{"id":22745,"date":"2024-07-15T15:27:34","date_gmt":"2024-07-15T13:27:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/?post_type=destinationcpt&#038;p=22745"},"modified":"2026-03-03T12:08:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T11:08:21","slug":"city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation","status":"publish","type":"destinationcpt","link":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/","title":{"rendered":"Expat life in Lisbon: your guide to a successful relocation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ready to move to the City of the Seven Hills? A coastal city on the Atlantic, Lisbon promises a life that is both relaxed and exciting. A haven for thousands of digital nomads, entrepreneurs and expat families, Portugal\u2019s capital has much to offer both professionally and personally. From the perks to the cost of living, Global Health has some tips to help you navigate life in Lisbon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-living-in-lisbon-pros-and-cons\">Living in Lisbon: pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-advantages\">The advantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A pleasant climate: Lisbon is one of the sunniest cities in Europe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Culture and cuisine in abundance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safety and security!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A relaxed lifestyle compared with other European capitals such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/living-in-paris-as-an-expat-our-tips-for-a-successful-relocation\/\"><strong>Paris<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/expat-life-in-london-key-tips-for-a-successful-relocation\/\"><strong>London<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An efficient and extensive public transport network<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beautiful surroundings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zdenek-klein-mQAaKT4SuU4-unsplash-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"expat in lisbon\" class=\"wp-image-22733\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7510087735534743;width:221px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zdenek-klein-mQAaKT4SuU4-unsplash-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zdenek-klein-mQAaKT4SuU4-unsplash-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zdenek-klein-mQAaKT4SuU4-unsplash-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zdenek-klein-mQAaKT4SuU4-unsplash-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zdenek-klein-mQAaKT4SuU4-unsplash-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zdenek-klein-mQAaKT4SuU4-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-disadvantages\">The disadvantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The language barrier: although English is increasingly spoken, especially in the tourist areas, you\u2019ll have to learn Portuguese if you want to fit in!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourists! Lisbon is very popular with tourists, especially during the summer season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finding a job in a local company is no easy task, especially if you don&#8217;t speak Portuguese!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slow and complex bureaucracy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fgh-slogan__wrapper has-ivory-background-color\">\n    <div class=\"fgh-slogan fgh-slogan--white has-white-background-color wp-block-fgh-slogan\">\n        <div class=\"fgh-slogan__container fgh-slogan__container--with-eyebrow\">\n            \n                            <span class=\"fgh-slogan__eyebrow\">Looking for health coverage abroad?<\/span>\n            \n            \n            <div class=\"fgh-slogan__content\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"fgh-slogan__title\">Discover today our plans in just a few clics.