Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Portugal Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Lisbon's property market is included in our pack
Lisbon has become one of Europe's most popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, and families looking for a fresh start in 2026.
This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Lisbon, from housing costs and visa options to job opportunities and daily life as a foreigner.
We constantly update this blog post to keep the information fresh and reliable, so you can plan your move with confidence.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Lisbon.
Is Lisbon a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the quality of life in Lisbon is stable overall, with some improvements in international services and infrastructure but continued pressure from housing costs that affect many residents.
The most notable improvement in Lisbon over the past two to three years has been the rapid expansion of the city's tech ecosystem and co-working infrastructure, making it easier than ever for remote workers and entrepreneurs to set up and connect with like-minded professionals.
On the other hand, the biggest ongoing challenge in Lisbon remains housing affordability, as rent prices continue to outpace local wages, with listings in central neighborhoods averaging around 22 EUR per square meter per month at the end of 2025.
This means quality of life in Lisbon in 2026 is increasingly polarized: people earning international salaries or working remotely for foreign companies tend to thrive, while those relying on local wages face tougher trade-offs when it comes to finding comfortable housing in desirable areas.
Are hospitals good in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, Lisbon's hospitals offer a solid standard of care, with both public and private options that generally meet or exceed Western European expectations for quality, though wait times in the public system can be longer for non-urgent appointments.
The hospitals expats most commonly recommend in Lisbon include CUF Descobertas and Hospital da Luz Lisboa for private care, while Hospital de Santa Maria is a major public reference hospital often used for emergencies and specialist treatment.
A standard private doctor consultation in Lisbon typically costs between 80 and 150 EUR (roughly 85 to 160 USD), depending on the specialty and facility, though prices can vary between clinics.
Private health insurance is not legally required once you are a registered resident, but it is strongly recommended for expats in Lisbon who want faster access to specialists, English-speaking doctors, and more predictable healthcare costs, with basic plans starting around 30 to 70 EUR per month.
Are there any good international schools in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, Lisbon has a well-established ecosystem of international schools, with around a dozen reputable options offering curricula like the International Baccalaureate, British, and American programs.
Among the most popular international schools for expat families in Lisbon are Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL), St. Julian's School, and PaRK International School, all of which have strong reputations and diverse student bodies.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Lisbon typically range from 10,000 to 30,000 EUR per child (around 10,700 to 32,000 USD), depending on the school and grade level, with some premium programs costing even more.
Waitlists at the most in-demand schools can be long, especially for mid-year entry and younger grades, so families should start contacting admissions 6 to 12 months ahead; public schools in Lisbon are free but instruction is in Portuguese, which makes them less practical for most expat children.
Is Lisbon a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Lisbon is considered a very safe city by European capital standards, with Portugal consistently ranking among the top countries on the Global Peace Index (7th in 2025).
The most common safety concerns for expats in Lisbon are petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching, which tend to happen in heavily touristed areas such as Baixa, Chiado, Rossio, and around Cais do Sodre during peak nightlife hours.
Neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats in Lisbon include Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Lapa, Avenidas Novas, and Alvalade, all of which offer a more residential feel with lower crime rates and strong community atmospheres.
Women can generally live alone safely in Lisbon, as violent crime is rare, though common-sense precautions like avoiding isolated parks or viewpoints alone after midnight and using licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps late at night are recommended.
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How much does everyday life cost in Lisbon in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can expect to need around 2,800 to 3,600 EUR per month (roughly 3,000 to 3,850 USD) to live comfortably in Lisbon, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment being the biggest expense.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle, such as sharing an apartment or living in a less central neighborhood, a single person in Lisbon can get by on about 2,000 to 2,500 EUR per month (around 2,150 to 2,700 USD).
If you prefer a more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Lisbon, including central housing, frequent dining out, and travel, expect to spend 3,800 to 5,000 EUR per month (approximately 4,050 to 5,350 USD).
Housing is by far the largest expense category in Lisbon, often consuming 50% or more of a monthly budget, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in popular central neighborhoods averaging around 1,400 EUR per month at the end of 2025.
What is the average income tax rate in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Lisbon can expect an effective income tax rate of around 25% to 35%, once you factor in both income tax and employee social security contributions, with the exact percentage depending on salary level and personal circumstances.
Portugal's income tax brackets for residents in 2026 range from 12.5% on the lowest incomes to 48% on the highest, with an additional solidarity surcharge of 2.5% to 5% applying to taxable incomes above 80,000 EUR per year.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Portugal versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Lisbon in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of expats in Lisbon come from Brazil (about 31% of all foreign residents in Portugal), followed by India, which has risen to the second-largest nationality, and then by various European countries including the UK, France, and Germany.
Portugal's foreign resident population reached over 1.1 million in 2024, representing about 10% of the country's total population, with a large share of these residents concentrated in the Greater Lisbon area.
