Complete Guide to Moving to Lisbon: Everything Expats Need to Know in 2025

Last updated: November 19, 2025

Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for expats, digital nomads, and remote workers. With its year-round sunshine, vibrant culture, excellent food scene, and growing tech ecosystem, Portugal’s capital offers an enviable quality of life that’s still more affordable than most Western European cities.

Whether you’re drawn by the D8 Digital Nomad Visa, the IFICI tax regime, or simply the promise of a better lifestyle, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making Lisbon your new home in 2025.

Why Lisbon? The Allure of Portugal’s Capital

Lisbon combines the best of old-world charm with modern convenience. Cobblestone streets wind through historic neighborhoods, while world-class restaurants, co-working spaces, and international schools serve a growing expat community. The city’s location on the Atlantic coast means you’re never far from beautiful beaches, and the mild climate makes outdoor living possible year-round.

What makes Lisbon special for expats:

• Growing tech and startup scene: Lisbon has become a
  hub for European tech companies and digital nomads
• English-friendly environment: Most locals,
  especially in business and service sectors, speak English
• Excellent healthcare: Both public and private
  healthcare systems are accessible and affordable
• Rich cultural life: From Fado music to contemporary
  art galleries, Lisbon offers diverse cultural experiences
• Strategic location: Easy access to other European
  cities and direct flights to major international destinations
• Safety: Portugal consistently ranks among the
  world’s safest countries

The city’s transformation over the past decade has been remarkable. What was once a quiet capital has become a dynamic international city, attracting entrepreneurs, remote workers, and families from around the world.

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Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Lisbon

Choosing where to live in Lisbon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Each neighborhood offers a distinct personality, lifestyle, and price point. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular areas for expats:

Príncipe Real

Best for: Young professionals, digital nomads, creative types

Príncipe Real has emerged as Lisbon’s trendiest neighborhood, attracting a mix of locals and expats. The area is known for its organic markets, trendy bars, co-working spaces, and proximity to tech and design jobs. The neighborhood maintains a village-like feel despite being central, with tree-lined streets and beautiful 19th-century architecture.

What to expect:

• Higher rental costs
  (€1,200-€2,000/month for a 1-bedroom)
• Excellent public transport
  connections
• International schools nearby
• Vibrant nightlife and
  dining scene
• Strong expat community

Chiado

Best for: Culture enthusiasts, professionals, those wanting central location

Chiado sits at the heart of Lisbon’s cultural scene, with historic landmarks, boutique shops, top restaurants, and easy access to city amenities. The neighborhood has a sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere while maintaining its historic character.

What to expect:

• Central location with excellent
  walkability
• Higher cost of living
• Rich cultural offerings (theaters,
  galleries, bookstores)
• Tourist crowds during peak season
• Excellent
  public transport

Parque das Nações

Best for: Families, professionals, those seeking modern amenities

Parque das Nações represents Lisbon’s modern side. Built for Expo ’98, this area features contemporary architecture, new developments, and excellent infrastructure. It’s particularly popular with professionals in tech or business and families seeking international schools and family-friendly amenities.

What to expect:

• Modern apartments with good
  amenities
• Family-friendly environment
• Close to the airport –
  International schools nearby
• More suburban feel compared to historic
  center

Alfama

Best for: History lovers, those seeking authentic Lisbon experience

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, with narrow medieval streets, traditional Fado houses, and stunning views over the Tagus River. While it can be touristy, living here offers an authentic Lisbon experience.

What to expect:

• Historic charm and character –
  Hills and stairs (not ideal for mobility issues)
• Tourist crowds in
  summer
• Mix of renovated and traditional properties
• Strong sense of
  community

Graça

Best for: Artists, remote workers, those seeking views and authenticity

Graça sits on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, offering panoramic city views. The neighborhood has a bohemian feel, attracting artists and creative professionals. It’s less touristy than Alfama but still maintains authentic Lisbon character.

