Find a place in Lisbon within 4 weeks

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An English-speaking Home Finder, based on-site

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Shortlists properties and visits them for you

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Backs your application and negotiates the lease

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Every step protected, no hidden surprises

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Vanessa, ou un autre de nos chasseurs à Lisbonne, prendra en charge votre recherche

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Stephane Jean, ou un autre de nos chasseurs à Lisbonne, prendra en charge votre recherche

Reliability of listings
Your hunter is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
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Market access
Your hunter can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and even to quite a few off market offers
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Scam risk
At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our hunter.
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Access to local prices
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When you search alone, about 85% of the time is spent on research, and 15% on visits. With a hunter, you only do the visits
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Application accepted
In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your hunter will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
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Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
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Browsing online listings

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Weak
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Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

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95%
Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal's capital and most competitive rental market, with average asking rents reaching €22.2 per m²/month as of Q2 2025 (Idealista). The city attracts nearly 295,000 expats and ranks 8th worldwide for remote workers, creating intense demand for long-term housing. Key neighbourhoods for renters include Arroios and Alvalade for mid-range budgets, Príncipe Real and Chiado for premium living, and Benfica or Parque das Nações for families seeking more space. Securing a rental requires a NIF, proof of income, and often a guarantor (fiador) or an elevated security deposit. Lease contracts must be registered with the Portuguese Tax Authority to be legally valid.

Lisbon in brief: Portugal's capital is a highly competitive long-term rental market with average rents of €22.2/m²/month (Idealista, Q2 2025). A one-bedroom apartment (T1) typically costs between 1,080 EUR/month and 1,400 EUR/month city-wide, with premium central areas pushing well above 1,800 EUR/month. Demand is driven by a large expat community, digital nomads, and students. To rent successfully, you need a NIF, a solid rental file, and ideally a guarantor (fiador) — or a higher deposit. Key neighbourhoods include Arroios and Alvalade for value, Príncipe Real and Chiado for premium living, and Parque das Nações for modern family-friendly housing. Start your search early and ensure your lease is registered with the Portuguese Tax Authority.

Lisbon consistently ranks among Europe's most liveable capitals, attracting a diverse international community of professionals, families, students, and remote workers. Several factors make it a compelling long-term base:

  • Climate: With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Lisbon offers one of the mildest climates of any European capital, with warm summers and mild winters.
  • Culture and history: From the medieval alleys of Alfama and the fado music tradition of Mouraria to the contemporary art scene in Marvila and the elegant 19th-century architecture of Príncipe Real, the city offers extraordinary cultural richness.
  • Connectivity: Humberto Delgado Airport connects Lisbon to major European and international destinations, and the city's metro, tram, and bus network provides solid urban mobility.
  • International community: Lisbon is home to nearly 295,000 expats, making integration into an English-speaking social network relatively straightforward.
  • Cost of living: While rents have risen significantly, everyday costs — food, transport, dining out — remain more affordable than in comparable Western European capitals such as Paris, Amsterdam, or London.
  • Digital nomad infrastructure: Lisbon ranks 8th worldwide for remote workers (Benoit Properties, 2026), with a thriving co-working scene and reliable high-speed internet across most neighbourhoods.

Day-to-day life in Lisbon as a long-term tenant is generally comfortable, though it comes with some practical realities to keep in mind:

  • Transport: Lisbon's metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa) covers the main residential and commercial areas. A monthly transport pass costs approximately 40 EUR/month. Trams and buses complement the network, though some hilly neighbourhoods (Alfama, Graça) are best navigated on foot.
  • Utilities: Monthly utility costs (electricity, water, gas, internet) typically range from 80 to 150 EUR/month for a standard apartment. Electricity is the largest expense. Check whether utilities are included in your rent before signing.
  • Groceries and daily life: Supermarket chains such as Pingo Doce, Continente, and Lidl are widely available. Local markets — including Mercado de Campo de Ourique and Mercado da Ribeira — offer fresh produce at competitive prices.
  • Healthcare: EU citizens can use the public health system (SNS — Serviço Nacional de Saúde) with a European Health Insurance Card. Non-EU residents should arrange private health insurance, at least until they obtain residency and register with a local health centre (Centro de Saúde).
  • Language: English is widely spoken in Lisbon, particularly in central areas, co-working spaces, and among younger residents. Learning basic Portuguese is appreciated and makes administrative tasks significantly easier.
  • Administrative registration: Once you have a signed and registered lease, register your address at the local Junta de Freguesia (parish council). This is required for residency applications and many official procedures.

