The essential digital nomad guide to Lisbon, Portugal

This Lisbon Digital Nomad Guide was written by Marco Santos. He visited Lisbon once and decided to stay. In this guide, he explains the digital nomad visa in Portugal, cost of living, Internet, and everything you need to know.

---

My partner and I first visited Lisbon on holiday in 2016. Having been born and raised in South Africa for most of my life, I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal as I also happen to be part Portuguese (my Father was born in Portugal).

It was on this holiday, exploring Lisbon and other parts of Portugal, that we instantly fell in love with this incredible city and knew there and then that we wanted to return and make it our home. Even though there are so many awesome things to do in Porto in the north, which I also love and adore.

We still felt a very strong and special connection to Lisbon and just had to return. Fast forward a year later to 2017 and we finally boarded our flight headed for Lisbon and have not looked back since.

Initially, we weren’t too sure how we were going to make it work career-wise. I have always worked in corporate travel whilst my partner runs his own interior design business.

Thankfully though, I was offered a part-time role consulting to the company I had worked for back in South Africa, which allowed us the time to settle and explore this new nomadic life we were embarking on.

Since then, we’ve loved living in Lisbon. I have established my own online travel business alongside my travel blog which I’ve been working on in earnest for the past year. Having lived in Lisbon for close to 3 years now, we have enjoyed the privilege of getting to know the city inside and out.

Digital Nomad Resources

Get great deals and affordable rates from my selected travel partners.

NOMAD ADVICE NOMAD APARTMENTS NOMAD INSURANCE E-SIM CHEAP FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS

Lisbon digital nomad: personal experience

From the initial onset, we had decided to travel and explore as much as we could as we really wanted to see more of Portugal and Spain. We decided to book several different Airbnb’s in different neighborhoods.

We would live in one area for a couple of weeks before traveling for a set time and then return back to Lisbon to try out another neighborhood. This gave us the opportunity to get a real feel for different parts of Lisbon so we could decide where to stay in Lisbon full time once we returned from traveling.

Doing a road trip in Portugal with Lisbon as your base is very convenient! The rental market in Lisbon can be tricky. There is a high demand for rental properties, largely due to the influx of nomads and ex-pats who have been flocking to Lisbon over the past couple of years. This means that prices have been pushed up and properties tend to move very fast.

We eventually decided to settle in and around the neighborhood of Arroios. It’s not too well-known yet, but we absolutely love the sense of community and its central location that’s still a fair way away from the ‘touristy’ parts of Lisbon.

Another very popular neighborhood amongst many digital nomads in Lisbon is the up-and-coming area of Santos. Lined with trendy bars, boutique stores, and coffee shops, the area has a real charm, somehow maintaining the authentic and quintessential Lisbon look and feel.

Settling into Lisbon as a digital nomad is generally speaking fairly easy to do. You’ll find fast, reliable Wi-Fi connections in many of the city’s restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Not to mention the warm and welcoming Portuguese people, most of whom also speak English, meaning the language generally does not pose much of a challenge.

Of course, there are a couple of things to consider. When first moving here you do need to set up a bank account and to do so would require that you apply for a NIF (Tax) number and also have proof of accommodation. But once these are ticked off your to-do list, you should be good to go.

👉🏼 Read next: The digital nomad guide to Granada, Spain

Lisbon digital nomad community

The great news for any aspiring digital nomad wanting to live in Lisbon is that the city has a strong and vibrant nomad community. Not only are there regular (almost weekly) language exchange as well as digital nomad Meetups, but Lisbon has also been the home of the global Websummit conference for the last few years, drawing in nomads and entrepreneurs the world over.

Last year, the digital nomad community also hosted their own nomad festival, the DNX Nomad Festival. Connecting with other like-minded nomads really is a breeze when first moving to Lisbon.

Co-working spaces in Lisbon

When it comes to finding a suitable co-working space to base yourself from, Lisbon certainly has no shortage. What I and many of my fellow nomad friends have done is to sign up for the Croissant co-working app.

It’s based on paying a set fee that allows you to work for a set number of hours at various different co-working spaces across the city. It’s a great way to try out spaces to see which you prefer.

Some of my favorite co-working spaces include Avila Spaces in Saldanha, Selena in Sao Bento, and IDEIAHub close to Marques Pombal. But of course, there are tons more that you can give a try.

Internet speed in Lisbon, Portugal

As I mentioned earlier, when first arriving in Lisbon you will need to first apply for your NIF tax number. This will allow you to buy a Simcard through one of the operators, such as MEO, Vodafone, or NOS. Most providers offer simple top-up plans that will allow you a set amount of data, calls, and text messages.

I have to point out that Portugal has great Wi-Fi, and I’ve very rarely struggled with the speed. Even most public Wi-Fi services found in coffee shops, restaurants, or co-working spaces are usually fast and sufficient to work off.

