The HowTo NetworkTravel

How to do a long stay in Lisbon

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

A long stay in Lisbon means 1-3 months minimum, choosing neighborhoods like Príncipe Real or Santos for walkability, getting a temporary residence permit if staying over 90 days, and budgeting 1,200-1,800 euros per month including accommodation. Book furnished apartments through local agencies or Facebook groups rather than tourist platforms.

Budget
40-60 euros per day
Duration
60-90 days minimum recommended
Best Time
September-November, March-May for weather and lower tourist crowds
Visa Required
No for EU citizens, 90-day tourist visa for most others

Step by step

  1. Choose your neighborhood based on lifestyle

    Príncipe Real and Santos offer walkability and local cafes. Alcântara has modern apartments near the river. Campo de Ourique feels residential with great markets. Avoid touristy Alfama and Bairro Alto for long stays unless you enjoy constant crowds.

  2. Find long-term accommodation 60 days before arrival

    Search Facebook groups 'Apartamentos Lisboa' and 'Lisbon Rentals' for direct landlord contacts. Use local agencies like Era or Remax for furnished options. Avoid Airbnb for stays over 30 days - locals offer better monthly rates.

  3. Sort visa requirements before booking anything

    EU citizens can stay indefinitely. Americans, Canadians, and Australians get 90 days tourist visa-free, then need residence permit for longer stays. Apply for temporary residence permit 30 days after arrival if staying 4+ months.

  4. Set up Portuguese basics in your first week

    Get a Portuguese phone number through MEO or NOS for 15-25 euros monthly. Open bank account at Millennium BCP with your passport and proof of address. Register at local health center (centro de saúde) for healthcare access.

  5. Build local routines instead of tourist habits

    Shop at Mercado da Ribeira for daily groceries, not tourist lunches. Join Ginásio Clube Português for 40 euros monthly instead of day passes. Take Portuguese classes at Centro de Língua Portuguesa for 180 euros per course.

  6. Master Lisbon's transport monthly passes

    Buy Navegante monthly pass for 40 euros covering all metro, buses, and trams within Lisbon. Get it from any metro station with Portuguese bank card or cash. Much cheaper than daily tourist tickets.

Questions people ask

Can I work remotely from Lisbon on a tourist visa?

Technically no, but Portugal doesn't actively monitor remote work for foreign companies. For official remote work, apply for Portugal's D7 visa before arrival.

Do I need to speak Portuguese for a long stay?

Basic Portuguese helps enormously for housing, banking, and healthcare. Many young Lisbonites speak English, but services and landlords often don't.

How do I handle mail and packages during a long stay?

Use your accommodation address for official mail. For packages, CTT (Portuguese post) offers Locker pickup service, or many local shops accept packages for 2-3 euros.

What about healthcare during an extended stay?

EU citizens use European Health Insurance Card at public hospitals. Non-EU visitors need private insurance or pay out-of-pocket. Register at local centro de saúde for primary care access.

Budget

Expect 1,200-1,800 euros per month total. Furnished studio in good neighborhoods costs 700-1,100 euros monthly. Food budget 300-400 euros monthly shopping at local markets. Transport 40 euros monthly with Navegante pass. Utilities usually 80-120 euros monthly including internet.

Packing

  • Electrical adapter for Type F outlets (different from UK)
  • Rain jacket for Lisbon's wet winters (November-March)
  • Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
  • Light layers for temperature swings between 15-25°C
  • Portuguese phrasebook or Duolingo app downloaded