Moving to Lisbon as a Developer — What I Wish I Knew

Why Lisbon?

After years of working remotely, I wanted a city that offered great weather, affordable living (compared to other European capitals), a growing tech scene, and an amazing quality of life. Lisbon checked all the boxes.

The Tech Scene

Portugal's tech ecosystem has grown massively in the last few years. Web Summit moved here in 2016, and since then the startup scene has been booming. There are coworking spaces everywhere — from trendy spots in Chiado to quieter ones in Alcantara.

As an iOS developer, I've found a solid community here. Meetups, conferences, and networking events happen regularly. The time zone is also perfect for working with both US and European teams.

Cost of Living

Compared to London, Paris, or Berlin, Lisbon is significantly more affordable:

Rent: A 1-bedroom in the city center runs about 900-1200 EUR/month
Food: Eating out is still reasonable — a good lunch menu costs 8-12 EUR
Transport: Monthly pass is around 40 EUR for the whole metro area
Coffee: Espresso for 0.70-1.00 EUR (yes, really!)

Things I Wish I Knew

NIF is everything — Get your tax number (NIF) as soon as possible. You need it for everything from opening a bank account to signing a lease.
Portuguese bureaucracy is real — Be patient with paperwork. Things take time.
Learn some Portuguese — While most people speak English, learning the language opens doors and shows respect.
Summers are hot — 35-40°C is normal. AC is not standard in older apartments.
The food is incredible — Fresh seafood, pasteis de nata, and wine for days.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. Lisbon has become home. The mix of historic charm, modern tech culture, incredible food, and welcoming people makes it one of the best places to live and work as a developer.

If you're thinking about making the move, feel free to reach out. Happy to share more details!