What to expect:

• Stunning views from many
  properties
• More affordable than Príncipe Real or Chiado
• Growing
  expat community
• Good restaurants and cafes
• Hills require good
  fitness

Other Popular Areas

Estrela: Quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with parks and good schools

Campo de Ourique: Local neighborhood feel with excellent markets and restaurants

Alvalade: Residential area popular with families, good public transport

Santos: Up-and-coming area with good value, growing expat presence

Alcântara: Industrial-chic area with converted warehouses, popular with young professionals

Cost of Living in Lisbon: What to Budget in 2025

While Lisbon is no longer the bargain it once was, it remains more affordable than most Western European capitals. Here’s a realistic breakdown of monthly costs:

Housing Costs

Rental prices (2025):

• 1-bedroom in city
  center: €1,100-€1,900/month
• 1-bedroom outside
  center: €800-€1,500/month
• 2-bedroom in city
  center: €1,500-€2,500/month
• 2-bedroom outside
  center: €1,200-€2,000/month

Additional housing costs:

• Security
  deposit: Typically 2-3 months’ rent
• Agency
  fees: Usually one month’s rent
• Utilities:
  €100-€150/month (electricity, water, gas, internet) –
  Internet: €30-€40/month for fiber
• Property
  insurance: €15-€30/month

Tips for finding housing:

• Use local sites:
  Idealista, Imovirtual, OLX
• Consider short-term rental first to explore
  neighborhoods
• Be prepared to pay 2-3 months upfront
• Furnished
  apartments are common for short-term; unfurnished for long-term
• Always
  visit properties in person before signing

Daily Living Costs

Groceries and essentials:

• Groceries
  (single person): €250-€400/month
• Groceries
  (couple): €400-€600/month
• Dining out (mid-range
  restaurant): €25-€40 per person
• Coffee:
  €1-€2 for espresso
• Local wine: €5-€15 per bottle –
  Beer: €2-€4 in a bar

Transportation:

• Monthly public transport
  pass: €40
• Single ticket: €2 –
  Uber/Bolt (short trip): €5-€10
• Taxi (airport
  to center): €15-€25

Entertainment and lifestyle:

• Gym
  membership: €50-€100/month
• Cinema ticket:
  €7-€10
• Monthly mobile plan: €15-€25 –
  Co-working space: €100-€200/month

Healthcare Costs

Private health insurance:

• Basic
  coverage: €40-€80/month
• Comprehensive
  coverage: €80-€140/month
• Public healthcare:
  Free for residents (after registration)

Medical costs:

• Doctor visit
  (private): €50-€100
• Specialist consultation:
  €80-€150
• Dental cleaning: €40-€60

Education Costs (for families)

International schools:

• Annual
  fees: €6,000-€16,000 per child
• Popular
  options: St. Julian’s School, Carlucci American International
  School, Lycée Français

Public schools:

• Free for
  residents (taught in Portuguese)

Total Monthly Budget Estimates

Single person (modest lifestyle):

• Housing: €1,200
  – Groceries: €300
• Utilities: €120
• Transport: €40
• Healthcare: €60 –
  Entertainment: €200
• Total: €1,920/month

Couple (comfortable lifestyle):

• Housing: €1,800 –
  Groceries: €500
• Utilities: €150
• Transport: €80
• Healthcare: €120 –
  Entertainment: €400
• Total: €3,050/month

Family with one child:

• Housing: €2,200 –
  Groceries: €600
• Utilities: €180
• Transport: €100
• Healthcare: €150 –
  School: €1,000 (monthly average)
• Entertainment: €300
• Total:
  €4,530/month

Note: These are estimates. Actual costs vary based on lifestyle, neighborhood, and personal choices.

Visa Requirements for Moving to Lisbon

Your visa path depends on your nationality, income source, and long-term plans. Here are the main options:

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Best for: Remote workers, freelancers, digital entrepreneurs

The D8 visa is Portugal’s digital nomad visa, designed for those earning income from outside Portugal. It’s become one of the most popular pathways for remote workers.

