Long-Term Rental Lisbon: 2026 Guide to Finding Your Dream Home

What is a long-term rental in Lisbon, Portugal?

In Lisbon, long-term rentals are often leases that last 12 months or longer. A residential lease (Contrato de Arrendamento) provides tenants with legal protection and security, making them ideal for extended stays.

When renting in Portugal, a rental contract includes:

• Rental deposit
• The monthly rent
• Contract duration
• Notice periods or renewal terms

Many tenants rent properties in Lisbon for a year or more.

Both fully-furnished and unfurnished apartments for rent in Portugal are available, although long-term rentals are often unfurnished.

Under Portuguese law, the landlord can terminate the lease. They can end the contract if the tenant doesn’t pay rent for over three months, they need the housing for themselves or their dependent children, or there are structural rehabilitation works. In Portugal, the notice period depends on the reason for termination and the type or duration of the lease under the New Urban Lease Regime (NRAU).

Tenants can end the contract without giving a reason once they have completed at least one-third of the lease term, as long as they provide a notice. If the landlord has already stated they won’t renew the lease, tenants can end the contract with 30 days’ notice.

How is long-term renting different from short-term rentals in Lisbon?

The Lisbon rental market has short-term and long-term rentals. Short-term rental contracts, which also include vacation rentals, last less than 12 months. They are a great choice for expats and visitors who want to test the waters before relocating to Portugal.

A vacation rental often lasts less than three months, and it is an ideal choice for non-EU citizens and American nationals who have a limited 90-day stay. Portugal apartments near the beach and tourist locations often have the largest number of short-term rentals in Lisbon.

Lisbon long-term rentals offer more stability and lower rents than short-term rentals, which makes them better for those who want to live in Portugal. Short-term rentals are better for temporary stays and vacation visits.

Landlords who offer short-term rentals must have an Alojamento Local (AL) license. This legal permit allows them to rent out their property for holiday purposes or short visits.

For more details, check our ultimate guide on Portugal short-term rentals.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Long-Term Rentals in Lisbon

The main benefits of homes for rent in Lisbon include easy access to stunning beaches, a thriving tech industry, and the largest expat community in the country. Students benefit by living near top universities, such as the University of Lisbon.

Digital nomads benefit from the high-speed internet, warm climate year-round, and nearby coworking spaces, such as Second Home and LACS.

Remote workers can also make use of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8), which requires a €3,680 monthly income and at least €11,040 in savings.

Families value access to the 36 international schools in Lisbon, green spaces, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Retirees are drawn to the Lisbon Metropolitan Area for its vast coastline that features over two dozen “Blue Flag” beaches. Beach areas along the coastlines of Cascais, Sintra, Oeiras, and Costa da Caparica offer various opportunities for Lisbon real estate investment. However, life in Greater Lisbon and the city itself is not without its flaws.

Some of the disadvantages of long-term apartment rentals in Lisbon include:

• Competitive rental market
• High up-front costs
• Potential rent increases at renewals
• Many unfurnished properties
• Strict contract rules

 

Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon for Long-Term Rentals

Choosing the right neighborhood in Lisbon is different for everyone. Here are some of the top choices for extended stays:

• Príncipe Real – A trendy and upscale area famous for its gardens, active nightlife, boutique shops, bars, and restaurants.
• Alfama – Best suited for those who enjoy historic surroundings, traditional Fado music, and beautiful cobbled streets.
• Baixa and Chiado – The city’s central hub, ideal for shopping, dining out, and regular commutes for work.
• Avenida da Liberdade – Lisbon’s luxury avenue, packed with luxury apartments, designer shops, and stunning architecture.
• Parque das Nações – A modern waterfront neighborhood with contemporary housing, green spaces, and excellent public transportation.
• Alcântara – A trendy, up-and-coming area that offers a mix of industrial vibe with modern settings. It is popular among digital nomads and young entrepreneurs with its growing startup scene.