If you do decide to travel further afield and explore beyond Lisbon, then at times in the more remote and rural areas you may have some connectivity issues. But in general, the internet quality in Portugal is pretty high and should be the least of your worries when living in Lisbon.

Cost of living in Lisbon for digital nomads

One of Portugal’s biggest drawcards over other European countries is its relatively low cost of living. General items such as shopping, dining out, or having a drink with friends are much lower compared to other European countries.

The only exception is housing. As Lisbon has grown in popularity, so have the rental prices increased over the last few years. 

Here’s a rough estimate of cost of living for Lisbon digital nomads:

Item	Budget	Midrange
Rent (1‑bed, city centre)	€920 (≈$995)	€1,334 (≈$1,440)
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage)	€80 (≈$86)	€134 (≈$145)
Mobile + home Wi‑Fi	€25 (≈$27)	€62 (≈$67)
Coworking (monthly pass)	€150 (≈$163)	€230 (≈$250)
Groceries (single person)	€160 (≈$173)	€270 (≈$295)
Eating out (mid‑range meal)	€8 (≈$8.6)	€18 (≈$19.5)
Public transport (monthly pass)	€30 (≈$32)	€40 (≈$43)
Local taxi / ride‑share (typical ride)	€4 (≈$4.3)	€10 (≈$11)
Gym / fitness (monthly)	€20 (≈$22)	€45 (≈$49)
Health insurance / private clinic (monthly)	€40 (≈$43)	€90 (≈$98)
Estimated monthly total (lean nomad)	€1,200 (≈$1,300)	—
Estimated monthly total (comfortable nomad)	€1,800 (≈$1,940)	€2,700 (≈$2,910)

On the other hand, transport is pretty inexpensive. A monthly metro card that allows travel on the metros, buses, and trams within Lisbon’s central node will currently set you back €30 (known as the Navegante Municipal).

If you do decide to live centrally and feel paying for the monthly travel card isn’t worthwhile then you can simply pay as you make use of the metro. This is called ‘zapping’ whereby you load money onto a reusable travel card and simply pay €1.34 per trip you make.

Eating out is fairly cheap, especially if you know where to go. You can easily dine out for under €15 for the main meal and a drink. In fact, at some kiosks or bars, you can even pay as little as €3 for a glass of wine or a 500ml beer.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Depending on where you are from, you may need to obtain a 90-day tourist visa ahead of time. Naturally, if you hail from any EU country you can live and work freely in Portugal whilst most other nationalities will generally require a visa to be obtained upfront.

Interestingly, Portugal offers a unique D7 residence permit, which is what some of my nomad friends have managed to successfully apply for, allowing them to stay on longer in Portugal.

This particular visa/permit is based on having a set amount of income that proves that you can live self-sufficiently in Portugal.

In order to apply for this type of permit, you will need to make an appointment with SEF, the entity in Portugal that manages border controls and the issuance of visas and residence permits.

SEF is notorious for running out of appointment slots and you have to ensure you book an appointment the moment you arrive. Even when booking a slot with SEF immediately upon arrival, the chances are good that your appointment date may well be after your visa expires.

If this is the case you don’t have to stress, as long as you have a booked appointment and received this confirmation in writing (usually SEF emails a letter of confirmation) then you can continue to legally stay in Portugal, even if your visa has expired.

But do note, this is only as long as you phoned to make the appointment before your visa actually expired. Always make sure to check on your particular nationality’s visa requirements for Portugal ahead of travel to ensure you have the correct documentation to enter Portugal legally.

Best neighborhoods in Lisbon for digital nomads

If you haven’t booked digital nomad housing in Lisbon, check out this Lisbon apartments map with prices, set in the safe and best areas of the city.

Book Car Rentals

Chiado / Baixa

• Cost of living: €1,100–€1,600 monthly (studio/1‑bed, central conveniences).
• Vibe: Elegant, cultural, walkable, tourist-friendly with a historic centre energy.
• Cafes & work spots: Numerous cafes with steady Wi‑Fi, boutique coffee shops, and several coworking spaces within a 10–15 minute walk.
• Everything a nomad needs: Reliable fiber or 4G, easy public transport links, grocery stores, pharmacies, international dining, and abundant networking events.

Príncipe Real

• Cost of living: €1,000–€1,600 monthly (studio/1‑bed in a boutique building).
• Vibe: Trendy, leafy, design-forward, LGBTQ+ friendly and residentially upscale.
• Cafes & work spots: Specialty coffee shops, quiet brunch spots with outlets, and small creative coworking hubs.
• Everything a nomad needs: Good internet, accessible supermarkets, healthy food options, parks for outdoor work sessions, and a social scene that mixes locals and expats.

Cais do Sodré

• Cost of living: €900–€1,350 monthly (studio/1‑bed with nightlife convenience).
• Vibe: Energetic, waterfront, nightlife‑forward but increasingly mixed with daytime coworking culture.
• Cafes & work spots: Riverfront cafés, modern espresso bars, and several well‑connected coworking spaces.
• Everything a nomad needs: Fast transport (ferries, trains, metro), bike and scooter rentals, cafes with stable Wi‑Fi, and an active social scene for evenings.