<\/h2>\n                \n                            <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"fgh-slogan__button\">\n                    \n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-plain-black-arrow-right\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/application.globalhealth.insurance\/\">get a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lisbon-versus-porto\">Lisbon versus Porto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Portuguese capital has many advantages over Portugal&#8217;s second city: a <strong>milder climate<\/strong>, more cultural attractions, a more vibrant social life, greater cosmopolitanism and more <strong>professional opportunities<\/strong>. Life in Porto, however, is less expensive than Lisbon featuring a slower-paced more traditional lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/everaldo-coelho-qYdUUZVWiVY-unsplash-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"living in porto\" class=\"wp-image-22734\" style=\"width:436px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/everaldo-coelho-qYdUUZVWiVY-unsplash-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/everaldo-coelho-qYdUUZVWiVY-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/everaldo-coelho-qYdUUZVWiVY-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/everaldo-coelho-qYdUUZVWiVY-unsplash-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/everaldo-coelho-qYdUUZVWiVY-unsplash-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lisbon-versus-barcelona\">Lisbon versus Barcelona<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both cities are sunny and boast a rich and diverse cultural and historical heritage. Lisbon offers a much more <strong>relaxed <\/strong>lifestyle than, for example, Barcelona and is more affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/denis-ivanov-2g3HZ9BkV_c-unsplash-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"living in barcelona\" class=\"wp-image-22736\" style=\"width:392px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/denis-ivanov-2g3HZ9BkV_c-unsplash-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/denis-ivanov-2g3HZ9BkV_c-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/denis-ivanov-2g3HZ9BkV_c-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/denis-ivanov-2g3HZ9BkV_c-unsplash-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/denis-ivanov-2g3HZ9BkV_c-unsplash-2048x1364.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accommodation-in-lisbon\">Accommodation in Lisbon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Portuguese capital&#8217;s huge popularity with tourists and expatriates alike has, in recent years, put <strong>pressure on the Lisbon rental market, leading to an increase in rental prices<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Searching for accommodation online is the most effective way to find it! You can visit websites that list property advertisements, such as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.idealista.pt\/en\/comprar-casas\/lisboa\/\"> Idealista<\/a>. If you don&#8217;t speak Portuguese, it&#8217;s possible to get by in English, but it&#8217;s strongly recommended that you use an anglophone estate agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How much does it cost? Rental accommodation, often furnished, is very expensive, and, in recent years, <strong>rental prices have soared<\/strong>, making Lisbon\u2019s rents some of the most expensive in Europe. For a one-bedroom flat in the city centre, you can expect to pay between \u20ac1,000 and \u20ac1,900 a month! You should also expect to pay a security deposit (around one month&#8217;s rent) plus between one and two months&#8217; rent in advance, as well as monthly utilities (electricity, gas, internet), which are generally not included in the rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note that in order to rent a property in Lisbon and sign your <em>contrato de arrendamento<\/em>, you need a Portuguese tax identification number (<em>numero de contribuinte<\/em>). You can obtain this from your local tax office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-want-to-buy-property-in-lisbon\">Want to buy property in Lisbon?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re planning to stay in Lisbon for a <strong>long time<\/strong>, it&#8217;s worth <strong>buying your own home. <\/strong>The average price of a square metre in the city centre is now over \u20ac6,000. To make the process easier, use the services of a Portuguese estate agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-best-areas-to-live-in-lisbon-as-an-expat\">What are the best areas to live in Lisbon as an expat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alone or with your better half, opt for <strong>Baixa<\/strong>, a charming and lively district located at the heart of Lisbon; or <strong>Chiado<\/strong>, if you fancy a chic and artistic surround, or for <strong>Alfama<\/strong>, Lisbon&#8217;s oldest district, for an authentic Lisbon