Requirements for Foreigners to Rent Long-Term in Lisbon

To rent a flat in Lisbon in the long term as a foreigner, you’ll need to compile a couple of documents. In most cases, you need:

• A valid passport or ID
• Portuguese tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal or NIF)
• Poor of income (i.e., bank statements, tax returns, job contracts, pay slips, saving records, etc)

If you are an international student, you might need a guardian or a parent who could provide documents of proof of income on your behalf.

In some cases, landlords in Portugal might ask you to provide a guarantor (fiador), mainly if you lack sufficient documentation.

A guarantor is a Portuguese resident who could be hard to find if you’ve recently moved to Portugal and haven’t met anyone in the country. If you don’t have a Portuguese guarantor, the landlord could ask you to pay 6 to 12 months of rent in advance, but this is not mandatory for all cases.

How to find long-term rentals in Lisbon?

Here are the best tips for finding long-term furnished rentals in Lisbon, Portugal:

• Start your search early: The rental market in Lisbon is the most competitive in the country. So, we highly suggest you do your research a couple of months before moving there.
• Look at local real estate platforms: Websites like Imovirtual, Idealista, and Casasapo have many long-term accommodation deals from furnished apartments to luxury houses and affordable studios.
• Work with a buyer’s agent or a real estate agent in Lisbon: Agents can find off-market properties and provide a customized approach.
• Read the rental contract: Make sure it includes all the terms, such as the lease duration, deposit requirements, and prices.
• Check for modern amenities and local transport: Pick a location that is near shops, bus and metro stations, or schools.

Luxury long-term rentals in Lisbon

In Lisbon neighborhoods such as Príncipe Real, Avenida da Liberdade, and Chiado, apartments for rent are more expensive due to their prime location, walking distance from coworking spaces, cafés, public transport stations, and historic landmarks.

Estrela, Campo de Ourique, and Santos are equally popular with lifestyle buyers, offering residential charm, walkable streets, strong local amenities, and a quiet place to live.

For example, you can find a T5 flat in Rua da Escola Politécnica, Príncipe Real for €3,950 per month. This 150-square-meter apartment is unfurnished, with stunning views of the Tagus River.

Mid-range long-term rentals in Lisbon

Arroios, Areeiro, Benfica, Olivais, and Ajuda offer more space and “lived-in” atmosphere. Here, the cost of living in Lisbon is relatively lower than in prime areas. There are nearby supermarkets, gyms, schools, and public transport for regular commutes to central Lisbon.

For instance, a three-bedroom flat in Alameda can be yours for €2,200 per month. This 150-square-meter T3 apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen and is close to banks, pharmacies, and grocery stores.

Cheapest long-term rental in Lisbon

Benfica, Olivais, Ajuda, and parts of Amadora have some of the cheapest long-term rental houses in Lisbon.

For example, an unfurnished two-bedroom apartment in Benfica costs €1,050 per month. This renovated T2 flat has a fully-equipped kitchen and a convenient location next to local shops in Rua Cláudio Nunes

Cheap apartments for rent in Lisbon, Portugal are widely available in Olivais. For example, serviced apartments (T1) in Rua da Quinta do Morgado can cost €950 per month, which includes a fully equipped kitchen and an Energy Performance Certificate.

 

How to avoid scams when renting in Lisbon long-term?

These tips can help you avoid scams when looking for Lisbon apartments for rent:

• Check the contract before paying: Some landlords could offer “under-the-table” lease agreements to avoid taxes. These are very risky because it doesn’t provide any legal protection for the tenant. For long-term rentals, landlords must register their contract with the Portuguese tax authorities (Finanças) and pay a stamp duty tax (Imposto do Selo).
• Visit the property in person: Some houses for rent in Lisbon, Portugal, may look better in pictures than in person. This can be the case in high-demand areas such as Lisbon and Cascais. We suggest you view the property or send a representative to inspect it.
• Check the property conditions: If you are looking for quality furnished apartments, make sure they have insulation, air conditioning, and updated furnishings. Older properties often lack insulation.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.