Digital Nomad Guide to Lisbon 2025

Why Lisbon is Popular Among Digital Nomads

Climate and Culture

Lisbon enjoys 300-plus sunny days a year, giving it more daylight than almost any other European capital. Combine that with a centuries-old café culture (yes, the pastel-tiled esplanadas are as good as they look) and a world-class food scene, and you’ve got built-in motivation to close your laptop on time.

English proficiency also ranks very high (Portugal is #6 worldwide on the 2024 EF EPI), so day-to-day life rarely stalls on language issues—especially with younger Lisboetas and anyone working in hospitality.

“I arrived in Lisbon for a month and stayed for a year — it’s magnetic,” — says Max, a freelance designer from Berlin.

Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal

Remote Work Infrastructure

Lisbon isn’t just pretty — it’s practical. Fiber-optic internet is widespread, with average speeds of 100–200 Mbps in most areas. Coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafés are nearly everywhere.

Portugal’s average fixed-broadband download speed is ≈208 Mbps, putting it in the global top 20; fibre is widespread across Lisbon, and most cafés offer 50–100 Mbps Wi-Fi

If you're looking to stay long-term, coworking memberships like Second Home, Impact Hub, or LACS offer creative environments and networking perks.

🪑 Look for our coworking recommendations here.
Some offer free day passes — try before you commit or use apps like Croissant

A bright and stylish coworking space in Lisbon featuring traditional azulejo tiles on the walls

How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal

Eligibility Criteria

Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa (D8) — ideal if you're employed remotely or run your own business. You’ll need to:

• Prove monthly income ≥ €3,480 (4x Portuguese minimum wage). Can be salary, dividends or freelance income earned outside Portugal

• Show remote employment or freelancing contract

• Get private health insurance valid in Portugal

• Submit a criminal record check

How to Apply

You can apply via the Portuguese Consulate in your home country or once you’re already in Portugal in AIMA. Expect to gather documents like:

• Employment proof

• Bank statements (last 3–6 months)

• Travel health insurance

• Tax ID (NIF)

• Lease contract or accommodation proof

Processing time: 8–12 weeks for the visa, another 4–8 weeks for the residence card.

Cost of Living and Housing Challenges in Lisbon

Monthly Expenses

Lisbon isn’t cheap, but it’s still more affordable than cities like Berlin or Paris. On average, nomads report:

• Rent: €1,200–€2,000/month

• Coworking: €120–€200/month

• Groceries: €200–€300/month

• Transport (Metro Pass): €30-40/month

• Eating out: €10–€20 per meal

“If you cook at home and use public transport, Lisbon is manageable on €1,800–€2,200/month.”

Finding Housing

Expect competition, especially from May to October. For flexible stays:

• Flatio, Uniplaces, and Idealista are great for furnished apartments.

• Join Lisbon Digital Nomads Housing groups on Facebook for short-term deals.

Pro tip: Have your NIF (tax ID) and one month’s rent + deposit ready; good flats vanish within hours.

Neighborhoods

• Alcântara: By the river, next to LxFactory, industrial-cool and connected

• Cais do Sodré / Bairro Alto: Central, lively, lots of Airbnbs

• Campo de Ourique: Local, quieter, perfect for longer stays

• Intendente / Anjos: Multicultural, slightly edgy, more affordable

Digital Nomad Communities and Meetups in Lisbon

Online Forums and Groups

• Facebook: “Lisbon Digital Nomads”, “Digital Nomads Portugal”

• Reddit: r/digitalnomad, r/Portugal

• Slack: Nomad List and Hacker Paradise groups often have active Lisbon channels

Popular Meetup Events

• Weekly coworking sessions via Meetup.com

• Sunset drinks at Miradouro de Santa Catarina

• Entrepreneur breakfasts hosted by Startup Lisboa

• Yoga & brunch Sundays with Remote Year crew

• Once a month for a slack with Indie beers

"I found my flatmate, hiking buddies, and cofounder through Lisbon meetups." — Emma, nomad since 2021

Miradouro de Santa Catarina, Lissabon, Portugal

FAQ Summary

Is Lisbon a good city for digital nomads?
Yes, thanks to its weather, lifestyle, and remote work infrastructure.

What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Lisbon?
Roughly €1,800–€2,200/month depending on your lifestyle.

Do I need a visa to work remotely from Lisbon?
Yes, the D8 Digital Nomad Visa is the best route for non-EU nationals.

Are there digital nomad meetups in Lisbon?
Absolutely — you’ll find events every week across the city.

What are the best neighborhoods for digital nomads in Lisbon?
Alcântara, Cais do Sodré, and Campo de Ourique.

How is the internet speed in Lisbon?
Excellent. Coworkings: 200+ Mbps. Cafés: 50–100 Mbps.

Is it easy to make friends as a digital nomad in Lisbon?
Yes, especially if you attend meetups and coworking events.

What challenges do digital nomads face in Lisbon?
Housing, bureaucracy, and touristy crowds in peak months.