experience. <strong>Parque das Na\u00e7\u00f5es offers modern accommodation <\/strong>and easy access to all amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re coming with your family, <strong>Lapa,<\/strong> <strong>Campo de Ourique <\/strong>or <strong>Alvalade<\/strong>, offer quiet but lively residential areas; great family places to live. Some of you may prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and settle in the seaside town of <strong>Cascais<\/strong>, or a little further afield to <strong>Torres Vedras<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fgh-slogan__wrapper has-ivory-background-color\">\n    <div class=\"fgh-slogan fgh-slogan--black-centered has-obsidian-background-color wp-block-fgh-slogan\">\n        <div class=\"fgh-slogan__container\">\n            \n            \n                            <div class=\"fgh-slogan__mandala-centered\">\n                    <div class=\"animated-mandala\">\n                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"147\" height=\"66\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 252 113\"><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".4\" d=\"M132.251 103.523a4.327 4.327 0 0 1 1.276 3.065v1.903a55.952 55.952 0 0 1-6.501 2.115v-2.146c0-.564-.221-1.107-.617-1.512l-4.639-4.749v7.655a2.119 2.119 0 0 1-1.843 2.113 57.114 57.114 0 0 1-4.658.391V88.751l1.073-1.074 15.909 15.846ZM110.188 88.604v23.748a56.932 56.932 0 0 1-6.5-.672V93.618a60.178 60.178 0 0 0 4.708-6.808l1.792 1.794ZM98.665 110.629a55.993 55.993 0 0 1-6.5-2.104v-2.033c0-.83.239-1.635.679-2.325a60.496 60.496 0 0 0 5.821-5v11.462ZM146.376 101.357a56.429 56.429 0 0 1-5.549 3.626L119.886 84.13l4.586-4.59 21.904 21.817ZM143.894 70.117c2.321 0 4.547.918 6.186 2.551l11.591 11.548a56.003 56.003 0 0 1-3.639 5.529l-11.984-11.937a4.384 4.384 0 0 0-3.092-1.275h-5.246l17.153 17.086a56.458 56.458 0 0 1-4.574 4.56l-22.274-22.186 5.871-5.876h10.008ZM61.433 79.483c-1.504-3.288-2.256-5.716-2.52-6.575l1.564-1.495a4.385 4.385 0 0 1 3.104-1.221h7.401l-9.55 9.29ZM169.073 58.638a56.291 56.291 0 0 1-.641 6.475h-9.65l3.756 3.733a4.382 4.382 0 0 0 3.089 1.271h1.776a55.63 55.63 0 0 1-2.051 6.416h-2.477a4.382 4.382 0 0 1-3.092-1.275l-5.163-5.14h.003l-3.757-3.733a4.381 4.381 0 0 0-3.089-1.272l-8.892.001 6.47-6.476h23.718ZM80.25 58.638l1.091 1.093-5.298 5.382h-18.97a54.702 54.702 0 0 1-.678-6.476c3.828-.002 23.823-.006 23.855.001ZM157.867 22.982v7.86a2.98 2.98 0 0 1-.878 2.11l-10.303 10.262.026.026-4.379 4.362h26.041c.384 2.512.514 3.933.624 6.476-3.828.002-23.788.007-23.817 0l-9.248-9.257 21.93-21.844.004.005ZM62.555 36.183c1.16 0 2.273.459 3.093 1.275l8.948 8.902c.27.268.572.497.896.684l5.763 5.853-1.179 1.18H56.357c.09-2.183.304-4.334.637-6.446h9.687l-3.756-3.73a4.383 4.383 0 0 0-3.09-1.273H58.02a55.519 55.519 0 0 1 2.059-6.445h2.476Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".4\" d=\"M163.997 33.159c1.557 3.263 2.231 5.754 2.508 6.61l-1.538 1.519a4.383 4.383 0 0 1-3.084 1.27l-7.435.015 9.549-9.414ZM150.132 14.55a56.663 56.663 0 0 1 4.539 4.524l-22.285 22.197-4.529-4.533 22.275-22.187ZM115.242.364c2.202.1 4.372.327 6.501.672V26.58l18.918-18.843a56.505 56.505 0 0 1 5.55 3.627L133.266 24.26v.015l-6.501 6.474v-.014l-2.459 2.45-9.064-9.072V.364ZM110.162 23.965l-1.074 1.074-3.642-3.629A60.54 60.54 0 0 0 92.473 8.267a4.318 4.318 0 0 1-.57-2.14V4.225a56.044 56.044 0 0 1 6.501-2.116v2.147c0 .564.222 1.106.617 1.511l4.64 4.75V2.862c0-1.066.779-1.979 1.843-2.113a56.931 56.931 0 0 1 4.658-.391v23.607Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".4\" d=\"M126.765 2.087a56.074 56.074 0 0 1 6.501 2.104v2.033c0 1.15-.459 2.253-1.276 3.067l-5.225 5.204V2.087Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".1\" d=\"M215.178 103.523a4.327 4.327 0 0 1 1.276 3.065v1.903a55.952 55.952 0 0 1-6.501 2.115v-2.146c0-.564-.221-1.107-.617-1.512l-4.639-4.749v7.655a2.119 2.119 0 0 1-1.843 2.113 57.151 57.151 0 0 1-4.658.391V88.751l1.073-1.074 15.909 15.846ZM193.115 88.604v23.748a56.932 56.932 0 0 1-6.5-.672V86.136l-5.023 5.003v.006l-6.501 6.475v-.006l-7.394 7.365a56.23 56.23 0 0 1-5.539-3.62l21.904-21.817 9.053 9.062Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".1\" d=\"M181.592 110.629a56.03 56.03 0 0 1-6.501-2.104v-2.033a4.33 4.33 0 0 1 1.276-3.067l5.225-5.204v12.408ZM229.303 101.357a56.429 56.429 0 0 1-5.549 3.626L202.813 84.13l4.586-4.59 21.904 21.817ZM180.518 75.995l-22.273 22.186a58.106 58.106 0 0 1-1.194-1.091 59.992 59.992 0 0 0 11.779-18.533l7.141-7.112 4.547 4.55ZM226.821 70.117c2.321 0 4.547.918 6.186 2.551l11.591 