Brazilians are drawn to Lisbon by the shared language and cultural ties, while Indian nationals often come for work opportunities in tech and services, and Europeans are attracted by Lisbon's climate, lifestyle, and favorable visa options.
The expat population in Lisbon is a diverse mix of working professionals, digital nomads, retirees, and students, with digital nomads and remote workers becoming an increasingly visible segment thanks to Portugal's popular D7 and D8 visa programs.
Where do most expats live in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest concentration of expats in Lisbon include Principe Real, Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Avenidas Novas, Chiado, and Parque das Nacoes, each offering a different vibe and lifestyle.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats is a combination of walkability, access to international services, a strong cafe and restaurant scene, and a mix of locals and foreigners that creates a welcoming community atmosphere.
Emerging neighborhoods starting to attract more expats in Lisbon include Marvila, Beato, and Alcantara, which offer lower rents, creative spaces, and a growing number of co-working hubs and restaurants, though they are still developing their infrastructure.
Are expats moving in or leaving Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, Lisbon is still experiencing a net inflow of expats, with AIMA's latest data showing continued high foreign-resident presence and strong concentration in the Greater Lisbon metro area.
The main factor driving expats to move to Lisbon right now is the combination of a thriving remote-work ecosystem, favorable visa options like the D7 and D8, and the city's lifestyle appeal, including climate, safety, and a large English-speaking community.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Lisbon recently is housing affordability, as rent prices have risen sharply and competition for apartments in desirable neighborhoods has become intense.
Compared to similar destinations in Southern Europe, Lisbon's expat population trend remains strong, though cities like Valencia and Athens are gaining popularity among cost-conscious digital nomads looking for cheaper alternatives.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Lisbon in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Lisbon are the D7 Visa (for people with passive income like pensions or investments), the D8 Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning from abroad), and employer-sponsored work visas for those with job offers from Portuguese companies.
The D7 Visa requires proof of stable passive income of at least 920 EUR per month, a clean criminal record, and valid health insurance, while the D8 Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum monthly income of around 3,480 EUR from remote work and savings of at least 10,440 EUR.
Yes, Lisbon offers a Digital Nomad Visa (the D8), which has become one of Europe's most popular options for remote workers; it allows you to live in Portugal while working for foreign clients or employers, with a straightforward application process and a path to residency.
The D7 and D8 visas are typically issued for an initial period of four months, after which you apply for a two-year residence permit in Portugal; this permit can be renewed for an additional three years, and after five years, you become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship.
How long does it take to get residency in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a residence permit in Lisbon is several months, with the visa application at your local Portuguese consulate taking around 30 to 60 days and the residence permit appointment in Portugal adding additional weeks or months depending on AIMA's appointment availability.
Common factors that can delay the residency process in Lisbon include incomplete documentation, difficulty scheduling AIMA appointments, and slow background check processing, while having all documents prepared and using a local lawyer or relocation service can help speed things up.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Portugal, you must live in the country for at least five consecutive years under a valid residence permit, and citizenship can be applied for after the same five-year period if you meet language and legal requirements.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Portugal. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Lisbon in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Lisbon are technology (including software development, AI, and cybersecurity), shared services and customer support (especially multilingual roles), and tourism and hospitality, which remains a major employer despite being more seasonal.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Lisbon without speaking Portuguese, especially in international tech companies, shared services centers, and startups, though knowing Portuguese will significantly expand your options in local-facing roles.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Lisbon are software engineering, product management, multilingual customer support, digital marketing, and roles at international hubs operated by companies like Google, Amazon, and various fintech startups.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salaries for expats working in Lisbon range from 25,000 to 65,000 EUR per year (around 26,700 to 69,500 USD), depending on the industry, role, and level of experience, with tech and senior management roles at the higher end.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Lisbon typically pay between 18,000 and 35,000 EUR per year (roughly 19,200 to 37,400 USD), which can be tight for living comfortably in central Lisbon unless paired with a second income or shared housing.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Lisbon, especially in tech, finance, and leadership positions, can pay 50,000 to 70,000 EUR or more per year (around 53,400 to 74,800 USD), with some tech project managers earning up to 70,000 EUR annually.
Employers in Lisbon do sponsor work visas for foreign hires, but sponsorship is far more common for hard-to-fill skill sets like software engineering, data science, and specialized technical roles than for general positions.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Lisbon right now?
What do expats love most about living in Lisbon right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Lisbon are the year-round mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine, the walkable neighborhoods with stunning architecture, and the easy access to beaches and nature within a short drive or train ride.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Lisbon is the relaxed pace of life, which includes long lunches, outdoor dining, and a culture that values work-life balance over constant hustle.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Lisbon is the relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European capitals, especially when it comes to food, wine, and public transportation, with a monthly metro pass costing around 40 EUR.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Lisbon particularly enjoyable for expats is the large and welcoming international community, with regular meetups, co-working spaces, and Facebook groups making it easy to connect with other foreigners.