Lisbon's long-term rental market is characterised by high demand and limited supply, making it one of the most competitive in Southern Europe. Apartment availability dropped by approximately 10% in early 2025 (Investropa, 2025), while demand continues to grow from multiple directions: the city is home to nearly 295,000 expats — almost half of Portugal's entire foreign-born population — and ranks 8th worldwide for remote workers (Benoit Properties, 2026). A growing student population and a steady flow of international professionals further intensify competition for available units.

Rents have risen sharply over the past decade. As of Q2 2025, Lisbon commands the highest rental prices in Portugal at €22.2 per m²/month (Idealista, 2025). Median rents climbed 8% in Q1 2026 alone (Benoit Properties, 2026). The market distinguishes between long-term leases (arrendamento de longa duração, typically 12 months or more) and mid-term rentals (1–11 months), the latter being increasingly popular with international arrivals. Government measures under the Mais Habitação programme have sought to redirect short-term rental (Alojamento Local) stock towards long-term use, but competition for quality apartments remains fierce, particularly in central neighbourhoods.

Lisbon is a city of distinct bairros, each with its own character, price range, and lifestyle. Here is an overview of the main neighbourhoods for long-term renters:

  • Alfama & Mouraria: The oldest and most atmospheric parts of Lisbon, known for cobbled alleys, fado music, and panoramic viewpoints (miradouros). Charming but hilly and with limited amenities. Rents are relatively high given the tourist appeal.
  • Bairro Alto & Chiado: Central, vibrant, and popular with young professionals and creatives. Excellent restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. Among the priciest areas for long-term rentals.
  • Príncipe Real: Elegant and sought-after, with boutique shops, the Jardim do Príncipe Real, and a strong expat and digital nomad community. Expect premium rents — studios from around 1,000 EUR/month, T1 from 1,800 EUR/month.
  • Arroios & Intendente: Increasingly popular with young professionals and digital nomads. More affordable than central areas, with a multicultural atmosphere and good metro connections. T1 from approximately 900 EUR/month.
  • Alvalade: A calm, residential neighbourhood with Parisian-style boulevards, excellent schools, parks, and a strong local community. Well-suited to families. Good value relative to central Lisbon.
  • Campo de Ourique: Quiet, family-friendly, and popular with long-term expats. Known for its local market (Mercado de Campo de Ourique) and village-like feel. Stable rental demand.
  • Parque das Nações: Modern waterfront district built for the 1998 World Exposition. Contemporary architecture, parks, and good transport links. Popular with families and corporate tenants.
  • Belém: Historic riverside area, home to the Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. More residential and quieter; better suited to those who do not need to be in the city centre daily.
  • Benfica & Amadora (outskirts): Among the most affordable areas for long-term rentals, with T1 apartments available from around 775 EUR/month (Investropa, 2026). Good metro access to the centre.

Lisbon's long-term rental market is the most expensive in Portugal, with average asking rents reaching €22.2 per m²/month as of Q2 2025 (Idealista). For a single person, a realistic monthly housing budget starts at around 900 EUR/month for a modest one-bedroom in a residential neighbourhood such as Arroios or Benfica. In central or trendy areas — Príncipe Real, Chiado, Bairro Alto — the same apartment type can easily reach 1,800 to 2,000 EUR/month. Families or those needing more space should budget upwards of 1,700 EUR/month for a T2 or T3. Rents have risen sharply over the past several years, driven by strong demand from expats, digital nomads, students, and a growing international community — Lisbon is home to nearly 295,000 expats (Benoit Properties, 2026). It is advisable to factor in a security deposit (caução) equivalent to one to three months' rent, as well as the first month's rent, when planning your initial moving budget.

