The Pros and Cons of Living in Lisbon as a Digital Nomad in 2025: A Complete Guide

If you are a digital nomad and are looking for the best destination in Europe for your stay. Then there is nothing better than Lisbon. Over the past few years, a growing trend has emerged, with digital nomads increasingly moving to Portugal. There are multiple visa options for digital nomads by the Government of Portugal, including the most famous one D7 visa. 

This is a type of visa designed for passive earners. Moving to Lisbon as a digital nomad is an excellent choice. However, if there are advantages, then there are disadvantages too. Which we're gonna discuss in this short article. So let’s dive in.  

Pros of Living in Lisbon as a Digital Nomad 

Starting with the Pros of moving to Lisbon as a digital nomad:  

1- Warm Atmosphere 

The atmosphere is warm in Portugal, compared to other European countries. While winters are mild. Digital nomads hop from country to country, finding the best suitable environment. Lisbon is the one that offers an uplifting environment to live and work.  

2- Thriving Digital Nomad Community 

Lisbon is a heaven for digital nomads. You will see there are many workstations, cyber cafes. These are designed for remote workers. These workstations are an excellent space for networking. Apart from that, there are many meet-up events held in the city.

These events are essential for digital nomads; you can grab the opportunity for business and share your experience, and learn from others’ experiences. This thriving community is the top reason why Lisbon is one of the best places for digital nomads.

3- Affordable Lifestyle

You know what? Lisbon is more expensive at the moment, if we analyze the graph of the past decade. But it is still way more affordable compared to cities like London, Paris & Amsterdam. Rental cost, groceries, and dining out are affordable compared to other cities in Europe. If you are earning in dollars and pounds, then you can make a comfortable lifestyle and you have much more to save.

4- Culture, Food & Nature 

Life in Lisbon is not only work and networking, but digital nomads also come here to enjoy the rich and endless cultural experience. Not only culture, but the food scene is on top in Lisbon. There are some very famous local cuisines, fresh seafood, and wines. 

The best part is that you are close to nature while working. You can switch working and reach to beach, do surfing and hiking. This mix of nature and work will give you balance, which is essential for productive work.  

Cons of Living in Lisbon as a Digital Nomad

Now let’s look at what kind og hurdles you can face living in Lisbon as a digital nomad.  

1- High Cost of Living  

The high cost of living is widespread in Europe. However, Lisbon is cheaper than many European cities, but the high cost of living is still an issue in many ways. Housing rents are skyrocketing due to the shortage of accommodations.

Dining out in a fine restaurant is also expensive. It has been observed that in the coming days, the cost of living will not only be the major concern for the natives, but for the digital nomads, too.  

2- Tourism Pressure 

Lisbon is one of the tourist-friendly cities. You will see huge numbers of tourists here, especially in the summer season. People came here to enjoy sunny beaches, surfing, and hiking. For tourists coming from the UK, they should not forget to take advantage of the meet and greet at Manchester Airport by Ezybook which is a cheap airport parking comparison providing platform. 

Tourism is healthy for the economy, but in Lisbon, tourism means crowded streets, jam-packed trams and buses, and long queues at historical places. It also contributes to raising the rental cost.  

3- Language Barrier 

Digital nomads usually prefer a short stay in any country and then move to the next destination. The biggest challenges they face are the language barrier, and in Lisbon, this is a common challenge for digital nomads. English is widely spoken here, but in hospitals, supermarkets, and for official paperwork, Portuguese is a widely spoken.  

Final Thoughts 

Portugal is one of the leading countries that started the digital nomad visa trend. It is still accepting digital nomads having a proof of income. You can also choose to stay longer, which leads to permanent residency. We have discussed how Lisbon is an attractive destination for digital nomads, but there are drawbacks to living here. In my point of view, first you have to prepare for those challenges, then take a short stay to figure out if this place is suitable for you or not.