What do expats dislike most about life in Lisbon right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Lisbon are the intense housing competition and high rent prices, the sometimes frustrating bureaucracy for visas and official documents, and the older housing stock in some neighborhoods that can have issues with humidity, insulation, and noise.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Lisbon is the challenge of finding a good apartment at a reasonable price, as demand far exceeds supply in popular neighborhoods and landlords often prefer short-term or unfurnished leases.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Lisbon is dealing with AIMA (the immigration agency) for residence permit appointments and renewals, which can involve long wait times and confusing online scheduling systems.
For most expats, these frustrations are manageable rather than deal-breakers, especially once you have sorted out your housing and paperwork; the quality of life and community in Lisbon tend to outweigh the initial hassles.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Lisbon right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Lisbon are the slower pace of administrative and service processes, the late dinner times (most locals eat around 8 or 9 PM), and the direct but warm communication style that can feel blunt to newcomers from more reserved cultures.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Lisbon is how much time people spend socializing outdoors, from long lunches to evening drinks at esplanadas, which can feel very different from the indoor-focused lifestyles common in Northern Europe or North America.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Lisbon is the extended lunch break and the fact that many shops and services close for a few hours in the afternoon, which can require planning your errands differently than you might be used to.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Portugal compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Lisbon in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Lisbon is fully allowed, as Portugal does not impose restrictions on foreigners buying residential real estate, regardless of nationality or residency status.
There are no specific restrictions or conditions that apply to foreigners buying property in Lisbon beyond the standard requirements for any buyer, such as obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and completing the transaction through a notary.
Foreigners can buy any type of property in Lisbon, including apartments, houses, and land, with no legal limitations based on property type, though it is always recommended to verify your real estate agent's AMI license through the official IMPIC registry.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Lisbon.
What is the average price per m² in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Lisbon municipality is around 5,800 to 6,400 EUR (approximately 6,200 to 6,850 USD), with prime central neighborhoods often exceeding this range significantly.
Property prices in Lisbon have risen sharply over the past two to three years, with Confidencial Imobiliario reporting some of the strongest quarterly increases in nearly a decade, making Lisbon one of Portugal's most competitive real estate markets.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Lisbon here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Lisbon in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners are available in Lisbon, though they are more limited and come with stricter conditions than for residents, so you should expect to shop around and provide extensive documentation.
Banks in Lisbon known to offer mortgages to foreigners include Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, and Santander Totta, though terms and willingness to lend can vary by branch and applicant profile.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Lisbon include a down payment of 30% to 40% (compared to 10% to 20% for residents), interest rates ranging from around 3% to 5% depending on the rate type, and maximum loan terms of 25 to 30 years.
To qualify for a mortgage in Lisbon as a foreigner, you will typically need a Portuguese tax number (NIF), proof of income (such as employment contracts or tax returns), bank statements, a clean credit history, and documentation of the property you intend to purchase.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Portugal.
Buying real estate in Lisbon can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Lisbon, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| AIMA Migration Report 2024 | It's the official Portuguese migration agency's statistical report. | We used it to quantify who lives in Lisbon as foreigners and where they concentrate. We also used it to track net migration trends for expats. |
| RASI 2024 (Security Report) | It's the government's official annual public security report. | We used it to anchor safety claims in official crime statistics. We then translated the data into practical safety advice for expats. |
| Idealista Lisbon Rent Index | It's the largest Iberian property portal with transparent listing data. | We used it to estimate realistic 2026 rent budgets by neighborhood. We cross-checked directionality with INE's official rent series. |
| Idealista Lisbon Sales Index | It provides up-to-date listing prices for property sales in Lisbon. | We used it to anchor price-per-square-meter estimates for buyers. We compared it with transaction indices for a confident 2026 range. |
| Confidencial Imobiliario | It's a long-standing Portuguese property market index provider. | We used it to triangulate price trends and momentum beyond listings. We compared it with Idealista to confirm price direction. |
| INE (Statistics Portugal) | It's Portugal's national statistics office for prices and inflation. | We used it to understand inflation pressure affecting everyday costs. We also used it as a sanity check for housing cost estimates. |
| Portuguese MFA Visa Portal | It's the official ministry site for visa regime updates and notices. | We used it to identify current visa routes and requirements. We summarized the most common options expats use for Lisbon. |
| Global Peace Index 2025 | It's a widely cited international safety index with clear methodology. | We used it to benchmark Portugal's safety internationally. We translated that into practical guidance for women and solo expats. |
| PaRK International School Fees | It's the school's official published fee schedule for 2025-26. | We used it to give hard numbers for international school costs. We compared it with other schools to establish a Lisbon range. |
| PwC Tax Summaries | It's a respected professional services firm with up-to-date tax data. | We used it to explain Portugal's income tax brackets and rates. We translated this into effective rate estimates for typical expats. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Portugal. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.