Lisbon is one of Europe’s most compelling cities for UK nationals — a sun-drenched Atlantic capital of 550,000 people (2.8 million in the metropolitan area) that combines extraordinary historic character, a world-class restaurant and bar scene, rapidly growing tech and startup ecosystem, and a cost of living still meaningfully below London despite significant price rises over the past decade. Built across seven hills, dramatically coloured with azulejo (painted tile) facades, criss-crossed by vintage yellow trams, and opening onto the Tagus estuary and the Atlantic — Lisbon is a city of singular beauty that maintains a genuine neighbourhood culture alongside its increasingly international profile.
Why UK Nationals Choose Lisbon
- Tech hub — Lisbon hosts the Web Summit (one of the world’s largest technology conferences), and has attracted European offices for major tech companies and a flourishing local startup ecosystem. Companies including Farfetch, Unbabel, Feedzai, Talkdesk and hundreds of others are headquartered here. English is the working language in most international tech firms
- Climate — Lisbon has the warmest climate of any European capital. Over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. Mild winters, warm (not extreme) summers, Atlantic breezes
- Cost of living — significantly lower than London, though Lisbon has risen sharply in the past decade. Central Lisbon is more expensive than Porto or the regions, but still 35–50% cheaper than London for comparable quality
- Large, established English-speaking expat community — Lisbon has one of Europe’s most established English-speaking expat communities, with English-language media, social groups, professional networks and services widely available
- NHR/IFICI tax regime — Portugal’s tax incentive for new residents (successor to the NHR scheme) continues to offer advantages for qualifying professionals
Lisbon Neighbourhoods: Where to Live
Príncipe Real — Lisbon’s most elegant residential neighbourhood. Beautiful 19th-century buildings, antique shops, excellent restaurants and cocktail bars, Jardim do Príncipe Real. Popular with affluent expats and cultural professionals.
Bairro Alto — historic, bohemian, the city’s fado music heartland. Quieter during the day, vibrant at night. Beautiful but noisy for those living above bars.
Mouraria / Intendente — multicultural, the oldest Moorish quarter. Increasingly gentrified. Authentic Lisbon character; more affordable than Príncipe Real or Bairro Alto.
Alfama — the ancient Moorish hillside neighbourhood. Steep, narrow streets, fado music, castle above. Beautiful for living but practically challenging (no car access to many streets, steep walking).
Campo de Ourique — residential, local, family-friendly. Excellent market (Mercado de Campo de Ourique), neighbourhood cafés, excellent schools. Popular with families.
Parque das Nações — modern district on the eastern riverfront (site of Expo 98). Contemporary architecture, tech company offices, wide streets, family-friendly. More like a modern new town than historic Lisbon; excellent for families needing modern apartments.
Cascais / Estoril — coastal municipalities 30–40 minutes west of Lisbon by train. Beautiful, beachside, historic royal resort. Very popular with UK families and retirees. Good quality of life at somewhat lower cost than central Lisbon.
Cost of Living in Lisbon
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (Príncipe Real/Bairro Alto) | €1,400 – €2,200 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (Mouraria/Intendente) | €900 – €1,500 |
| Monthly transport pass (Navegante) | €40 |
| Groceries (one person) | €200 – €320 |
| Eating out (mid-range) | €12 – €20 per person |
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency
D7 Passive Income Visa — for retirees and those with passive income (pension, investments, rental income). Minimum approximately €760/month.
D8 Digital Nomad Visa — for remote workers employed outside Portugal. Income threshold approximately €3,040/month (4× Portuguese minimum wage).
D2 Entrepreneur/Freelance Visa — for self-employed professionals and business founders.
Apply through the Portuguese consulate in London. Processing typically takes 2–4 months. After arrival, obtain your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal — tax number) and apply for a residence permit through the AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo).
The NIF: Obtain it before you move through the Portuguese consulate in London (requires a fiscal representative if not yet resident). The NIF is needed for opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, buying property and paying taxes.
Shipping Your Belongings to Lisbon
Easy Move operates regular groupage services from London to Portugal, with delivery to Lisbon and the greater Lisbon area. Transit time from London is typically 3–5 working days. EU customs documentation included. Get a free quote for removals to Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Lisbon from the UK
Which visa is best for UK professionals moving to Lisbon?
Remote workers earning over €3,040/month from non-Portuguese sources: the D8 Digital Nomad Visa. Those with passive income (pension, investments): the D7. Entrepreneurs and freelancers establishing Portuguese activity: the D2. Apply through the Portuguese consulate in London; allow 2–4 months.
Is Lisbon very expensive now?
More expensive than a decade ago, but still 35–50% cheaper than London for comparable quality. Central Lisbon (Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto) has risen significantly; areas like Mouraria, Mouraria and Parque das Nações offer better value. Cascais and Estoril offer suburban quality at lower costs.
What is the NIF and do I need it before I move?
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal’s tax number — required for opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, buying property and paying taxes. You can obtain it through the Portuguese consulate in London before moving (requires a fiscal representative). Getting it before arrival simplifies your first weeks significantly.
How long does it take to ship belongings from the UK to Lisbon?
Easy Move’s typical transit time from London to Lisbon is 3–5 working days, with EU Transfer of Residence customs documentation included.
How competitive is the Lisbon rental market?
Increasingly competitive. Demand from expats, remote workers and Portuguese nationals has driven rents up significantly. Properties at good prices rent within days. Have a confirmed deposit budget ready and research platforms including Idealista.pt and Uniplaces for the rental search.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.