LAC – LIVING ABROAD COMMUNITY e.V.
Lisbon
300 days of sunshine a year.
Spot for digital nomads from around the world.
Lisbon for Nomads
Tradition meets innovation.
The Portuguese capital offers the perfect combination of metropolis and traditional coziness.
entry requirements
Travelers from the EU do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Since the country is part of the Schengen area, you can come to Lisbon without any time restrictions. You also have the right to live and work here. This explains why Lisbon has become so popular with digital nomads from the EU. Nationals from the UK, US or Canada are allowed to stay in Portugal without a visa for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. If you want to stay longer, a work visa is required.
Portuguese D7 Visa – for long-therm stays
Digital nomads who want to move to Portugal can apply for the Portugal Passive Income (D7) visa. However, as with any other visa, there are requirements and qualifications that must be met.
You must prove passive income that is at least equal to the minimum wage in Portugal. Next, you will need a Portuguese NIF number to conduct business and transactions in the country. This includes opening a bank account with at least €7,000 available (couples €10,500).
Before entering the country, you should already have accommodation secured. For the D7 visa, you need a long-term rental contract for at least 12 months. Alternatively, proof of purchase of your own property. Your criminal record should not contain any negative entries and your EU-wide health insurance must have a coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
If you have met all the requirements, you can apply for the Portuguese D7 visa for passive income. For this you need to:
- make an appointment with a Portuguese diplomatic mission near you to submit your visa application
- submit there all the required documents with the application form
- wait for the application to be processed (three to four months)
- register your residence in Portugal
- once your visa application is accepted, you can enter Portugal as a digital nomad
- once in Portugal, you have to register as a resident at the Foreigners and Borders Agency SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) (latest on the 3rd day after entry)
- attend the interview for a residence permit
- once you have the residence permit, you can live and work as a digital nomad in Portugal
Portugal introduces the Digital Nomad Visa in 2022
The number of digital nomads has been rising for years. Portugal is particularly popular with digital nomads. The low cost of living and mild climate are ideal conditions for this lifestyle. The government has recognized this trend and responded directly. The Digital Nomad Visa was created. The advantages are obvious, especially for non-EU citizens:
The visa allows a stay of up to one year to live and work in Portugal. Alternatively, there is the possibility to apply for a residence permit, which can be extended up to five years. Those who obtain the visa can also travel within the entire Schengen area – that is, to 26 EU countries. To obtain the visa, you must meet certain criteria. As a remote worker, you must earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month. This is approximately 2800 euros.
Portugal introduces the Digital Nomad Visa in 2022
The number of digital nomads has been rising for years
Portugal is particularly popular with digital nomads. The low cost of living and mild climate are ideal conditions for this lifestyle. The government has recognized this trend and responded directly. The Digital Nomad Visa was created. The advantages are obvious, especially for non-EU citizens:
The visa allows a stay of up to one year to live and work in Portugal. Alternatively, there is the possibility to apply for a residence permit, which can be extended up to five years. Those who obtain the visa can also travel within the entire Schengen area – that is, to 26 EU countries. To obtain the visa, you must meet certain criteria. As a remote worker, you must earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month. This is approximately 2800 euros.
Leisure and Lifestyle in Lisbon
Portuguese people are warm-hearted and tolerant.
If you’re traveling in Lisbon, you’ll quickly notice how warmly people welcome you. Many of the locals have already worked abroad themselves and are open-minded towards nomads. Everyone else can be a bit more reserved at first but no less friendly.
In recent years, more and more digital nomads are coming to the city. The community of nomads and expatriates is constantly growing provides a certain international flair. You will therefore have no problems finding new contacts. The best place to do this is in the city’s cool cafés. This is also a great place to work, as fast Wi-Fi is actually standard. After work, you can exchange ideas with other nomads and let the evening fade away.
Although Lisbon is now a cosmopolitan metrole, there is a rather slower pace of life here. People take their time with the things they do. Most Portuguese start their day at sunrise with a coffee. The picturesque streets complete the Mediterranean flair.
Gourmets will also be happy in Lisbon. The Portuguese capital is known for its local gastronomic scene. In every neighborhood there are small restaurants where you can enjoy the local specialties.
Travel Tip
Unfortunately, there is no worldwide standard for voltages and frequencies of power grids.
If you want to use your technical devices on the road, a travel adapter should not be missing in your luggage.
Everyday life in Lisbon
Food and Groceries
In Lisbon you can find cafes and restaurants with the most delicious traditional dishes. The offer is rich and varied. Fresh fish, meat dishes and also soups in different variations make the hearts of culinary lovers beat faster. By the way, in the food culture you can also find influences from other countries like Brazil or Mozambique. Specialties of this category include the famous Piri-Piri.
For dessert or coffee, you should definitely order a Pasteis de Nata. This dessert is served in the world-famous Café Pasteis de Belem, among other places. A visit here is worthwhile in any case.