11.548a56.003 56.003 0 0 1-3.639 5.529l-11.984-11.937a4.384 4.384 0 0 0-3.092-1.275h-5.246l17.153 17.086a56.458 56.458 0 0 1-4.574 4.56l-22.274-22.186 5.871-5.876h10.008ZM252 58.638a56.07 56.07 0 0 1-.642 6.475h-9.649l3.756 3.733a4.382 4.382 0 0 0 3.089 1.271h1.776a55.63 55.63 0 0 1-2.051 6.416h-2.477a4.382 4.382 0 0 1-3.092-1.275l-5.163-5.14h.003l-3.757-3.733a4.381 4.381 0 0 0-3.089-1.272l-8.893.001 6.47-6.476H252ZM172.424 67.895l-.551.547c.063-.305.123-.611.181-.918l.37.37ZM240.794 22.982v7.86c0 .79-.316 1.55-.879 2.11l-10.302 10.262.026.026-4.379 4.362h26.041c.384 2.512.514 3.933.624 6.476-3.828.002-23.788.007-23.817 0l-9.248-9.257 21.93-21.844.004.005ZM180.343 36.723l-5.901 5.905h-2.933a59.161 59.161 0 0 0-1.909-6.445h1.048l-1.677-1.67a59.96 59.96 0 0 0-11.999-18.975c.361-.338.726-.672 1.096-1.001l22.275 22.186Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".1\" d=\"M246.924 33.159c1.557 3.263 2.231 5.754 2.508 6.61l-1.539 1.519a4.38 4.38 0 0 1-3.083 1.27l-7.435.015 9.549-9.414ZM233.059 14.55a56.663 56.663 0 0 1 4.539 4.524l-22.285 22.197-4.529-4.533 22.275-22.187ZM198.169.364c2.202.1 4.372.327 6.501.672V26.58l18.918-18.843a56.505 56.505 0 0 1 5.55 3.627L216.193 24.26v.015l-6.501 6.474v-.014l-2.459 2.45-9.064-9.072V.364ZM188.472 28.586l-4.586 4.59-21.904-21.817a56.365 56.365 0 0 1 5.548-3.626l20.942 20.853ZM193.088 23.965l-1.073 1.074-15.909-15.846a4.331 4.331 0 0 1-1.276-3.066V4.225a56.098 56.098 0 0 1 6.501-2.116v2.147c0 .564.222 1.106.617 1.511l4.64 4.75V2.862c0-1.066.779-1.979 1.843-2.113a56.944 56.944 0 0 1 4.657-.391v23.607Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".1\" d=\"M209.692 2.087a56.074 56.074 0 0 1 6.501 2.104v2.033c0 1.15-.459 2.253-1.276 3.067l-5.225 5.204V2.087Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M75.894 103.824a4.368 4.368 0 0 1 1.275 3.085v1.914a55.706 55.706 0 0 1-6.5 2.13v-2.16c0-.568-.222-1.114-.617-1.522l-4.64-4.779v7.703c0 1.073-.779 1.992-1.843 2.127a56.673 56.673 0 0 1-4.658.394V88.958l1.074-1.082 15.909 15.948ZM53.83 88.81v23.899a56.263 56.263 0 0 1-6.5-.675V86.326l-5.022 5.035v.007l-6.5 6.516v-.007l-7.395 7.413a56.365 56.365 0 0 1-5.54-3.643L44.778 79.69l9.054 9.12Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M42.308 110.975a55.67 55.67 0 0 1-6.5-2.117v-2.046a4.37 4.37 0 0 1 1.275-3.086l5.225-5.237v12.486ZM90.019 101.645a56.306 56.306 0 0 1-5.549 3.648L63.53 84.307l4.586-4.62 21.904 21.958ZM41.234 76.12 18.96 98.45a56.742 56.742 0 0 1-4.557-4.57l22.284-22.338 4.547 4.58ZM87.536 70.205c2.322 0 4.547.924 6.187 2.567l11.591 11.621a56.581 56.581 0 0 1-3.64 5.565L89.691 77.945a4.369 4.369 0 0 0-3.093-1.283h-5.246l17.154 17.195a56.745 56.745 0 0 1-4.575 4.59L71.658 76.118l5.87-5.914h10.008ZM.038 58.651c3.828-.002 23.822-.006 23.854.002l9.248 9.316-21.93 21.983-.004-.005v-7.913c0-.794.315-1.557.875-2.12L26.74 65.168H.714a55.401 55.401 0 0 1-.676-6.518Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M7.223 70.28h7.402l-9.55 9.35c-1.504-3.308-2.256-5.752-2.519-6.616L4.12 71.51a4.37 4.37 0 0 1 3.104-1.23ZM112.716 58.653a56.784 56.784 0 0 1-.642 6.516h-9.65l3.756 3.757c.82.82 1.931 1.28 3.09 1.28h1.775a56.046 56.046 0 0 1-2.051 6.456h-2.476a4.371 4.371 0 0 1-3.093-1.283l-5.162-5.174h.002L94.51 66.45a4.37 4.37 0 0 0-3.09-1.28l-8.892.001 6.47-6.517h23.719ZM101.509 22.77v7.909c0 .796-.315 1.56-.878 2.124L90.329 43.13l.026.026-4.38 4.39h26.041c.384 2.528.514 3.958.625 6.518-3.829.002-23.788.007-23.817-.001l-9.249-9.316 21.931-21.983a.24.24 0 0 0 .003.005ZM6.198 36.054c1.16 0 2.273.462 3.092 1.283l5.193 5.204 3.755 3.755c.82.82 1.931 1.28 3.09 1.28h8.83l-6.44 6.487H0c.09-2.197.304-4.362.637-6.487h9.686L6.568 43.82a4.369 4.369 0 0 0-3.09-1.28H1.664a56.11 56.11 0 0 1 2.059-6.486h2.476ZM41.058 36.597l-5.9 5.944h-9.949a8.738 8.738 0 0 1-6.186-2.568L7.402 28.323a56.548 56.548 0 0 1 3.64-5.565L23.024 34.77a4.369 4.369 0 0 0 3.093 1.284h5.245L14.21 18.859a56.762 56.762 0 0 1 4.574-4.59l22.274 22.328Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M107.64 33.01c1.557 3.284 2.231 5.792 2.508 6.652l-1.539 1.529a4.369 4.369 0 0 1-3.083 1.28l-7.435.014 9.549-9.475ZM93.774 14.284a56.75 56.75 0 0 1 4.54 4.552L76.028 41.175l-4.53-4.563 22.275-22.328ZM58.885.006c2.202.101 4.371.329 6.5.676V26.39L84.303 7.426a56.39 56.39 0 0 1 5.55 3.65L76.909 24.055v.015l-6.5 6.516v-.015l-2.46 2.465-9.063-9.13V.007ZM49.187 28.409l-4.586 4.62L22.697 11.07a56.374 56.374 0 0 1 5.549-3.649l20.941 20.986ZM53.804 23.758l-1.073 1.081L36.822 8.892a4.369 4.369 0 0 1-1.276-3.086V3.892a55.79 55.79 0 0 1 6.501-2.13v2.16c0 .569.221 1.115.617 1.522l4.64 4.78V2.52c0-1.073.778-1.991 1.843-2.126A56.57 56.57 0 0 1 53.804 0v23.758Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M70.408 1.74a55.78 55.78 0 0 1 6.5 2.117v2.047a4.369 4.369 0 0 1-1.275 3.086l-5.225 5.237V1.74Z\"\/><\/svg>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"fgh-slogan__content\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"fgh-slogan__title\">Looking for health coverage abroad?