Requirements:

• Minimum monthly income: €3,480 –
  Proof of remote income (bank statements, contracts, payslips) –
  Portuguese NIF (tax ID)
• can be obtained before applying
• Proof of
  accommodation in Portugal
• Valid international health insurance
• Clean
  criminal record

Process: 1. Apply at Portuguese consulate in your home country 2. Initial visa valid for 4 months 3. Upon arrival, schedule appointment with AIMA (formerly SEF) 4. Convert to 2-year residence permit 5. Renewable every 2 years 6. After 5 years, eligible for permanent residency or citizenship

Timeline: 2-4 months from application to approval

D7 Passive Income Visa

Best for: Retirees, those with passive income (rentals, dividends, pensions)

The D7 visa has a lower income threshold but requires non-employment-based income.

Requirements:

• Minimum monthly income: €870
  (principal applicant)
• Proof of passive income (pensions, rental
  income, dividends, interest)
• Portuguese NIF
• Proof of accommodation –
  Health insurance
• Clean criminal record

Timeline: 3-6 months

D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Best for: Business owners wanting to start a company in Portugal

Requirements:

• Viable business plan
• Sufficient
  funds to support the venture
• Proof of business activity in Portugal –
  Portuguese NIF
• Health insurance

Golden Visa

Best for: High-net-worth individuals

While real estate investment is suspended, the Golden Visa remains available for:

• Scientific research investments
• Cultural preservation
  investments
• Job creation investments

Benefits:

• Flexible residency (minimal stay
  requirements)
• Path to citizenship
• Family can be included

EU/EEA Citizens

If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, the process is simpler:

• No
  visa required
• Register for CRUE (residence certificate) if staying
  over 3 months
• Apply for residence card at local town hall

Tax Considerations: IFICI and Tax Optimization

Understanding Portugal’s tax system is crucial for financial planning. The IFICI regime (Portugal’s new tax incentive program) offers significant benefits for eligible professionals.

IFICI Tax Regime

What it offers:

• Flat 20% income tax on
  Portuguese-sourced income (vs. standard 14.5%-48% progressive rates) –
  Foreign-sourced income may be fully exempt (remote salaries, dividends,
  capital gains, interest, royalties)
• Valid for 10 consecutive years

Eligibility requirements:

• Become a tax resident in
  Portugal (183+ days per year or habitual residence)
• Employed by
  Portuguese company OR self-employed in “high-value activity”
• Eligible
  professions include: IT, financial services, scientific research,
  engineering, healthcare, arts
• Must apply during first year of tax
  residency

Important considerations:

• IFICI replaces the
  previous NHR regime (ended 2023)
• More restrictive than NHR but still
  offers significant benefits
• Professional tax advice is essential –
  Social security obligations vary based on employment structure

Standard Tax Rates

If you don’t qualify for IFICI:

• Income tax: 14.5%
  to 48% (progressive)
• Social security: 11% for
  employees, 21.4% for self-employed
• Capital gains: 28%
  (or 50% inclusion in income tax bracket)

Tax Planning Tips

• Consult with a tax professional before relocating
• Understand double taxation treaties with your home country
• Plan timing of income recognition
• Consider structure of remote work arrangements
• Factor in social security obligations

Healthcare System in Lisbon

Portugal has a robust healthcare system with both public and private options.