Alfama / Graça

• Cost of living: €750–€1,200 monthly (varied depending on restoration and view).
• Vibe: Historic, atmospheric, hillside charm with panoramic viewpoints and narrow lanes.
• Cafes & work spots: Small traditional cafés, rooftop terraces, and quieter boutique workspaces a short commute away.
• Everything a nomad needs: Basic amenities, community feel, scenic breaks for creative focus, manageable internet options in renovated flats.

LX Factory / Alcântara

• Cost of living: €800–€1,250 monthly (industrial lofts and modern apartments).
• Vibe: Creative, industrial‑chic, startup and maker culture, weekend markets and events.
• Cafes & work spots: Numerous design cafés, concept restaurants, event spaces, and small niche coworking venues.
• Everything a nomad needs: Community of creatives, regular cultural programming, good transport, and flexible workspace options.

Campo de Ourique / Estrela

• Cost of living: €850–€1,300 monthly (family‑style flats and quiet studios).
• Vibe: Residential, family‑friendly, calm with excellent local services and markets.
• Cafes & work spots: Quiet cafés that welcome laptops, bakeries, weekend markets, and nearby coworking spaces.
• Everything a nomad needs: Supermarkets, clinics, green parks, reliable transit links, and a slower pace for focused work.

Best cafes in Lisbon for digital nomads

1. The Mill

• Location: Open on Google Maps
• Price range (typical items): €2.50–€12.
• Food options: Australian‑style brunch, avocado toast, ricotta pancakes, salads.
• Sockets: Many around communal tables; some window nooks.
• Stay rules: Comfortable for 2–4 hours if you rotate orders.
• Other essentials: Reliable Wi‑Fi, friendly staff used to laptops, natural light ideal for video calls, card accepted, restroom on site, moderate background noise. 
• Best time: Weekday mornings for steady quiet; weekends fill quickly. 
• Tip: Bring an extension lead for multi‑device setups and order a small food item every 90–120 minutes to stay welcome.

2. Copenhagen Coffee Lab

• Location: Multiple branches all over the city
• Price range (typical items): €1.80–€4.
• Food options: Specialty espresso, filter coffee, light sandwiches, pastries.
• Sockets: Limited at smaller tables; more in flagship branches.
• Stay rules: Short to medium sessions (1–3 hours) during busy periods.
• Other essentials: Consistent specialty coffee, Scandinavian minimal vibe, stable Wi‑Fi, many branches across Lisbon for hopping, card and contactless accepted. 
• Best time: Mid‑morning on weekdays for the quietest working window. 
• Tip: Plan battery backup or a hotspot if you need long video calls; be ready to free up tables when the shop gets busy.

3. Dear Breakfast

• Location: Multiple branches all over the city
• Price range (typical items): €2–€14.
• Food options: All‑day breakfast—shakshuka, bowls, creative toasts, vegan choices.
• Sockets: Several at larger tables and window seats.
• Stay rules: Medium sessions encouraged (2–4 hours) with food orders.
• Other essentials: Roomy tables, mellow music, dependable Wi‑Fi, and a social crowd of locals and nomads. Card payments accepted; toilets available. 
• Best time: Late morning weekdays to secure a table with outlets. 
• Tip: Pick a corner for quieter calls and alternate coffee with a light plate to respect turnover.

4. Fabrica Coffee Roasters

• Location: Multiple branches all over the city
• Price range (typical items): €2.50–€6.
• Food options: Single‑origin filter coffees, flat whites, seasonal pastries, small sandwiches.
• Sockets: Limited; back area usually has the best chance for outlets.
• Stay rules: Short focused sessions (1–2 hours) during peak roasting or cupping.
• Other essentials: High‑quality coffee, quieter atmosphere, good for concentrated work and editing. Wi‑Fi is present but not optimized for heavy uploads; cash and cards accepted. 
• Best time: Early afternoons after morning rush or mid‑week for calmer vibes. 
• Tip: Ask staff where plugs are and avoid long meetings during cupping sessions.

5. Wish Slow Coffee House

• Price range (typical items): €1.80–€9.
• Food options: Slow‑brewed coffee, salads, sandwiches, homemade cakes.
• Sockets: A handful indoors; outdoor seating has fewer sockets.
• Stay rules: Relaxed for long stays (2–4+ hours) if you keep ordering.
• Other essentials: Calm garden terrace, writer‑friendly atmosphere, stable Wi‑Fi, and a creative crowd. Card payments accepted; restroom available. 
• Best time: Midday weekdays for peaceful terrace space. 
• Tip: Reserve a corner table for calls, bring a power bank for long afternoons, and support the cafe by ordering light meals if staying several hours.

FAQ: Lisbon Digital Nomad Guide