In the center of Lisbon there are only a few larger supermarkets. Most of the time, you will only find a small store with a limited range of products. Many locals therefore do all their weekly shopping in one day. If you don’t have a car, you have to carry the heavy shopping bags home. This can turn into a workout, because Lisbon is hilly and you often have to walk uphill and downhill.
Laundry
There are numerous laundromats located throughout the city. Prices may vary depending on the provider.
Pharmacy
In Lisbon most of the pharmacies are regulary open monday to friday between 9am to 7pm. At saturday they close at 1pm. There are also pharmacies on duty with a 24-hour service.
There are hardly any restrictions on the carriage of prescription drugs. The original doctor’s prescription should be carried.
Must Sees in Lisbon
1
Torre de Belém
One of the most famous landmarks at the mouth of the Tejo River and UNESCO World Heritage. On the tower is a viewing platform at a height of 35 meters.
2
Convento do Carmo
Former monastery of the Carmelite order. In the ruins is now a museum.
3
Cristo Rei
On the south bank of the Tagus River, the Cristo Rei statue towers over Lisbon with arms outstretched. Popular place for short trips.
4
The most famous elevator in the city. An absolute MUST for anyone who visits Lisbon. Including a magnificent view from the top.
Public Transport
Lisbon has a well-developed, inexpensive local transport system
Compared to other major European cities like London or Berlin, public transport in Lisbon is very cheap. One-way tickets cost less than 2 euros and are valid for 1 hour. The local transport is operated by 2 companies and is divided accordingly. Thus, tickets may not be valid everywhere. To get around this problem there are combination tickets. The metro is modern and with only 4 lines very clear and easy to understand. Buses, streetcars as well as cabs complete the structure. Those who travel by streetcar, called Eléctrico, should not be under time pressure. The travel times are often only an orientation. Since the rails of the streetcar are laid on the street, a parked car can certainly cause delays.
Fitness and Health
Health Care
Portugal has a public health care system that provides most medically necessary services free of charge.
Any officially registered resident who works and pays social security contributions in the country can use the system. For everyone else, residence status and nationality are the deciding factors.
EU citizens who have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or equivalent can use the public health system free of charge for up to 90 days after entry. Non-EU citizens are generally not eligible to use the public health care system.
The quality of health care is generally rather satisfactory and better in the city itself than in the countryside. One often has to expect long waiting times. In any case, you should take out private insurance so that you are fully protected in case of illness during your visit to Lisbon.
Stay fit in Lisbon
Staying fit in Lisbon is not difficult. There are several gyms in the city for every budget. However, the range of outdoor activities is particularly attractive. Hikers and cyclists can explore the beautiful countryside outside Lisbon. Since the sea is right on the doorstep, surfers and water sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth. If you want to combine running and sightseeing, you should have a look at the offer of the Lisbon City Runners. With different running routes, you will discover the secrets of the city and certainly find new friends.
Finding Places to live in Lisbon
Apartments in Lisbon
AIRBNB
Apartments and private rooms
Lisbon serviced apartments
Fully equipped and furnished Apartments
Hostels in Lisbon
Hostelworld
Shared rooms, coliving and apartments
Home Lisbon Hostel
Hostel in Baixa
Coliving in Lisbon
Coliving.com
Coliving spaces in more than 60 cities including Lisbon
CO.LISBON
All inclusive accommodation
samesame living
Coliving space with coworking spaces for workers of creative fields
SlowCo
Coliving space and community farm to slow down in nature
Hotels in Lisbon
Booking.com
Searching for a hotel rooms in Berlin.
Best Places to Work
Lisbon has a vibrant remote community.
There are coworking spaces all over the city. There is something for every need. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, one-on-one place to work or more of a collaborative, open-plan space. Since the city is very popular among digital nomads, there are more and more providers where you can also book day rates.
Coworking Spaces in Lisbon
Second Home
Coworking spaces at Mercado da Ribeira, membership required
AVILA SPACES
Coworking spaces with two locations in Lisbon
workhub
Coworking spaces in Marvila
IDEA Spaces
Coworking spaces with four locations in lisbon
Resvés Cowork Space
Coworking space near Estrela Park
4 Facts you need to know about Lisbon
Safety and tolerance
Lisbon is a safe city with a low crime rate. The city is also very liberal and hospitable. People are accepted regardless of gender, religion, sexual orientation or status. Different cultures coexist in the city.
Beach near the city
Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most famous and popular beaches near the city. The water here is clean and there are many cafes. Surfers are attracted to the beach because of the good weather conditions. Another advantage: the beach is located directly on the railroad line between Lisbon and Cascais.
Best spot for sunset
The Miradouro da Graça is a great place to end the evening. As the sun sets over Portugal, you have a wonderful view over Baixa and the ponte 25 de Abril.
Portugal has fiber-optic Internet coverage with speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s or 1,130 Mbit/s.
LIVING ABROAD COMMUNITY e.V.
- The LAC is an association that looks after the interests of people living abroad temporarily as well as during short-term and long-term stays for personal or professional reasons and provides them with information and services.
Our partners