Public Healthcare (SNS)

Access:

• Available to all residents after
  registration
• EU/EEA citizens can use EHIC card initially
• Non-EU
  citizens need residency permit first

Quality:

• High-quality care
• Well-trained medical
  professionals
• Modern facilities in major cities

Considerations:

• Wait times can be longer for
  non-urgent care
• Some procedures may have waiting lists
• Most doctors
  speak Portuguese (some English in major cities)

Private Healthcare

Why many expats choose private:

• Faster access to
  specialists
• English-speaking doctors widely available
• Modern
  facilities
• More convenient appointment scheduling

Cost:

• Private insurance: €40-€140/month
• Direct
  payment: €50-€150 per consultation
• Procedures typically more expensive
  than public

Popular private providers:

• CUF
• Luz Saúde –
  Hospital da Luz

Healthcare Registration Process

1. Get your NIF (tax ID number)
2. Register with SNS at local health center
3. Choose a family doctor (if using public system)
4. Get private insurance (if desired)

Expat Communities and Social Life

Lisbon has a thriving expat community, making it easy to meet people and build connections.

Expat Communities

Digital Nomad Community:

• Active Facebook groups
  and meetups
• Co-working spaces host networking events
• Regular social
  gatherings and professional events

National Communities:

• Strong American, British,
  Brazilian, and French communities
• Country-specific groups and events –
  Cultural associations and clubs

Professional Networks:

• Tech meetups and startup
  events
• Business networking groups
• Industry-specific associations

Where to Meet People

Co-working spaces:

• Second Home Lisboa
• Cowork
  Central
• LACS
• Impact Hub

Social platforms:

• Facebook groups (Lisbon Expats,
  Digital Nomads Lisbon)
• Meetup.com events
• Internations Lisbon
  chapter

Activities:

• Language exchange events
• Sports
  clubs and fitness groups
• Cultural events and festivals
• Volunteer
  opportunities

Getting Started: Essential First Steps

Week 1: Foundation

1. Get your NIF (tax ID)
   • Essential for everything: banking, renting, utilities
   • Can be done remotely through services or in-person at Finanças office
   • Required documents: passport, proof of address, fiscal representative (if non-EU)
2. Open a bank account
   • Popular banks: Millennium BCP, Novobanco, ActivoBank, CGD
   • Requirements: NIF, passport, proof of address, proof of income
   • Some banks accept Airbnb bookings as temporary address
3. Get a Portuguese phone number
   • Needed for many services and online banking
   • Major providers: MEO, Vodafone, NOS
   • Plans start around €15/month

Month 1: Settling In

1. Register for healthcare
   • Public system (SNS) registration
   • Or arrange private health insurance
2. Set up utilities
   • Electricity, water, gas, internet
   • Most require NIF and bank account
3. Register with AIMA (if on visa)
   • Convert visa to residence permit
   • Schedule appointment (can take time)
4. Explore your neighborhood
   • Find local markets, cafes, services
   • Learn public transport routes

Month 2-3: Integration

1. Learn Portuguese basics
   • Essential for daily life and bureaucracy
   • Many language schools available
   • Apps: Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel
2. Join expat communities
   • Attend meetups and events
   • Connect with local groups
3. Understand tax obligations
   • Consult with tax professional
   • Apply for IFICI if eligible
   • Understand reporting requirements

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Bureaucracy

Challenge: Portuguese bureaucracy can be slow and complex.

Solutions:

• Start processes early
• Get
  professional help for complex matters
• Be patient and persistent
• Keep
  all documents organized
• Learn basic Portuguese for official
  interactions

Language Barrier

Challenge: While English is common, Portuguese is essential for official matters.

Solutions:

• Start learning Portuguese immediately –
  Use translation apps for documents
• Hire bilingual professionals when
  needed
• Practice with locals (they’re usually patient and helpful)

Housing Market

Challenge: Rising rents and competition for good properties.

Solutions:

• Consider neighborhoods slightly outside
  center
• Be flexible on move-in dates
• Use multiple platforms
  (Idealista, Imovirtual, OLX)
• Consider short-term rental first
• Work
  with reputable agents

Cost of Living Increases

Challenge: Lisbon is more expensive than it used to be.

