Many people have switched to being digital nomads in recent years, living a nomadic lifestyle and working remotely online. 10.9 million people in the United States alone identified as digital nomads.
One of Europe’s major hubs for digital nomads is Lisbon, Portugal. The Portuguese capital is a year-round favorite, especially for people trying to get away from the chilly winters.
Lisbon has a higher cost of living than other Portuguese cities, although it is still less expensive than places like London and Amsterdam.
Lisbon is a favorite among digital nomads for a number of reasons, including its wonderful food, plenty of co-working spaces, and entertaining activities. Everything you require to know is in our Digital Nomad Guide to Lisbon, Portugal!
Advantages of being a Digital Nomad in Lisbon, Portugal.
- 300+ days of sunshine and pretty nice weather Reasonably low cost of living compared to other big European cities
- A sizable global community, good public infrastructure
- Fantastic cuisine that is reasonably priced
Digital Nomads in Portugal Need a D7 Visa
The best visa for digital nomads is the Portugal D7 Visa if you are not an EU citizen. No money is needed to use it. For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who want to live in Portugal and have a respectable passive income, this visa is available. This revenue may come from rental property, a pension at retirement, a wage, etc. For the primary applicant, a minimum of €8,460 in passive income is needed annually. You must increase this by 50% (or €4,230) for a spouse and by 30% (or €2,538) for a dependent kid.
Nevertheless, depending on the length of time and your country of citizenship, you might not even require a visa. If you are a citizen of the UK, you are permitted to visit and stay in the country for up to 90 days during each six-month period. Additionally, US and Canadian citizens are permitted a 90-day visa-free stay in Portugal.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
On October 30, three months after the Portuguese government modified immigration legislation, applications for the new Portugal Digital Nomad Visa will open.
Remote employees can apply for a residency permit that can be extended for up to five years or a temporary stay visa that is valid for one year. Candidates must earn at least €2,800 per month, which is four times the Portuguese minimum wage
Only people who are not citizens of the EU or EEA may apply. Additionally, you must be self-employed or hired by an organization outside of Portugal. Naturally, these will be verified formally by tax residency documents, employment verification, and proof of income for the previous three months.
The Portuguese Immigration and Border Service, often known as SEF, or a Portuguese Consulate in your home country are both places where you can apply for this visa for digital nomads.
Lisbon Cost of Living for a Digital Nomad
In Lisbon, you must make at least €1,000 per month as a digital nomad. However, a lot will rely on your lifestyle when determining this value. Let’s look at the expenses.
A coworking space will likely cost you at least €100 per month, and monthly transportation passes are roughly €50.
The cost of lodging will also vary, but a shared hostel room starts at €15 per night, or €450 per month. A private room in a hostel will run you about €1,200 per month, while a private Airbnb will set you back at least €1,500 per month.
You can choose to prepare your own food if you have access to a kitchen; monthly groceries cost about €200. Set out at least €1,000 per month if you plan to eat out three times every day.
You will require at least €200 per month to see the city’s museums, clubs, bars, and other attractions.
Therefore, depending on how much you want to spend, the cost of living in Lisbon for a digital nomad might range from €1,000 to as much as €3,000.
Digital Nomad Accommodations in Lisbon
Your money, timescale, and lifestyle will all play a significant role in determining where you should reside in Lisbon as a digital nomad. Are you seeking solitude? Do you want to remain a longer time or just a few weeks? We’ll examine your alternatives now.
Lisbon’s Digital Nomad Hostels
For digital nomads wishing to network while living comfortably, a hostel is frequently a strong candidate. You have all the conveniences you require, including frequently a coworking space and a communal kitchen. If you have a limited budget, you can reserve a bed in a shared dorm, which would typically run you about €15 per night.
If discretion is a must, you may also reserve a private room in a hostel for as little as €40 per night. The need to share a bathroom will arise frequently, but not always.
Here are a few of our top picks for digital nomads in Lisbon:
- Yes! Lisbon Hotel: This youth hostel, which is situated in the city’s Chiado neighbourhood, was named the greatest “Hostel in the World” in 2019. The best areas of the city, such Alfama and Bairro Alto, are very close to you. The hostel has everything you might possibly need, including a common area for socialisation, round-the-clock security and reception, laundry services, even a PlayStation and book exchange programme.
- Urban Garden Hostel: The first eco-hostel in Lisbon, Urban Garden Hostel, aims to reduce its environmental impact through “green activities.” The hostel runs a robust recycling programme and uses recycled paper goods alone. It also features dual flush toilets.
- Selena Secret Garden: Additional amenities at the hostel include a rooftop deck, a pool, a Coworking area for businesspeople, and a media room. Additionally, they provide weekly programmes that include things like yoga, meditation, and Portuguese classes.
Long-Term Apartment Rentals
There are many apartments available in Lisbon for short-term rentals that are fairly priced if you want to stay between one and six months. Although they have lovely properties available in Lisbon, Airbnb is primarily used for shorter-term rentals. However, if you stay for longer than a month, some hosts give you a discount.
Other services, however, place more of an emphasis on short-term apartment rentals. For lengthier stays between one and six months, consider Housing Anywhere and Flatio. These. typically provide better price.
3 Best Coworking Spaces in Lisbon for Coworking
There are many more locations to work in Lisbon if you aren’t staying in a hostel with a coworking area or don’t have a cosy office in your apartment. Several coworking spaces have opened in the previous five years, with monthly rates ranging from €100 to €250. The following are our top three picks for coworking areas in Lisbon:
Village Underground Lisboa
Near Lx Factory, Lisboa Village Underground has 14 renovated metal shipping containers with a cool vibe. These can be rented for a lab, store, office, and other purposes besides coworking. You get access to some of the top networking events, workshops, exhibitions, and regular parties in Lisbon at this location.
Second home
Second Home is a sizable coworking facility with lush plants and lofty ceilings that is situated in Mercado da Ribeira. This location is of the opinion that being surrounded by greenery and environment enhances people’s wellbeing. The services offered by Second Home include fiber-optic broadband, limitless printing, a full-time receptionist, a mailing address, and complimentary coffee.
With half of the community being Portuguese and the other half coming from 23 different nations, this area is quite multicultural. Additional services are now available for purchase, including daily cleaning, access to second homes in London and Los Angeles five days per month, and more.
Here, a hot desk with access to all services costs €235 plus VAT. This costs €365 for a private office with lots of plants and natural light.
Impact Hub
Impact Hub offers a motivating coworking space in the centre of Lisbon from its Alcantra location. This area has several meeting rooms, call booths, and other amenities. This location offers more than just a coworking space; it also provides a location to network with innovators and plan neighbourhood events. They also provide several types of memberships.
Conclusion
Living as a digital nomad in Lisbon is an interesting experience that will make you want to see more of Portugal. You won’t get bored in this friendly, open city because there are so many exciting things to see and do.
Lisbon and its splendour captured my heart, and I ended up staying far longer than I had anticipated. You’ll want to stay in this city and the surrounding Portuguese culture for a very long time since it has something special to offer.
Experience this amazing location for yourself and take advantage of all the benefits of working remotely while residing in some of the most intriguing locations on earth.