleasant climate
• Historic neighborhoods boasting incredible architecture
• Booming business center
• Beautiful beaches and lovely sightseeing with a large variety of things to do
• Various schools and education options
• Great social life
• For a big city, Lisbon retains a community feel in many neighborhoods
• Lisbon is a good place for remote workers to live, given the excellent infrastructure, co-working spaces, and reliable internet.

Cons of living in Lisbon

• The steep hills and cobbled streets can be quite a workout
• Portuguese bureaucracy can be slow
• Overtourism in summer
• Challenge to find rental apartments, which also increases the rent prices
• Limited central heating in winter for older buildings

How can Goldcrest help you?

If you are planning to live in Lisbon and buy your dream property anywhere in Portugal, Goldcrest can help you research the local real estate market, negotiate prices, and simplify the entire purchasing process.

We are a team of buyer’s agents with years of experience in Lisbon real estate investments. We also provide property management for long-term rentals, which can be highly beneficial if you have a holiday home that earns you a passive income.

Our team has a wide network of local experts, such as contractors, real estate lawyers, and tax advisors. Contact us today and let us help you find the perfect Lisbon neighborhood to live in.