Rental prices in Lisbon vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood, apartment size, and whether the unit is furnished. According to data from Idealista (Q2 2025), the average asking rent in Lisbon reaches €22.2 per m²/month, the highest in Portugal. As a practical guide:

  • Studio (T0): from approximately 800 EUR/month in peripheral areas to 1,300 EUR/month in central neighbourhoods.
  • 1-bedroom apartment (T1): typically between 1,080 EUR/month and 1,400 EUR/month across the city (source: portugalbuyersagent.com, 2025).
  • 2-bedroom apartment (T2): generally from 1,500 EUR/month to 2,200 EUR/month depending on location and condition.
  • 3-bedroom apartment (T3): ranging from 1,720 EUR/month to 2,580 EUR/month on average (source: portugalbuyersagent.com, 2025).

Furnished apartments command a premium of roughly 100 to 200 EUR/month over equivalent unfurnished units. Utilities (electricity, water, internet) typically add 80 to 150 EUR/month on top of rent. In premium central areas such as Príncipe Real, Chiado, or Avenida da Liberdade, rents for a T1 can exceed 2,000 EUR/month.

Renting a long-term apartment in Lisbon as a foreigner involves several key steps:

  1. Obtain a NIF: Before signing any lease, you must have a Número de Identificação Fiscal (Portuguese tax identification number). Apply at a local Finanças office or through an authorised representative.
  2. Define your search criteria: Establish your budget (including deposit and first month's rent), preferred neighbourhoods, apartment size (T0, T1, T2…), and must-haves (lift, metro access, furnished/unfurnished).
  3. Search on major platforms: The main portals for long-term rentals in Lisbon are Idealista.pt, Imovirtual.com, OLX.pt, and Uniplaces. For mid-term furnished options, Spotahome and HousingAnywhere are widely used.
  4. Prepare your rental file (dossier locatif): Landlords typically require: valid passport or ID, NIF, proof of income (payslips, employment contract, or bank statements), and sometimes a fiador (guarantor). Foreign nationals without a guarantor may be asked for a higher deposit.
  5. Visit and negotiate: Act quickly — desirable listings are taken fast. Negotiate terms including rent amount, included utilities, and any repairs before signing.
  6. Sign the lease contract: The contract must include both parties' full names and NIFs, a property description, duration, rent amount, and payment terms. Minimum lease duration for standard long-term contracts is typically one year.
  7. Register the contract: The landlord is legally required to register the lease with the Autoridade Tributária. Confirm this has been done — an unregistered contract limits your legal protections.
  8. Pay the deposit and first rent: Upfront costs typically include the first month's rent plus a security deposit (caução) of one to two months' rent. Since the 2023 State Budget, the legal maximum advance rent is two months.
  9. Set up utilities and address registration: Register your address at the local Junta de Freguesia (parish council) and set up electricity, water, and internet contracts in your name if not included in the rent.

Renting in Lisbon as a foreigner comes with specific pitfalls. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

