Lisbon, Portugal

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa
  Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, and Australia can visit Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date.
• Visa on Arrival
  Portugal does not offer a visa-on-arrival program. Visitors from non-exempt countries must apply for a Schengen visa in advance.
• Digital Nomad Visa

  Portugal recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to reside in the country for up to a year. Applicants must provide proof of remote employment, income of at least $3,000 per month, and valid health insurance.
  For visa information, visit the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service.

For visa information, visit the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service.

Cost of Living

Accommodation

• Budget: Hostels and shared accommodations start at $22-$44 per night.
• Mid-Range: Boutique hotels and short-term rentals range from $66-$165 per night.
• Luxury: High-end hotels and villas start at $275 per night.

Food

• Budget: Local tascas (small eateries) offer meals for $5-$11.
• Mid-Range: Dining at restaurants typically costs $16-$33 per person.
• Luxury: Fine dining experiences, including Michelin-starred restaurants, start at $66 per person.

Transportation

• Public transport: $1.65 for a single metro, bus, or tram ride. Monthly passes cost around $44.
• Taxis: $5.50-$11 for short trips.
• Ride-shares: Uber and Bolt are widely available and affordable.

Healthcare
Portugal offers high-quality healthcare. Expats can use private healthcare facilities with consultations starting at $55. EU citizens can access public healthcare with an EHIC card.

Climate & Weather

Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate:

• Winter (December-February): Mild with temperatures averaging 10°C-15°C (50°F – 60°F).
• Spring (March-May): Pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C-20°C (59°F – 68°F) .
• Summer (June-August): Warm and sunny, with highs around 28°C (83°F.
• Autumn (September-November): Mild and comfortable, averaging 18°C-24°C (64°F – 93°F) .

The best time to visit is spring or early autumn when the weather is ideal for sightseeing.

Landscape

Lisbon’s terrain is shaped by its seven hills, offering scenic vistas of the city and the Tagus River. The coastline features beautiful sandy beaches, while nearby areas like Sintra boast lush forests and palaces. The iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate, spans the river, enhancing Lisbon’s breathtaking cityscape.

Things to Do

Heritage Sites

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, symbols of Portugal’s maritime history.
• Explore the São Jorge Castle for panoramic views of Lisbon.
• Wander through the Alfama district, known for its Moorish influence and fado music.

Adventure Activities

• Go surfing at nearby beaches like Carcavelos or Costa da Caparica.
• Take a day trip to Sintra, known for its fairy-tale palaces and hiking trails.
• Sail along the Tagus River for a unique perspective of Lisbon.

Nightlife

• Enjoy fado performances in Alfama or Bairro Alto.
• Party at popular clubs like Lux Frágil, known for its vibrant music scene.
• Unwind with drinks at rooftop bars like Park or TOPO.

Wellness Retreats

• Indulge in spa treatments at luxury hotels like Four Seasons Ritz.
• Join yoga classes at studios in the city or along the coastline.

Shopping

• Stroll through Rua Augusta for high-street brands and cafes.
• Discover local crafts and azulejos at LX Factory and Feira da Ladra flea market.
• Visit A Vida Portuguesa for traditional Portuguese products.

Lifestyle

Daily Life in Lisbon
Lisbon offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Locals, known as Lisboetas, enjoy long coffee breaks and leisurely strolls. The pace of life is slower than in many other European capitals, making it ideal for expats and travelers seeking balance.

Cultural Integration and Social Life
Participating in festivals like Santo António in June or joining local cooking classes to learn traditional dishes like bacalhau fosters cultural immersion. Lisbon’s multicultural community ensures a vibrant social scene.

Other Important Locations in Portugal

• Porto: Famous for its wine cellars and the Dom Luís I Bridge.
• Sintra: A UNESCO World Heritage site with romantic palaces and gardens.
• Algarve: Known for stunning beaches and golf resorts.
• Coimbra: Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.
• Madeira: An island paradise with lush landscapes and volcanic cliffs.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Shared apartments or rooms ($400-$650/month).
• Mid-Range: One-bedroom apartments in central areas ($800-$1,2500/month).
• Luxury: Spacious properties in neighborhoods like Chiado or Principe Real ($2,000+/month).