<\/h2>\n                \n                            <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"fgh-slogan__button\">\n                    \n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline-white-arrow-right\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/application.globalhealth.insurance\/\">get a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-daily-life-in-lisbon\">Daily life in Lisbon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-budget-and-cost-of-living\">Budget and cost of living<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While prices in Portugal are generally lower than in other European countries such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/living-in-france-as-an-expat-our-tips-for-a-successful-move\/\">France<\/a>, this is not necessarily true of the Portuguese capital, which is the most expensive in the country. The cost of living in Lisbon has risen sharply in recent years, because of the city&#8217;s popularity with expatriates and tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While <strong>food is still very affordable<\/strong>, this is not the case for housing, related charges and telecommunications (internet and telephone subscriptions in particular). Housing comprises the largest debit in a Lisboners\u2019 monthly budget, accounting for around 40% of total expenditure. A three-bedroom flat in the city centre costs between \u20ac2,000 and \u20ac4,000 a month, plus monthly utilities (around \u20ac130 for water and electricity) and a \u20ac38 internet subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expats wishing to send their children to an international school will have to budget school fees which are, on average, around \u20ac14,000 a year. Another factor to bear in mind is the <strong>price of fuel<\/strong>, which is more expensive than in other European countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-getting-around-lisbon\">Getting around Lisbon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live and work in Lisbon, the most practical way to get around is by <strong>public transport<\/strong>, which is very modern and covers all areas of the city and the suburbs. You can get the Viva Viagem card (or 7 Colinas Card), a rechargeable magnetic card that allows you to travel by bus, tram, metro or&#8230; lift!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Lisbon&#8217;s four metro lines cover much of the capital and are very user-friendly, the tram is a picturesque way to get around and the city&#8217;s 600+ bus routes are very handy for getting from one part of Lisbon to another and to the suburbs. For more information on how to get around the city by public transport, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carris.pt\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Carris<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other modes of transport include the ferry, which crosses the Tagus and takes you to neighbouring cities, and the &#8230;. lifts, a very useful means of transport in the City of Seven Hills! Lisbon taxis are also a very cheap way to get around the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Electric scooters and cars are also popular with locals, but beware of the traffic at rush hour!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-working-in-lisbon\">Working in Lisbon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lisbon is the country&#8217;s economic powerhouse, and you are likely to find more job opportunities here than anywhere else in Portugal. In Lisbon, the main industries recruiting are <strong>services, tourism, technology and the public sector. <\/strong>Lisbon, the cradle of start-ups, is nicknamed Europe&#8217;s Silicon Valley! You can find a job in the many international companies that have set up in the Portuguese capital or, if you speak Portuguese or another sought-after language, in local companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lisbon has also become a <strong>haven for young entrepreneurs<\/strong> from all over the world. In fact, many expats