  1. Not obtaining a NIF before searching: A Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) is required to sign any lease in Portugal. Apply for it at a local Finanças office or through a legal representative before starting your search.
  2. Confusing the deposit (caução) with advance rent: These are legally distinct in Portugal. Clarify in writing what each upfront payment covers and under what conditions it will be returned.
  3. Signing an unregistered lease: The landlord is legally required to register the rental contract with the Autoridade Tributária (Tax Authority). An unregistered contract can prevent you from using it for visa applications or official address changes.
  4. Underestimating the need for a guarantor (fiador): Many landlords require a fiador. As a foreign national, finding one is often difficult — be prepared to offer a higher deposit (sometimes three to six months' rent) as an alternative.
  5. Accepting verbal promises: All agreed terms — included utilities, repair responsibilities, notice periods — must be written into the contract. Verbal agreements are very difficult to enforce.
  6. Ignoring annual rent indexation: Portuguese law allows landlords to increase rent annually in line with the official inflation index published by INE. Ensure you understand this clause before signing.
  7. Searching too late: The Lisbon rental market moves fast. Listings in desirable areas are often taken within days. Start your search at least two to three months before your intended move-in date.
  1. Get your NIF early: Apply for your Número de Identificação Fiscal before you start searching — you cannot sign a lease without it. Non-residents can apply through an authorised representative.
  2. Start your search two to three months in advance: The Lisbon rental market is fast-moving. Quality listings in popular areas are often taken within days of being posted.
  3. Use multiple platforms: Search simultaneously on Idealista.pt, Imovirtual.com, OLX.pt, and Uniplaces to maximise your options. For furnished mid-term rentals, also check Spotahome.
  4. Prepare a complete rental file: Have your passport, NIF, last three payslips or bank statements, and employment contract ready. Landlords in Lisbon receive multiple applications — a complete, well-presented file gives you an edge.
  5. Clarify the deposit terms in writing: Distinguish clearly between the security deposit (caução) and advance rent. Both must be specified in the contract with return conditions.
  6. Verify lease registration: Ask your landlord to confirm that the contract has been registered with the Autoridade Tributária. This protects your rights and is required for official address changes and visa procedures.
  7. Factor in all upfront costs: Budget for the first month's rent plus one to two months' deposit, and potentially a registration fee. Total upfront costs can reach three to four months' rent.
  8. Consider less central neighbourhoods: Areas like Arroios, Alvalade, Campo de Ourique, or Benfica offer significantly better value than Chiado or Príncipe Real, with good metro connections to the centre.
  9. Watch for seasonal price peaks: Rents tend to be slightly higher in September–October (university intake) and spring. If your timing is flexible, searching in winter may yield better deals.

Finding a long-term rental in Lisbon as an expat or remote worker can be a stressful and time-consuming process — especially from abroad. The market moves fast, listings disappear within days, and navigating Portuguese lease requirements (NIF, fiador, contract registration) adds complexity for international arrivals. Remoters connects you with vetted local rental search specialists who know the Lisbon market in depth: they can shortlist apartments matching your criteria, accompany you on visits (in person or virtually), review lease contracts, and guide you through every administrative step — from obtaining your NIF to registering your address at the Junta de Freguesia. Whether you are relocating for work, moving as a family, or settling in as a digital nomad, Remoters helps you find the right long-term rental in Lisbon efficiently and with confidence.