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

• Second Home: A trendy workspace in the heart of Lisbon; memberships start at $150/month.
• Heden: Offers beautifully designed co-working spaces starting at $130/month.
• Impact Hub: Part of a global network, with rates beginning at $120/month.

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Lisbon offers excellent Wi-Fi connectivity in public spaces, cafes, and accommodations. Many coworking spaces also provide high-speed internet.
• SIM: Providers like MEO, Vodafone, and NOS sell prepaid SIM cards. SIM cards are available at the airport, telecom stores, and kiosks, with an ID required for activation.

Volunteering Opportunities

• Environmental Initiatives: Join projects focused on beach cleanups and sustainable tourism.
• Education: Teach English to underprivileged children.
• Community Development: Work with NGOs supporting refugees and marginalized communities.

Explore more opportunities through volunteering agencies or through www.volunteerhq.org .

Local Employment Options

• IT and tech industry roles.
• Tourism-related jobs, including guides or hotel staff.
• Opportunities in digital marketing or customer support.

Real Estate Investment Options

• Residential: Renovated apartments in Alfama or Baixa are popular choices for short-term rentals.
• Commercial: Invest in boutique hotels or cafes in tourist-heavy areas.
• Golden Visa Program: Obtain residency by investing a minimum of $290,000 in real estate.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Lisbon is a burgeoning hub for tech and innovation, hosting events like Web Summit annually. The city provides tax incentives and funding opportunities for startups. Incubators such as Beta-i and Startup Lisboa support entrepreneurs with mentorship and networking opportunities.

Business Setup Process for Expats

1. Choose Your Business Structure

In Portugal, the common business structures for expats include:

• Sole Proprietorship (Empresário em Nome Individual): Simple structure for individual entrepreneurs, ideal for small businesses.
• Limited Liability Company (Sociedade por Quotas – Lda): Popular for small to medium-sized businesses, providing limited liability for shareholders.
• Public Limited Company (Sociedade Anónima – SA): Suitable for larger businesses and corporations, offering the ability to issue shares.

2. Register Your Business

Register with the Portuguese Companies Registrar (Conservatória do Registo Comercial). You’ll need to:

• Choose a business name.
• Submit your articles of incorporation.
• Provide identification documents for company directors and shareholders.

3. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF)

Register for a Tax Identification Number (NIF) at the Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). This is required to pay taxes, open a business bank account, and hire employees.

4. Open a Business Bank Account

Open a business bank account at a local bank to facilitate transactions. You’ll need your NIF, company registration documents, and proof of address.

5. Apply for Licenses and Permits

Depending on your business type, you may need specific licenses, including:

• Municipal License for businesses operating within the city.
• Health and safety permits for industries like food or healthcare.
• Sector-specific licenses for activities like tourism, construction, or transportation.

6. Visa and Work Permits

As a non-EU/EEA national, you’ll need a residence permit and work permit to live and operate a business in Portugal. Apply through the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF).

Business Opportunities in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has established itself as a dynamic hub for business and entrepreneurship, attracting local and international talent.

• Startups and Tech: With initiatives like the Web Summit and strong government support, Lisbon is a thriving ecosystem for startups, particularly in fintech, software, and green tech. Startup incubators such as Startup Lisboa provide resources and mentorship to new businesses.
• Tourism and Hospitality: As a top tourist destination, investing in boutique hotels, restaurants, and tour operations is highly lucrative. Lisbon’s historic charm and cultural appeal create consistent demand.
• Real Estate: Property investments, including short-term rentals and luxury developments, are in high demand due to Lisbon’s growing population of expats and remote workers.
• Green Energy: Portugal’s commitment to sustainability offers opportunities in renewable energy projects like solar and wind power.
• Export and Trade: Lisbon’s port and strategic location make it ideal for businesses focusing on exports or trade within Europe and beyond.

Lisbon’s government encourages business investments by offering grants, tax benefits, and residency pathways through programs like the Golden Visa.