relocate to Lisbon as freelance workers with a digital nomad visa, which entitles them to generous tax benefits and Portuguese citizenship after five years in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-family-life-in-lisbon\">Family life in Lisbon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-childcare-nurseries-kindergartens-or-nannies\">Childcare: nurseries, kindergartens or nannies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can enroll your children aged between three months and three years in a nursery (<em>ber\u00e7\u00e1rio<\/em>) and then place them in a kindergarten (<em>jardim de inf\u00e2ncia<\/em>) until they are six years old. These public services are available to expatriates as long as they are registered as residents in the country and hold a valid permit. You can also use cr\u00e8ches, private kindergartens or nannies (<em>bab\u00e1 <\/em>or <em>ama<\/em>) registered with the local authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-schools-in-lisbon\">Schools in Lisbon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Expatriates can choose to send their children to Portuguese state schools (enrolment depends on the area of residence (<em>Agrupamento<\/em>), local secular or religious schools and international schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While some Portuguese private schools offer <strong>bilingual and international programmes<\/strong>, many expatriate families choose international schools that offer a curriculum in their own language or an international school programme such as the IB (International Baccalaureate). St Julian&#8217;s School (British curriculum); Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL &#8211; American curriculum and IB programme) and Lyc\u00e9e fran\u00e7ais Charles Lepierre are among the most popular schools among expat families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Useful links<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eportugal.gov.pt\/en-GB\/migrantes-viver-e-trabalhar-em-portugal\/migrantes-criar-uma-familia-em-portugal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eportugal.gov.pt\/en-GB\/migrantes-viver-e-trabalhar-em-portugal\/migrantes-criar-uma-familia-em-portugal\">Practical advice from the Portuguese government<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For lots of ideas for family activities: <a href=\"http:\/\/pumpkin.pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https: \/\/pumpkin.pt\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-healthcare-in-lisbon\">Healthcare in Lisbon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents of Lisbon, including expatriates, can be affiliated to the <strong>SNS<\/strong>, the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/international-health-insurance-for-expats-in-portugal\/\"> Portuguese health system<\/a>, which covers treatment provided in Lisbon&#8217;s public facilities, health centres, permanent care services &#8211; SAP, or public hospitals. For greater flexibility and efficiency, however, many expatriates use <strong>private hospitals and clinics<\/strong>, a parallel system to the SNS, which requires<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/\"> international health insurance<\/a> in order to be covered in all circumstances in Lisbon and anywhere in the world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-best-hospitals-in-lisbon-include\">The best hospitals in Lisbon include<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chlc.min-saude.pt\/\">Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulssm.min-saude.pt\/\"> Santa Maria Hospital<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulssm.min-saude.pt\/\">Pulido Valente Hospital<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cuf.pt\/hospitais-e-clinicas\/hospital-cuf-descobertas\">Hospital da CUF Descoberta<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lusiadas.pt\/hospitais-clinicas\/hospital-lusiadas-amadora?utm_medium=search&amp;utm_source=google-search&amp;utm_campaign=ao---lusiadas-amadora&amp;utm_content=sem&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXKUVbl0KLiUBgZikoxabBu7m7vJyjodyUnkCUcMcbd50M1nRsDDa9xoCYlsQAvD_BwE\">Hospital Lus\u00edadas Lisboa<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":22730,"template":"","class_list":["post-22745","destinationcpt","type-destinationcpt","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"post_subtitle":"","post_badge":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Living in Lisbon as an expat | Global Health<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Lisbon, from the pros and cons to everyday life.