Searching for a property in Lisbon from abroad is a major challenge. Without being physically present, you risk missing out on the best opportunities, being misled by inaccurate listings, or making a costly mistake. A property hunter based in Lisbon acts as your trusted eyes and ears on the ground. Here's why it makes all the difference: Local market expertise: A Lisbon property hunter knows the neighborhoods inside out — from Alfama to Príncipe Real, Belém to Parque das Nações — and can identify which areas truly match your lifestyle and budget. Access to off-market properties: Many of the best deals in Lisbon never appear on public listing sites. A hunter has a network of agents, landlords, and developers that gives you exclusive access. Time savings: Instead of spending hours scrolling through listings and coordinating visits across time zones, your hunter handles everything and presents you only with pre-screened, relevant options. Protection against scams: The Lisbon rental and sales market has seen a rise in fraudulent listings targeting international buyers and renters. A local professional verifies every property before you commit. End-to-end support: From negotiation to paperwork, a property hunter guides you through the entire process, including legal and administrative steps specific to Portugal. With Remoters, you can connect directly with vetted property hunters in Lisbon who specialize in helping international clients find their ideal home — safely and efficiently.
A property hunter in Lisbon is a dedicated professional who works exclusively in your interest — unlike a traditional real estate agent who represents the seller or landlord. For international clients, this distinction is crucial. Here is what a Lisbon property hunter typically does for you: Defines your search criteria: They start with a detailed consultation to understand your needs, budget, preferred neighborhoods, and timeline — even across different time zones. Conducts the search on your behalf: They scan all available channels — online portals, agency networks, private contacts, and off-market sources — to find properties that genuinely match your criteria. Visits and evaluates properties for you: They physically visit shortlisted properties, assess their condition, check the building, the neighborhood, and report back with photos, videos, and honest feedback. Organizes virtual tours: For clients who cannot travel to Lisbon, they arrange live video walkthroughs so you can experience the property remotely before making any decision. Negotiates on your behalf: They use their local knowledge and market data to negotiate the best possible price or rental terms for you. Coordinates legal and administrative steps: They work alongside notaries, lawyers, and tax advisors to ensure the transaction is secure and compliant with Portuguese law. Assists with settling in: Many hunters also help with practical matters like setting up utilities, finding schools, or connecting you with local services. On Remoters, you can find property hunters in Lisbon who are experienced in supporting expats, remote workers, and international buyers through every step of their relocation journey.
The cost of a property hunter in Lisbon varies depending on the scope of the mission and the professional you choose, but it is almost always a worthwhile investment — especially when searching from abroad. Here is a general overview of how property hunters in Lisbon typically charge: For rentals: Fees usually range from one to two months' rent, paid once the property is secured. Some hunters charge a flat fee or a percentage of the annual rent. For purchases: Fees are generally between 1% and 3% of the purchase price, sometimes with a minimum fixed amount. This is paid upon successful completion of the transaction. Retainer or search fee: Some hunters charge an upfront retainer to begin the search, which may or may not be deducted from the final fee. Now, is it worth it? Absolutely — here's why: You save time: The hours you would spend researching, contacting agencies, and coordinating visits from abroad are worth far more than the hunter's fee. You avoid costly mistakes: A bad property choice in Lisbon — wrong neighborhood, hidden defects, unfavorable lease terms — can cost you thousands of euros. A hunter prevents this. You get better deals: An experienced hunter often negotiates discounts or better conditions that more than offset their fee. You gain peace of mind: Knowing a trusted local professional is handling your search lets you focus on your move, your work, and your life. On Remoters, you can compare property hunters in Lisbon, review their profiles, and choose the one that best fits your budget and needs — with full transparency on fees.
Yes — and this is one of the most powerful advantages of working with a property hunter in Lisbon. Many international clients successfully rent or purchase a property in Lisbon without ever visiting in person before signing, thanks to the support of a dedicated hunter. Here is how it works in practice: Remote search and shortlisting: Your hunter conducts the entire search on your behalf, filtering out unsuitable options and presenting you with a curated selection that matches your criteria. Live video tours: For each shortlisted property, your hunter organizes a live video walkthrough — via WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime — so you can ask questions in real time and get an honest feel for the space, the building, and the surroundings. Detailed reporting: You receive comprehensive reports with photos, videos, floor plans, neighborhood assessments, and the hunter's professional opinion on each property. Remote signing: In Portugal, it is legally possible to sign rental contracts and even purchase deeds remotely, using a power of attorney (procuração). Your hunter can guide you through this process and connect you with a trusted local lawyer. NIF and bank account setup: Your hunter can also assist you in obtaining your Portuguese tax number (NIF) and opening a bank account remotely — both of which are required for most property transactions. Thousands of expats, digital nomads, and international investors have successfully relocated to Lisbon without a prior visit, relying on the expertise of a local property hunter. Use Remoters to find a property hunter in Lisbon who is experienced in fully remote mandates and can make your move to Portugal smooth, secure, and stress-free.

What are you looking for in Lisbon?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you
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Long-term rental

standard lease, for 12 months or more
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Short-term rental

for periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

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Long term rental

classic lease, for periods of 12 months and more
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Short rental

seasonal contract, for periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

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How does it work?

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First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

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Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
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Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
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Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
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Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
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