Solutions:

• Budget realistically
• Consider
  secondary cities (Porto, Braga) for lower costs
• Shop at local markets
  – Cook at home more
• Take advantage of free cultural activities

Making the Move: How Zerra Can Help

Relocating to Lisbon involves navigating visa applications, tax planning, banking setup, and ongoing compliance—all while trying to build a new life in a foreign country. This is where Zerra’s membership model makes a difference.

Unlike traditional immigration services that disappear after your visa is approved, Zerra provides ongoing support for as long as you live in Portugal. Here’s what we handle:

Visa and Immigration:

• Visa application support and
  legal processing
• AIMA registration and residence permit conversion –
  Document preparation and submission
• Renewal support

Financial Setup:

• NIF application (can be done
  remotely)
• Bank account opening assistance
• Tax strategy consultation
  – IFICI registration and planning

Ongoing Support:

• Monthly accounting services –
  Annual tax filing
• Legal and tax consulting
• Compliance monitoring

Personalized Service:

• Dedicated case manager –
  Tech platform to track progress
• Expert network of 45+ local
  professionals
• 99% approval rate with 100% refund guarantee if visa
  denied after appeal

Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking the D8 visa, a retiree exploring the D7, or an entrepreneur considering the D2, Zerra’s team of relocation experts can guide you through every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much money do I need to move to Lisbon?

A: For visa purposes, you’ll need to prove minimum income (€3,480/month for D8, €870/month for D7). For living expenses, budget €1,900-€3,000/month for a single person, depending on lifestyle and neighborhood.

Q: Can I work remotely in Lisbon on a D8 visa?

A: Yes, the D8 Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for remote workers earning income from outside Portugal. You must prove your income is from foreign sources.

Q: Do I need to speak Portuguese to live in Lisbon?

A: While English is widely spoken, especially in business and service sectors, learning Portuguese will significantly improve your daily life, especially for official matters, healthcare, and deeper integration.

Q: How long does it take to get a visa for Portugal?

A: Processing times vary: D8 visa typically 2-4 months, D7 visa 3-6 months. EU citizens can register immediately upon arrival.

Q: Is Lisbon safe for expats?

A: Yes, Portugal consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries. Lisbon is generally very safe, though standard city precautions apply.

Q: Can I bring my pets to Lisbon?

A: Yes, Portugal is pet-friendly. You’ll need: microchip, rabies vaccination, EU pet passport or certified health certificate. Most rentals allow pets, but confirm with landlord.

Q: What’s the best time of year to move to Lisbon?

A: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is mild but rainier.

Q: Do I need a car in Lisbon?

A: No, Lisbon has excellent public transport. A monthly pass costs €40 and covers metro, buses, trams, and some trains. Many expats find a car unnecessary in the city.

Q: How do I find housing in Lisbon?

A: Use local sites (Idealista, Imovirtual, OLX), work with reputable agents, consider short-term rental first, and always visit properties in person before signing.

Q: What are the tax implications of moving to Lisbon?

A: If you qualify for IFICI, you may pay 20% flat tax on Portuguese income and potentially 0% on foreign income. Otherwise, standard progressive rates (14.5%-48%) apply. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Conclusion: Your New Life in Lisbon Awaits

Moving to Lisbon represents an opportunity to build a better lifestyle—one that combines European quality of life with affordability, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming expat community. The city’s transformation into a global hub for remote workers and entrepreneurs makes 2025 an exciting time to make the move.

Whether you’re drawn by the D8 Digital Nomad Visa, the IFICI tax benefits, or simply the promise of a sunnier, more relaxed lifestyle, Lisbon offers a compelling package for expats from around the world.

The key to a successful relocation is preparation, patience, and having the right support. From understanding visa requirements to navigating tax optimization, from finding the right neighborhood to building your social circle, every step matters.

At Zerra, we’ve helped hundreds of people make Lisbon their home. Our membership model means we’re with you not just during the visa process, but for as long as you live in Portugal—handling everything from tax filing to ongoing compliance so you can focus on building your new life.