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Living in Lisbon as an expat | Global Health\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Lisbon, from the pros and cons to everyday life.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Global Health\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-03T11:08:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/julian-dik-2oppHSFvTJY-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1706\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/\",\"name\":\"Living in Lisbon as an expat | Global Health\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/julian-dik-2oppHSFvTJY-unsplash-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-07-15T13:27:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-03T11:08:21+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Lisbon, from the pros and cons to everyday life.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/julian-dik-2oppHSFvTJY-unsplash-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/julian-dik-2oppHSFvTJY-unsplash-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1706,\"caption\":\"living in lisbon expat\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Accueil\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Expat life in Lisbon: your guide to a successful relocation\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/\",\"name\":\"Global Health\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Global Health\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logo-global-health-dark.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logo-global-health-dark.png\",\"width\":1285,\"height\":172,\"caption\":\"Global Health\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Living in Lisbon as an expat | Global Health","description":"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Lisbon, from the pros and cons to everyday life.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Living in Lisbon as an expat | Global Health","og_description":"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Lisbon, from the pros and cons to everyday life.","og_url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/","og_site_name":"Global Health","article_modified_time":"2026-03-03T11:08:21+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1706,"url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/julian-dik-2oppHSFvTJY-unsplash-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/","name":"Living in Lisbon as an expat | Global Health","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/julian-dik-2oppHSFvTJY-unsplash-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2024-07-15T13:27:34+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-03T11:08:21+00:00","description":"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Lisbon, from the pros and cons to everyday life.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/julian-dik-2oppHSFvTJY-unsplash-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/julian-dik-2oppHSFvTJY-unsplash-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1706,"caption":"living in lisbon expat"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Accueil","item":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Expat life in Lisbon: your guide to a successful relocation"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#website","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/","name":"Global Health","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#organization","name":"Global Health","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logo-global-health-dark.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logo-global-health-dark.png","width":1285,"height":172,"caption":"Global Health"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"lang":"en","translations":{"en":22745,"fr":22731,"de":22878},"pll_sync_post":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destinationcpt\/22745","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destinationcpt"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/destinationcpt"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destinationcpt\/22745\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38784,"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destinationcpt\/22745\/revisions\/38784"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}